The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t played the best football defensively yet to start the 2020 season.
But certain individuals have stood out — including new arrival D.J. Reader.
Reader, a guy the Bengals made one of the highest-paid nose tackles in the NFL this offseason, has already dominated the competition when he’s been on the field.
According to Pro Football Focus, Reader already leads all NFL defensive lineman in run stops with seven. Even better, he ranks eighth out of 117 in run-stop percentage at 12.3.
Of course, Reader’s incredible solo efforts so far haven’t been able to fully change Cincinnati’s defensive performance for the better. But while he’s been a bright spot, he can’t make players behind him take better angles or tackle better when the occasion arises.
But as a whole? This is exactly why the Bengals paid up big and presumably, things will get even better up front when Geno Atkins can return and line up next to Reader.
As an aside, Reader’s teammate Jessie Bates has issued a warning for his unit — things had better improve in Week 3.
