Preston Brown stands as one of the key factors for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2019.
Brown was hyped as a noteworthy add in free agency a year ago before getting hurt, breaking an ironman streak and only appearing in seven games.
But as Pro Football Focus notes above, Brown excelled in an area it seemed like he might struggle — pass coverage.
Brown had played in a few different schemes in Buffalo and led the league in tackling, hence mostly being viewed as a run-stuffing presence. But he slimmed down and looked good in Cincinnati’s system last year when he was healthy.
That the Bengals didn’t do much to make additions at linebacker this offseason speaks highly of the faith the new coaching staff has in Brown.
Should he translate that success in pass coverage to next season while staying healthy, he’ll justify the faith and likely help a rejuvenated defense make strides in the right direction.
