It’s no secret the Cincinnati Bengals still have an issue at the safety position years after losing Jessie Bates.
So far this season, one of the biggest talking points around the team has been the refusal to let Jordan Battle be on the field in more in place of either Geno Stone or Vonn Bell.
In fact, it’s hit a point where articles suggesting win-now moves teams could make via free agency actually instead opt to list this big change, such as a recent effort from Bleacher Report:
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is infamously against rotating his defensive backs, but his job security could be called into question if Cincinnati continues to be this bad at defending the pass. That means giving the younger Jordan Battle a chance to play over free-agent acquisition Geno Stone.
From a scheme and ability standpoint, Battle would probably need to take more snaps from Bell than Stone.
But the overarching point about poor safety play is a sound one — Stone has struggled since his arrival and so far has a 46.6 PFF grade. Bell, meanwhile, has clearly lost a step.
Poor corner play from the likes of Cam Taylor-Britt hasn’t helped. But the Bengals will probably be looking for upgrades at both safety spots next offseason.
