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Friday, November 12, 2010
Bengals’ Maualuga not giving up on defense
The Bengals defense was all the rage last season and finished ranked in the top 5 overall in the NFL. Things have changed dramatically a year later. The defense is currently ranked 18th and the once-aggressive big cat defense is playing more like a kitty that uses a litter box. Meow!
“Our defense has improved but we can definitely play better,” linebacker Rey Maualuga said. “I think we played good the last couple of weeks in some close games. We’re just giving up some big plays that we shouldn’t be. That must cease.”
Cincinnati is coming off back-to-back losses at home against Miami and Pittsburgh. The Bengals caused their own demise on both occasions. The defense did show that there is still some fight left, as the team clawed back from a 27-7 deficit to make things interesting against the Steelers (a 27-21 loss).
Maualuga played the game with flu-like symptoms and contributed with three assisted tackles. He was forthcoming in addressing people’s perception of the team during its losing season.
“We keep saying that we’ll bounce back the next week because we’re not supposed to be losing,” Maualuga said. “All we can control is what we have in this locker room and how we are being coached. Everyone is going to say all the bad stuff they want about the Bengals, Bungals, or what have you. But we are going to keep the faith. We’re going to keep coming in and working hard.”
The second-year linebacker fought his way through adversity after a DUI arrest during the offseason. Maualuga vowed to change his ways and take a more positive approach to life and his profession. He’s passionate about the game of football and wants to lead by example.
Despite the defense playing at a lower level this season, Maualuga is convinced that the returning members of the group are destined for greatness.
“We have the same guys on defense as we did last year, but can’t focus on how we were in the past,” he said. “We have to move on and find our own identity this year. We have to pick up the pieces for what’s left of the season. We need to regroup and decide how much we want it.
“We’re inching closer and closer to greatness, but we’re not finishing. We have to have that one complete game starting with Indianapolis.”
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