Missing in American Memorial
Prepping for the Indy 500
Dancing With The Stars finalists
Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2010 > November > 12 > Entry
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.”
Tweet
Comments
By Darke
November 12, 2010 8:17 AM | Link to this
Maualuga is looking more and more like a bust. Out of position a lot, missed tackles, slow.
By Gem&Heater
November 12, 2010 9:17 AM | Link to this
Bengals need to save Marvin’s job with their play the rest of the year. The defense plays with no emotion just like the offense. This is the most disappointing bunch of Bengals seen in many years. They are more disappointing than the Cowboys or Chargers.
By m
November 12, 2010 11:35 AM | Link to this
Need to get rid of Marvin and clean house. Palmer and Chad should be first to go. Sad bunch. Indy will smoke that overrated secondary.
By Common Sense
November 12, 2010 12:28 PM | Link to this
Certainly looks like the Browns have found a spark and the Bengals are fizzeling out. BTW not a fan of either, just an observation. It’s also very possible the Bengals don’t win another game this season.
By Jerry
November 12, 2010 4:02 PM | Link to this
Draft Andrew Luck with the 3rd overall pick.
By William
November 12, 2010 4:06 PM | Link to this
God, this Sunday is going to be ugly.
By Randy
November 13, 2010 2:41 AM | Link to this
I agree with most of the above posts. We don’t need to dismantle the entire team. Clearly, Mikey’s stubborness won’t permit him to hire a much needed GM. Lewis’s time has come to an end. He has to take the blame for allowing Chad to disrupt the chemistry of the team. (1) Promote Zimmer to head coach before he books. (2) Trade Palmer. (3) Trade Chad (4)Release T.O. (5)Release Bratkowski (6) Draft Andrew Luck)(7)Sign the necessary OL’s and WR. It’s that simple.
By Randy
November 13, 2010 2:46 AM | Link to this
Sorry, I forgot to add (8) Re-Sign Benson to carry the load while Luck is adapting. Many Rookie QB’s are proving that they can step right in and guide the team.
By BRAD
November 13, 2010 9:19 AM | Link to this
MAYBE THIS POORLY RUN AND POORLY COACHED TEAM WILL NOW be forced to finally use THEIR BEST WEAPON - CEDRIC BENSON. RUN CED RUN
By BRAD
November 13, 2010 9:20 AM | Link to this
MAYBE THIS POORLY RUN AND POORLY COACHED TEAM WILL NOW be forced to finally use THEIR BEST WEAPON - CEDRIC BENSON. RUN CED RUN
By Steve Johnson
November 13, 2010 7:18 PM | Link to this
For purposes of grooming future stars, the Bengals should purchase a large tract of land adjacent to their stadium,or training headquarters.Offer it to the State of Ohio for free,in return for the construction of prison facilities for both juveniles and adults.Voila’ ,an in-house farm-team system, at your disposal. Go OchoStinko and B.O.