The Cincinnati Bengals will snap a two-game losing streak in South Florida on Sunday when they take on the Miami Dolphins. Their last two games have been plagued by injuries, untimely turnovers, and a defense that struggles to get off the field on third down.
The team has been practicing and meeting all week to discuss their plans against Malik Willis and the Dolphins offense, and on Thursday, Jordan Battle spoke to the media and revealed something that definitely brought up the meeting room.
Battle told reporters that Willis had. say before he throws the ball, and the defense will look for that as a cue to attack.
“He has a little bit of a tap before every throw, so I feel like we can use that as a key to break the ball. He likes to tap the ball before he throws it, or he takes his hand off, and that gives the read a break,” Battle said.
That’s a good thing to notice on film, but maybe not something you let your opponent know you noticed when they have time to correct it between now and Sunday.
Battle also acknowledged Willis’ running ability and, hopefully, noting that will help the defense keep him from getting off the field in key moments that have hurt them the past two weeks.
“It’s obvious that his foot is dangerous. We know we have to be alert for that. Third and longs, they will run quarterback draws, and in the passing game, he will extend plays. So we got to be good downfield. DBs are plastering, so we got to be alert for that. He will take chances. We just got to be on, be alert on guys where they line up, Battle continued.
They clearly have their eyes on tape this week, and hopefully, Willis doesn’t adjust too much before Sunday, and the Bengals defense can capitalize on the tendencies they’ve found.