Edwards Tackle Leaves Mixon Injured: DeMeco Ryans' Defensive Scheme Faces Scrutiny
The Bengals' Week 1 victory against the Browns was a nail-biter, but the win came at a cost: a potentially significant injury to star running back Joe Mixon.
The Injury
Mixon was carted off the field in the fourth quarter after a brutal tackle by Browns defensive tackle, Perrion Winfrey. The tackle, which was ruled a personal foul, sent Mixon tumbling to the ground awkwardly, leaving him clutching his left ankle. Early reports indicate that the injury may be a high ankle sprain, with further testing needed to determine the severity.
DeMeco Ryans' Defensive Scheme and the Impact
The Bengals' defense, under new defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, struggled to contain the Browns' offense, especially their running game. While the focus is on Mixon's injury, the play that led to the injury also raises questions about the defensive scheme employed by Ryans.
Questioning the Defensive Approach
The Browns' rushing attack consistently found success against the Bengals' defensive line. The Browns' ability to consistently move the ball on the ground, coupled with the dangerous tackle on Mixon, may suggest a lack of adequate protection for Bengals' offensive players.
Moving Forward: Adjustments Needed?
The Bengals will need to make significant adjustments to their defensive scheme to protect their offensive stars and limit opponents' rushing attacks. While the initial focus is on Mixon's recovery, the Bengals need to critically analyze their defensive approach and implement changes to prevent similar injuries in the future.
Analyzing the Injury:
- The impact of Mixon's injury on the Bengals' offense remains unclear. While the team has capable backups, Mixon is a critical piece to the offensive puzzle.
- The Bengals' defensive approach will need to be reevaluated. The Browns' success running the ball highlights weaknesses that need to be addressed.
- The NFLPA could potentially investigate the tackle, leading to further scrutiny on the Bengals' defensive scheme.
The takeaway:
The Browns' victory against the Bengals was a hard-fought battle, but the cost of the victory may be a significant loss for the Bengals. The injury to Mixon and the potential flaws exposed in the Bengals' defensive scheme will be crucial points of focus for the team moving forward.
