It's an interesting conclusion to come to considering the Detroit Lions didn't play the Cincinnati Bengals last night. They weren't the team that had a rookie quarterback put up a 91.3% completion percentage on them last night. However, the Lions can shoulder some of the blame.
The Bengals really want to bring back Reader this offseason. They viewed him as a centerpiece of their defense for a long time. One NFL Exec told The Athletic back in April that the Bengals defense really started to go down hill last season when Reader got hurt.
“Their whole identity changed defensively when D.J. Reader was hurt, which is why I think losing him was big. What Reader was able to do might not have been on the stat sheet, but he allowed those linebackers to play free."
Reader is a space eater and he commands more than one offensive lineman to try and stop him. When he's bringing multiple guys with him, that opens up lanes for edge rushers and linebackers to get home. He was able to make a big difference for the Lions on Sunday against the Cardinals. He was a big part of keeping the Cardinals line in check so the Lions could stop the mobile quarterback from getting out into space.
Now that Reader is gone, the Bengals are having a hard time getting to the quarterback. Through three games the Bengals are 30th in sacks with just five on the season. They're also having a hard time stopping the run. The Bengals have allowed the seventh most rushing yards in the league.
The Lions really found themselves a key player with Reader. His presence should help the Lions defense more every week and the sacks and run stopping will continue. Plus more pressure helps the secondary too.
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