Barrett Carter

So much of the conversation this offseason about the defense was retaining the same linebacker room going into this year.

Barrett Carter looked really good in week one.

Demetrius Knight flashed as well.

What is your confidence level in those two guys as the season progresses and Sunday in Houston?

There weren't tons of splash, wow plays in camp, but there weren't the, ooh, that was bad kind of plays either.

And I just think that was really, really huge, that the first big play of the season is Demetrius Knight, is a linebacker.

And Barrett Carter was involved in that as well, to have those two team up for that defensive touchdown.

I think that's the kind of thing you need to kickstart those guys' growth.

off the edge.

Also Chris Jenkins Jr. Barrett Carter even being sent on a rush at a time too in that game.

So this is a Bengals defense that set out to prove a lot last week.

And I think for the most part made a really good first impression against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

So Dexter Lawrence, week one, showing up, took on double teams.

As a result, guys like Barrett Carter, I thought, played really well, even though Barrett Carter and Knight need to clean up the tackles.

So those are the things that you're looking to clean up.

I think in the matchup that they have coming up, there are going to be some things that I'm going to be looking for because I know that the Texans are going to go with a run heavy game in this and they're going to try to slow this game down.

He had one catch for 10 yards.

But then Bucky Irving, one catch for 22 yards against Barrett Carter.

And then Demetrius Knight got targeted as well with Kenny Yanbaugh.

So, exactly what you're saying.

Huge forced fumble.

He recovered Barrett Carter's goal line strip of Baker.

A couple of other free agent pickups.

Jonathan Allen.

So are you kind of more encouraged so far with the defense?

Yeah, and the young linebackers, this is their second year for Barrett Carter, Demetrius Knight.

I still, there's some concerns.

They both were credited with three missed tackles apiece, which was worse for linebackers outside the Bears linebacker.

Baker got away.

He's trying to make a play, get to the end zone.

Barrett Carter knocks it loose.

Brian Cook recovers in the end zone.

I think as great as the new additions looked on Sunday, the thing that has me most encouraged about this Bengals defense is a Miles Murphy sack and a Chris Jenkins sack.

And the step from Barrett Carter, the guys that were here last year already look so much better.

And it's because of the pieces that were added to the interior defensive line in front of them, being able to take on multiple blockers, cause havoc on their own.

But I think the step of everyone else on this defense around those new additions really gives me confidence in that unit as a whole moving forward.

Or maybe the guy who was all around the ball that wasn't necessarily known for his ball skills, Brian Cook, last week.

Maybe it's Brian Cook.

Who gets the pick? Or Barrett Carter, Demetrius Sainz.

It doesn't matter who it is.

And I'm going to be honest with you.

I mean, again, we still got to work on the missed tackles, right? Barrett Carter had three missed tackles.

I think Demetrius Knight was given three missed tackles too.

But, guys, Barrett Carter – was all over the field.

I mean, he was – that is by far the best game he has ever played.

And if that is a sign of what's to come, then I will be the first to admit I was wrong because that – he looked like a totally different football player than what we saw from last year.