Maybe that is changing. The Bengals' Draft Day strategy was to develop more speed on defense, a game plan followed with each of their first four selections. They chose three linebackers and a cornerback before bolstering the offensive line, and they looked hard at attitude as well as athleticism. Passion has its place in professional football, and it is a prerequisite of effective defense. You get some mean-spirited monsters to guard the goal line, and suddenly ball carriers aren't quite so eager to get there.
Offenses know when a defense is playing search and destroy.
When that happens, they're not trying to get the extra yard, they're trying to live to play another play. Historically, the Bengals have struck fear in opponents only when they have had the ball. Even when they have drafted for defense, they have tended to pick people who were a little too polite, a little too polished, a little too soft. They leaned toward guys who looked great at the scouting combine, but not so good in the games. The selection of Takeo Spikes may signal a shift in the Bengal franchise's philosophy, as did the recent departure of the uninspired Wilkinson.