As an accomplished defensive coordinator, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is well aware of this football truism:

"Yards are going to lead to points eventually," Lewis said Monday. "You don't want them to control field position that way."

Creating four turnovers masked some defensive deficiencies during Sunday's 31-16 victory in New Orleans. The 5-5 Bengals have fallen to 32nd — dead last — in the NFL's rankings of yards allowed and passing yards allowed. Cincinnati is ranked 21st against the run.

"We didn't play well enough," Lewis said. "We still have areas we've got to improve in. You can't give up explosive plays."

Drew Brees' 510 passing yards Sunday is the second-most against a Bengals team — eclipsed only by Phil Simms, who put up 513 yards in 1985 with the New York Giants.

Joe Horn got loose for a 72-yard touchdown Sunday. Devery Henderson had a reception for 44 yards, and Aaron Stecker had a 32-yard catch. Like last season, the Bengals capitalized on turnovers, such as Ethan Kilmer's 52-yard interception return for a score. But you can't count on getting them.

"You don't want 500 yards (passing) going against you on defense," said linebacker Rashad Jeanty, who forced a fumble. "The only thing that counts is the victory. But we've got to tighten up on the yards given up."

Leaky defenses
The Chicago Bears lead the NFL in total defense, allowing just 251.8 yards per game. They are 9-1. The bottom five defenses:
Rank/Team  Yds/gm Rec.
28. Houston 352.1 3-7
29.  N.Y. Jets 353.4 5-5
30. Washington 358.8 3-7
31. Tennessee 375.9 3-7
32. Cincinnati 377.6 5-5
Source: NFL
 
Dayton Daily News

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