Richard Skinner

rskinner@nky.com

If the Bengals are to make a run to the playoffs over the last seven games, then improving their run defense will be one of the keys. Perhaps the return of at least one starting linebacker this week and a threat from defensive coordinator Paul Guenther about reducing playing time for players who don't do what they're coached will be starting points.

The Bengals are ranked 31st of 32 NFL teams against the run, allowing 143.0 yards per game, thanks in part to poor play by the defensive line and injuries to starting linebackers Vontaze Burfict and Rey Maualuga. Five different linebacker combinations have started the first nine games this season.

"We've all got to do better, coaches and players alike," Guenther said. "We've got to play better up front. We've got to play better at the linebacker position, regardless who's in there, so it's a work in progress right now. We obviously know the numbers; I know the numbers. And we've got to get better."

Guenther said he gave his players the message that if they don't do things the way they're being coached, then he will find another player he hopes will.

"It's the technique and shooting our hands and staying low at the line of scrimmage and controlling the line of scrimmage," Guenther said. "That's what we need to do better, regardless of who's in there."

Burfict didn't practice Wednesday and will likely miss his third straight game since minor knee surgery two weeks ago. Maualuga practiced Wednesday for the first time since a hamstring injury against Carolina Oct. 12. He said before Wednesday's practice that he is hoping to play Sunday after missing four games.

Guenther said getting Maualuga back should help, especially because of his experience. Lack of experience has been noticeable in his absence, with linebackers consistently going to the wrong spot.

"That will clean some stuff up for us," Guenther said. "A year ago, look at the runs and a lot of the stuff the linebackers cleaned up and it was the same stuff. I told the players it's very fixable stuff that we've got to go do, but we can't talk about it. We have to go do it and get it done and be effective.

"It all fits. The linebackers are as much a part of this as the line. All seven, and the support players on the outside, all have to do what they are supposed to do and be in the right spots and come downhill on people."

Maualuga has had problems making tackles over the last few seasons, but he is usually where the coaches ask him to be on running plays. He said it's time for everyone on defense to do the same.

"Someone has to step up and do something," Maualuga said. "I'm not saying it's me or I'm not pointing anybody out, but what I'm saying is you just can't show up at practice just to practice and go home. Things have to change like coach said, and if you're not going to do things they're asking you to do then you're not going to play. Hopefully that hits a couple of people and get things changed around here."

So many lineups make chemistry hard to find

It certainly hasn't helped that so many different combinations have been used at linebacker. Nico Johnson started in place of Maualuga the last two games after being signed off Kansas City's practice squad Oct. 15 and is one of three different players who started at middle linebacker this season.

Players have to get used to each other and trust each other to do what they're supposed to do on each play. When they don't, it often leads to one player trying to cover for another and then being in the wrong spot as well.

If Maualuga does start on Sunday, he will likely be flanked on the outside by Emmanuel Lamur and Vinny Rey. That combination started two games this season, against Tennessee and New England.

While the Bengals allowed 369 yards rushing in those games, Maualuga said it takes time to build trust and chemistry.

"It's not hard when you know the system; it's not hard when you know the person you're playing with," Maualuga said. "Obviously Nico hasn't played with E-Man or Vinny (prior to the last two games). They haven't kind of got that click. Me, (Rey) and E-Man were barely (clicking) or working together to make something happen, but hopefully I can just step in and get that spark."

Maualuga was shocked to learn the Bengals had slipped to 31st against the run, but vowed it won't continue.

"Ooo, weee! so 31st?" Maualuga said. "You never know if it would have been a different story if Vontaze and I were still healthy and we were still out there playing. Maybe you could say something would be different, but that's how football works.

"The good thing about it is it can get fixed, and it will get fixed. Based on what coach said I have every confidence in the world we will come back, we will bounce back and I promise you we're not going to finish the season 31 in then. That I can promise you."