Too Many Big Plays? Lou Anarumo Shares Honest Assessment of Bengals' Safety Play

The Bengals enter Sunday's season finale against the Browns with an 8-8 record. They've been eliminated from playoff contention. 

The defense has struggled with big plays this season and turnover in the safety room is certainly part of the issue. 

Dax Hill and Jordan Battle are learning how to be successful in the NFL. Both have flashed their potential this season. They've also made their fair share of mistakes. 

For example, Hill was supposed to be over the top of Rashee Rice on his 67-yarder with Cam Taylor-Britt in coverage during the Bengals' loss to the Chiefs. 

"Dax Hill. Go over the top, we're playing cloud," Lou Anarumo said bluntly. "Went the wrong way. He went the wrong way." 

Hill has 105 tackles, 11 passes defensed, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks this season. He's started all 16 games for the Bengals and will be on the field again Sunday against the Jeff Driskel-led Browns. He's been productive, but there are things the second-year safety has to improve on before the start of next season. 

"I think he's getting better," Anarumo said. "I think he shows glimpses of the things that you need to be to do that. But again, really he's like a rookie. It's his first year back there. So there's things we got to clean up."

Meanwhile, Battle took over for Nick Scott as the starting safety in the middle of the season. He'll make his seventh start on Sunday. He has 67 tackles and three passes defensed this season. 

Battle took a bad angle on Isiah Pacheco that led to an explosive run in the first half.

The Bengals have obviously given up too many explosive plays this season, but Anarumo has seen growth from both safeties. 

"I showed 'em again this morning. We had some high level pickups, the safeties did on our over route and cover four, and they were all over it. Dax and Jordan," Anarumo said. "There was some other great run fits early on."

Hill had two interceptions in the first four games. He's knocked plenty of passes away since, but hasn't been able to bring any of them in for a turnover, despite having opportunities to do so. 

Both Hill and Battle will look to end the season on a high note this Sunday against the Browns.