Bengals Vontaze Burfict OUT; Great for Browns

The Cleveland Browns have made the switch to Johnny Manziel but still have a game to play this weekend. The Cincinnati Bengals will be without their star LB Vontaze Burfict for the rest of the season, which should be big news for the Browns this Sunday:

Burfict had not played for the Bengals since October 26th. His left knee gave him trouble and caused him to have surgery. He was expected back shortly after the surgery. Instead he will be out for the rest of the season.

Burfict has a unique history, dominating in college but showing problems with self control. He went undrafted and signed with the Bengals. He came on quick as a rookie and was a Pro Bowl player last year. This year, not so much. In the 5 games that he played he had 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble and 2 passes deflected.

The Bengals lose a player that is impactful in both the run and pass games. Burfict is strong against the run, up the middle or to the edge, while able to cover or rush the passer. His versatility, he played middle backer last year and moved outside this year, was key for a defense that has struggled with injuries.

He brought a physical presence, intensity and athleticism that is missing from the Bengals now. Rey Maualuga is healthy now, but has lost some of his explosiveness, while Vincent Rey hasn’t capitalized on an increased role at the other linebacker spot this season. He has been solid but with only one tackle for loss and four passes deflected.

To replace Burfict the Bengals will go with 3rd year, undrafted Emmanuel Lamur. He has played in 12 games this season for the Bengals, with 51 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 7 pass deflections and 5 tackles for loss. Lamur was out all of last season due to a shoulder injury.

For the Browns, Burfict missing another game is huge. Linebacker play is a big key against the Kyle Shanahan system, especially if he puts in some Read Option plays with Johnny Manziel. A player like Burfict is adept in reading those keys and blowing up plays.

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He also has the ability to recover if fooled by play action. Burfict’s closing speed turns big gains into 2 yard runs, turns an open receiver into a well covered one. Without Burfict, expect the Browns to look to attack outside the tackles a bit more, instead of testing Geno Atkins.

Last week the Bengals also had to deal with injuries to Margus Hunt and Domato Peko, two important rotational big men on their defensive line. Their status is not updated, but should be today.

This late in the season injuries are often prevalent. While the Bengals deal with theirs, the Browns have to hope for good developments for linebackers Karlos Dansby and Jabaal Sheard. Dansby was unable to play last week, but hope is he is ready for this week. Sheard has been limited in practice for weeks and his on field impact could also be considered limited.

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How big of an impact do you think Vontaze Burfict missing Sunday will be for the Browns?