In his previous 12 seasons at the helm, Carroll has primarily had familiar names working under him as defensive coordinator. But with Norton officially on the way out, he must put personal connections aside seeking the best replacement option possible.
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Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Transitioning from their decade-long Carlos Dunlap-Geno Atkins pass-rush pairing to younger talents, the Bengals (2-10-1) have not seen this process lead to much production. Contract-year defensive end Carl Lawson (4.5 sacks) is the only Bengal with more than two. Sam Hubbard, a third-year talent who is critical now that Dunlap is in Seattle and Atkins is on IR, has one in 10 games. As a team, Cincinnati s 15 ranks only ahead of Seattle s 14. One of many problems afflicting the Bengals as another poor season winds down.
MONDAY: vs. Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET
Sam Robinson is a Kansas City, Mo.-based writer who mostly writes about the NFL. He has covered sports for nearly 10 years. Boxing, the Royals and Pandora stations featuring female rock protagonists are some of his go-tos. Occasionally interesting tweets @SRobinson25.