The Cincinnati Bengals set out over the course of the off-season to improve a team defense that finished the 2007 season ranked 27th overall. However, only time will tell if the team is able to accomplish what they set out to achieve.

One of the key areas on defense that the team wanted to address heavily was the defensive tackle position, which they did.

The Bengals drafted rookie defensive tackles Pat Sims and Matt Shirley as reinforcement to help secure a D-line that surrendered 118 yards per game on the ground.

The club took their aggressive approach a step further when they extended the contract of third-year defensive tackle Domata Peko, who is the anchor of the revamped D-line.

More sacks needed

The Bengals corrective measures to shore up the line couldn't have come at a better time. The team is expected to face a stiff level of competition at the running backs position this season. We're talking some of the best backs that the league has to offer.

During an interview with Peko in training camp, he talked about the importance of being able to stop the run and the challenges the defense faces this season.

"A lot of people haven't been giving us a lot of expectations for the season," Peko said. "We really don't play for expectations. We play for pride and we're putting our foot down this year to stop the run and get after the quarterback a lot more."

There will be an emphases put on getting after the quarterback this season. Last season, opposing quarterback's jerseys couldn't have been any cleaner than when they faced the Bengals defense. The team finished dead last in sacks with 22 making this a major concern for the defense.

Peko said players have picked up and are buying into the system that new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has installed. He feels that the defense is starting to stand out and it won't be long before the unit becomes an equal to the team's high-powered offense.

Quick first step

The 6-foot-3, 325-pound Peko should excel and take his game to another level in this defense. The new defensive scheme will allow him the opportunity to play in more nickel and dime fronts.

Where as in the old system he was relegated to lining up in a base defense playing mostly on first and second downs. Now the run-stuffing tackle will seek more action on third down where he will have more opportunities to get after the quarterback.

Knowing that, Peko said he wants to improve on his pass-rush ability and continues to work hard to do so.

Peko is large and in change, in the middle of the Bengals defensive front. He's a strong, physical player with good quickness off the ball and sheds blocks well to make tackles down the line as well as in the backfield. He demonstrated that ability on one play in the preseason game against Green Bay.

Peko penetrated the Packers' offensive line and was in the backfield ready to make the play for a would-be loss only to be sidestepped by an elusive runner in Brandon Jackson.

Despite the whiff on the play, Peko showed a quick first step, explosion at the point of attack and the ability to get off his blocks quickly.

The Bengals' first team defense did a respectable job against Green Bay and Detroit in preseason games, but the regular season is when it will count. The team has a brutal schedule and the defense will be tested.

"Our schedule is one of the toughest in the league," Peko said. "It's a big challenge for us and we're going to step up to that challenge. The defense is looking sharp and our defensive line is looking strong. We're ready to go."

Do you love Fantasy Football? Click here: