My thoughts

[BengalBacker]

Chances are we're going to end up 7 and 9. The way this season has gone, that's respectable.

I know a lot of you hate that because you think it means we won't make wholesale changes. Dead cat bounce, and all that. Maybe wholesale changes really aren't needed though. Just tweaks and health.



I know, I know..... You hate fans like me. I'm just a homer who accepts mediocrity. What the fuck ever.

The question is, am I the one who's looking at it realistically? Or are you guys who want to fire all the coaches and cut all the players the realistic ones?

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Some coaches and some players need to go, but I still think we have the core of a good team that doesn't need to be blown up the way many people want.

I still think Marvin is our best option. Is he the miracle worker we all thought a couple of years ago? Probably not. Has he gone from genius to retard in a couple of years? Probably not.

Either way, we all know that Marvin will be here next year and unless the grim reaper visits Mike Brown, so will he. I just hope everyone keeps that in mind during our offseason discussions. Beating dead horses isn't much fun unless you just enjoy misery.

[oldschooler]

I agree.

Yes it was a disappointing season.
I`m not "happy" about it. But considering all of the injuries,
suspensions and other bullshit, it hasn`t been a "blow it up"
type year. They have lost 5 games by 7 points or less.
And 3 of those games came when we were our most
decimated at LB, O-line and WR.

I would like to see changes made though.
I would like to see Bres and both Hayes brother let go.
I would like to see them hire more trainers and medical personnel.
I would like to see them let Justin walk.
I would like to see JT take a pay cut and become a backup or be cut.
I would like to see us draft a stud DE and DT in the first two rounds.

I would like to see them make a real attempt at re-signing Andrews,
Madieu, Landon and Dhani. (I`m sure I`m forgetting someone, oh yeah,
Lemar Marshall too if he is healthy)

As far as other shit, I would like to see Odell, Pollack, Henderson, Ahmad,
both Perrys, Irons, Brazell, Kilmer, Willie and Rucker be healthy and contribute next season too.

[MrDingleDangle]

I am dissappointed yes, but I agree Marvin should stay, but I wouldn't mind changes at either Cord. position. I will be made if we dont have a Defensive change, again as we showed today we have the talent, but I really believe the coaching is horrible. On the O side again we have the talent and everything has been there before, I wouldnt mind if Brat is back, but I also dont mind if we do make some coaching changes.


edit: I do think we need a new QB coach, something is wrong with Palmer and it needs to be fixed and all season win or lose it hasn't been fixed

[kdubdub]

I'm not worried about the Defense because we are only one stud DE away from having a respectable squad. The D has youth, talent returning (Ahmed, Odell, & hopefully Pollack), and enough to give us a 20-25th ranked unit.

What I don't like is having a QB @ 4000 yards, 65% completion, sacked one of the top 5 fewest in the league...and we can't score touchdowns. For some reason we hit a wall and know we can't convert in the redzone. People can say lack of running game, injuries, or whatever. The problem is the offensive playcalling. If we don't have a change at offensive coordinator we will be 7-9 to 10-6 again. Brat is still living in 2005 when 2008 is around the corner. Marshall Faulk said it best during the Niners game...you can tell what this offense is doing before they even hike the ball.

[ThurmanMunster]

[quote name='kdubdub' post='613346' date='Dec 23 2007, 06:06 PM']I'm not worried about the Defense because we are only one stud DE away from having a respectable squad. The D has youth, talent returning (Ahmed, Odell, & hopefully Pollack), and enough to give us a 20-25th ranked unit.

What I don't like is having a QB @ 4000 yards, 65% completion, sacked one of the top 5 fewest in the league...and we can't score touchdowns. For some reason we hit a wall and know we can't convert in the redzone. People can say lack of running game, injuries, or whatever. The problem is the offensive playcalling. If we don't have a change at offensive coordinator we will be 7-9 to 10-6 again. Brat is still living in 2005 when 2008 is around the corner. Marshall Faulk said it best during the Niners game...you can tell what this offense is doing before they even hike the ball.[/quote]
brat isnt the issue. today we couldnt bother with deep passes because of the wind, but in the past he hasnt had a lot of time and had to rush throws AND teams were dropping a lot of guys into coverage because they didnt fear the run and got pressure with their front four. today was just a fucked up day. oh well.

[jojorules]

Marvin should stay, yes. I heard Ken Broo and Doug Pelfrey going off like a couple of yentas in a gossip tornado this morning. Talking about how Marvin won't wanna stay past his contract expiration because of all the problems...blah, blah blah. The key is that Mike and Marvin [b]need to clean house![/b] Get rid of the locker room cancers, with authority!

[bubba]

[quote]brat isnt the issue.[/quote]


The Hell he isn't ! He's as dumb as a box of rocks !! Throwing the ball late in the wind with a big lead. Our running game has worked all day even with 8 in the box. I hate how he calls a game !

[happyrid]

Good thread and a lot to consider.

I do think that Marvin needs to come back. The fact is that he is 41-38 as the coach of the Bengals. Those aren't amazing numbers, but you have to remember that we were really bad when he took over, 2-14 bad.

As for the rest of the coaches, I am torn. On the one had continuity is usually good. And both sides of the ball have been hit pretty hard by injuries. On the other hand, both the offense and defense have looked downright awful at times this year.

I do think that we really need to clean house player wise this year. Guys like Madieu Williams, Justin Smith, John Thornton and Dexter Jackson have all had their moments. But, they are supposed to be the leaders of this defense. And the fact is that this D seems to be lacking leadership. Start over. Give the young guys the chance to lead. Bring in a free agent who can both talk the talk and walk the walk. Guys like DJax, Hartwell and others have only been able to talk. Lastly, we really, really need to have a decent draft. We need a couple guys who are playmakers early and we need to find some solid guys in the mold of Ndukwe, Peko, etc. with our mid round picks.

[|Tigers Johnson|]

[quote name='BengalBacker' post='613324' date='Dec 23 2007, 05:11 PM']Chances are we're going to end up 7 and 9. The way this season has gone, that's respectable.

I know a lot of you hate that because you think it means we won't make wholesale changes. Dead cat bounce, and all that. Maybe wholesale changes really aren't needed though. Just tweaks and health.



I know, I know..... You hate fans like me. I'm just a homer who accepts mediocrity. What the fuck ever.

The question is, am I the one who's looking at it realistically? Or are you guys who want to fire all the coaches and cut all the players the realistic ones?

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Some coaches and some players need to go, but I still think we have the core of a good team that doesn't need to be blown up the way many people want.

I still think Marvin is our best option. Is he the miracle worker we all thought a couple of years ago? Probably not. Has he gone from genius to retard in a couple of years? Probably not.

Either way, we all know that Marvin will be here next year and unless the grim reaper visits Mike Brown, so will he. I just hope everyone keeps that in mind during our offseason discussions. Beating dead horses isn't much fun unless you just enjoy misery.[/quote]

Unfortunately for us all, you don't have history on your side for your argument. The only time Mike Brown makes meaningful changes is when this team hits rock bottom.....


Winning meaningless games at the end of a season is usually a good thing for other teams to build momentum going into the next year and those teams will usually make changes to extend that momentum. Winning meaningless games at the end of the season for the Bengals...OMG we are getting it together...no changes...we are huge for next year. Sign our own and draft for the future...next season comes...and flop! At least that is the way Mike Brown and co. have always operated....it remains to be seen if Marvin Lewis can change that.

This offseason is going to be the defining moment in Marin Lewis's career as the Bengals head coach. Can he get the stubborn old man to change his ways??? Only time will tell.

[BengalBacker]

[quote name='Tigers Johnson' post='613363' date='Dec 23 2007, 07:09 PM']Unfortunately for us all, you don't have history on your side for your argument. The only time Mike Brown makes meaningful changes is when this team hits rock bottom.....[/quote]


Actually history IS on my side of this argument, because I don't think we need drastic changes this offseason.

That's my point. I think Chuck needs to go, but I wouldn't call that drastic since we've already fired a DC under Marvin. I also think a few players who are over the hill, and/or overpaid need to go, but that's not drastic either. That's the natural progression of any sports team.

[|Tigers Johnson|]

[quote name='BengalBacker' post='613379' date='Dec 23 2007, 07:42 PM']Actually history IS on my side of this argument, because I don't think we need drastic changes this offseason.

That's my point. I think Chuck needs to go, but I wouldn't call that drastic since we've already fired a DC under Marvin. I also think a few players who are over the hill, and/or overpaid need to go, but that's not drastic either. That's the natural progression of any sports team.[/quote]

To Mike Brown those are drastic changes...

[Patmo]

I'm a continuity fan. Coaches are as good as the talent assigned to them.If we HAD to make some changes it would be on the offensive side of the ball.However,I don't want to lose Zampese,Anderson,Alexander or Simmons. Trade Brat for Zampese and bring back Hue Jackson.

[|High School Harry|]

[quote name='BengalBacker' post='613324' date='Dec 23 2007, 05:11 PM']Chances are we're going to end up 7 and 9. The way this season has gone, that's respectable.

I know a lot of you hate that because you think it means we won't make wholesale changes. Dead cat bounce, and all that. Maybe wholesale changes really aren't needed though. Just tweaks and health.



I know, I know..... You hate fans like me. I'm just a homer who accepts mediocrity. What the fuck ever.

The question is, am I the one who's looking at it realistically? Or are you guys who want to fire all the coaches and cut all the players the realistic ones?

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Some coaches and some players need to go, but I still think we have the core of a good team that doesn't need to be blown up the way many people want.

I still think Marvin is our best option. Is he the miracle worker we all thought a couple of years ago? Probably not. Has he gone from genius to retard in a couple of years? Probably not.

Either way, we all know that Marvin will be here next year and unless the grim reaper visits Mike Brown, so will he. I just hope everyone keeps that in mind during our offseason discussions. Beating dead horses isn't much fun unless you just enjoy misery.[/quote]

7-9 is almost 8-8 and of the seven we lost, there is one or two of them we should have won.
8-8 is mediocre, mid round and cheaper draft choices and not top tier guys like we need.

My thinking is more radical and skewed than most on the board and being a "rookie" here, I will take some lumps for it.

The most positive thing I saw as far as long term last Sunday, and I realize it was only one game, was the best
defensive backfield corps I have [b]ever[/b] seen on a Bengals team. We have had a Fulcher here and Parrish there.
A Ken Riley, a Tommy Casanova but never a foursome like I saw Sunday. J Joe's foot looks like it is finally about game
ready for a cornerback and Hall is benefiting from the OJT. Good bye and good riddance Dropster Jackson and
Madeau, who has disappeared in recent weeks is now expendable, too. Use the money to tie up the two rook safeties for
a few more years. I would love to see Kaesviharn cut and get him back here as a coach.

Unlike most people around here, I still like Justin Smith and would like to see him stick around. I think part of his problem
is Bresnahan not utilizing him to Smith's best ability. Saw a little blurb in Pro Football Weekly suggesting that perhaps he
is on the wrong side of the D line and maybe Geathers should be over there and Smith on the D left side vs the weaker
ORT. Also Justin may be (is, imho) suffering from the weak interior line play and getting a lot of double teams. Yeah,
I would even franchise tag him again because he is a bird in the hand and worth more than two in the free agency bush.
Cut Thornton. Maybe Myers and Robinson. Draft D line in the first round, maybe trade up for one of the top three. I
like Chris Long, Howie's son, because he is a quality D lineman and you know where he's coming from.

Willie is becoming a luxury. He isn't getting any younger or healthier and should think about retiring while he is on top
or almost on top.

Buh bye, Rudi. Watson and whomever can stay healthy between Dorsey, C Perry and Irons (who I am, unfortunately,
writing off). Maybe draft a running back mid rounds if the injury situation of those three looks shaky. And beef up the
O-line to make anyone look good or at least better. I also want to see Jermi Johnson used a lot more and a lot better
(visions of full backs like Pete Johnson and Ickey Woods dance in my head). He certainly did not look like the highest
paid fullback in the NFL last year.

We are stuck with Marvin. He is and probably always will be an 8-8 coach unless turnovers win a few more. I just do
not think he has the smarts (ie poor game plans, no adjustments while other teams make then against us, clock
management) or temperament (loss of respect and control of key players on and off the field). Wait and see what
comes along with new supporting coaching staff.

[b]Get a freakin' tight end![/b] A couple good ones coming up in free agency, PAY them Rudi's money. The winning
Bengal teams have always had a killer tight end and now six Sundays a year we see the other teams in our division kill
us with their's. Forget the Hobbshit about not needing on in this offense, yada, we need a quality pass catching tight end
who can make the grab over the middle and stretch the field on a linebacker when necessary.

Here's a real radical one but... I think we have come to a point where a kick off specialist is no longer something of
a luxury but a necessity. Shayne is great for the field goals but we would not be forced to defend drives starting inside
the 45 yard line on either side of the field if kick offs were a mile high and inside the 5 or deep in the end zone. Would
make like a lot easier on our coverage teams no matter how poor they were. The only thing that kept Breech on the
team so long was Lee Johnson could kick off and after Johnson left, Breech was not far behind. Doug Pelfrey's shaky
kick offs were tolerated until he started missing field goals and then he was gone- and so high priced that no one could
pick him up because of stipulations in the collective bargaining agreement. Maybe get a Center who can long snap as
well as play O-line full time (like Bob Johnson and Blair Bush) and lose the designated long snapper for a kick off
specialist. But how many more games would we have won this year if drives started against us inside their 25 rather
than ours?

Soooo.... there it is.

[MAGICTOUCH]

Best Bengal D-Backfield has to be:

CB: Eric Thomas and Lewis Billups

S: David Fulcher and Barney Bussey/Solomon Wilcots


I need to see more than one game to crown this current kids the best, yet...but I like the looks of the future





Question: Didn't they try switching Justin Smith and Geathers already? And it didn't work any better?

[spicoli22]

[quote name='High School Harry' post='613861' date='Dec 26 2007, 12:05 AM']Saw a little blurb in Pro Football Weekly suggesting that perhaps he
is on the wrong side of the D line and maybe Geathers should be over there and Smith on the D left side vs the weaker
ORT.[/quote]

IMO, he's not just on the wrong side of the d-line, he's playing the wrong position. Justin Smith would make a fantastic MLB. He does a better job sideline to sideline than just about any other DE in the league. He can't rush the passer worth a fuck, but he can chase people sideline to sideline with the best of them. A perfect MLB.

[TheBZ]

Solid topic, Backer...Thanks.

I am also with you in that I believe the truth about getting this team over the hump is somewhere in-between the notion of "It was all Injuries" and "This team is run like shit...And always will be."

Unfortunately, facing 6-7 wins, the misanthropic assholes are having a field day - but anything useful in their message is lost in the delivery.

It is my belief that injuries did rob this team of at least two wins, and talent-wise, this is the third straight year they COULD have fielded a team good enough to make the playoffs - if the paper version had the final say.

That having been said, there were also a number of disconcerting moments for me when I did doubt the preparation and quality of the coaching staff - including Marvin.

I also believe that Carson Palmer pushed himself too hard the be the difference - to the point where the law of diminishing returns caught up with him; even as his 'Pro Bowl' receivers let him down.

Just the same, though...The linchpins of the future success of this team are still Palmer and Marvin. We simply did not see the best season out of either of them - but in professional sports you just don't have your best season over and over each year.

There is little doubt in my mind that both of those key figures will come back stronger next season and make adjustments to make sure that some of the tough games that were thrown away this year are not thrown away next year.

What this may entail...Be it taking a heavier hand with the WR corps, 'reaching' outside their draft slot for a TE, managing the game clock better, reducing INTs...I am content to believe those changes can be made.

My other hope would be that - despite the demands of the salary cap - there was something lost with Brian Simmons and Kevin Kaesviharn...Even if it wasn't necessarily talent. It was a level of professionalism and leadership that really didn't seem to return until Dhani Jones (of all people) stepped up.

Finally, it is my hope that someway, somehow David Pollack plays for this team in 2008. Because even if it takes him awhile to regain his potential (if ever), he will probably show those same positive characteristics that make for a sucessful defense.

With that in mind, I really hope they are somehow able to keep Willie Anderson and JT around - even if it means renogiating their salaries down to a more manageable level.

BZ

[LudwigVan Kubrick]

[quote name='BengalBacker' post='613324' date='Dec 23 2007, 05:11 PM']The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Some coaches and some players need to go, but I still think we have the core of a good team that doesn't need to be blown up the way many people want.[/quote]


Agreed.

Bresh, Hayes brothers need to go. Anything beyond that is a counterproductive firing in my opinion.

Players?

-South Beach Rudi needs to go.
-Eric "Guy-Check" Maybe keep him as backup but we need a QUALITY vet center via free agency or trade. Badly.
-A TIGHT END THAT CAN CATCH AS WELL AS BLOCK. No, this offense isn't one of those special offenses that "don't need a pass catching tight end."
-Let Justin and his "high motor arm tackles with 2 sacks" try to get 8 mil a year somewhere else unless he wants to be realistic.
-JT, DJax, nice knowin' ya.


Really just a lot of little things, stay healthy, have another good draft for depth, and this team could make a run next year.

[USN Bengal]

[quote name='TheBZ' post='613872' date='Dec 26 2007, 01:58 AM']Solid topic, Backer...Thanks.

I am also with you in that I believe the truth about getting this team over the hump is somewhere in-between the notion of "It was all Injuries" and "This team is run like shit...And always will be."

Unfortunately, facing 6-7 wins, the misanthropic assholes are having a field day - but anything useful in their message is lost in the delivery.

It is my belief that injuries did rob this team of at least two wins, and talent-wise, this is the third straight year they COULD have fielded a team good enough to make the playoffs - if the paper version had the final say.

That having been said, there were also a number of disconcerting moments for me when I did doubt the preparation and quality of the coaching staff - including Marvin.

I also believe that Carson Palmer pushed himself too hard the be the difference - to the point where the law of diminishing returns caught up with him; even as his 'Pro Bowl' receivers let him down.

Just the same, though...The linchpins of the future success of this team are still Palmer and Marvin. We simply did not see the best season out of either of them - but in professional sports you just don't have your best season over and over each year.

There is little doubt in my mind that both of those key figures will come back stronger next season and make adjustments to make sure that some of the tough games that were thrown away this year are not thrown away next year.

What this may entail...Be it taking a heavier hand with the WR corps, 'reaching' outside their draft slot for a TE, managing the game clock better, reducing INTs...I am content to believe those changes can be made.

My other hope would be that - despite the demands of the salary cap - there was something lost with Brian Simmons and Kevin Kaesviharn...Even if it wasn't necessarily talent. It was a level of professionalism and leadership that really didn't seem to return until Dhani Jones (of all people) stepped up.

Finally, it is my hope that someway, somehow David Pollack plays for this team in 2008. Because even if it takes him awhile to regain his potential (if ever), he will probably show those same positive characteristics that make for a sucessful defense.

With that in mind, I really hope they are somehow able to keep Willie Anderson and JT around - even if it means renogiating their salaries down to a more manageable level.

BZ[/quote]

misanthropic assholes?
I don't get that statement BZ.

The biggest FA acquisition was made at the LB spot... and he didn't even make the team OR get called up after the carnage started at LB. When you start a season with all but ONE (Landon Johnson) of your LB's being unproven (and he was too small to stay healthy before this year), coupled with back-ups who wouldn't even start on other teams practice squads... you're in deep trouble.

When you start the season with a D-line that can't even make it's own practice squad quiver (only two exceptions being Geathers & Peko)... you're in deep trouble.

When you start the season with a defensive backfield that has an ex-Super Bowl MVP who sucks (D Jax), a fourth year player who has lost whatever magic he had (Madeiu), an ex-pro bowler who has a chip on his shoulder and a shitty attitude along with shitty play (Deltha), a second year guy who can cover but couldn't catch the ball in his first year (J Jo) the nickel corner a slow under achiever with an attitude (Ratliff) and a rookie (Hall)... you're in deep trouble.

When you add that all together, then what do you have?

A recipe for disaster and a losing record.

That's not even taking into consideration all the freaking injuries that forced our best pass rusher to play LB, a rookie safety to play LB, and what is it now...4? 5? 6? street FA LB's to make STARTS during this season.

Yet you want to call people who see that reality misanthropic assholes?
I just don't understand that BZ... not at all.

As it stands, we will go into next season with pretty much the same problems... won't we?
Unless we pick up stud VETERAN FA's (go figure the chance at that) to help us at the D-line, and LB... we will be at the same spot we were this year. You just can't count on rookies to make that much of an impact... especially at more than one position.

Even if Pollack were to miraculously come back... how long will it take him to knock off the rust? Or will he EVER be as good?
If another miracle occurs and Thurman can play for us... how much will missing these two years set him back? Will he be as good?

Too many question marks there for just "tweaking and adjusting" in my mind... and that's not even touching the O line and lack of running game or TE...

Misanthropic assholes indeed... I look at this team through reality colored glasses BZ, because I want them to win and win consistently.

[Jason]

At the very least I want the entire defensive staff gone. I know we had a bad time with injuries, but this defense has not been good since Marvin got here.

I would like to see at least one quality FA D-lineman and RB brought in. I know this team won't bring in a Jared Allen or a Haynesworth, but at least a YOUNG second tier FA would be nice.

Draft a receiving TE in 2, but spend most of the rest of the draft on defense. Take the best defensive front 7 player in the first round. If we do not re-sign Stacey Andrews, draft an O-lineman in 3 (if we get a 3 in comp for Steinbach) or 4. But the rest I want defense.

[claptonrocks]

I am soooooooooooooooooooooo ready for Donnie Henderson .....

[New Jersey Bengal]

[quote name='Jason' post='613965' date='Dec 26 2007, 11:47 AM']At the very least I want the entire defensive staff gone. I know we had a bad time with injuries, but this defense has not been good since Marvin got here.

I would like to see at least one quality FA D-lineman and RB brought in. I know this team won't bring in a Jared Allen or a Haynesworth, but at least a YOUNG second tier FA would be nice.

Draft a receiving TE in 2, but spend most of the rest of the draft on defense. Take the best defensive front 7 player in the first round. If we do not re-sign Stacey Andrews, draft an O-lineman in 3 (if we get a 3 in comp for Steinbach) or 4. But the rest I want defense.[/quote]
[b]We had better resign Stacey Andrews. I would not mind seeing Justin Smith, MAdieu and Landon return at the right price. Dhani should definitely be kept also because he's played well and gives us some sorely needed leadership. as for the draft we had better draft defense, defense, defense. I am sick of us not having a good pass catching TE. It's about damn time we draft one..[/b]

[claptonrocks]

Well lets see .. Most fans want a DT that can hold up the run and penetrate the middle, a DE that can get after it and stop the run, a linebacker that can help with the run, blitz and drop back in pass coverage, a center who can take on the divisions big NT's and get to the second tier to block, a tightend that can catch and block....
OK ....thats five positions that could use an upgrade ...
Bluto may or may not be the answer.. he played hurt alot but he does need to get stronger.
A DT, DE, Backer and TE should be considered.
Can they find a TE in the fourth round???

[BklynBngl]

[quote name='New Jersey Bengal' post='613969' date='Dec 26 2007, 11:58 AM'][b]We had better resign Stacey Andrews. I would not mind seeing Justin Smith, MAdieu and Landon return at the right price. Dhani should definitely be kept also because he's played well and gives us some sorely needed leadership. as for the draft we had better draft defense, defense, defense. I am sick of us not having a good pass catching TE. It's about damn time we draft one..[/b][/quote]

Kelly made a nice grab on Sunday. Seems like he usually does fine when we throw at him. I would be all for a TE receiving threat, but I wonder if Brat just doesn't like to use them.

[claptonrocks]

[quote name='BklynBngl' post='613977' date='Dec 26 2007, 12:21 PM']Kelly made a nice grab on Sunday. Seems like he usually does fine when we throw at him. I would be all for a TE receiving threat, but I wonder if Brat just doesn't like to use them.[/quote]
Guess it has something to do with his three receiver sets... likes the idea of a receiver getting downfield opposed to a tightend....Henry rather than a tightend.
The thing Henry doesnt bring to the table is his blocking or lackof and his ability or lackof to catch the ball over the middle without worrying about getting hit..
I dont see why they cant add a pass catching tightend to the roster and use multple formations..

[sparky151]

[quote name='BklynBngl' post='613977' date='Dec 26 2007, 01:21 PM']Kelly made a nice grab on Sunday. Seems like he usually does fine when we throw at him. I would be all for a TE receiving threat, but I wonder if Brat just doesn't like to use them.[/quote]

Reggie Kelly is glacially slow. He did make a nice catch but overall isn't much of a downfield threat. A few years ago we had Kelly to block, Schobel to receive, and Stewart as a backup and for teams. Schobel left and wasn't replaced. Stewart left and was replaced by Coates. Personally I don't think Lawrie or Day are the answer. We should make an offer to Dallas Clark, which he won't accept, then draft Martin Rucker in the second round.