What is your biggest concern right now?

[Jackie Treehorn]

5 minutes ago, Jamie_B said:

Hopefully getting Von Bell back to lead things on the back end as far as communication goes, helps things, and to some degree I think it will, but long term who is the guy who is able to communicate and lead the defense? Because if they fell off that much without that leadership, Von is only here for one year, the D  is going to need a leader.

Hopefully Geno Stone or Battle

[Jamie_B]

6 minutes ago, Jackie Treehorn said:

Hopefully Geno Stone or Battle

 

 

Hoping that alot of the issues we saw last season on the back end at least were the amount of turnover and youth combined that nobody was on the same page because of it, hopefully having Bell back fixes it, and hopefully the youth getting experience in the system fixes that when Bell leaves.

[|BlackJesus|]

[sparky151]

The run D is suspect and I have doubts about our starting CBs. No worries about the LBs or safeties and just depth at DE.

 

I think this year's O-line should be better at pass protection than last years. There's some addition by subtraction assuming Carman and Hill are gone. Kirkland and Lee look better than those guys already. We should be more explosive at RB with Mixon gone but I'm not sure how much of a run game we'll have if we play a lot of shotgun still. 

 

Not worried about the Chase contract, he'll be on the field whether he gets a new deal or not. 

[dex]

The run defense for me.

 

It was bad last year with Reader on the field, then beyond horrible when Reader was off the field. Now Reader is gone and they didn't replace him with a quality nose tackle. They drafted a possible NT replacement in McKinnley Jackson, who was far from a sure thing even before he got injured. What hope do they have of stopping anyone in short yardage. Yes, the second level and third level run tackling should be better (it could hardly be worse) but the first level is so important.

 

Sheldon Rankins wasn't great against the run last year, but he has done well in the past. Hoping he plays well this year, holds up against the run and applies some interior pass pressure too. They brought in 6 or so external free agents in the offseason, but for me Rankins is the most important one. The type of year Rankins has might be the biggest determining factor on how the defense does overall.

[claptonrocks]

Greatest concern is stopping the run with no actual NT and over the middle catches on defense.

 

I believe Kris Jenkins will gain weight to play NT but it's iffy..

 

Rankins and Hill provide a decent pair but Jenkins could elevate the run stopping imo..

 

 

 

[Dautcom08]

 

 

[UncleEarl]

1 minute ago, Dautcom08 said:

 

 

From what I saw Ford was getting beaten 10 ways to Sunday last night.  PFF…..

[claptonrocks]

3 minutes ago, Dautcom08 said:

 

 

Good stuff Daut.

Line is coming together along with much better backups.

 

[Dautcom08]

2 minutes ago, UncleEarl said:

From what I saw Ford was getting beaten 10 ways to Sunday last night.  PFF…..

Haha yea good point I just posted without context I guess.  Last night at the game I verbally said "Cody Ford sucks ass" after one play to which my 4 year old son replied "Dad, that's a bad word."

[claptonrocks]

3 minutes ago, UncleEarl said:

From what I saw Ford was getting beaten 10 ways to Sunday last night.  PFF…..

He should never be at OT.

A fringe interior player.

 

 

[Cricket]

25 minutes ago, Dautcom08 said:

Haha yea good point I just posted without context I guess.  Last night at the game I verbally said "Cody Ford sucks ass" after one play to which my 4 year old son replied "Dad, that's a bad word."

Maybe he meant “Ford” as the bad word…  

 

 

[-GoBengals-]

On 8/21/2024 at 3:39 PM, MichaelWeston said:

Burrow health. 

 

in general or do you feel something is at risk specifically?

 

On 8/21/2024 at 3:41 PM, T-Dub said:

Not just RT but the entire unit  This will be the 5th year in Burrow's career with the Bengals entering the season depending on questionable starters and no depth to speak of on the OL.  It will be a minor miracle if they can hold it together for 18+ games.

 

thats how the league goes,

 

ther are 47 tackles rated 65 or higher, there are 64 starting tackles. and 64 backup tackles. so 20 teams has at least 1 bad tackle with everyone healthy.

there are 23 guards rated 65 or higher, there are 64 starting tackles. and 64 backups. barely half the lgeague has even 1 well rated guard.

there are. 17 centers rated 65 or higher, 32 starters. barely half the league has a good center.

 

there are like 5 teams with a good full O-line in the league.

 

On 8/21/2024 at 4:27 PM, UncleEarl said:

Bengals struggled stopping the run last year and things have not gotten better on the DL.   

 

the live got very different, i dont know what to expect with everything not just being on DJ Readers shoulders seemingly to stop the run. Rankins is offended it seems to he is discussed as not being good against the run. so the scheme change with new players may work fine.. may not.. 

 

On 8/21/2024 at 5:05 PM, BlackJesus said:

Concerns ...

 

1. Getting Ja'Marr extended 

2. Getting Mims healthy 

3. Protecting Burrow's wrist 

4. DE pass rush. 

5. Leaving Burrowhead 2-0 (season defining game). 

 

1. not really that important, he plays either way.

2. he will be what 4 weeks from injury date for week 1? hope he makes it back. if not week 1 is a bye week even for the line, they traded their pass rusher.

3. is there extra risk on that? seems cleared for all contact and everything, been 8 months or so. should be fine right?

4. why?

5. defines nothing, big game, but we cam lose game 2 and stil lbe 5-1 6 games in. not even a dvision game.

 

On 8/21/2024 at 5:14 PM, Jupiter Fan said:

Agreed, Oline is our ticket to the playoffs and beyond.

We never go into a season with solid healthy starters and at least serviceable backups. 

I'm not sure this is going to happen this season either.

 

i normally agree, its the best way to get there, but we did get to the superbowl with 5 absolute scrubs in front of him.

 

On 8/21/2024 at 5:22 PM, High School Harry said:

Other... getting my aging body back into good enough shape so I can go to the games again with my son. 

 

get it done! im trying to accomplish some of the same type goals. getting a little older, the travel wighs on me more.

 

On 8/21/2024 at 5:26 PM, Le Tigre said:

Other: 

 

Things which are not controlled…such as unforeseen rises in quality of other teams. This leads to unforeseen battles for division and/or conference seedings. 
 

Adaptation to rule changes. 
(The NFL will continue to favor certain teams. That is unavoidable. The only way to offset the certain officiating bias, is to score many more points than the favored opponent. Key word:many)

 

That I don’t lose all hearing or develop vertigo from the incessant noise, lights, and constant urgings to “get loud” from the scoreboard 

 

man this is good, the first one, so many teams that look like they improved a TON on paper. im just not sure they work out, especially in our division. 

 

and how amny games outcomes are changed by the new kickoff rules, will we been in the plus or minus column in kickoff return big plays? i dont have a ton of faith in us being great at that.. and some teams, like pitt, i think added guys specifically to be dynamic in that role.

 

On 8/21/2024 at 6:47 PM, KA14_HOF said:

Last year our D was dead last in Net Yards Per Pass Attempt (7.1). I'm optimistic that our pass defense will be improved.

 

Our D was tied for 2nd-to-last in Rush Yards Per Attempt (4.7), and we lost D.J. who ate double teams for breakfast. I'm hopeful our run defense will be improved, but Rankins, Jenkins and McKinley are question marks until they show they can get the job done. And to whatever extent they factor in, we're still waiting for Murphy and Ossai to come into their own.

 

Facing LamaRB, Fields and The Mad Flasher twice apiece means the key to success in the AFC North is making these guys beat us throwing the ball, IMO.

 

We cannot afford to throw away divisional games again and still seriously entertain post-season aspirations. So Run Defense it is for me.

 

yea i agree on most of this. 

 

On 8/21/2024 at 7:57 PM, T-Dub said:

 

Crucial to improve the division record. Road dogging it through the playoffs is fighting uphill.

 

this is very true. had some terrible circumstances last two years in division matchups. and fell short each time. lets sweep pitt and cleveland and split with the ravens. 

 

On 8/21/2024 at 8:15 PM, alleycat said:

This should still be Burrow's best O-Line ever. As long as they are passable and he can stay healthy (obviously related), we go to the playoffs. 

 

If the D can return to top 10 form, we can win the Super Bowl. 

 

So my top worry is 😧

 

1) Interior/Run D. 

2) Pass Rush

3) LBs

 

I'm the least worried about the DBs, particularly with two vets now back at the Safety spots. 

 

The Jamarr Chase situation is just noise. We don't even need him if we have a run game and Burrow has decent protection. Thank goodness they've been drafting well at the spot recently. 

 

 

 

volson sucks.

 

On 8/22/2024 at 8:05 AM, Inigo Montoya said:

The biggest concern is the defense.  Last year even with Reader, they allowed almost 5 yards per carry as well as the most explosive plays in the league.  Burrow, Chase, and the OL are all important but ultimately it won’t matter if the defense doesn’t play much better.  

 

tapping more on what i wrote earlier, did we maybe rely on reader to stop the run a big too much, with a full cast of different guys and different depth, will the outlook on how to stop the run be more successful, i know Lou left Bates to his skill to carry the back end when he was here, did he do the same with reader and reader couldnt handle it with the guys around him? im not smart enough to know the scheme well enough with reader.. so i guess time will tell.

[|BlackJesus|]

13 hours ago, GoBengals said:

1. not really that important, he plays either way.

2. he will be what 4 weeks from injury date for week 1? hope he makes it back. if not week 1 is a bye week even for the line, they traded their pass rusher.

3. is there extra risk on that? seems cleared for all contact and everything, been 8 months or so. should be fine right?

4. why?

5. defines nothing, big game, but we cam lose game 2 and stil lbe 5-1 6 games in. not even a dvision game.

 

1. I think extending Chase now could save 20 million or more on the life of the contract, so would like it done sooner rather than later. Yesterday's price is never today's price in the NFL. 

 

2. I wouldn't rush Mims back. Plus I think TBrown likely has some random injury in the first 6 weeks anyway and he'll be implanted to his starting role then. 

 

3. I'm concerned about Burrow falling on the wrist during sacks. Not sure he's practiced 300 lb men falling on him at full speed. For the first few games I will be very worried everytime he gets knocked down. 

 

4. I feel like the Bengals set the run edge very well, but need more speed off the edge. I think rookie Cedric will pop and surprise everyone in that regard. 

 

5. I think the Chiefs win is crucial for the teams psyche. It will put Burrow 4-1 against Mahomes and really solidify his place as the #2 in the league. Plus, if the Bengals then beat KC in the playoffs, Burrow would be 5-1 and you might as well get a #9 jersey with "Mahome's Father" on the back. 

[Cricket]

3 hours ago, BlackJesus said:

 [snip] Plus, if the Bengals then beat KC in the playoffs, Burrow would be 5-1 and you might as well get a #9 jersey with "Mahome's Father" on the back. 

Or get a number 15 Chefs jersey with the name “Rent Free”.  😎

 

 

 

 

[T-Dub]

4 hours ago, BlackJesus said:

 

3. I'm concerned about Burrow falling on the wrist during sacks. Not sure he's practiced 300 lb men falling on him at full speed. For the first few games I will be very worried everytime he gets knocked down.

 

I'm concerned about dirty mf's stepping on it on purpose.  He's going to get hit regardless but if OBjr plays like he did last year Burrow isn't going to last the season.

[dex]

8 minutes ago, T-Dub said:

 

I'm concerned about dirty mf's stepping on it on purpose.  He's going to get hit regardless but if OBjr plays like he did last year Burrow isn't going to last the season.

Get more chunk plays on offense, avoid 3rd down situations as much as possible, run the ball more effectively...all those things could get Burrow hit far less times. 

[T-Dub]

5 minutes ago, dex said:

Get more chunk plays on offense, avoid 3rd down situations as much as possible, run the ball more effectively...all those things could get Burrow hit far less times. 

 

All true.. They need a RB that will block.  They don't even have to be particularly good at it, though that would be a plus.  If it's true that Gesicki won't block that's going to limit the offense as well.

 

Still can't understand why they'd play guys like that. DGAF how talented they are otherwise, if they won't block for Burrow they shouldn't be in the offense.

[T-Dub]

18 hours ago, GoBengals said:

 

thats how the league goes,

 

ther are 47 tackles rated 65 or higher, there are 64 starting tackles. and 64 backup tackles. so 20 teams has at least 1 bad tackle with everyone healthy.

there are 23 guards rated 65 or higher, there are 64 starting tackles. and 64 backups. barely half the lgeague has even 1 well rated guard.

there are. 17 centers rated 65 or higher, 32 starters. barely half the league has a good center.

 

there are like 5 teams with a good full O-line in the league.

 

How many of ours were rated average or better last year? 2/5 ?

 

I don't expect 5 all-pros.  I do expect them to not consistently be one of the worst pass blocking units in the NFL, or to hype up the big FA LT signing only for them to shit the bed and allow more sacks than any other player at their position.

 

Of course it's hard to assemble a good OL, but when you have the best QB in the NFL shouldn't the goal be to also have the best OL? It's totally OK and understandable if they don't.  If that's the goal they should at least land somewhere above average & that'd probably do it.  It's not OK or understandable to absolutely suck at it year after year.  Where's the accountability?  Sometimes it seems like kids making mud pies like yeah I guess it's great they're playing GM or coach and having fun but we don't have to actually eat it and pretend to like it too.

[dex]

10 minutes ago, T-Dub said:

 

All true.. They need a RB that will block.  They don't even have to be particularly good at it, though that would be a plus.  If it's true that Gesicki won't block that's going to limit the offense as well.

 

Still can't understand why they'd play guys like that. DGAF how talented they are otherwise, if they won't block for Burrow they shouldn't be in the offense.

Gesicki has an insane catch radius and can get separation early. Even when he doesn't get quick separation he has a length advantage in contested catch scenarios.  That means Burrow doesn't have to hold on to the ball if the pocket starts to collapse. He might not even be as good a blocker as Tyler Boyd, but Boyd needed time to get separation. So if you look at it that way, Gesicki has a better chance to keep Burrow upright than Boyd ever did. 

 

At some point this season (definitely by next season) Erick All might become the all-around blocking/receiving TE that Dan Pitcher can line up anywhere - inline, slot, motion. Run, pass...with no obvious TE tells. 

[|BlackJesus|]

^ Gesicki should be viewed as a tall WR not a TE.

 

He's basically a 6'6 slot WR and it's a waste of his talents to have him block inline. 

[T-Dub]

6 minutes ago, dex said:

Gesicki has an insane catch radius and can get separation early. Even when he doesn't get quick separation he has a length advantage in contested catch scenarios.  That means Burrow doesn't have to hold on to the ball if the pocket starts to collapse. He might not even be as good a blocker as Tyler Boyd, but Boyd needed time to get separation. So if you look at it that way, Gesicki has a better chance to keep Burrow upright than Boyd ever did. 

 

At some point this season (definitely by next season) Erick All might become the all-around blocking/receiving TE that Dan Pitcher can line up anywhere - inline, slot, motion. Run, pass...with no obvious TE tells. 

 

 

Yeah it's odd to me, I figure the ability to block when needed is what makes a TE a TE.  He may not need to do it very often but when he does it's pretty important.  If the guy's going to jump out of the way like a matador and get our QB killed I kinda don't care about his catch radius.

 

Like the RB, he doesn't necessarily have to be good at it, but I can't see playing someone that won't even try.  Aside from the X's & O's part it sends a terrible message to the team overall.  JB is the franchise.  No one should be allowed to think they're too good to block for him.

[dex]

1 minute ago, T-Dub said:

 

 

Yeah it's odd to me, I figure the ability to block when needed is what makes a TE a TE.  He may not need to do it very often but when he does it's pretty important.  If the guy's going to jump out of the way like a matador and get our QB killed I kinda don't care about his catch radius.

 

Like the RB, he doesn't necessarily have to be good at it, but I can't see playing someone that won't even try.  Aside from the X's & O's part it sends a terrible message to the team overall.  JB is the franchise.  No one should be allowed to think they're too good to block for him.

I've never heard that Gesicki doesn't try to block, he just isn't very good at it. Part of that is because he's so tall that he never seems to get low pad level. If I remember correctly, Gesicki only ran  routes on something like 59% of New England's pass plays last season. Which means he was used as a pass protector the rest of the time. Compare that to someone like Tanner Hudson, who the Bengals had run routes on 85% of his snaps last season. Talk about a useless blocker with an obvious run/pass tell for defenses to recognize. 

[T-Dub]

7 minutes ago, dex said:

I've never heard that Gesicki doesn't try to block, he just isn't very good at it. Part of that is because he's so tall that he never seems to get low pad level. If I remember correctly, Gesicki only ran  routes on something like 59% of New England's pass plays last season. Which means he was used as a pass protector the rest of the time. Compare that to someone like Tanner Hudson, who the Bengals had run routes on 85% of his snaps last season. Talk about a useless blocker with an obvious run/pass tell for defenses to recognize. 

 

I guess that'll have to do

 

Probably only here for this season anyway, destined to be the latest TE to pad his stats with JB then get paid big bucks to go disappear in someone else's offense.

[-GoBengals-]

13 hours ago, BlackJesus said:

 

1. I think extending Chase now could save 20 million or more on the life of the contract, so would like it done sooner rather than later. Yesterday's price is never today's price in the NFL. 

 

2. I wouldn't rush Mims back. Plus I think TBrown likely has some random injury in the first 6 weeks anyway and he'll be implanted to his starting role then. 

 

3. I'm concerned about Burrow falling on the wrist during sacks. Not sure he's practiced 300 lb men falling on him at full speed. For the first few games I will be very worried everytime he gets knocked down. 

 

4. I feel like the Bengals set the run edge very well, but need more speed off the edge. I think rookie Cedric will pop and surprise everyone in that regard. 

 

5. I think the Chiefs win is crucial for the teams psyche. It will put Burrow 4-1 against Mahomes and really solidify his place as the #2 in the league. Plus, if the Bengals then beat KC in the playoffs, Burrow would be 5-1 and you might as well get a #9 jersey with "Mahome's Father" on the back. 

 

1. Most times yes, but if youre a top 3 guy in the league, unless a new top 3 guy pops up OR some teams pays a top 10 guy as top 3 for some reason, youre pretty safe.the CEEDEE deal may help the bengals as he got less than JJ, had CEEDEE got more than JJ id be with you here for sure. he would have fucked us, but he fell in line.

 

2. def dont rush mims back, when he is 100 he is 100, period im with you there. i just hope he IS back.

 

3. I will admitt once he was cleared for all i stopped paying attention, if there WAS any new info on it. but post surgery is there any increased risk of reinjury? i thought they said no early on. but im old, so if there is, sure, something scary, if not, im not worried about a QB getting an injury, that no QB has ever had ever, happening again. 

 

4.  whose he stealing snaps from? or how do you see that depth chart? i wasnt expecting him to sniff the field. injury aside.

 

5. i dont think this team is so soft that a loss ruins the psyche at all. the SB year we had some pathetic dejecting losses, 49ers, jets, bears, browns, chargers, packers, etc.. i dont see anything that a KC loss early would be a dark cloud, in my opinion. 

 

9 hours ago, T-Dub said:

 

I'm concerned about dirty mf's stepping on it on purpose.  He's going to get hit regardless but if OBjr plays like he did last year Burrow isn't going to last the season.

 

i suppose anything is possible, but im not worried abbout such a random thing i dont think.

 

9 hours ago, dex said:

Get more chunk plays on offense, avoid 3rd down situations as much as possible, run the ball more effectively...all those things could get Burrow hit far less times. 

 

yea im all for that.

 

8 hours ago, T-Dub said:

 

How many of ours were rated average or better last year? 2/5 ?

 

I don't expect 5 all-pros.  I do expect them to not consistently be one of the worst pass blocking units in the NFL, or to hype up the big FA LT signing only for them to shit the bed and allow more sacks than any other player at their position.

 

Of course it's hard to assemble a good OL, but when you have the best QB in the NFL shouldn't the goal be to also have the best OL? It's totally OK and understandable if they don't.  If that's the goal they should at least land somewhere above average & that'd probably do it.  It's not OK or understandable to absolutely suck at it year after year.  Where's the accountability?  Sometimes it seems like kids making mud pies like yeah I guess it's great they're playing GM or coach and having fun but we don't have to actually eat it and pretend to like it too.

 

ill check:  Karras (15th - 65), Cappa (24th of 64 (64.1)), Volson was 89th in pass blocking. there are 64 starters.. 89th. Newcomer trent brown was 11th last year, OBJ was 45th out of 64 and was 66 rated, Jonah was not rated well either, but not as bad as volson, almost no one in the league is as bad as volson. 

 

let that put whats out there talent wise into perspective. guys we knock and talk shit about would get calls from 20 teams we if cut them. wonder how many calls Volson would get..

 

as for the second part of your post.. its EVERY TEAMS goal to get the best OL they can. if you have a bad qb woudlnt you want the best line to give them time to try to do something? a young QB? an older vet slower QB? which qb can you have any NOT die trying to get the best OL you can?

 

 

8 hours ago, T-Dub said:

 

 

Yeah it's odd to me, I figure the ability to block when needed is what makes a TE a TE.  He may not need to do it very often but when he does it's pretty important.  If the guy's going to jump out of the way like a matador and get our QB killed I kinda don't care about his catch radius.

 

Like the RB, he doesn't necessarily have to be good at it, but I can't see playing someone that won't even try.  Aside from the X's & O's part it sends a terrible message to the team overall.  JB is the franchise.  No one should be allowed to think they're too good to block for him.

 

After seeing Geisecki lately he just reminds me of that QB from like oklahoma or somewhere that we made a white WR out of.. tall ass dude.. forget his name.