Cincinnati Bengals Super Bowl Thread: Why Not Us?

[oregonred]

I disagree. This is just looking up one of those guys, Tom Brady. He finished as the 2nd most sacked QB of all time. You can say that's due to longevity, OK. He had 5 seasons where he was in the top 10 in being sacked the most, 2001, 2003, 2013, 2015, and 2017. In 2001 & 2003 he won the Super Bowl and in 2017 played in the SB and lost. I absolutely believe those 3 QB's and add in Aaron Rogers, goes down and gets you in at least FG range...they've done it time and again. The Bengals had their chances and were out coached.

The most losses he had in any of those seasons...4

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

"The Bengals had a PBWR of 18%, which was the worst single-game performance by any team in any game during the 2021 season. Likewise, as you can probably guess, the Rams winning on 82% of their pass-rush attempts made theirs the most successful pass rush in any game this season." Source ESPN+

Translating this unreal number. On 82% of the Bengals passing plays, the Rams got pressure on Burrow in 2.5 seconds or less.

It's a miracle Joe is in one piece and that the Bengals were in position to steal this game with 6 minutes left up 20-16 and with the ball near midfield.

Historic pass-win rate for the Rams - and in a Super Bowl Game

Joey was sacked more than any QB in the league this season and led his team to the Super Bowl (never happened before). He was sacked 20 times in the postseason - previous record was 12.

Peyton Manning curled up in the fetal position in many playoff games in any game with any level of pressure from the Steelers, Ravens and Patriots. I love him but he was doughy soft in the playoffs against any real pass rush. Peyton literally never saw anything in his entire career near an 82% pass-loss rate like what Burrow faced in both the Super Bowl and the Titans playoff games just in the span of three weeks. Aaron Rodgers has won 1 SB in 15 seasons often with many times the clear best team in the NFC. He scored 10 pts at home this year vs. the Niners in the Divisional Round.

Mahomes and KC was a mess in last year's SB getting boatraced by the Bucs and the Rams pass rush win rate was even higher.

[membengal]

Kupp really only showed up that last drive. Not sure what they did differently, but they did something because he was handled until then. Donald,Miller and 50 killed us the second half and were the difference in the game.

they went up tempo. If you go back and re-watch (I mean, I get it if you don't want to because, well...) - they went up tempo - quick snaps - a few no huddle - which meant Bengals D didn't have same time as they had been getting all game to disguise looks pre-snap and drop into and out of exotic coverages. It put them in more of a base zone - usually cover 3 - and the Rams were able to find Kupp more at that point. Raises the question why McVey didn't do that earlier, really.

[membengal]

"The Bengals had a PBWR of 18%, which was the worst single-game performance by any team in any game during the 2021 season. Likewise, as you can probably guess, the Rams winning on 82% of their pass-rush attempts made theirs the most successful pass rush in any game this season." Source ESPN+

Translating this unreal number. On 82% of the Bengals passing plays, the Rams got pressure on Burrow in 2.5 seconds or less.

It's a miracle Joe is in one piece and that the Bengals were in position to steal this game with 6 minutes left up 20-16 and with the ball near midfield.

Historic pass-win rate for the Rams - and in a Super Bowl Game

Joey was sacked more than any QB in the league this season and led his team to the Super Bowl (never happened before). He was sacked 20 times in the postseason - previous record was 12.

Peyton Manning curled up in the fetal position in many playoff games in any game with any level of pressure from the Steelers, Ravens and Patriots. I love him but he was doughy soft in the playoffs against any real pass rush. Peyton literally never saw anything in his entire career near an 82% pass-loss rate like what Burrow faced in both the Super Bowl and the Titans playoff games just in the span of three weeks. Aaron Rodgers has won 1 SB in 15 seasons often with many times the clear best team in the NFC. He scored 10 pts at home this year vs. the Niners in the Divisional Round.

Mahomes and KC was a mess in last year's SB getting boatraced by the Bucs and the Rams pass rush win rate was even higher.

This post is so good I want to take it to dinner. Get it some wine. Treat it with the respect it deserves.

[oregonred]

they went up tempo. If you go back and re-watch (I mean, I get it if you don't want to because, well...) - they went up tempo - quick snaps - a few no huddle - which meant Bengals D didn't have same time as they had been getting all game to disguise looks pre-snap and drop into and out of exotic coverages. It put them in more of a base zone - usually cover 3 - and the Rams were able to find Kupp more at that point. Raises the question why McVey didn't do that earlier, really.

Also the D was a bit gassed by the end given the above noted historic 82% Rams PBWR against the Bengals O-line. I still can't comprehend that absurd number and how the Bengals were even in this game.

[Chip R]

I know this is hindsight but does anyone think they should have tried for a 66 yard FG from McPherson on 4th down? He certainly has the leg for it.

[Cyclone792]

I know this is hindsight but does anyone think they should have tried for a 66 yard FG from McPherson on 4th down? He certainly has the leg for it.

No, too much time on the clock and going for it gives you a much better chance to ultimately get points.

If there's 5 seconds on the clock, then yea I'd give that serious thought over throwing a hail mary. But the Bengals had plenty of time left to get another 15 yards. They had 3 plays to get 1 yard to move the sticks and didn't get it done.

The stats coming out about the abysmal O line play make me sick. A PBWR of 18 percent is just awful. That's what you'd expect to see in a mismatch non-conference college football game, not the Super Bowl.

[Todd Gack]

For the record, I have no issue with Zac going for it on 4th and short on their 1st possession even though the Rams got a TD out of it. The Bengals have won games being that aggressive so it's natural that they'd lose games being like that too. Dems the breaks.

[KoryMac5]

I disagree. This is just looking up one of those guys, Tom Brady. He finished as the 2nd most sacked QB of all time. You can say that's due to longevity, OK. He had 5 seasons where he was in the top 10 in being sacked the most, 2001, 2003, 2013, 2015, and 2017. In 2001 & 2003 he won the Super Bowl and in 2017 played in the SB and lost. I absolutely believe those 3 QB's and add in Aaron Rogers, goes down and gets you in at least FG range...they've done it time and again. The Bengals had their chances and were out coached.

The most losses he had in any of those seasons...4

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

Outcoached...I think it is more along the lines of the teams deficiencies finally caught up with them...you can't coach up the deficiencies of this line. There is a reason Burrow took that many sacks in the playoffs. I think Taylor probably overthought that 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1 play...but I disagree that he was out coached.

[dubc47834]

"The Bengals had a PBWR of 18%, which was the worst single-game performance by any team in any game during the 2021 season. Likewise, as you can probably guess, the Rams winning on 82% of their pass-rush attempts made theirs the most successful pass rush in any game this season." Source ESPN+

Translating this unreal number. On 82% of the Bengals passing plays, the Rams got pressure on Burrow in 2.5 seconds or less.

It's a miracle Joe is in one piece and that the Bengals were in position to steal this game with 6 minutes left up 20-16 and with the ball near midfield.

Historic pass-win rate for the Rams - and in a Super Bowl Game

Joey was sacked more than any QB in the league this season and led his team to the Super Bowl (never happened before). He was sacked 20 times in the postseason - previous record was 12.

Peyton Manning curled up in the fetal position in many playoff games in any game with any level of pressure from the Steelers, Ravens and Patriots. I love him but he was doughy soft in the playoffs against any real pass rush. Peyton literally never saw anything in his entire career near an 82% pass-loss rate like what Burrow faced in both the Super Bowl and the Titans playoff games just in the span of three weeks. Aaron Rodgers has won 1 SB in 15 seasons often with many times the clear best team in the NFC. He scored 10 pts at home this year vs. the Niners in the Divisional Round.

Mahomes and KC was a mess in last year's SB getting boatraced by the Bucs and the Rams pass rush win rate was even higher.

Pressure was an issue, not doubting that. But pressure isn't what doomed them on that last drive, they move the ball, it was bad play calling on the last couple downs.

I've not seen a ton of the Bengals this year, but I think a screen play would have been a good call on one of those three downs. Did the Bengals screen much this year?

[WVRed]

Haven’t seen it discussed on here on the final play but has anyone seen the picture of Ramsey on his butt and Chase wide open?

Burrow had a game winning touchdown on that play if he only had one more second or two. That speaks volumes how our offensive line needs tweaked in the offseason and not with rookies.

[RedsBaron]

Green Bay's De'Vondre Campbell has stated that the holding call against Logan Wilson was "atrocious."

[Hillsdale87]

For the record, I have no issue with Zac going for it on 4th and short on their 1st possession even though the Rams got a TD out of it. The Bengals have won games being that aggressive so it's natural that they'd lose games being like that too. Dems the breaks.

For sure the right call. Burrow had Perine and Higgins wide open. He just locked in on Chase. The call was right, just bad execution unfortunately


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[Sea Ray]

I disagree. This is just looking up one of those guys, Tom Brady. He finished as the 2nd most sacked QB of all time. You can say that's due to longevity, OK. He had 5 seasons where he was in the top 10 in being sacked the most, 2001, 2003, 2013, 2015, and 2017. In 2001 & 2003 he won the Super Bowl and in 2017 played in the SB and lost. I absolutely believe those 3 QB's and add in Aaron Rogers, goes down and gets you in at least FG range...they've done it time and again. The Bengals had their chances and were out coached.

The most losses he had in any of those seasons...4

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

I've watched Tom Brady his entire career and all of his coaches made the O line a priority. He never won behind a line as porous as this one, particularly vs a D line with two Hall of Famers on it. I stand by my comments

[KoryMac5]

Shout out to Uzomah who ended up grinding through 80 percent of the snaps in the SB...

He obviously didn't have a big game but seeing him out there was a boost.

[Hillsdale87]

Everybody has been talking about the missed facemask and the missed false start/terrible holding call, but I haven't seen anybody talk about the Chase catch in the first quarter. The refs ruled him down at the 11, but Ramsey made contact with him before the catch, so Ramsey's contact shouldn't have marked him down. It should have been down around the 5. I don't know if they would have scored a TD from there, but much better chance. In a 50/50 game, luck has a big impact


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[Wonderful Monds]

I am bummed to be sure, but I think day after reflecting a bit, I was more upset about the 2012 Reds blowing the NLDS or the 2015 Bengals melting down in the wild card. Those teams were actually among the best teams in the league all season in those respective years, I had actual expectations for them all along.

The Bengals were good and all at a 10-7 record, but even as late as Christmas I never expected them to do anything at all but maybe steal a playoff win and through that would be cool. But they looked like a rebuilding team all season with too many holes to take seriously yet.

It still does feel like a hard kick to the junk because you know, making the Super Bowl is ****ing hard. But I never had them pegged as anything but above average, until maybe when they beat KC the first time.

[Wonderful Monds]

Other than health, how were the Bengals lucky?

I mean you can’t discount the health factor.

But aside from that, unless you are one of the all time freak greats like Bill Belichick or Tom Brady, I think there is inherently a lot of luck involved making it to a championship, in any sport. I think Burrow is already playing like a HOF, but like I said plenty of the all time greats only went once or not at all. I hope the Brown family will invest even more than they already have recently in the team given that they were a hair away from winning it all, but this isn’t a historically great organization.

And they also have a murderers row of QBs to go through in the AFC just to make it back. Mahomes is one of the all time greats, and as much as I think the Bengals playing great defense was the source of his bad 2nd half in the AFC championship game, I think there’s always a good amount of luck involved when you run into one of the all time greats having an off game deep in the playoffs. Those guys typically find a way to beat even great defenses, and Reid is a HOF coach on top of it.


So yeah there’s a lot of reasons to hope that they’ll get back as long as they have Burrow, but man just making one Super Bowl at all takes a lot of things bouncing your way to begin with.

[OldFashionedRed]

I was very upset last night, threw my pc headphones and almost broke them. The three cats in our house scattered under the dressers and down the hallway. My husband isn't much of a sports fan and he barely woke up when I yelled, that made things worse.

But, today after some thinking I'm not really that upset. Burrow brought this team to the Super Bowl, and ended up second best team in the NFL. That's something to brag about. And we got there with a bad offensive line, ONE great WR and a "good" one, hardly any running game, and a lineup of knuckleheads (inactive player running into the endzone and being given a taunting penalty). The 75 yard TD shouldn't have been (we all saw the facemask except for the referees), so in reality the Rams were clearly the better team. I consider the true score to be 23-13. I'm loving Joe's attitude about the outcome and his resolve to be even better next year.

[The Operator]

"The Bengals had a PBWR of 18%, which was the worst single-game performance by any team in any game during the 2021 season. Likewise, as you can probably guess, the Rams winning on 82% of their pass-rush attempts made theirs the most successful pass rush in any game this season." Source ESPN+

Translating this unreal number. On 82% of the Bengals passing plays, the Rams got pressure on Burrow in 2.5 seconds or less.

It's a miracle Joe is in one piece and that the Bengals were in position to steal this game with 6 minutes left up 20-16 and with the ball near midfield.

Historic pass-win rate for the Rams - and in a Super Bowl Game

Joey was sacked more than any QB in the league this season and led his team to the Super Bowl (never happened before). He was sacked 20 times in the postseason - previous record was 12.

Peyton Manning curled up in the fetal position in many playoff games in any game with any level of pressure from the Steelers, Ravens and Patriots. I love him but he was doughy soft in the playoffs against any real pass rush. Peyton literally never saw anything in his entire career near an 82% pass-loss rate like what Burrow faced in both the Super Bowl and the Titans playoff games just in the span of three weeks. Aaron Rodgers has won 1 SB in 15 seasons often with many times the clear best team in the NFC. He scored 10 pts at home this year vs. the Niners in the Divisional Round.

Mahomes and KC was a mess in last year's SB getting boatraced by the Bucs and the Rams pass rush win rate was even higher.

This is a magnificent post and just reinforces what I’ve been thinking since the end of the game. Bengals win that game by multiple scores with even an average offensive line.

What is it about Cincinnati sports teams always having a fatal flaw? 2006 Reds was the bullpen, bullpen got us again in 2021. Ugh.

[kaldaniels]

That pass by Stafford…

I was amazed by the camera shot from behind him but then I see this angle. Bell had no chance.

https://twitter.com/ramsnfl/status/1493342097142779909?s=21

[Stray]

Haven't read through everything since last night, but Burrow went out and had a good time last night (well deserved). I don't think the knee is anything to worry about.

But yeah, pay whatever you gotta pay and get some good offensive lineman on this team so we can do this again. That was fun.

[KoryMac5]

This is a magnificent post and just reinforces what I’ve been thinking since the end of the game. Bengals win that game by multiple scores with even an average offensive line.

What is it about Cincinnati sports teams always having a fatal flaw? 2006 Reds was the bullpen, bullpen got us again in 2021. Ugh.

Not paying the cash for Zeitler was damning, he had offers from Baltimore and us and the Bengals decided not to match. Reif and Zeitler on the right side would have been huge.

71 sacks is like a hammer to the head of this front office…the line is finally priority 1 too bad We had to lose a SB and get Burrow killed for that to come into the picture.

[GAC]

We're having a little discussion on FB, and friend brought up the early play when the Bengals (IMO, dumb) went for it on 4th and 1. Was Donald off-side?

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/274021073_290117666546952_8896375493551339751_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=baYDAQZ9AekAX_g8mMb&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=00_AT8yBcgdGXwcdsbK0zhudq12yC1Pf987XhR6_5EeaX_c pw&oe=6211020E

[GAC]

"The Bengals had a PBWR of 18%, which was the worst single-game performance by any team in any game during the 2021 season. Likewise, as you can probably guess, the Rams winning on 82% of their pass-rush attempts made theirs the most successful pass rush in any game this season." Source ESPN+

Translating this unreal number. On 82% of the Bengals passing plays, the Rams got pressure on Burrow in 2.5 seconds or less.

It's a miracle Joe is in one piece and that the Bengals were in position to steal this game with 6 minutes left up 20-16 and with the ball near midfield.

Historic pass-win rate for the Rams - and in a Super Bowl Game

Joey was sacked more than any QB in the league this season and led his team to the Super Bowl (never happened before). He was sacked 20 times in the postseason - previous record was 12.

Peyton Manning curled up in the fetal position in many playoff games in any game with any level of pressure from the Steelers, Ravens and Patriots. I love him but he was doughy soft in the playoffs against any real pass rush. Peyton literally never saw anything in his entire career near an 82% pass-loss rate like what Burrow faced in both the Super Bowl and the Titans playoff games just in the span of three weeks. Aaron Rodgers has won 1 SB in 15 seasons often with many times the clear best team in the NFC. He scored 10 pts at home this year vs. the Niners in the Divisional Round.

Mahomes and KC was a mess in last year's SB getting boatraced by the Bucs and the Rams pass rush win rate was even higher.

excellent post. I was cringing a lot times when the Benglas snapped the ball, praying for Burrows. They're "playing with fire" with their franchise QB if they don't address this O-line. Gotta heck of a scare in the 4Q of the SB.

[RedsBaron]

We're having a little discussion on FB, and friend brought up the early play when the Bengals (IMO, dumb) went for it on 4th and 1. Was Donald off-side?

https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/274021073_290117666546952_8896375493551339751_n.jp g?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=baYDAQZ9AekAX_g8mMb&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=00_AT8yBcgdGXwcdsbK0zhudq12yC1Pf987XhR6_5EeaX_c pw&oe=6211020E

He was offside.
Obviously not all of the bad calls and non-calls by the officials went against the Bengals, but too many did near the end of the game. However, poor officiating is a long standing NFL tradition.

[WVRed]

He was offside.
Obviously not all of the bad calls and non-calls by the officials went against the Bengals, but too many did near the end of the game. However, poor officiating is a long standing NFL tradition.

There were three teams playing Sunday night.

The Rams, Bengals, and Vegas.

[CaiGuy]

Eh, the Bengals got beat fair and square. The defense played pretty admirably overall, but the Rams' biggest strength matched up against the Bengals' biggest weakness and it showed. That was the difference in the game, not the officiating...the absolute dominance by the Rams' D-line.

As big of a bummer it is that they didn't do more to protect Burrow in 2021/22, they rebuilt the team from a last-place team to the AFC champion in one offseason. They particularly rebuilt the defense to make it respectable enough to get them this far. You can't turn over and revamp the entire team in one year. Any more focus on the O-line would have probably come at the expense of other parts of the team, such as the defense, which wouldn't have gotten them any further.

They already have a lot of the star and key players in place for next season. So they have an offseason to focus on the line and hopefully add some more depth on defense. It's silly to just assume that they will be back in the Superbowl with this group, but it's reasonable to conclude they should remain competitive and fun during this window. Hopefully, they can earn themselves another shot at it.

[KoryMac5]

Highest-graded #Bengals in the Super Bowl (min. 25 snaps):

1️⃣ Germaine Pratt, LB- 90.2
2️⃣ Logan Wilson, LB- 79.2
3️⃣ Jessie Bates III, S- 78.1
4️⃣ Ja’Marr Chase, WR- 77.2
5️⃣ Sam Hubbard, EDGE- 72.1

Pratt really improved at the end of the season and in the playoffs.

[Bob Sheed]

As long as my tinfoil hat is on, it seemed like Mahomes threw the game in the 2nd half of the AFC championship game.

I get that the Bengals changed their defensive look. But Mahomes went from elite QB to trash. It was too drastic of a change.

Did Vegas have a chat with Pat at halftime, and make him an offer he couldn't refuse?

[RedTeamGo!]

As long as my tinfoil hat is on, it seemed like Mahomes threw the game in the 2nd half of the AFC championship game.

I get that the Bengals changed their defensive look. But Mahomes went from elite QB to trash. It was too drastic of a change.

Did Vegas have a chat with Pat at halftime, and make him an offer he couldn't refuse?

LMAO

[Old school 1983]

If the Bengals get just a average O-line, I think they steamroll the league. Not only would Burrow have more time, but Mixon gets better blocking as well. I hear a lot of people saying to dump everything into the O line, but I think that’s a mistake. Get the line up to league average. Maybe a tick above. It’s unacceptable right now. Do that. Get Burrow another target to hit and make the defense even better. IMO approach the O line like the D last year. Mid tier to high mid tier FA. And maybe bring a top tier guy to the D and TE or WR.

[KoryMac5]

If the Bengals get just a average O-line, I think they steamroll the league. Not only would Burrow have more time, but Mixon gets better blocking as well. I hear a lot of people saying to dump everything into the O line, but I think that’s a mistake. Get the line up to league average. Maybe a tick above. It’s unacceptable right now. Do that. Get Burrow another target to hit and make the defense even better. IMO approach the O line like the D last year. Mid tier to high mid tier FA. And maybe bring a top tier guy to the D and TE or WR.

The schedule gets tougher next season...but the experience from this year should help them win some close games that they lost last year.

If they can stay healthy and get that O line fixed the AFC north is very winnable

[Hillsdale87]

But, today after some thinking I'm not really that upset. Burrow brought this team to the Super Bowl, and ended up second best team in the NFL. That's something to brag about. And we got there with a bad offensive line, ONE great WR and a "good" one, hardly any running game, and a lineup of knuckleheads (inactive player running into the endzone and being given a taunting penalty). The 75 yard TD shouldn't have been (we all saw the facemask except for the referees), so in reality the Rams were clearly the better team. I consider the true score to be 23-13. I'm loving Joe's attitude about the outcome and his resolve to be even better next year.

This is how I feel too. It hurts because losing the Super Bowl sucks, and you never know if/when you'll be back, but the fact that this team got there with significant flaws in year 1.5 of Burrow's career is incredible. The Bengals almost stole the game, and maybe even should have, but the Rams were better. The Bengals had no margin for error, and there were just enough execution and coaching issues to cost them. I think the Bengals were better coached and more prepared, but the talent disparity between Bengals OL and Rams DL ultimately was too much.

[Hillsdale87]

If the Bengals get just a average O-line, I think they steamroll the league. Not only would Burrow have more time, but Mixon gets better blocking as well. I hear a lot of people saying to dump everything into the O line, but I think that’s a mistake. Get the line up to league average. Maybe a tick above. It’s unacceptable right now. Do that. Get Burrow another target to hit and make the defense even better. IMO approach the O line like the D last year. Mid tier to high mid tier FA. And maybe bring a top tier guy to the D and TE or WR.

I don't think we need another WR. Could be worth taking a flier on somebody, but it's already an elite group. The defense needs another edge rusher (which I'm guessing they're just planning to be Ossai), an interior rusher, and probably a CB. On offense IMO it's all OL. I think they need to come away with 2-3 starting OL in FA, and then that allows them to go BPA in the draft.

[RiverRat13]

As long as my tinfoil hat is on, it seemed like Mahomes threw the game in the 2nd half of the AFC championship game.

I get that the Bengals changed their defensive look. But Mahomes went from elite QB to trash. It was too drastic of a change.

Did Vegas have a chat with Pat at halftime, and make him an offer he couldn't refuse?

Yes.

The Chinese government leveraged TikTok against Mahomes' brother and made a number of significant bets on the Bengals. They used all of the data they had on the family and infiltrated the Chiefs locker room at halftime. Pat had a tough choice - win the AFC Championship or allow his brother to be compromised. He chose family, and I for one commend him on his decision.

[RiverRat13]

I don't think we need another WR. Could be worth taking a flier on somebody, but it's already an elite group. The defense needs another edge rusher (which I'm guessing they're just planning to be Ossai), an interior rusher, and probably a CB. On offense IMO it's all OL. I think they need to come away with 2-3 starting OL in FA, and then that allows them to go BPA in the draft.

I think they will look for one in the 4th or 5th round. There's not much behind the three starters. I agree with the rest. If they get two significant upgrades at OL in free agency, I still think they need to go there at 31. If they get three, then they can truly go BPA.

[Redsfaithful]

I think they will look for one in the 4th or 5th round. There's not much behind the three starters. I agree with the rest. If they get two significant upgrades at OL in free agency, I still think they need to go there at 31. If they get three, then they can truly go BPA.

I agree with this, and one thing Tobin has historically been pretty good at is getting WR value in the middle of the draft. Getting another 5th round Marvin Jones type wouldn't hurt.

[Sea Ray]

Arguably no team has 3 better WRs than Chase, Higgins, Boyd. I'd be hard pressed to find anything we need less than a WR. If you wanna give Burrow another weapon, upgrading TE would be the way to go about it. He had open WRs on Sunday. The problem was getting the time to find them

[KoryMac5]

The Bengals might not do this but trading 31 for an established O line starter might be something to consider also moving Williams to Guard or RT might end up happening if you sign a guy like Armstead.

[KoryMac5]

AL Golden headed to Notre Dame...did a nice job as LB coach.

[UKFlounder]

If a mid-rounds WR can return kicks or punts, it might be worth considering

[Redsfaithful]

Arguably no team has 3 better WRs than Chase, Higgins, Boyd. I'd be hard pressed to find anything we need less than a WR. If you wanna give Burrow another weapon, upgrading TE would be the way to go about it. He had open WRs on Sunday. The problem was getting the time to find them

Have to keep the pipeline open and flowing though, plus they have zero depth for injury right now.

[Bob Sheed]

Yes.

The Chinese government leveraged TikTok against Mahomes' brother and made a number of significant bets on the Bengals. They used all of the data they had on the family and infiltrated the Chiefs locker room at halftime. Pat had a tough choice - win the AFC Championship or allow his brother to be compromised. He chose family, and I for one commend him on his decision.

Touche.

But how did Jordan's gambling problems work out for his old man?

How about Pete Rose, the ultimate competitor. Think he was forced to throw any games?

Like I said, my tin foil hat is on, sure... But to act like some external factor influencing NFL games is outside the realm of possibility, is to have your head in the sand.

That was a profound dropoff in execution from Mahomes in the 2nd half. Probably nothing to it. But I see who the NFL is in bed with these days, and it makes me wonder sometimes.

[traderumor]

I'm done complaining about officiating. The moral of the story for that game was the Bengals could not manage one more score after the flurry to start the 3rd Q and had to hope they could hold out til the end. That led to trying to make a goal line stand at the end. The offense needed to make sure it did not come down to that, and they were unable to. The refs were trying to do their jobs just the same.

With that said, the new alliance with sports betting is only going to make integrity of competition charges increase and will eventually lead to a cheating scandal that will rock all the leagues.

[KoryMac5]

How much fun was this season though...

Been a fan since 81 never have I had this much fun with a team...sad the magic ran out but this is a team I will list as one of my all time faves right up there with the 1990 Reds.

[Redsfaithful]

How much fun was this season though...

Been a fan since 81 never have I had this much fun with a team...sad the magic ran out but this is a team I will list as one of my all time faves right up there with the 1990 Reds.

Absolutely. Season was a blessing.

And while it's hard to get back, and hard to miss an opportunity that's right there ... not many people saw this as being the year where they'd have the opportunity to win a Super Bowl to begin with. All this run did was INCREASE the chance for Burrow to win a ring (or rings). Players who want to win are going to want to be in Cincinnati.

[Sea Ray]

Have to keep the pipeline open and flowing though, plus they have zero depth for injury right now.

I agree but that case can be made for any position, including QB. We have zero depth for injury there

[KoryMac5]

Burrow suffered a knee sprain...should not alter his offseason plans

[Tuff Nut]

Green Bay's De'Vondre Campbell has stated that the holding call against Logan Wilson was "atrocious."


Haven’t seen it discussed on here on the final play but has anyone seen the picture of Ramsey on his butt and Chase wide open?

Burrow had a game winning touchdown on that play if he only had one more second or two. That speaks volumes how our offensive line needs tweaked in the offseason and not with rookies.

Well, not that all rookies pan out, and that established players likely fair better, but KC essentially used 3 rookies on there OL.. Humphries, Trey Smith and Niang, when healthy.(yes he was a 2nd year player, but sat out all last season under the Vivid protcol).

Just showing it can be done with rookies.

[oregonred]

Well, not that all rookies pan out, and that established players likely fair better, but KC essentially used 3 rookies on there OL.. Humphries, Trey Smith and Niang, when healthy.(yes he was a 2nd year player, but sat out all last season under the Vivid protcol).

Just showing it can be done with rookies.

KC has a more mobile QB and a much more creative offensive mind in Reid which helps. I would say the issue with the Bengals oline issues are 70% talent and 30% poor scheming/play designs.

Burrow one tough dude. He gutted it out the last 12mins with a knee sprain.

[Redsfaithful]

Burrow one tough dude. He gutted it out the last 12mins with a knee sprain.

Reader said after the game that Burrow is the toughest player he's ever seen. The Bengals have gotta invest in keeping him safe from here on out. Needs to become one of the least sacked QBs in football going forward - that happens and they'll score 500+ points a year.

[MWM]

Reader said after the game that Burrow is the toughest player he's ever seen. The Bengals have gotta invest in keeping him safe from here on out. Needs to become one of the least sacked QBs in football going forward - that happens and they'll score 500+ points a year.

Dan Orlovsky said yesterday that he's afraid Burrow is on the Andrew Luck track right now, which is a little scary. But I can't argue with what he's saying, even if it's not exactly the same. Luck got beat to death playing for Indy and made it all of 7 years.

[Sea Ray]

Dan Orlovsky said yesterday that he's afraid Burrow is on the Andrew Luck track right now, which is a little scary. But I can't argue with what he's saying, even if it's not exactly the same. Luck got beat to death playing for Indy and made it all of 7 years.

Burrow is tougher than Andrew Luck. That said, the Bengals do need to learn from the Colts' mistakes

[Bob Sheed]

Luck was pretty tough.

That guy took an absolute beating, year after year in Indy.

[Redsfaithful]

Dan Orlovsky said yesterday that he's afraid Burrow is on the Andrew Luck track right now, which is a little scary. But I can't argue with what he's saying, even if it's not exactly the same. Luck got beat to death playing for Indy and made it all of 7 years.

He is, for sure. We have an offensive line problem again next year and I'll be rooting for Joe to go elsewhere.

[RedsBaron]

He is, for sure. We have an offensive line problem again next year and I'll be rooting for Joe to go elsewhere.

The comments Carson Palmer made on the eve of the Super Bowl were bitter and ill-timed, but if the Bengals fail to fix the O-Line then I'll concede that he had a point.

[KoryMac5]

The D was fixed through FA I see them going all in this offseason on the line...the coaching staff as well as the FO know it needs to be addressed. Luckily with Burrow and the SB run they may not be a team that needs to overpay for FA's.

[Old school 1983]

I don't think we need another WR. Could be worth taking a flier on somebody, but it's already an elite group. The defense needs another edge rusher (which I'm guessing they're just planning to be Ossai), an interior rusher, and probably a CB. On offense IMO it's all OL. I think they need to come away with 2-3 starting OL in FA, and then that allows them to go BPA in the draft.

I’d really like a guy you could target across the middle on short passes out of the slot. Boyd kinda fits that role, doesn’t need to be a star guy. Just a specialty type guy IMO.

[KoryMac5]

Burrow MCL sprain no surgery

Taylor extended to 2026.

[RiverRat13]

Burrow MCL sprain no surgery

Taylor extended to 2026.

Zac earned it.

[Redsfaithful]

I’d really like a guy you could target across the middle on short passes out of the slot. Boyd kinda fits that role, doesn’t need to be a star guy. Just a specialty type guy IMO.

Maybe the Gronk thing will end up having legs.

[Hillsdale87]

I’d really like a guy you could target across the middle on short passes out of the slot. Boyd kinda fits that role, doesn’t need to be a star guy. Just a specialty type guy IMO.

I don't know if the Bengals will use that though. Trent Taylor could fill that role, but when they go 5 wide it's with RB, TE, and 3 WRs


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chip R]

Burrow MCL sprain no surgery

Taylor extended to 2026.

Good news about Burrow. I don't care how great a QB is, he can't make plays lying on his back. You think a healthy Burrow may have been able to avoid Donald on that 4th down play. He may have been able to make some plays in the previous drive where they ran the ball almost every play. They may have been running clock on that drive but Burrow couldn't make a play and they had to punt.

Fixing the line in free agency is easier said than done. Free agency is a two way street. You have to want them but they also have to want you too. I will say Cincinnati is a more attractive destination for players than it has been in the past but other places are attractive too. And how much is ownership going to want to raise payroll? Burrow is going to be in his 3rd year and in a couple of years, he's going to get paid. Mixon is pretty close to free agency. Is he a candidate for an extension or do you hesitate because of the short shelf life of NFL running backs? The receivers are going to get paid too - save for Chase who is only going to be a 2nd year player. If the Bengals really want Burrow to be a Bengal for life, they may not want too many long term deals for other players.

[Wonderful Monds]

Maybe the Gronk thing will end up having legs.

Gronk is also an excellent blocker, so yeah I hope so.


What was Gio’s contract with the Bucs? I tend to recall him being a pretty good blocker for a back. I also wouldn’t mind having him back, giving Burrow another receiving option out of the backfield and helping boost his protection.

[oregonred]

Mixon is signed for 2 more years with an club option for 2025.

With Burrow, Chase, Higgins and an above average Oline they are set for a while and can compete for a championship in any year.

I would say Boyd is a luxury as a WR3 at 10M a year.

Upgrade wr3-wr5 with average receivers and redeploy Boyd's $ for OL or other needs.(after this season?).

I like CJ but he is an average TE. An above average TE would be lethal with Burrow.

I want to see a lot more creative use of Chris Evans next season.

[KoryMac5]

Mixon is signed for 2 more years with an club option for 2025.

With Burrow, Chase, Higgins and an above average Oline they are set for a while and can compete for a championship in any year.

I would say Boyd is a luxury as a WR3 at 10M a year.

Upgrade wr3-wr5 with average receivers and redeploy Boyd's $ for OL or other needs.(after this season?).

I like CJ but he is an average TE. An above average TE would be lethal with Burrow.

I want to see a lot more creative use of Chris Evans next season.

Boyd is one of the best slot guys in the league though and he is Burrows emergency valve.. He catches everything and is an excellent blocker. Plus he has really good chemistry with Higgins and Chase. I see them running everything back with additions to the offensive line.

CJ seems the biggest question mark to me but he may take less to stay. If not Gronk might be worth looking at.

[RiverRat13]

They run so many 3 receiver sets that I'm not sure I'd call Boyd a luxury. And they were very fortunate with health this year. If Chase or Higgins had to miss a few games, they'd really miss Boyd if he was gone. They'd save about $7,000,000 on the cap if they cut him this year. But you'd probably have to use a 3rd or 4th on his replacement in the slot which means they probably use two mid round picks on WR. Next year is where it gets interesting with a closer to $9,000,000 savings. They'd need to develop some guys to even think about it with how little they have behind the three starters.

[KoryMac5]

They have a window before Chase and Burrow get expensive...I hope they go for it over the next few years because the time is now. Fix the line and add a hammer on D.

[membengal]

There's approximately a 0.0% chance they cut Boyd.

The two obvious cuts for immediate cap savings are Wayans and Hopkins. They currently have $57 million in available cap, but if they cut Wayans and Hopkins their available cap for FA etc goes up to $72 - $74 million dollar range. That's a lot to go shopping with for line help and re-signing our own target FAs...

[Chip R]

The Bengals are probably in the most envious position of any team in the NFL. A young offensive core with a 3rd year QB. The defense was good enough to get them to the Super Bowl. They are in a division with a PIT team looking for a new QB, a CLE team with a huge question mark at QB among other positions, and a BAL team with a lot of talent but maybe Lamar is starting to break down. There's no coaching or ownership controversy. Even if Mike Brown passed away the family would still retain control of the team. Sure, their OL needs fixed but so do a lot of teams. They have plenty of cap room and a feelgood vibe around the franchise.

However, things in the NFL can change quickly. Last year at this time the Browns were the up and coming team. It's also tougher maintaining a championship team than building one. Some people may contract what Pat Riley called "The disease of me." I think everyone knows what that is. While the Bengals youth is a positive, it can also be a drawback. Young players often are not mature players. This may be Taylor's biggest challenge. Of course injuries are a factor. The Bengals were fairly fortunate with injuries this season. Even if they fix that OL, there could be some kind of freak injury that sidelines Burrow. Look at what happened to Dan Marino. Slipped on dirt in CLE and messed up his knee. Burrow's running abilities aren't a big part of his game like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Burrow doesn't seek out contact but he will run when he needs to. He usually slides or runs out of bounds before he gets hit. That's a huge positive for his health both short and long term. The Bengals are going to be a target in 2022. They aren't going to take anyone by surprise. They have BUF and KC at home plus their divisional opponents. They have to play DAL, NE, TB, NO and TEN on the road. No gimmies but a good teams wins most of those games - even if they are on the road.

I think their biggest opponent will be themselves. They will have expectations now. I think fans will expect them to make the playoffs at a minimum. Even making the playoffs and losing in the first round will be a disappointment to most Bengals fans.

[dubc47834]

Burrow is tougher than Andrew Luck. That said, the Bengals do need to learn from the Colts' mistakes

I hope you're kidding. I'm not saying that Burrow isn't tough, but he's never had to play with ruptured internal organs. The Colts were fine with this guy getting destroyed almost every game. I don't blame him for retiring!

[oregonred]

There's approximately a 0.0% chance they cut Boyd.

The two obvious cuts for immediate cap savings are Wayans and Hopkins. They currently have $57 million in available cap, but if they cut Wayans and Hopkins their available cap for FA etc goes up to $72 - $74 million dollar range. That's a lot to go shopping with for line help and re-signing our own target FAs...

Of course zero chance Boyd would be cut for cap space. Boyd has a good contract for 2022 and 2023 at $8.25M and $8.45M net of signing bonus already paid. They will let that ride, but will be tough to sign him after 2023 as the focus will be on the Higgins LT extension.

The only possibiloty was suggesting Boyd could be an interesting trade candidate for top tier O-Line help. With ample cap space for 2022 this should not be an issue. Cutting Waynes and Hopkins are the obvious first moves.

The Bengals do need to upgrade backup WRs and I would like to see the possibility with an upgrade at TE. Ideally a way to keep both Uzomah and bring someone else in to really open up the middle of the field.

[KoryMac5]

I hope you're kidding. I'm not saying that Burrow isn't tough, but he's never had to play with ruptured internal organs. The Colts were fine with this guy getting destroyed almost every game. I don't blame him for retiring!

I put Burrow and Luck in the same category (too tough for their own good...) there desire to win is so strong they put health and safety to the side. It's what makes them great but the cost down the road is so high. Big reason Luck walked away...cause he couldn't turn it off.

Burrow's mic'd up scream after being bent backwards is tough to hear.

[Old school 1983]

Of course zero chance Boyd would be cut for cap space. Boyd has a good contract for 2022 and 2023 at $8.25M and $8.45M net of signing bonus already paid. They will let that ride, but will be tough to sign him after 2023 as the focus will be on the Higgins LT extension.

The only possibiloty was suggesting Boyd could be an interesting trade candidate for top tier O-Line help. With ample cap space for 2022 this should not be an issue. Cutting Waynes and Hopkins are the obvious first moves.

The Bengals do need to upgrade backup WRs and I would like to see the possibility with an upgrade at TE. Ideally a way to keep both Uzomah and bring someone else in to really open up the middle of the field.

I was thinking someone who could be a pest. Like Berrios. Or if you wanted a tier above Smith-Schuster. A guy that you could hit over the middle or on quick hit check down type plays as a safety valve when the big guys don’t get open.

[dubc47834]

I put Burrow and Luck in the same category (too tough for their own good...) there desire to win is so strong they put health and safety to the side. It's what makes them great but the cost down the road is so high. Big reason Luck walked away...cause he couldn't turn it off.

Burrow's mic'd up scream after being bent backwards is tough to hear.

I completely agree!

[traderumor]

I am reminded of where I was once we clinched the division, hoping we could get that elusive playoff win, and where we ended up, almost winning it all! I am keeping those goalposts right where they were and excited to see a sustainable winning team be built.

[KoryMac5]

I am reminded of where I was once we clinched the division, hoping we could get that elusive playoff win, and where we ended up, almost winning it all! I am keeping those goalposts right where they were and excited to see a sustainable winning team be built.

I would agree anything short of an AFC Championship run would feel like a set back..

Young team, bringing back your core, money to spend in FA to fix issues, drafting for depth.

You want to make your run now before Burrow hits 50 mil a season

[The Operator]

I completely agree!

Dub you were rooting hard for Stafford to win this Super Bowl. Curious what you think about the fact that he watched a woman fall 10 feet and fracture her spine only to turn around and walk away without helping or even acting remotely concerned or empathetic.

And yes I know he and his wife are now supposedly paying her medical bills, because of course their PR people realized what an awful look that was, but it definitely makes him seem like a dbag.

Oh, and the girl fell while trying to take a picture that he and his wife requested. Literally insult on top of injury.

[Hillsdale87]

I was thinking someone who could be a pest. Like Berrios. Or if you wanted a tier above Smith-Schuster. A guy that you could hit over the middle or on quick hit check down type plays as a safety valve when the big guys don’t get open.

Isn't that what Boyd is?

[Oxilon]

Boyd is good and easily one of the best slot receivers in the league...why is this even a discussion? The only thing the Bengals should be looking at this offseason is improving the lines.

[Redsfaithful]

Boyd discussion comes after next season, no reason not to roll with the 3 WRs they have. Should try to improve depth, but that's a cost effective and elite group.

[KoryMac5]

https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/allbengals-insiders-plus/no-fan-left-behind-a-cincinnati-bengals-season-to-remember

What a magical ride and really transformed a fan base...

[WVRed]

Dub you were rooting hard for Stafford to win this Super Bowl. Curious what you think about the fact that he watched a woman fall 10 feet and fracture her spine only to turn around and walk away without helping or even acting remotely concerned or empathetic.

And yes I know he and his wife are now supposedly paying her medical bills, because of course their PR people realized what an awful look that was, but it definitely makes him seem like a dbag.

Oh, and the girl fell while trying to take a picture that he and his wife requested. Literally insult on top of injury.

Dude was pretty sauced to the point Tom Brady was giving him advice.

[WVRed]

Boyd discussion comes after next season, no reason not to roll with the 3 WRs they have. Should try to improve depth, but that's a cost effective and elite group.

I’m not going to be disappointed if they draft someone late. It’s not a necessity but the more weapons Burrow has the better.

Another TE and an upgrade for Perine would be nice. I was hoping Evans would fill that role but he’s not good in pass protection. I’d like to see either Jalen Wydermyer or Jeremy Ruckert to replace Uzomah.

[KoryMac5]

Artlicle on new CB coach Charles Burks...

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/nfl/2021/05/25/miami-dolphins-first-year-cb-coach-charles-burks-had-five-d-ii-stops/7439842002/

[KoryMac5]

James Bettcher is the new LB coach...he comes in from SF worked with Lou in 2018.

https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/james-bettcher-bengals-linebackers-coach

[oregonred]

Boyd is good and easily one of the best slot receivers in the league...why is this even a discussion? The only thing the Bengals should be looking at this offseason is improving the lines.

Cause its the offseason

Boyd's contract is a good one over the next two years and if he helps you get a premier OL its something to be evaluated. He won't be here past 2023 with the bill on Higgins and Burrow coming due.

[KoryMac5]

PFF top 101 players

Burrow
Chase
Higgins
Mixon
Reader

All make the list:https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-101-top-101-players-from-2021-nfl-season

[dubc47834]

Dub you were rooting hard for Stafford to win this Super Bowl. Curious what you think about the fact that he watched a woman fall 10 feet and fracture her spine only to turn around and walk away without helping or even acting remotely concerned or empathetic.

And yes I know he and his wife are now supposedly paying her medical bills, because of course their PR people realized what an awful look that was, but it definitely makes him seem like a dbag.

Oh, and the girl fell while trying to take a picture that he and his wife requested. Literally insult on top of injury.

It definitely wasn't a good look for him. I don't think that makes him a bad person. I don't know what his thoughts were on that, maybe he didn't know it was 10 feet, who knows. He definitely could have reacted a lot better in that situation.