2023 Cincinnati Bengals Part 1: Offseason

[WVRed]

Figured we needed an offseason thread with the season ending tonight.

[RedTeamGo!]

Draft a WR early and take a bunch of OL and DBs rest of the draft.

[MWM]

This team needs a legit pass rusher. If you look at the other 3 teams in the conference championship, they all had a great pass rush. That was the ultimate decider in last year’s Super Bowl as well. Statistically, the bengals were in the bottom third in team pass rush all year. They don’t consistently get pressure on the QB. That’s a hole that needs to be filled somehow.

[UKFlounder]

If Ossai is hurt, they may need 2 D-linemen, to go with 1-2 O-linemen, some DBs, perhaps another RB and/or WR, if they make any cap cuts.

‘Its a lot of holes to fill with few draft picks

[RiverRat13]

I think most teams would look hard at cutting both Mixon and Boyd. I doubt the Bengals cut either.

They have to bring Bell back. No way they can roll out two new safeties. Pratt is probably gone and they extend Wilson at LB.

Tee is the biggest question. Even with a Burrow extension they will have two more cheap years at QB. They could simply hold on to Tee, franchise him in ‘24 and then let him walk. They could extend him, but now that would be a lot of resources on offense. Or they could trade him this year. I’m guessing they go with the first option.

[KoryMac5]

I think most teams would look hard at cutting both Mixon and Boyd. I doubt the Bengals cut either.

They have to bring Bell back. No way they can roll out two new safeties. Pratt is probably gone and they extend Wilson at LB.

Tee is the biggest question. Even with a Burrow extension they will have two more cheap years at QB. They could simply hold on to Tee, franchise him in ‘24 and then let him walk. They could extend him, but now that would be a lot of resources on offense. Or they could trade him this year. I’m guessing they go with the first option.

I think they keep Boyd huge loss tonight when he went down Irwin was not the answer...I could see Mixon cut or restructure coming.

Pratt walks...they have Davis Gaither who they like...and Pratt will and should command top dollar.
Bates walks as he wants top dollar as a safety.
Bell I would think they would resign just based on his leadership and overall play the past 3 years.

I could see a tackle and edge rusher in the draft guard around 4th round...maybe a running back if one falls that they like. Corner for depth perhaps. Deep draft for edge rushers and corners.

[WVRed]

Draft a WR early and take a bunch of OL and DBs rest of the draft.

I think they could get a capable WR in the middle rounds. Germaine Pratt who I definitely think is gone now after his outburst last night is a FA and there are holes all over the defense. Depth overall just needs addressed.


This team needs a legit pass rusher. If you look at the other 3 teams in the conference championship, they all had a great pass rush. That was the ultimate decider in last year’s Super Bowl as well. Statistically, the bengals were in the bottom third in team pass rush all year. They don’t consistently get pressure on the QB. That’s a hole that needs to be filled somehow.

I was kinda hoping they would have given up their first to Denver for Bradley Chubb but I don’t think they could have signed him long term.

To roughly quote Buffalos GM, “You don’t want to suck bad enough to draft a Myles Garrett”. Hubbard and Hendrickson are solid but there’s no Joe Burrow on defense.

Drafting one as late as the Bengals are picking is such a crapshoot. You might end up with TJ Watt or a rotational player. I don’t know what the answer is to getting one.

[MWM]

For the love of all things holy, please do not let Eli Apple be in a bengals uniform next season.

[RedTeamGo!]

19161

I’m sorry this might be too soon but I thought this was kind of funny

[RiverRat13]

They also need an upgrade at punter.

[Hillsdale87]

I think most teams would look hard at cutting both Mixon and Boyd. I doubt the Bengals cut either.

They have to bring Bell back. No way they can roll out two new safeties. Pratt is probably gone and they extend Wilson at LB.

Tee is the biggest question. Even with a Burrow extension they will have two more cheap years at QB. They could simply hold on to Tee, franchise him in ‘24 and then let him walk. They could extend him, but now that would be a lot of resources on offense. Or they could trade him this year. I’m guessing they go with the first option.

I would cut Boyd and Mixon and draft a WR in one of the first 3 rounds and a RB around there too. I'd rather pay Pratt than Boyd. Or if not Pratt, save that money for Higgins. He's more valuable than Boyd and Mixon combined IMO.

[WVRed]

I would cut Boyd and Mixon and draft a WR in one of the first 3 rounds and a RB around there too. I'd rather pay Pratt than Boyd. Or if not Pratt, save that money for Higgins. He's more valuable than Boyd and Mixon combined IMO.

After Taylor’s comments after the game and some of the other players (BJ Hill) I don’t know if you can let Pratt back into the locker room.

[RiverRat13]

Pratt was great this year but they can't afford to pay two linebackers. I will guess they pay Wilson. Have to hope ADG is ready to take Pratt's place. Linebacker play is notoriously fickle outside of the truly elite.

[Redsfaithful]

Pratt was already gone - Goodberry thinks he's going to get something like 4 years, $60 million somewhere.

That's where the outburst came from, Pratt knew this was his last chance on a stacked Bengals team.

I did some reading this morning and the Bengals are in way better shape with the cap than most outsiders commenting seem to realize. There's a narrative that the Bengals have to blow this up because they are paying Burrow and I don't know where it's coming from.

Burrow's new deal, whenever he signs, isn't going to hurt until 2025+, they control Higgins for two more years if they want (would need to use the franchise tag), Boyd is signed through next year, and they can create cap room if they want by doing something with Mixon, either cutting or restructuring. He's their third biggest 2023 cap hit currently.

Some of the guys they are about to lose aren't going to come back not because the Bengals don't have cap room but because they probably should be allocating the resources differently.

I just want upgrades on both lines, secondary help, and a new punter. Hoping Awuzie can come back full strength.

I'm wondering if Jonah couldn't move to RT if they think Carman could play LT. I'd rather have Carman be tackle depth, but that could be a way to handle. If Collins comes back at some point in the season then you just have more depth.

I don't think this will be a popular opinion, but - to some extent - I don't want to see BPA in the first round going forward. With a QB coming off his rookie deal soon I think they need to focus on filling expensive positions there, like offensive tackle, pass rush, receivers, corners.

[KoryMac5]

After Taylor’s comments after the game and some of the other players (BJ Hill) I don’t know if you can let Pratt back into the locker room.

Pratt wasn't coming back...you are not going to pay both Wilson and Pratt top dollar. Pratt did not like being only a 2 down LB as well I would think he will pursue a contract and role where he will be a 3 down LB. I would estimate he will cost around 15 million per season to keep.

He did apologize on twitter got caught up in the emotions which is understandable said he wasn't a good teammate and would be open to coming back.

[Kingspoint]

Do not pay Jonah Williams $12M to play LT for the Bengals' next season. Pay someone else $17M-$20M if you have to. That $5M-$8M difference can make or break both,... next season's results, but also make or break Joe Burrow's career (when he gets carted off the field from another Jonah whiff).

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Pratt wasn't coming back...you are not going to pay both Wilson and Pratt top dollar. Pratt did not like being only a 2 down LB as well I would think he will pursue a contract and role where he will be a 3 down LB. I would estimate he will cost around 15 million per season to keep.

He did apologize on twitter got caught up in the emotions which is understandable said he wasn't a good teammate and would be open to coming back.

There are very few 3-down LB's in the NFL. I don't think that's a goal of any LB. Most teams use 5 DB's more than 50% of the time.

[Kingspoint]

Pratt was great this year but they can't afford to pay two linebackers. I will guess they pay Wilson. Have to hope ADG is ready to take Pratt's place. Linebacker play is notoriously fickle outside of the truly elite.

It's a position where you only need one good one, as Flowers is the 2nd LB on most occasions. The 3rd LB can be rotated depending on the situation. That's not a spot to pay anything other than league minimum for while 5th Round players on rookie contracts fill in admirably there.

[Kingspoint]

This team needs a legit pass rusher. If you look at the other 3 teams in the conference championship, they all had a great pass rush. That was the ultimate decider in last year’s Super Bowl as well. Statistically, the bengals were in the bottom third in team pass rush all year. They don’t consistently get pressure on the QB. That’s a hole that needs to be filled somehow.

Completely disagree. Hendrickson, Reader, Hubbard are elite, extremely elite. Their season results speak for themselves. You can't improve on what they do. The other five spots have plenty of options and Anarumo just needs enough talent to make the calls work.

Defensive Line is the least of this team's concerns. It's excellent.

[Kingspoint]

They also need an upgrade at punter.

...maybe just experience.

[oregonred]

For the love of all things holy, please do not let Eli Apple be in a bengals uniform next season.
Apple has been a great pickup as a low cost third CB last year forced to start when $15M a year Wayans couldnt answer the bell.

This year he was a bargain at $3.75M (including incentives) and played very well as the default #1 CB when Awuzie went down with the ACL. Apple was graded third highest on D yesterday with a 73.0

BTW, CTB is becoming a player. 2 great games in a row per PFF. 77.9. Looks like the Bengals hit the jackpot in the late 2nd round (great move trading up a few spots).

BTW, BJ Hill was the top defender grade at 78.9. Another amazing FO pickup last year and re-sign in the offseason.

[Kingspoint]

Pratt was already gone - Goodberry thinks he's going to get something like 4 years, $60 million somewhere.

That's where the outburst came from, Pratt knew this was his last chance on a stacked Bengals team.

I did some reading this morning and the Bengals are in way better shape with the cap than most outsiders commenting seem to realize. There's a narrative that the Bengals have to blow this up because they are paying Burrow and I don't know where it's coming from.

Burrow's new deal, whenever he signs, isn't going to hurt until 2025+, they control Higgins for two more years if they want (would need to use the franchise tag), Boyd is signed through next year, and they can create cap room if they want by doing something with Mixon, either cutting or restructuring. He's their third biggest 2023 cap hit currently.

Some of the guys they are about to lose aren't going to come back not because the Bengals don't have cap room but because they probably should be allocating the resources differently.

I just want upgrades on both lines, secondary help, and a new punter. Hoping Awuzie can come back full strength.

I'm wondering if Jonah couldn't move to RT if they think Carman could play LT. I'd rather have Carman be tackle depth, but that could be a way to handle. If Collins comes back at some point in the season then you just have more depth.

I don't think this will be a popular opinion, but - to some extent - I don't want to see BPA in the first round going forward. With a QB coming off his rookie deal soon I think they need to focus on filling expensive positions there, like offensive tackle, pass rush, receivers, corners.

All of the future contract information for every Bengal including the team as a whole.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/cap/

[oregonred]

19162

[Kingspoint]

19162

Where was Bates? I did notice him keeping things controlled and the Defense focused with, what appeared to be, a leadership role during the game. There's no PFF grades for that.

[KoryMac5]

Do not pay Jonah Williams $12M to play LT for the Bengals' next season. Pay someone else $17M-$20M if you have to. That $5M-$8M difference can make or break both,... next season's results, but also make or break Joe Burrow's career (when he gets carted off the field from another Jonah whiff).

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There are very few 3-down LB's in the NFL. I don't think that's a goal of any LB. Most teams use 5 DB's more than 50% of the time.

It's about dollars though LB's who stay on the field more get paid more...not saying Pratt is worth Roquan Smith dollars but he will get paid like a top 5 LB...

And I think they already guaranteed Jonah's 5th year so he's getting paid.

[MWM]

Apple has been a great pickup as a low cost third CB last year forced to start when $15M a year Wayans couldnt answer the bell.

This year he was a bargain at $3.75M (including incentives) and played very well as the default #1 CB when Awuzie went down with the ACL. Apple was graded third highest on D yesterday with a 73.0

It's not only about his play on the field. He talks way too much for a guy who isn't very good. Reminds me a bit of Dre Kirkpatrick, who was not good at all, but ran his mouth constantly. I just don't like those types of players. I don't think he really fits well with this group of guys.

[KoryMac5]

It's not only about his play on the field. He talks way too much for a guy who isn't very good. Reminds me a bit of Dre Kirkpatrick, who was not good at all, but ran his mouth constantly. I just don't like those types of players. I don't think he really fits well with this group of guys.

I read a few articles where the DBs love Apple and he enjoys playing here...so if the price is reasonable I think he comes back as a depth piece until Chido is healthy.

[Kingspoint]

The Anarumo requests for interviews are starting. The Cardinals have requested interviews with both he and Callahan.

Anarumo and Kyler Murray. That's a relationship that would never work as Anarumo would insist on holding Murray accountable for his actions and Murray is not one who will ever do that his life. Murray will have to be traded if Anarumo took that job, or else Anarumo would resign eventually after Murray whines to the media about some kind of excuse that has nothing to do with what's actually going on.

Anarumo is not stupid enough to walk into that situation.

Callahan might be, but Anarumo isn't. Callahan would have to be an idiot to leave Burrow and the Bengals for Murray and the Cardinals.

[Kingspoint]

It's about dollars though LB's who stay on the field more get paid more...not saying Pratt is worth Roquan Smith dollars but he will get paid like a top 5 LB...

And I think they already guaranteed Jonah's 5th year so he's getting paid.

I posted the spotrac salaries of everyone, so you can see Jonah's. Williams doesn't have to get paid in Cincinnati, and if we can't trade him, he doesn't have to get paid to play LT. He's definitely tradeable.

[KoryMac5]

The Anarumo requests for interviews are starting. The Cardinals have requested interviews with both he and Callahan.

Anarumo and Kyler Murray. That's a relationship that would never work as Anarumo would insist on holding Murray accountable for his actions and Murray is not one who will ever do that his life. Murray will have to be traded if Anarumo took that job, or else Anarumo would resign eventually after Murray whines to the media about some kind of excuse that has nothing to do with what's actually going on.

Anarumo is not stupid enough to walk into that situation.

Callahan might be, but Anarumo isn't. Callahan would have to be an idiot to leave Burrow and the Bengals for Murray and the Cardinals.

Opportunity to coach with his Dad I know it had been talked about in the past...Callahan has worked magic with some really good QB's

[Kingspoint]

The Chargers' signing of Kellen Moore as O. C. should make winning the Division more difficult for Kansas City. Herbert has already beaten the Chiefs without Moore a couple of times.

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Opportunity to coach with his Dad I know it had been talked about in the past...Callahan has worked magic with some really good QB's

Working magic with Quarterbacks is different than changing a human being's work ethic. That's something that is inate.

[Kingspoint]

Colts have requested a 2nd Interview with Callahan. That would be a much better job than with the Cardinals.

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2023/01/colts-to-conduct-second-hc-interview-with-brian-callahan

[KoryMac5]

I posted the spotrac salaries of everyone, so you can see Jonah's. Williams doesn't have to get paid in Cincinnati, and if we can't trade him, he doesn't have to get paid to play LT. He's definitely tradeable.

I don't see him having much value or a team being interested in him...he has to get stronger this offseason. Ultimately I think he eventually switches to guard.

[Kingspoint]

I don't see him having much value or a team being interested in him...he has to get stronger this offseason. Ultimately I think he eventually switches to guard.

Quality LT's are so rare in the NFL that teams are willing to take a chance on a mediocre one that was a former high 1st Round pick going on his 2nd contract. The Bengals are considering it, as desperate as they are for one to protect Joe Burrow, so why not half a dozen other teams? If I remember from the Spotrac posting, there's a $4M or $5M cap hit if the Bengals move Williams.

[CTA513]

I would cut Boyd and Mixon and draft a WR in one of the first 3 rounds and a RB around there too. I'd rather pay Pratt than Boyd. Or if not Pratt, save that money for Higgins. He's more valuable than Boyd and Mixon combined IMO.

Boyd produces when given the chance.
Won't be hard for him to find a team.

[Kingspoint]

Boyd produces when given the chance.
Won't be hard for him to find a team.

He'll be highly coveted. He was underused this season as the #3 WR on the team and their usage of formations that didn't require him, in addition to him sharing time with Irwin.

But, the reason for cutting Boyd is to open things up for Irwin, in addition to Irwin being much cheaper in future years. Boyd's next contract is unaffordable, so moving on now is a real option.

Going for it again with Boyd is an easy decision, but if they could find $1M here, $2M there, $500K somewhere else, $3M somewhere to help offset what it would take to retain Bates under the tag for one more year and/or upgrade at LT next season with a Free Agent or trade, then I let Irwin take Boyd's snaps and find another to take Irwin's. We can also draft a TE in the 1st Round and run more two TE sets with Hurst and the 1st Round TE, which removes Boyd from the equation altogether. Boyd's role was already reduced with Hurst's addition. Even the use of two RB's in the backfield at the same time like they tried vs K.C. takes Boyd out of the equation.

[WVRed]

He'll be highly coveted. He was underused this season as the #3 WR on the team and their usage of formations that didn't require him, in addition to him sharing time with Irwin.

But, the reason for cutting Boyd is to open things up for Irwin, in addition to Irwin being much cheaper in future years. Boyd's next contract is unaffordable, so moving on now is a real option.

Going for it again with Boyd is an easy decision, but if they could find $1M here, $2M there, $500K somewhere else, $3M somewhere to help offset what it would take to retain Bates under the tag for one more year and/or upgrade at LT next season with a Free Agent or trade, then I let Irwin take Boyd's snaps and find another to take Irwin's. We can also draft a TE in the 1st Round and run more two TE sets with Hurst and the 1st Round TE, which removes Boyd from the equation altogether. Boyd's role was already reduced with Hurst's addition. Even the use of two RB's in the backfield at the same time like they tried vs K.C. takes Boyd out of the equation.


If you are planning on Irwin replacing Boyd, get ready for more teams to do what KC did last night in doubling Higgins and Chase.

If they let Boyd go, hope that Jaxon Smith-Ngiba, Jordan Addison or Jaylin Hyatt are available at the end of round 1. Or even Josh Downs or Rashee Rice in later rounds.

[Old school 1983]

Offensively, I want a stud running back. That would open up everything.

[WVRed]

Offensively, I want a stud running back. That would open up everything.

They could have Adrian Peterson in his prime and it would solve nothing behind this offensive line.

There are some good options. I’m high on Jahmyr Gibbs and could see him being an option in the second round.

[KoryMac5]

They could have Adrian Peterson in his prime and it would solve nothing behind this offensive line.

There are some good options. I’m high on Jahmyr Gibbs and could see him being an option in the second round.

The O line was solid when healthy...obviously you would like to upgrade Williams and Collins if able.

[Old school 1983]

The O line was solid when healthy...obviously you would like to upgrade Williams and Collins if able.

I think Carman is a viable option at one of those spots. In reality they’ll need both him and Williams until Collins makes it back.

[Kingspoint]

If you are planning on Irwin replacing Boyd, get ready for more teams to do what KC did last night in doubling Higgins and Chase.

If they let Boyd go, hope that Jaxon Smith-Ngiba, Jordan Addison or Jaylin Hyatt are available at the end of round 1. Or even Josh Downs or Rashee Rice in later rounds.

I think the Bengals can easily come up with a plan to offset teams trying to double both Higgins and Chase. Not worried about that, especially when the running game improves with the addition of Cappa and Collins (later in the year), and if we draft the TE everyone projects us to do. If they want to double both of them and we run more 12-personnel sets, then that Defense will get exposed quickly with so many quality options available for Burrow to choose from.

[Tony Cloninger]

A lot of Raven and Steeler fans are waiting for the Bengals to get into cap trouble. They think Brown might not even sign Burrow. Not even bringing up the naming of stadiums right to get more money. Acting like they never signed Palmer to a Top 5 contract for several years. They assume he would not pay for Palmer. They won’t pay for Burrow. The cap keeps going up and they can stretch out the money for Burrow.

[Kingspoint]

Another off-season where the realistic goal is to win a Super Bowl.

Life is good for a Bengals' fan.

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A lot of Raven and Steeler fans are waiting for the Bengals to get into cap trouble. They think Brown might not even sign Burrow. Not even bringing up the naming of stadiums right to get more money. Acting like they never signed Palmer to a Top 5 contract for several years. They assume he would not pay for Palmer. They won’t pay for Burrow. The cap keeps going up and they can stretch out the money for Burrow.

It's easy for the Steelers as they have no talent.

The Ravens have only one choice....go into cap hell or draft a QB in the 1st Round. I see Bucky Brooks thinks the Ravens will do the latter.

If they'll pay for Peko and Maualuga, they'll pay for Chase and Burrow and Higgins. Heck, they paid Mixon $12M, and he's a RB, a position that's not coveted in the league anymore, at least not to the point that anyone should be paid that much unless he's a Top-3 RB, and even then, it's very risky due to potential injuries.

There's no doubt that they've already penciled in Chase, Higgins and Burrow's salaries to the year 2030 and are working on how to allocate whatever is left towards the other positions. Retaining draft picks and even acquiring more is part of that equation.

[KoryMac5]

A lot of Raven and Steeler fans are waiting for the Bengals to get into cap trouble. They think Brown might not even sign Burrow. Not even bringing up the naming of stadiums right to get more money. Acting like they never signed Palmer to a Top 5 contract for several years. They assume he would not pay for Palmer. They won’t pay for Burrow. The cap keeps going up and they can stretch out the money for Burrow.

Even with a QB making a boatload of cash the Chiefs still are able to pay Mahomes, Jones, Clark, Thuney, Kelce, Valdez Scantling, and Reid.

You have to draft well and hit on some bargain FA's

Bengals have to be creative with their cap though and contracts something they have been reluctant to do in the past.

[Tony Cloninger]

Bengals have hit on more FA in the last 2 years than they have in their whole history. Pretty much everyone but that 1 oft I jured CB have been great. Fit in perfectly. I can only hope whoever is making those decisions continues to do so.

I think they can work with Joe to structure the contract to help fit as many players in. Definitely no reaching in the draft like they did during that terrible 2015 draft.

Also is there some stadium issue coming up in 2026 that is due to taxes or something? Is that still an ongoing issue with Brown and the county.

[Wonderful Monds]

Pratt was already gone - Goodberry thinks he's going to get something like 4 years, $60 million somewhere.

That's where the outburst came from, Pratt knew this was his last chance on a stacked Bengals team.

I did some reading this morning and the Bengals are in way better shape with the cap than most outsiders commenting seem to realize. There's a narrative that the Bengals have to blow this up because they are paying Burrow and I don't know where it's coming from.

Burrow's new deal, whenever he signs, isn't going to hurt until 2025+, they control Higgins for two more years if they want (would need to use the franchise tag), Boyd is signed through next year, and they can create cap room if they want by doing something with Mixon, either cutting or restructuring. He's their third biggest 2023 cap hit currently.

Some of the guys they are about to lose aren't going to come back not because the Bengals don't have cap room but because they probably should be allocating the resources differently.

I just want upgrades on both lines, secondary help, and a new punter. Hoping Awuzie can come back full strength.

I'm wondering if Jonah couldn't move to RT if they think Carman could play LT. I'd rather have Carman be tackle depth, but that could be a way to handle. If Collins comes back at some point in the season then you just have more depth.

I don't think this will be a popular opinion, but - to some extent - I don't want to see BPA in the first round going forward. With a QB coming off his rookie deal soon I think they need to focus on filling expensive positions there, like offensive tackle, pass rush, receivers, corners.

That’s what I was getting at in the other thread in terms of not liking the Dax Hill pick. They have to draft for immediate need at this point. Taking a depth safety in case Bates left and/or for leverage on his contract holdout was dumb. Gotta draft with more urgency than that where the team is now.

[Fil3232]

Dax was widely considered a great pick last year and will play a big role on the team going forward. Had they drafted a LB last year it would’ve been the exact same situation which you’re now lamenting.

[Kingspoint]

That’s what I was getting at in the other thread in terms of not liking the Dax Hill pick. They have to draft for immediate need at this point. Taking a depth safety in case Bates left and/or for leverage on his contract holdout was dumb. Gotta draft with more urgency than that where the team is now.

No, no, no.

You have to look ahead at what the costs of Burrow, Higgins and Chase will be down the road, including what it costs for a Defensive Line and an Offensive Line to protect Burrow. Savings have to occur in the way of quality rookie contracts in the other areas, and with Bates and Bell both having priced themselves out of the Bengals' financial formula from 2022-2030, the best years of Burrow, Chase and Higgins, obtaining a player like Dax Hill was the perfect pick, as he adds speed to play FS and a skillset to play multiple positions. That he doesn't take over in one season is meaningless. It would have been a bonus if he could. That Bell and Bates outplayed him is a good thing. Bates and Bell are both not long for this franchise as both of their prices exceeds what this mixture of talent can afford.

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Dax was widely considered a great pick last year and will play a big role on the team going forward. Had they drafted a LB last year it would’ve been the exact same situation which you’re now lamenting.

Except worse, as a quality LB can be had in the 5th Round, so that pick would have been wasted.

[Old school 1983]

Something just felt off and different about this season the whole year. While I think the team was technically better than last season, it seemed like a spark was gone or something. Just felt like the team wasn’t as explosive or had the ability to rapidly get back in any game. Nothing to back it up just a gut feeling. IMO, they have a lot of good defenders. They need an explosive one. Same with running back. Mixon and Perine are very good. But they need one guy that’s explosive in the run game. I think the offense needs a pest type of receiver too.

[KoryMac5]

Something just felt off and different about this season the whole year. While I think the team was technically better than last season, it seemed like a spark was gone or something. Just felt like the team wasn’t as explosive or had the ability to rapidly get back in any game. Nothing to back it up just a gut feeling. IMO, they have a lot of good defenders. They need an explosive one. Same with running back. Mixon and Perine are very good. But they need one guy that’s explosive in the run game. I think the offense needs a pest type of receiver too.

Defenses in the NFL have a tendency to do that to you...Bengals were homerun hitters last season, whereas this season coverages decided to take away anything deep.

I would think they will still ride with Mixon and Perine this season but I could see 2024 being Mixon's last year.

Focus on the trenches for this draft.

[WVRed]

So in regards to scheduling:

Think the Bengals get the max five prime time games?

Buffalo and KC seem obvious and KC could be the opening game of the season if the Chiefs win in two weeks.

Jacksonville or Cleveland could be a Thursday night game.

Ravens and/or Steelers and Rams/49ers/Vikings. Rams moreso because it’s a Super Bowl rematch from two years ago.

[Reds Freak]

Something just felt off and different about this season the whole year. While I think the team was technically better than last season, it seemed like a spark was gone or something. Just felt like the team wasn’t as explosive or had the ability to rapidly get back in any game. Nothing to back it up just a gut feeling. IMO, they have a lot of good defenders. They need an explosive one. Same with running back. Mixon and Perine are very good. But they need one guy that’s explosive in the run game. I think the offense needs a pest type of receiver too.

Interesting. I actually felt the opposite. Last year they were pretty good and won a lot of tight games down the stretch. I thought this year they were a top 3 team in the NFL.

[WVRed]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230131/7b68a87f5a36c31ed965e30b315e4fa1.jpg

[Wonderful Monds]

Dax was widely considered a great pick last year and will play a big role on the team going forward. Had they drafted a LB last year it would’ve been the exact same situation which you’re now lamenting.

I’m not saying they should’ve drafted a LB because Pratt is leaving or whatever. I’m saying they needed to use that pick on one of the lines because that was an immediate pressing need. Much more than a safety to replace a guy possibly leaving after the season. The fact that they’re linked to DBs again with the first pick this year only rubs it in for me IMO. Safety was not an urgent need, regardless of how good Hill is. OL/DL is and was. Address the most urgent needs through the draft and FA right now. Get the lesser emergent positions filled through FA, trades whatever. Point is, they need high ceiling talent on both lines and the draft is where they need to get it.

[Old school 1983]

Interesting. I actually felt the opposite. Last year they were pretty good and won a lot of tight games down the stretch. I thought this year they were a top 3 team in the NFL.

That’s why it felt odd. They for sure felt like a better team this year, but the spark was gone. This year everything seemed to have to go perfectly for the offense to work. Last year it didn’t. Last year there seemed to be way more QB pressures by the defense too.

[WVRed]

That’s why it felt odd. They for sure felt like a better team this year, but the spark was gone. This year everything seemed to have to go perfectly for the offense to work. Last year it didn’t. Last year there seemed to be way more QB pressures by the defense too.

I feel like the spark was there until the line fell apart. Then it was a repeat of the Super Bowl except a round earlier with Chris Jones taking the place of Aaron Donald.

[Fil3232]

I’m not saying they should’ve drafted a LB because Pratt is leaving or whatever. I’m saying they needed to use that pick on one of the lines because that was an immediate pressing need. Much more than a safety to replace a guy possibly leaving after the season. The fact that they’re linked to DBs again with the first pick this year only rubs it in for me IMO. Safety was not an urgent need, regardless of how good Hill is. OL/DL is and was. Address the most urgent needs through the draft and FA right now. Get the lesser emergent positions filled through FA, trades whatever. Point is, they need high ceiling talent on both lines and the draft is where they need to get it.

They totally revamped the line last year. Where was a first round OL pick going to play? Or a first round DL pick? It’s the exact same situation—they would’ve been backing up the starters and waiting for their turn.

If Bates or Bell had gotten hurt this year, Dax would’ve been pressed into duty. As it was, the injuries hit elsewhere. But the fact remains Hill was great value at #31 last year and will be a key contributor going forward.

[bucksfan2]

That’s why it felt odd. They for sure felt like a better team this year, but the spark was gone. This year everything seemed to have to go perfectly for the offense to work. Last year it didn’t. Last year there seemed to be way more QB pressures by the defense too.

They were one play away this year from back to back super bowl appearances. It started out a little clunky, but this team was on a roll this year.

[Wonderful Monds]

They totally revamped the line last year. Where was a first round OL pick going to play? Or a first round DL pick? It’s the exact same situation—they would’ve been backing up the starters and waiting for their turn.

If Bates or Bell had gotten hurt this year, Dax would’ve been pressed into duty. As it was, the injuries hit elsewhere. But the fact remains Hill was great value at #31 last year and will be a key contributor going forward.

Lineman depth is much much more important than safety depth. When Adeniji is when one of your 2nd stringers, you have room for improvement. They overhauled the starters, but had no contingency plan if something went wrong with them, and it’s not like OL injuries are all that rare.

And our d-line was good but it’s not like they didn’t have room for improvement either. Bottom 3rd in the league in QB pressures, that’s not gonna cut it. They could’ve used a more pass rush oriented guy to rotate in.

[RiverRat13]

Lineman depth is much much more important than safety depth. When Adeniji is when one of your 2nd stringers, you have room for improvement. They overhauled the starters, but had no contingency plan if something went wrong with them, and it’s not like OL injuries are all that rare.

And our d-line was good but it’s not like they didn’t have room for improvement either. Bottom 3rd in the league in QB pressures, that’s not gonna cut it. They could’ve used a more pass rush oriented guy to rotate in.

I would have loved to have another pass rusher instead of a safety but it was a bad year to take one in the back of the first round. None of the second round players moved the needle any for their teams as rookies. And the next offensive lineman taken after the Bengals picked wasn't until 57. Just not a great draft to be picking in the 30s and wanting someone who played up front on either side of the ball.

It was reported that they would have taken Karlaftis at 31 but the Chiefs beat them to it.

[RiverRat13]

So in regards to scheduling:

Think the Bengals get the max five prime time games?

Buffalo and KC seem obvious and KC could be the opening game of the season if the Chiefs win in two weeks.

Jacksonville or Cleveland could be a Thursday night game.

Ravens and/or Steelers and Rams/49ers/Vikings. Rams moreso because it’s a Super Bowl rematch from two years ago.

From The Athletic:


CBS said the Chiefs' AFC title game win over the Bengals on Sunday -- won on a waning-moments field goal -- averaged 53.124 million viewers to make it the most-watched conference championship game in four years. It also is the biggest U.S. TV audience since last year's Super Bowl, the network said. The broadcast peaked with 59.37 million viewers, CBS said.

So I will guess the Bengals will definitely get the max five primetime games and KC vs Cincinnati will definitely be the season opener if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl. I could see CBS fighting to keep the Buffalo game at 4:25 as to not give away too many big matchups to ESPN or NBC.

[WVRed]

From The Athletic:



So I will guess the Bengals will definitely get the max five primetime games and KC vs Cincinnati will definitely be the season opener if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl. I could see CBS fighting to keep the Buffalo game at 4:25 as to not give away too many big matchups to ESPN or NBC.

They could but it seems CBS typically goes with the west coast games in that time slot.

Just hoping for a Sunday night game in Cincinnati. Another thing to remember is Monday night games can be flexed now starting this season.

[Kingspoint]

Interesting. I actually felt the opposite. Last year they were pretty good and won a lot of tight games down the stretch. I thought this year they were a top 3 team in the NFL.

Agree. They improved a ton over last season. Their winning streak to end the season that carried into the playoffs was proof enough. Their grabbing of early leads and shutout of their opponents in the 1st Quarters the last month of the season that extended into the playoffs was also proof of that. That having to play from 14 down every game made it so that they didn't have to be throwing long as often, and the bottom line was that teams were going to make the Bengals make 10+ play drives to score by opening things up in the middle for them.

It took half a season for the Offensive Line to improve to the point of being "average", and then the wheels fell of the bus with devastating injuries to one unit. I've seen it happen before where one unit loses 60%+ of their Starters and it ends what should have been a Championship season. There was a Pete Carroll quote after it happened to the Seahawks where he said that he's never ever going into a season again without deep depth at the Linebacker position (when the Linebacker position was more important than it is today). The Seahawks were left with practice squad players starting along their Linebacker front and the results were a disaster, even though the Seahawks had great Safeties and Corners.

No team can be hit that hard at one position group and survive a season all the way to a Super Bowl victory. Had the Starting injuries been spread around on the team instead of being concentrated on the Offensive Line, the Bengals are in the Super Bowl.

[Kingspoint]

Lineman depth is much much more important than safety depth. When Adeniji is when one of your 2nd stringers, you have room for improvement. They overhauled the starters, but had no contingency plan if something went wrong with them, and it’s not like OL injuries are all that rare.

And our d-line was good but it’s not like they didn’t have room for improvement either. Bottom 3rd in the league in QB pressures, that’s not gonna cut it. They could’ve used a more pass rush oriented guy to rotate in.

Offensive Linemen tend to play more games in a season than any other position. It's the least likely position group to lose 60% of your Starters.

[WVRed]

Don’t know if it carries any weight with Irsay or not but Peyton Manning is endorsing Brian Callahan for the Colts head coaching job. With the Colts likely taking a QB they could do a lot worse.

Cincinnati could promote Dan Pitcher and not miss a beat.

[WVRed]

Don’t see this happening but let’s throw this out to chew on:

Bengals trade Tee Higgins to the Texans for pick 12 and 104.

I’m using the AJ Brown trade as a model (18 and 101). Higgins would give the Texans a no 1 WR to pair with whoever they take at QB with pick no 2.

With the 12th pick, the Bengals take Quentin Johnson from TCU if he’s still on the board. Johnson is essentially a Higgins clone who can play opposite Chase and would be more affordable on a rookie contract.

[KoryMac5]

Don’t know if it carries any weight with Irsay or not but Peyton Manning is endorsing Brian Callahan for the Colts head coaching job. With the Colts likely taking a QB they could do a lot worse.

Cincinnati could promote Dan Pitcher and not miss a beat.

I don’t know about not missing a beat Pitcher has never been an OC before he’s definitely a rising coordinator but there will be a learning curve for sure.

[Kingspoint]

I don’t know about not missing a beat Pitcher has never been an OC before he’s definitely a rising coordinator but there will be a learning curve for sure.

Nobody should forget how horrible the play-calling was at the beginning of this season.

[Kingspoint]

The Bengals today signed 12 players to Reserve/Future contracts. They will not count on the team's active list until Feb. 13, the Monday after the Super Bowl. All 12 players finished the season on the team's practice squad. They are:

TE Nick Bowers
QB Jake Browning
DE Owen Carney
OT Devin Cochran
S Yusuf Corker
DT Domenique Davis
G Nate Gilliam
TE Tanner Hudson
DE Raymond Johnson III
LB Keandre Jones
WR Kwamie Lassiter II
CB Marvell Tell III

[Kingspoint]

The Bengals are already moving to keep things status quo around quarterback Joe Burrow. According to reports, quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher just reached a contract extension with the Bengals rather than field more interest from teams like Tampa Bay looking for offensive coordinators.

[Hillsdale87]

Nobody should forget how horrible the play-calling was at the beginning of this season.

I'm not sure if it was the playcalling or Burrow adjusting. They were definitely out of sync - new OL and Burrow missing training camp - but it felt like once Burrow started taking the easy stuff, everything started to click. Not sure if that was playcalling, Burrow, or a combo, but they definitely stared rolling after the Baltimore game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[oregonred]

Nobody should forget how horrible the play-calling was at the beginning of this season.

It was predictable, simple and bad, but wonder how much of that was needing the oline to gel a few weeks

Oddly enough it was week 2 of the Chase injury when things started to click with the offense and the team. Forced to get creative and spread the ball around

[oregonred]

They could but it seems CBS typically goes with the west coast games in that time slot.

Just hoping for a Sunday night game in Cincinnati. Another thing to remember is Monday night games can be flexed now starting this season.

Sometimes but they protected both the Cowboys, Chiefs and Bucs games in the 4:25 slot this year. We'll see quite a few of those again in 2023 as the Bengals are ratings gold right now.

Agree we need a Sunday night home game ideally against a non divisional opponent. Way too many years with road Sunday night games (usually in division).

[oregonred]

Carman at LT and Williams at RT (assuming Collins is out a month+ in 2023). Need one new FA at OT and one at OG for depth

If Carman can be a find at LT, the 2021 starts to look terrific (Chase, Jackson, Ossai, Sample, MoneyMac)

2022: 6 picks: CTB 2/60 (looks to be a possible stud and a great trade up with Buffalo), Volson 4th round, Carter looks solid, Dax - TBD

The 2020 draft is insane (Burrow, Higgins, Wilson, ADG, Bailey round 7). Adeniji round 6, solid late round depth, but unfortuately too much playing time as a starter

[RedTeamGo!]

If you go into 2023 with Carman as your starting LT you're going to have a bad time

[RiverRat13]

Carman should be the swing tackle and the team should be looking to upgrade the right tackle spot. Dawand Jones dominated at the Senior Bowl yesterday, ending my hopes that he would somehow slip to the Bengals.

They could cut Mixon and Collins and use that space to go get Mike McGlinchey. Unfortunately the Bears have an insane amount of cap space and may use it to overpay two or three of the most prominent free agent linemen, so the draft may be the be more feasible place to find an upgrade.

[bucksfan2]

Carman should be the swing tackle and the team should be looking to upgrade the right tackle spot. Dawand Jones dominated at the Senior Bowl yesterday, ending my hopes that he would somehow slip to the Bengals.

They could cut Mixon and Collins and use that space to go get Mike McGlinchey. Unfortunately the Bears have an insane amount of cap space and may use it to overpay two or three of the most prominent free agent linemen, so the draft may be the be more feasible place to find an upgrade.

Carman earned a roster spot as your 6th Olineman. Its a far better spot than he was earlier in the season as a healthy inactive on gameday.

The line is in good shape up the middle, but tackles will still be a question mark. I have never been all that impressed with Williams, but he had his 5th year option picked up so he will be on the roster. I could see them cutting Collins and bringing in someone like Collins in FA again. I would definitely draft a tackle in the first couple of rounds. Its just too big of a question mark.

As for Dawand Jones, I don't know how much I like him as a 1st rounder. I think he has the potential to be a very solid NFL T, but he always concerned me in pass pro. He was a great run blocker in college, but I could see him struggling against edge rushers in the NFL. His senior bowl performance is probably bumping him into round 1, great for him!

[Kingspoint]

Ron Darling, just now after finishing his interview with Tyler Stephenson, said, "That game (the Bengals/Chiefs) was the worst officiated game I have ever seen in my life." And, then, implying something fishy was going on, added, "We just needed Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl."

His co-host then says, "Oooh, scandal."

[Hillsdale87]

Carman earned a roster spot as your 6th Olineman. Its a far better spot than he was earlier in the season as a healthy inactive on gameday.

The line is in good shape up the middle, but tackles will still be a question mark. I have never been all that impressed with Williams, but he had his 5th year option picked up so he will be on the roster. I could see them cutting Collins and bringing in someone like Collins in FA again. I would definitely draft a tackle in the first couple of rounds. Its just too big of a question mark.

As for Dawand Jones, I don't know how much I like him as a 1st rounder. I think he has the potential to be a very solid NFL T, but he always concerned me in pass pro. He was a great run blocker in college, but I could see him struggling against edge rushers in the NFL. His senior bowl performance is probably bumping him into round 1, great for him!

Jones is interesting. He's obviously a giant. But he did not come in as a top recruit (1043 according to 247) and got better every year. I think he's still got a lot of potential to get better, which may vault him into the first round, but he may not be a plug and play starter.

[Kingspoint]

I'm not sure if it was the playcalling or Burrow adjusting. They were definitely out of sync - new OL and Burrow missing training camp - but it felt like once Burrow started taking the easy stuff, everything started to click. Not sure if that was playcalling, Burrow, or a combo, but they definitely stared rolling after the Baltimore game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It was the play-calling, and it was Zac Taylor. Everyone was talking about it nationally who broke down game-film and watched every play of the games (which aren't too many analysts). Taylor gave in to Callahan and let him call more of the Offense and that's when it changed...not the adjustments that Burrow made. The adjustments were made at the Coaching level. Kudos to Taylor for making the changes early. Belichick hung on too long and ruined his season. Taylor quickly adjusted when the entire football nation got on him for making such stupid play calls that resulted in losses early in the season, games that they had no business losing.

Should he get a new O. C., I have to hope that the new O. C. is given the same amount of influence that Callahan had and that Taylor doesn't end up influencing the play-making decisions like he did at the beginning of this season.

You could always tell instantly whenever Marvin Lewis took over the play-calling.

Zac Taylor's horrible play-calling was talked about and talked about and talked about and talked about at the beginning of the season. He was repeatedly spoken in terms of the worst play-calling Head Coach in the NFL. Credit was given the other way when the play-calling changed.

Most Head Coaches should not be calling plays. That's not their job and it usually turns out horrible results.


It appears Mike McCarthy is determined to make next year his last in DAL:

February 1st, 2023 at 12:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

Mike McCarthy will indeed return to a play-calling role. Rumored to be readying to be a play-calling head coach, the former Packers HC will take on that responsibility next season for the Cowboys, Jerry Jones confirmed Wednesday. The Cowboys have begun interviewing offensive coordinator candidates to replace Kellen Moore, meeting with Rams assistant Thomas Brown and Panthers staffer Jeff Nixon (via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill), but the position will come with a reduced workload in 2023. While McCarthy did not call plays for all of his Green Bay stay, he spent extensive time doing so. He last served as the Packers’ play-caller during the 2018 season, when the team fired him before the year ended. McCarthy played a major role in Aaron Rodgers‘ first two MVP awards — in 2011 and 2014 — but also drew frequent criticism. The Cowboys will sign up for a season of McCarthy at the controls.

[bucksfan2]

Jones is interesting. He's obviously a giant. But he did not come in as a top recruit (1043 according to 247) and got better every year. I think he's still got a lot of potential to get better, which may vault him into the first round, but he may not be a plug and play starter.

He was a 3 star I believe who liked basketball far more than he did football. The basketball background (as well as his size) is probably why he got offered a scholarship to OSU. Many thought his first season at OSU was a redshirt, but he burned that and really forced his way into the starting lineup.

He is massive with pretty good feet. If he gets his hands on you, you aren't going anywhere. I look at him in the NFL the same way I do college, somewhat of a project. I don't think he is a plug and play guy like Paris Johnson, more a guy who can come in, learn the system in year one, play some as the swing tackle, and then really get his feet wet in years two and three. It would not surprise me one bit if he is a 10 year pro getting a big second contract.

[WVRed]

It was the play-calling, and it was Zac Taylor. Everyone was talking about it nationally who broke down game-film and watched every play of the games (which aren't too many analysts). Taylor gave in to Callahan and let him call more of the Offense and that's when it changed...not the adjustments that Burrow made. The adjustments were made at the Coaching level. Kudos to Taylor for making the changes early. Belichick hung on too long and ruined his season. Taylor quickly adjusted when the entire football nation got on him for making such stupid play calls that resulted in losses early in the season, games that they had no business losing.

Should he get a new O. C., I have to hope that the new O. C. is given the same amount of influence that Callahan had and that Taylor doesn't end up influencing the play-making decisions like he did at the beginning of this season.

You could always tell instantly whenever Marvin Lewis took over the play-calling.

Zac Taylor's horrible play-calling was talked about and talked about and talked about and talked about at the beginning of the season. He was repeatedly spoken in terms of the worst play-calling Head Coach in the NFL. Credit was given the other way when the play-calling changed.

Most Head Coaches should not be calling plays. That's not their job and it usually turns out horrible results.


It appears Mike McCarthy is determined to make next year his last in DAL:

February 1st, 2023 at 12:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

Mike McCarthy will indeed return to a play-calling role. Rumored to be readying to be a play-calling head coach, the former Packers HC will take on that responsibility next season for the Cowboys, Jerry Jones confirmed Wednesday. The Cowboys have begun interviewing offensive coordinator candidates to replace Kellen Moore, meeting with Rams assistant Thomas Brown and Panthers staffer Jeff Nixon (via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill), but the position will come with a reduced workload in 2023. While McCarthy did not call plays for all of his Green Bay stay, he spent extensive time doing so. He last served as the Packers’ play-caller during the 2018 season, when the team fired him before the year ended. McCarthy played a major role in Aaron Rodgers‘ first two MVP awards — in 2011 and 2014 — but also drew frequent criticism. The Cowboys will sign up for a season of McCarthy at the controls.

I think it will be Pitcher as OC.

If Zac was giving up playcalling I could see going outside the organization. That’s not happening regardless of whether we think it should.

[KoryMac5]

I think it will be Pitcher as OC.

If Zac was giving up playcalling I could see going outside the organization. That’s not happening regardless of whether we think it should.

They love Pitcher and so does Burrow...which is why they gave him a raise and an extension before the season ended

The Bengals are more democratic on offense than most teams they all have a hand in the play calling...Callahan/Taylor/Pitcher are attached at the hip.

If Callahan leaves it will be interesting to see who they bring in to coach QB's

[Hillsdale87]

It was the play-calling, and it was Zac Taylor. Everyone was talking about it nationally who broke down game-film and watched every play of the games (which aren't too many analysts). Taylor gave in to Callahan and let him call more of the Offense and that's when it changed...not the adjustments that Burrow made. The adjustments were made at the Coaching level. Kudos to Taylor for making the changes early. Belichick hung on too long and ruined his season. Taylor quickly adjusted when the entire football nation got on him for making such stupid play calls that resulted in losses early in the season, games that they had no business losing.

Should he get a new O. C., I have to hope that the new O. C. is given the same amount of influence that Callahan had and that Taylor doesn't end up influencing the play-making decisions like he did at the beginning of this season.

You could always tell instantly whenever Marvin Lewis took over the play-calling.

Zac Taylor's horrible play-calling was talked about and talked about and talked about and talked about at the beginning of the season. He was repeatedly spoken in terms of the worst play-calling Head Coach in the NFL. Credit was given the other way when the play-calling changed.

Most Head Coaches should not be calling plays. That's not their job and it usually turns out horrible results.



This all could be true, but Zac Taylor has always been an easy punching bag for the media, whereas they're much slower to place blame on Burrow. In a sense that makes sense because Burrow is a better QB than Taylor is a coach. But Zac Taylor isn't the reason that the Bengals lost to the Steelers. Burrow's 5 turnovers is the reason. Zac Taylor is part of the reason that Burrow stopped taking so many sacks early in the season, but the biggest reason is that Burrow stopped hunting for big plays and took what the defense gave him, getting rid of the ball more quickly. They certainly made some adjustments after week 4, like working primarily out of shotgun, but IMO the biggest difference was Burrow learning the same lesson Mahomes had to learn last year. Be patient and take what the defense gives you. It meant that the Bengals were less explosive in 2022 than 2021, but it made them far more consistent and dangerous.

The narrative last year was that the Bengals were a mess, but Burrow pulled them across the line. Burrow is clearly awesome, but I don't think people give Taylor enough credit either. I don't think he's a schematic genius like Kyle Shanahan, but it seems clear that he's a pretty excellent coach.

[Kingspoint]

I think it will be Pitcher as OC.

If Zac was giving up playcalling I could see going outside the organization. That’s not happening regardless of whether we think it should.

No doubt it will be. They quickly gave Pitcher an extension this week to remove his name from other O. C. considerations. We didn't do that just to keep a QB's Coach.

[Kingspoint]

This all could be true, but Zac Taylor has always been an easy punching bag for the media, whereas they're much slower to place blame on Burrow. In a sense that makes sense because Burrow is a better QB than Taylor is a coach. But Zac Taylor isn't the reason that the Bengals lost to the Steelers. Burrow's 5 turnovers is the reason. Zac Taylor is part of the reason that Burrow stopped taking so many sacks early in the season, but the biggest reason is that Burrow stopped hunting for big plays and took what the defense gave him, getting rid of the ball more quickly. They certainly made some adjustments after week 4, like working primarily out of shotgun, but IMO the biggest difference was Burrow learning the same lesson Mahomes had to learn last year. Be patient and take what the defense gives you. It meant that the Bengals were less explosive in 2022 than 2021, but it made them far more consistent and dangerous.

The narrative last year was that the Bengals were a mess, but Burrow pulled them across the line. Burrow is clearly awesome, but I don't think people give Taylor enough credit either. I don't think he's a schematic genius like Kyle Shanahan, but it seems clear that he's a pretty excellent coach.

It wasn't Burrow's decision to call the plays that were called against the Steelers that allowed the pressure to happen. It wasn't Burrow's decision to set up the blocking schemes that allowed the pressure to happen. It wasn't Burrow who decided to run on first throw on 2nd and throw on 3rd. It wasn't Burrow who decided to not call a play where the ball comes out of his hand in under 2.2 seconds.

[oregonred]

Draft higher value positions. OT, DL and CB

Carman literally just turned 23. He's three years younger than Burrow and even Georgia-s QB. He could be a lower cost solution for a few years at one of the tackles. Volson amd Carman could be a cap friendly, physical force in the running game on the left side for the next three years.

With the way colleges throw the ball around finding a 2nd and 3rd WRs after 2023 shouldnt be an issue if a tough decision has to be made on Higgins.

Upgrade RB depth this offseason via a mid round draft pick.

I would prioritize resigning Bell and Apple (low cost), upgrading TE, one OT and a proven depth piece at OG

[KoryMac5]

Draft higher value positions. OT, DL and CB

Carman literally just turned 23. He's three years younger than Burrow and even Georgia-s QB. He could be a lower cost solution for a few years at one of the tackles. Volson amd Carman could be a cap friendly, physical force in the running game on the left side for the next three years.

With the way colleges throw the ball around finding a 2nd and 3rd WRs after 2023 shouldnt be an issue if a tough decision has to be made on Higgins.

Upgrade RB depth this offseason via a mid round draft pick.

I would prioritize resigning Bell and Apple (low cost), upgrading TE, one OT and a proven depth piece at OG

Apple is interesting as I don’t think the market is going to be there for him unless Lou gets the Cardinals job. I could see him coming back again on a 1 year deal if Lou stays. He’s probably one of the few DCs that will put up with him.

[Hillsdale87]

It wasn't Burrow's decision to call the plays that were called against the Steelers that allowed the pressure to happen. It wasn't Burrow's decision to set up the blocking schemes that allowed the pressure to happen. It wasn't Burrow who decided to run on first throw on 2nd and throw on 3rd. It wasn't Burrow who decided to not call a play where the ball comes out of his hand in under 2.2 seconds.

I think people went back and charted the sacks from the first two games and about half of them were credited to Burrow. I'm not saying that the playcalling was perfect, but Burrow changed his style as much as Taylor/Callahan made adjustments. It also seemed like Burrow was processing a bit slower than normal to start the season, likely due to not getting many reps in the offseason. It's a credit to both of them. They both evolved and got better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kingspoint]

I think people went back and charted the sacks from the first two games and about half of them were credited to Burrow. I'm not saying that the playcalling was perfect, but Burrow changed his style as much as Taylor/Callahan made adjustments. It also seemed like Burrow was processing a bit slower than normal to start the season, likely due to not getting many reps in the offseason. It's a credit to both of them. They both evolved and got better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's true about some of those sacks being on Burrow, and he admitted as such. But, the game was so much more than just a few sacks that were on Burrow. Back to the subject, Zac was brutally beaten in the national media for his horrible play-calling the first month of the season, and on this site, too.

[KoryMac5]

Fun Fact: Bijan Robinsons Uncle (Paul Robinson) was drafted and played for the Bengals for 6 years...

[WrongVerb]

Dan Graziano
@DanGrazianoESPN

Source says Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan is having his second interview with the Colts today for their vacant head coach job, and is scheduled to speak with the Cardinals tomorrow about theirs.
3:26pm · 1 Feb 2023

[Bob Sheed]

As long as they don't lose Lou, they're good.

It shouldn't be too difficult to find someone to call Burrow's offense. It'll be mostly Burrow calling it at some point anyway.

[Todd Gack]

As long as they don't lose Lou, they're good.

It shouldn't be too difficult to find someone to call Burrow's offense. It'll be mostly Burrow calling it at some point anyway.

Lou should know better than to take the Cardinals job.

[WVRed]

Only thing is, Colts have done multiple second interviews.

Curious to see if they listen to Peyton on this one.

[Roy Tucker]

It was the play-calling, and it was Zac Taylor. Everyone was talking about it nationally who broke down game-film and watched every play of the games (which aren't too many analysts). Taylor gave in to Callahan and let him call more of the Offense and that's when it changed...not the adjustments that Burrow made. The adjustments were made at the Coaching level. Kudos to Taylor for making the changes early. Belichick hung on too long and ruined his season. Taylor quickly adjusted when the entire football nation got on him for making such stupid play calls that resulted in losses early in the season, games that they had no business losing.

Should he get a new O. C., I have to hope that the new O. C. is given the same amount of influence that Callahan had and that Taylor doesn't end up influencing the play-making decisions like he did at the beginning of this season.

You could always tell instantly whenever Marvin Lewis took over the play-calling.

Zac Taylor's horrible play-calling was talked about and talked about and talked about and talked about at the beginning of the season. He was repeatedly spoken in terms of the worst play-calling Head Coach in the NFL. Credit was given the other way when the play-calling changed.

Most Head Coaches should not be calling plays. That's not their job and it usually turns out horrible results.


It appears Mike McCarthy is determined to make next year his last in DAL:

February 1st, 2023 at 12:35pm CST by Sam Robinson

Mike McCarthy will indeed return to a play-calling role. Rumored to be readying to be a play-calling head coach, the former Packers HC will take on that responsibility next season for the Cowboys, Jerry Jones confirmed Wednesday. The Cowboys have begun interviewing offensive coordinator candidates to replace Kellen Moore, meeting with Rams assistant Thomas Brown and Panthers staffer Jeff Nixon (via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill), but the position will come with a reduced workload in 2023. While McCarthy did not call plays for all of his Green Bay stay, he spent extensive time doing so. He last served as the Packers’ play-caller during the 2018 season, when the team fired him before the year ended. McCarthy played a major role in Aaron Rodgers‘ first two MVP awards — in 2011 and 2014 — but also drew frequent criticism. The Cowboys will sign up for a season of McCarthy at the controls.

Quaintly, I can remember the days when the quarterback called the plays. The late 50’s and early 60’s. I think Tom Landry was the one where he started calling plays. Seems like light years ago now.

[Kingspoint]

Quaintly, I can remember the days when the quarterback called the plays. The late 50’s and early 60’s. I think Tom Landry was the one where he started calling plays. Seems like light years ago now.

Those were true Quarterbacks. It's what the definition of the Quarterback meant.

[Bob Sheed]

Quaintly, I can remember the days when the quarterback called the plays. The late 50’s and early 60’s. I think Tom Landry was the one where he started calling plays. Seems like light years ago now.

Many QBs still do, to a certain extent. (RPO's and the like.)

[Hillsdale87]

There's an arrest warrant out on Mixon for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman. He was a cut candidate anyway, but gotta think he's definitely gone now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dubc47834]

There's an arrest warrant out on Mixon for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman. He was a cut candidate anyway, but gotta think he's definitely gone now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cut'em

[KoryMac5]

Lou should know better than to take the Cardinals job.

Only 32 head coaching jobs…at 57 it would be tough to turn down your first opportunity.

[Wonderful Monds]

There's an arrest warrant out on Mixon for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman. He was a cut candidate anyway, but gotta think he's definitely gone now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good lord

- - - Updated - - -

The moral implications of Mixon doing what he’s done here speak for themselves, so I’ll just say this - I hope this isn’t indicative of the culture around our team breaking down.

[Wonderful Monds]

Oh wait this happened a couple weeks ago before the Bills game?? What the hell? I’m surprised there weren’t any rumors about this going around.

[RedsBaron]

Quaintly, I can remember the days when the quarterback called the plays. The late 50’s and early 60’s. I think Tom Landry was the one where he started calling plays. Seems like light years ago now.

Didn't Paul Brown call plays when Otto Graham was the Browns QB back in the 1950s?

[Todd Gack]

There's an arrest warrant out on Mixon for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman. He was a cut candidate anyway, but gotta think he's definitely gone now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This came out of NO WHERE

[westofyou]

Didn't Paul Brown call plays when Otto Graham was the Browns QB back in the 1950s?

Correct rotating guards

[WVRed]

Good lord

- - - Updated - - -

The moral implications of Mixon doing what he’s done here speak for themselves, so I’ll just say this - I hope this isn’t indicative of the culture around our team breaking down.

He’s as good as gone.

What’s sad is as bad as what he did at Oklahoma was he had become a model citizen in Cincinnati prior to this.

[CTA513]

PFT update saying the charges will be dropped according to his agent.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/02/02/agent-charges-against-joe-mixon-will-be-dropped-on-friday/

I guess we wait and see

[The Operator]

I’d still cut him. Running backs aren’t that hard to find and he disappeared for huge stretches of the season.


I’ve always been wary of him after that stuff from Oklahoma, if there’s any smoke at all here, he needs to go. And as we all know, not being charged absolutely does not mean it didn’t happen.

[Kingspoint]

I’d still cut him. Running backs aren’t that hard to find and he disappeared for huge stretches of the season.


I’ve always been wary of him after that stuff from Oklahoma, if there’s any smoke at all here, he needs to go. And as we all know, not being charged absolutely does not mean it didn’t happen.

It's a great excuse to reallocate $12M elsewhere. It buys you Jessie Bates for another season, just for Starters.

[Kingspoint]

Many QBs still do, to a certain extent. (RPO's and the like.)

All must do it. You can't exist as a QB in the NFL if you can't make reads and adjustments at the line on virtually every single play. But, the initial formations are never called by the Quarterback, only variations of the initial play (where to throw the ball depending on who is rushing or who is blitzing, or to call a run-play from the same formation if the middle is opened up. There are prediscussed plays to switch to based on what the Defense gives you on different formations,...all discussed during the individual position meetings during the week).

[Bob Sheed]

It's a great excuse to reallocate $12M elsewhere. It buys you Jessie Bates for another season, just for Starters.

Exactly. Periné is the topmost RB that a QB line Burrow needs. Put that 12 million into the offensive line.

[Wonderful Monds]

It’s supposedly a deep RB draft class, so yeah I’d just cut him and go with Perine and 3rd/4th round type guy if they can find good value back there.

[Kingspoint]

It’s supposedly a deep RB draft class, so yeah I’d just cut him and go with Perine and 3rd/4th round type guy if they can find good value back there.

If it's deep then there's plenty quality RB's available in the 5th/6th Rounds.

[RedsBaron]

All must do it. You can't exist as a QB in the NFL if you can't make reads and adjustments at the line on virtually every single play. But, the initial formations are never called by the Quarterback, only variations of the initial play (where to throw the ball depending on who is rushing or who is blitzing, or to call a run-play from the same formation if the middle is opened up. There are prediscussed plays to switch to based on what the Defense gives you on different formations,...all discussed during the individual position meetings during the week).
I believe that NFL offenses and defenses were much more simple 50 years ago. I was a huge Raiders fan back in the 70s. I've watched interviews where Ken Stabler talked about reading the game plan by the light of a jukebox in a bar and I've listened to John Madden opine about how he wanted the QB to call the plays in the huddle. Part of me misses that "draw a play up in the dirt" era, but I just don't think it would be consistently effective now.

[GAC]

I wouldn't cut Mixon until the dust settles this morning and we see whether what his agent says proves true or not (charges dropped).

But the Bengals knew what they were getting. The Oklahoma situation is why he dropped so far in the draft.

But, IMO, if the current story somehow proves to be true, I'd say this guy has an issue with women. ;)

[WVRed]

I wouldn't cut Mixon until the dust settles this morning and we see whether what his agent says proves true or not (charges dropped).

But the Bengals knew what they were getting. The Oklahoma situation is why he dropped so far in the draft.

But, IMO, if the current story somehow proves to be true, I'd say this guy has an issue with women. ;)

He will probably get cut regardless. The money saved can be spent elsewhere and he lost a step this year. What he did only makes it more likely as Zac is big on “culture” which is the opposite of Marvin Lewis. We were the NFLs version of the Jailblazers when Marvin was here (and before that).

[OldFashionedRed]

Bengals may have to replace Mixon, if this is anything to worry about.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35578579/bengals-joe-mixon-arrest-warrant-menacing-charge

[WVRed]

Bengals may have to replace Mixon, if this is anything to worry about.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35578579/bengals-joe-mixon-arrest-warrant-menacing-charge

Late to the party. [emoji846]

Either way he was probably going to be replaced. This just makes it easier to swallow.

[Hillsdale87]

The Bengals are pretty loyal and slow to cut guys. I think it's part of the selling point where they're less likely to give guaranteed money, but they're also more likely to keep guys through their contracts. Because of that I think there's a good chance Mixon would have been back, even if the Bengals were a bit split on keeping him. At this point I'd think it's an easy decision to cut him and find a cheap alternative in the draft.

Edit:
Charges have already been dropped, so who knows what they'll do... For the sake of all involved, I hope nothing like what was alleged to have happened actually happened.

[Boss-Hog]

Keep in mind dead money (money paid to someone previously under contract who won't be on the roster that year or years) when it comes to any potential cuts. The Bengals have been more willing to eat dead money recently, but they've historically been reluctant to eat much. Mixon's 2023 cap number may be around $12 million, but that's before the dead money offsets some of that. It's not quite as much of a hit if they designate him as a post June 1st cut.

[RiverRat13]

The Bengals are pretty loyal and slow to cut guys. I think it's part of the selling point where they're less likely to give guaranteed money, but they're also more likely to keep guys through their contracts. Because of that I think there's a good chance Mixon would have been back, even if the Bengals were a bit split on keeping him. At this point I'd think it's an easy decision to cut him and find a cheap alternative in the draft.

Edit:
Charges have already been dropped, so who knows what they'll do... For the sake of all involved, I hope nothing like what was alleged to have happened actually happened.

Where did you see that charges were dropped?

[KoryMac5]

Where did you see that charges were dropped?

WLW first reported it...various sites now saying prosecutor wants them dropped but the judge wants to talk to the alleged victim first

[Hillsdale87]

Where did you see that charges were dropped?

I guess not officially dropped yet, but about to be https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/02/03/prosecutor-makes-formal-request-to-drop-aggravated-menacing-charge-against-joe-mixon/

[Hillsdale87]

Keep in mind dead money (money paid to someone previously under contract who won't be on the roster that year or years) when it comes to any potential cuts. The Bengals have been more willing to eat dead money recently, but they've historically been reluctant to eat much. Mixon's 2023 cap number may be around $12 million, but that's before the dead money offsets some of that. It's not quite as much of a hit if they designate him as a post June 1st cut.

Yeah, Mixon has a big dead money hit. That's why I thought there was a good chance he'd stay even if the smart move might be to cut him. I'd think there's a better chance he gets cut at this point, but we'll see...

[WrongVerb]

Official reporting...

https://twitter.com/karinjohnson/status/1621578945605914625



Karin Johnson WLWT
@karinjohnson

Charge against Joe Mixon has been dismissed but can be refilled. Listen to what just happened. @WLWT #breaking
1:38pm · 3 Feb 2023

[traderumor]

Quaintly, I can remember the days when the quarterback called the plays. The late 50’s and early 60’s. I think Tom Landry was the one where he started calling plays. Seems like light years ago now.

hand off to fullback left/right/middle, hand off to halfback left/right/middle, short pass, long pass, screen pass

[Kingspoint]

When someone's not taking you seriously when you say, "Where's my money/jewelry you stole?!", you have to take the matter to the next level.

[Kingspoint]

I'm pretty sure that Jonah Williams is seen as insurance for 2023.

Should they not be able to upgrade at LT and/or RT, then Jonah offers the team one year of insurance to continue looking for that upgrade, with him being offered a chance to be that guy. I don't see them trading him, as the upgrade for both spots probably won't materialize. Guard is so much easier to fill. LT is the most difficult. RT doesn't cost any more than Guard, so might be able to upgrade that spot, as there's no reason to believe that Collins returns at all during next season. He's not 23 anymore recovering from that injury.

[Kingspoint]

We could hurt KC and help ourselves at the same time, doubling the effect of the signing, by going after Orlando Brown. Any of these four would be great additions, and if we got a deal done with one of them, we could then trade Jonah Williams for a draft pick. He'd certainly be worth at least a 3rd Round pick.

I didn't list the #1 ranked OT Free Agent per PFF because it's highly likely that McGlinchey and the 49ers get a deal done.

2. OT ORLANDO BROWN JR., KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Free agent rank: 10

After threatening to hold out for the 2022 season following a franchise-tag saga that didn’t culminate in a long-term deal, Brown turned a slow start into a strong second half protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. From Week 10 to the end of the regular season, Brown’s 88.7 pass-blocking grade ranked third best among left tackles.

He may not become one of the game’s true top tackles given his much-maligned athletic limitations, but he’s a very reliable blindside protector who has succeeded in two diametrically opposed offensive schemes.


3. OT KALEB MCGARY, ATLANTA FALCONS

Free agent rank: 29

McGary, a first-round pick in 2019, had his fifth-year option declined for 2023 and responded with a career year that sets him up nicely. The Falcons may consider a franchise tag, but the approximately $18.25 million price may be too rich in their eyes.

McGary’s 91.6 run-blocking grade ranked second among tackles, trailing only the great Trent Williams, with 19.7% of his run-blocking snaps earning a positive grade, which also placed second best. The concern here will be if he’s a beneficiary of the NFL’s run-heaviest offense and if his 66.9 pass-blocking grade — a career-best — can continue to improve in years to come.


4. OT JAWAAN TAYLOR, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Free agent rank: 35

Taylor had a career year as a pass protector, earning his highest pass-blocking grade with a 76.4 mark that landed him in the top 25 among tackles on the year. Taylor allowed pressure on just 2.5% of dropbacks, the third-lowest mark among tackles in the NFL, though quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s lightning-quick 2.51-second average time to throw certainly helped. However, Taylor’s 76.7 pass-blocking grade on true pass sets still ranked 14th among tackles and his 5.2% pressure rate allowed was a top-10 mark.

On the other hand, Taylor had the highest rate of negatively graded run blocks among tackles in the NFL (22.4%). This is, of course, the less important aspect of tackle play, but it’s undoubtedly still a cause for concern if a lineman is earning a negative grade on more than one out of every five rushing plays.


5. OT KELVIN BEACHUM, ARIZONA CARDINALS

Free agent rank: 42

Beachum earned his 10th straight season-long pass-blocking grade above 70.0 and showed few signs of slowing down at 33 years old, logging over 1,100 snaps with a revolving door of lineman teammates at each of the other four positions all season long.

He’s limited as a run blocker, and that won’t change, but you know what you’re going to get with Beachum at right tackle, and you’re likely going to get tremendous value considering he’s coming off a two-year, $4 million deal signed in 2021.

[Kingspoint]

Bates is ranked #1 (and #5 of all FA's of any position) and Bell is ranked #4 (and #46 overall) of all Safeties available as Free Agents for 2023 per PFF...

Nice to see Poyer #2 so that BUF gets effected, one way or another.

1. S JESSIE BATES III, CINCINNATI BENGALS

Free agent rank: 5

It appears far more likely Bates will reach unrestricted free agency this time around after Cincinnati placed the franchise tag on him last offseason and never made a serious multi-year offer.

His 76.8 PFF grade this season ranked 13th at the position, his 84.8 run-defense grade was a top-five mark. This year marked Bates' fifth 1,000-plus-snap season in as many years as an NFL player, pairing his above-average skill set with remarkable reliability. He ranks behind only Kevin Byard in regular-season snaps played among safeties since 2018.


2. S JORDAN POYER, BUFFALO BILLS

Free agent rank: 19

Poyer was seeking an extension before the 2022 season, and his performance this year goes a long way in proving why he was worthy of a new deal, but various injuries have also illustrated perhaps why Buffalo was wary of committing to the 31-year-old beyond 2022. That said, Poyer logged 950-plus snaps in every season from 2017-21, so his toughness and willingness to play through ailments cannot be questioned.

The 2022 campaign marked Poyer's fourth consecutive regular season earning coverage grades and overall grades above 70.0, with a lot of turnover in the Bills' secondary throughout the season, most notably with his safety partner Micah Hyde lost for the year. Poyer’s 92.1 coverage grade since 2020 is the best among safeties. He still has good football left to be played.


3. S CHAUNCEY GARDNER-JOHNSON, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Free agent rank: 28

The Eagles traded for Gardner-Johnson this past offseason after he couldn’t come to terms with the New Orleans Saints on a contract extension, and it was somewhat surprising the aggressive Eagles didn’t extend him right then and there. Nevertheless, Gardner-Johnson got off to a strong start, and his six interceptions tied for the most in the NFL. An injury knocked him out for five weeks to close out the year, but he’s back for the playoffs and has a lot to prove in the postseason.

The former Saints slot cornerback’s versatility was on full display in Week 18 against the New York Giants fresh off injured reserve, logging a few key snaps in the slot with Avonte Maddox out with an injury and allowing just two receptions for five yards to go along with two defensive stops. The interesting thing with his market will be where his next team — if he doesn’t stay in Philadelphia — projects him in the lineup, with safeties earning a lot more on average than slot cornerbacks.


4. S VONN BELL, CINCINNATI BENGALS

Free agent rank: 46

Bell has been a somewhat under-the-radar field general on the backend who serves as a glue guy for his defense in his career, and 2022 was no different as Bengals cornerbacks went down with injuries all year long. A stout run defender, Bell boasts an 88.7 run-defense grade over the past five seasons that ranks eighth best among safeties. He did record the highest rate of missed tackles in his career in 2022 (14.8%), but his track record speaks for itself.

Bell can hold his own in coverage, as well, earning his second consecutive coverage grade above 65.0. He’s a very solid all-around player who would be a nice fit with any team.

[Kingspoint]

What if we took Mixon's money and gave it to Clowney?

PFF's top-rated EDGE Defenders for the 2023 Free Agency period...

I'm guessing (having been given full control over roster personnel by the Ownership Group) that Sean Payton will go and get Marcus Davenport.

1. EDGE MARCUS DAVENPORT, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Free agent rank: 22

Injuries once again hampered Davenport’s season, but he’s a remarkably effective pass rusher off the edge when healthy, and his talent alone could be worth the gamble in free agency — especially given the relative lack of edge rushers available. Since he entered the league in 2018, Davenport’s 17.8% pass-rush win rate and 13.9% pressure percentage are both top-20 marks among edge defenders, and he’s also earned a very respectable 82.1 run-defense grade for his career, which ranks 16th over the span.

Davenport has five straight campaigns grading above 70.0. The issue is that he’s yet to log 600 snaps in a single season. At the end of the day, top-20 edge defenders against the pass and run don’t reach free agency often, and while his injury list is long, it doesn’t include any devastating ligament tears.


2. EDGE JADEVEON CLOWNEY, CLEVELAND BROWNS

Free agent rank: 26

Clowney’s somewhat bizarre NFL journey continues, and he will almost certainly be playing somewhere besides Cleveland in 2023 after comments he made about frustration with his role led to him being inactive for Week 18. The multi-year deal he’s been seeking for several offseasons may ultimately never come at this point, and he’ll be a year-to-year mercenary for around $10 million annually.

Clowney has also struggled to stay on the field due to a handful of injuries over the past few years, failing to reach 500 snaps played for the second time in three seasons. All of that said, Clowney still flashes his tantalizing No. 1 overall pick talent just enough to make him an intriguing option for many teams. Clowney — always a stout run defender and strong edge setter — also missed just 7.4% of potential tackles, his first season below 12.5% since 2016.


3. EDGE MELVIN INGRAM III, MIAMI DOLPHINS

Free agent rank: 37

A year after Ingram was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs and immediately became their best edge defender for the stretch run, he signed a steal of a one-year deal with the Dolphins and once again played at a very high level, far outpacing his compensation.

Ingram is a rotational player at this stage in his career, with fewer than 600 snaps in three straight seasons, but he’s still very effective, earning his eighth straight overall and pass-rush grades above 70.0 while generating a quarterback pressure on over 10% of pass-rush reps for the eighth consecutive season.


4. EDGE JUSTIN HOUSTON, BALTIMORE RAVENS

Free agent rank: 38

Just like Miami Dolphins edge defender Melvin Ingram III, Houston was forced to sign a modest one-year deal and completely outplayed his contract from day one even as a rotational pass-rush specialist with just 400 snaps on the season. Houston’s 18.4% pass-rush win rate and 14.6% pressure percentage were both top-25 marks among edge defenders, and he managed to add 9.5 sacks to his total, which brings him to 111.5 for his career, a top-40 mark all time. For a team looking for a menace on passing downs, Houston is still that guy entering his age-34 season.


5. EDGE BRANDON GRAHAM, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Free agent rank: 39

Graham is likely going to re-sign with the Eagles as a rotational pass-rush specialist or retire, but he’s worthy of making this list, as the ageless wonder had the first 10-sack season of his career at age 34 and was an absolute problem on passing downs. Graham’s 22.9% pass-rush win rate ranked sixth among edge defenders, and his 17.1% pressure percentage came in at seventh. The fact that Graham finished top 10 in both metrics coming off a torn Achilles at his age is remarkable, and there are no signs he can’t run it back in 2023.


6. EDGE CHARLES OMENIHU, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Free agent rank: 41

Omenihu thus far in his career has been more of a rotational player, but he’s been on a tear as a pass rusher over the past two seasons, especially after the Houston Texans traded him to the 49ers. Omenihu’s 20.4% pass-rush win rate since 2021 ranks 12th among edge defenders, and his 13.6% pressure percentage ranks 24th.

Omenihu also brings versatility along the defensive line with his 6-foot-5, 280-pound frame enabling him to line up over tackles or as a true end outside the opposing tackle's outside shoulder, though he doesn’t use his size as much as one would like in the run game, missing far too many tackles over his entire career.

[Kingspoint]

For observation, here's PFF's estimation for Free Agent Germaine Pratt amongst Linebackers (strong FA class)...

5. LB GERMAINE PRATT, CINCINNATI BENGALS

Free agent rank: 30

With both Bengals starting safeties in Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell pending free agents, a big extension for wide receiver Tee Higgins likely in play and fellow off-ball linebacker Logan Wilson also eligible for an extension after the season, it’s possible Pratt hits the market even after a career year.

Pratt’s 90.1 coverage grade was the best mark in the NFL. He missed just two tackles in coverage and allowed only four explosive receptions. Pratt didn’t miss many tackles as a run defender, either, whiffing on just 5.9% of opportunities after three straight seasons above 10% to start his career. Last but certainly not least, Pratt also peaked at the right time, with his 90.1 overall grade since Week 8 the top mark among linebackers.

[KoryMac5]

Lou getting a second interview with the Cardinals...


This could be a huge blow to the Bengals as most DC candidates to fill Lou's slot will have jobs.

[Bob Sheed]

pleasedonttakethejoblou

pleasedonttakethejoblou

pleasedonttakethejoblou

[Wonderful Monds]

So let’s say hypothetically the unfortunate happens and Lou splits town for a HC position -

Who are we hoping takes his place?

[KoryMac5]

So let’s say hypothetically the unfortunate happens and Lou splits town for a HC position -

Who are we hoping takes his place?

By the time Arizona makes up it's mind there might not be much out there for the Bengals to pick from so they may have to promote from within...

[WVRed]

How about Ejio Evero? Denver is letting him out of his contract but he is also up for head coaching gigs as well.

I don’t think it’s a big deal if they promote from within. Bringing in an outsider means scheme changes whereas the opposite would bring continuity. If it doesn’t work then cut them loose next year and there would likely be more candidates to choose from.

If what Lou has built is working, why scrap it if he leaves?

[KoryMac5]

How about Ejio Evero? Denver is letting him out of his contract but he is also up for head coaching gigs as well.

I don’t think it’s a big deal if they promote from within. Bringing in an outsider means scheme changes whereas the opposite would bring continuity. If it doesn’t work then cut them loose next year and there would likely be more candidates to choose from.

If what Lou has built is working, why scrap it if he leaves?

It's all about timing...think musical chairs...Evero already has interviews lined up with 2 teams...by the time AZ makes up its mind he most likely will have a job as will several others (Flores etc...).

Bengals may have to promote from within which isn't necessarily a bad thing...Duffner has been a DC before.

[Kingspoint]

Official reporting...

https://twitter.com/karinjohnson/status/1621578945605914625

karin Johnson can't type (or her grammar sucks)..."refiled", not "refilled".

[Kingspoint]

Lou getting a second interview with the Cardinals...


This could be a huge blow to the Bengals as most DC candidates to fill Lou's slot will have jobs.

Yeah, unfortunately he's going to blow away the interview (he's the opposite of Mike Zimmer in this regard). He's as good as gone. Congratulations to him. I wish him well. Kudos to the Bengals' Ownership and Taylor for finding him first and snatching him. We got one Super Bowl appearance and two AFC Championship appearances from him. That's as much as anyone can expect before losing an O. C. or D. C.

Lou is so professional and impressive. He can definitely handle the Head Coaching responsibilities.

The process that got him to wear stripes and got Taylor to wear stripes will hopefully find a quality replacement for him. In-house would be best, normally, but there has to be someone who is truly worthy, and not just a token in-house hire. Lou set enough of a tone that it will still be Lou's Defense next season no matter who comes in, but it's the year after where we'll see the differences from a new D. C.

I have never seen a Coach make halfitime adjustments like he has....not even close to anyone as good as what Lou was at it. I mean, who shuts down Mahomes consistently? Nobody.

[KoryMac5]

Pitcher getting a 2nd interview with the Bucs for OC

- - - Updated - - -

Callahan out of the running for the Cardinals job...

[WVRed]

Pitcher getting a 2nd interview with the Bucs for OC

- - - Updated - - -

Callahan out of the running for the Cardinals job...

It’s between Lou and Mike Kafka for the Cardinals. Supposedly Lou made an impression so there is real smoke to this one.

If Pitcher and Callahan both leave Joe Brady better be on speed dial.

[KoryMac5]

It’s between Lou and Mike Kafka for the Cardinals. Supposedly Lou made an impression so there is real smoke to this one.

If Pitcher and Callahan both leave Joe Brady better be on speed dial.

Brian Flores is interviewing as well in AZ he's one to watch...

[KoryMac5]

AJ Green officially retired

One of the best to play WR in a Bengals uniform

Over 10,000 yds and 70 TD's

[WVRed]

Brian Flores is interviewing as well in AZ he's one to watch...

He was hired today by the Vikings as defensive coordinator.

I’d say it’s down to 2.

Evero went to the Panthers yesterday so the defensive coordinators are getting swooped up. If Lou does leave I’m fine with promoting from within. Look at San Francisco losing Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans. Build the foundation instead of bringing from outside.

[Oxilon]

He was hired today by the Vikings as defensive coordinator.

I’d say it’s down to 2.

Evero went to the Panthers yesterday so the defensive coordinators are getting swooped up. If Lou does leave I’m fine with promoting from within. Look at San Francisco losing Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans. Build the foundation instead of bringing from outside.

Didn’t they try that with Guenther after Zimmer left?

[KoryMac5]

Didn’t they try that with Guenther after Zimmer left?

Yes Zimmer tried to hire him away but he stayed with Marvin...

[Stray]

My gf at the time met AJ Green shopping and he was very friendly and took a selfie with her. Great player and better guy. Fantastic career. I feel old seeing him go.

[Hillsdale87]

It’s between Lou and Mike Kafka for the Cardinals. Supposedly Lou made an impression so there is real smoke to this one.

If Pitcher and Callahan both leave Joe Brady better be on speed dial.

My guess (hope :))would be that the Cardinals would lean toward an offensive guy like Kafka to try to unlock Murray. He did a great job with a mobile QB this past year, and Murray is far more skilled than Daniel Jones.

[Kingspoint]

My gf at the time met AJ Green shopping and he was very friendly and took a selfie with her. Great player and better guy. Fantastic career. I feel old seeing him go.

I feel old having outlived Mike Brown's tenure as boss of the Bengals.

[Redhook]

I feel old having outlived Mike Brown's tenure as boss of the Bengals.

He definitely added years to our lives :laugh:

[Bob Sheed]

I feel old having outlived Mike Brown's tenure as boss of the Bengals.

I feel wise.

Younger me, in the 90s, pledged to pee on Mike Brown's grave, and maybe #2, for the shenanigans he inflicted on the fan base and Hamilton County in general.

Wiser me is like, meh, who cares. He got his, more power to him.

[Sea Ray]

Sounds like Dunlap is trying to sweeten up the Bengals so they'll consider putting him in their ring of honor. No mention of how he quit on the team and forced his exit

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2023/02/08/carlos-dunlap-kansas-city-over-cincinnati-was-sweet-but-joe-burrow-is-nfl-future-next-to-mahomes/69883430007/

[Kingspoint]

Sounds like Dunlap is trying to sweeten up the Bengals so they'll consider putting him in their ring of honor. No mention of how he quit on the team and forced his exit

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2023/02/08/carlos-dunlap-kansas-city-over-cincinnati-was-sweet-but-joe-burrow-is-nfl-future-next-to-mahomes/69883430007/

:laugh:

[bucksfan2]

I have no issue with Dunlap. He was a very important part of a lot of good Bengals teams. Its unfortunate how his career ended, but it was time for both sides to separate.

[Sea Ray]

I have no issue with Dunlap. He was a very important part of a lot of good Bengals teams. Its unfortunate how his career ended, but it was time for both sides to separate.

Why must the sides separate? I have quite an issue with a player quitting on his team and not giving his all. That's not how it usually ends

[Oxilon]

Why must the sides separate? I have quite an issue with a player quitting on his team and not giving his all. That's not how it usually ends

Meh, there have been a couple times during my career when I had it with the role and company and decided it was time to move on. Doesn't mean there aren't good memories I can't look back at and reflect on, as a whole though.

[bucksfan2]

Why must the sides separate? I have quite an issue with a player quitting on his team and not giving his all. That's not how it usually ends

Its time to move on?

As Dunlap aged, he was no longer an every down player. He wasn't the player in Cincy the last season as he had been in his prime. I am sure he wanted to go chase a championship, something that wasn't going to happen with the current state of the Bengals. And the reality was the Bengals were better off giving those snaps to someone else. The Bengals also were better off not paying Dunlap his inflated salary.

[Sea Ray]

Meh, there have been a couple times during my career when I had it with the role and company and decided it was time to move on. Doesn't mean there aren't good memories I can't look back at and reflect on, as a whole though.

Sure, but if you leave on those terms, don't expect the company to invite you back for any accolades

[Sea Ray]

Its time to move on?

As Dunlap aged, he was no longer an every down player. He wasn't the player in Cincy the last season as he had been in his prime. I am sure he wanted to go chase a championship, something that wasn't going to happen with the current state of the Bengals. And the reality was the Bengals were better off giving those snaps to someone else. The Bengals also were better off not paying Dunlap his inflated salary.

I have no problem with any of that. The problem I have, you refused to address. My problem is that he quit on his team. It's the same problem I have with Carson Palmer. If you're being paid a hefty salary, you have an obligation to give it your all

[WVRed]

Regardless of how his tenure ended here, wouldn’t there be better candidates for the Ring of Honor?

[Kingspoint]

Regardless of how his tenure ended here, wouldn’t there be better candidates for the Ring of Honor?

I wouldn't put him in the Top-50.

[UKFlounder]

19195

[redsfandan]

Hopefully Willie Anderson, Ken Anderson, and Isaac Curtis will join Ken Riley, Anthony Munoz, and Paul Brown (and Charlie Joiner and Terrell Owens) in the HOF sometime down the road.

[KoryMac5]

Nice to hear both Higgins and Chase committed to staying with the Bengals long term...I have to think they are going to work some magic with Burrows contract.

Sidenote Tee Higgins is a really good interview...he told Adam Schein that GB was going to draft him in the first round of the draft..can you imagine him and Davante Adams with the Packers.

[KoryMac5]

Pitcher is back for another season…it also looks like Lou will be back as well as AZ wants to now interview the Eagles DC.

[Kingspoint]

A photo from a Bengals/Chargers game as my tribute to this season's Super Bowl, where the only way the Bengals could be prevented from being there was through (by statements of former players, analysts and non-partisan fans) the worst officiated game in the history of the NFL.

In honor of the 214th Anniversary of the Life of Abraham Lincoln, the Cincinnati Bengals (who should be playing today), and the glorious beginning of Spring (all history in the Northern Hemisphere has always celebrated the beginning of Spring as the middle of February, not the Spring Equinox), when flowers begin, bees start their polination, ice breaks and flows from rivers, and birds begin their new lives, and some sort of Valentine or Love has been declared for milleniums, I post this photo from a Bengals' game (though it was Thanksgiving)...

19198

[WVRed]

Something I thought about over the weekend:

If the Chiefs make Clyde Edwards-Helaire available, do you give up a draft pick for him if the Bengals cut Mixon and pair him with Perine?

He has the LSU connection with Burrow and Chase and has pretty much been supplanted by Pacheco in KC.

[Hillsdale87]

Something I thought about over the weekend:

If the Chiefs make Clyde Edwards-Helaire available, do you give up a draft pick for him if the Bengals cut Mixon and pair him with Perine?

He has the LSU connection with Burrow and Chase and has pretty much been supplanted by Pacheco in KC.

You can't give up a draft pick for a guy on a 1st round contract who was supplanted by a 7th round rookie. I mean, you can, but it would be disastrous. They can find somebody better and cheaper in the draft.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RiverRat13]

Step 1 is to cut Mixon, which they should absolutely do but I’m skeptical that they will.

[Big Red Smokey]

I would guess Mixon is 100% getting cut after June 2nd. When the dead cap hit is only $2 million vs $5.5 mil before that.

Think Perine is gone too. Look at Pacheco. 7th round rookie. Find a RB who can pass protect and catch the ball and get him on a rookie contract.

You can't be paying Joe Mixon $12 million this year. The Bengals know it, and Joe knows it.

[RiverRat13]

I would guess Mixon is 100% getting cut after June 2nd. When the dead cap hit is only $2 million vs $5.5 mil before that.

Think Perine is gone too. Look at Pacheco. 7th round rookie. Find a RB who can pass protect and catch the ball and get him on a rookie contract.

You can't be paying Joe Mixon $12 million this year. The Bengals know it, and Joe knows it.

They don't need to wait until June 2nd anymore. You can cut a guy at any time and make him a post-June 1st designee. For example, the Cowboys cut La'el Collins in March but made him a post-June 1 designee to spread the cap hit.

[Redsfaithful]

The Bengals have changed so much, but cutting Mixon here would be another new thing, I think. I'm sure Zac Taylor and Tobin have opinions that might align with fans, but not sure about ownership.

[RiverRat13]

The Bengals have changed so much, but cutting Mixon here would be another new thing, I think. I'm sure Zac Taylor and Tobin have opinions that might align with fans, but not sure about ownership.

I've read that the Bengals get away with not offering as much guaranteed money as other teams in part by assuring players they won't be cut. Not sure that is true anymore or if it applies to Mixon.

[Kingspoint]

I've read that the Bengals get away with not offering as much guaranteed money as other teams in part by assuring players they won't be cut. Not sure that is true anymore or if it applies to Mixon.

Comes with being the most fiscally-responsible team in the league. There's a reason the best Financial institutions in the Tri-County area have always looked to Mike Brown for Financial advice.

[Kingspoint]

Hey, Buckeye fans....

How about Dawand Jones for the 28th pick by the Bengals? Is that a fit?

[WVRed]

Hey, Buckeye fans....

How about Dawand Jones for the 28th pick by the Bengals? Is that a fit?

I’ve seen him as a late second round since the senior bowl.

I’m thinking best player available who falls or even trade back into the second round.

[bucksfan2]

Hey, Buckeye fans....

How about Dawand Jones for the 28th pick by the Bengals? Is that a fit?

If you can nab him in the second, absolutely. I still think he is a year or two off from being a legit starting tackle in the NFL. I think he will struggle early with the speed of the NFL pass rusher.

[Redhook]

Cutting Mixon should be a foregone conclusion.

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2023/2/14/23598893/bengals-joe-mixon-contract-recent-super-bowl-winners-running-backs-chiefs

[Sea Ray]

Cutting Mixon should be a foregone conclusion.

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2023/2/14/23598893/bengals-joe-mixon-contract-recent-super-bowl-winners-running-backs-chiefs

I would question the verasity of that article. They mention Percy Harvin as the most expensive RB (Seahawks 2013). OK, where's Marshawn Lynch? He reportly made $7mill for the 'Hawks in 2013.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/marshawn-lynch-1166/cash-earnings/

[KoryMac5]

Cardinals expected to make a decision as early as tomorrow on coach...down to Lou or Gannon according to twitter folks.

[redsfandan]

Cardinals expected to make a decision as early as tomorrow on coach...down to Lou or Gannon according to twitter folks.
It's Gannon.

Good for the Bengals.

[Sea Ray]

It's Gannon.

Good for the Bengals.

You got that right. This is huge

[redsfandan]

You got that right. This is huge
Yep, probably the most important decision of the Bengals off season.

[membengal]

Yeah, absolutely huge news for the Bengals -


Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
Cardinals are finalizing a deal with former Eagles’ defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to become their new head coach, sources tell ESPN. The last HC opening of this hiring cycle is being filled.

Eagles now are losing both their defensive and offensive coordinators, on the same day.

[Sea Ray]

Lou A is the only coach in the league that gives Mahomes/Andy Reid fits

[RiverRat13]

Bad for Lou. Good for the Bengals.

[membengal]

Absolute stunner to me that we didn't lose one of our core coaches. Such disrespect and such good news, all at the same time...

[Redhook]

I would question the verasity of that article. They mention Percy Harvin as the most expensive RB (Seahawks 2013). OK, where's Marshawn Lynch? He reportly made $7mill for the 'Hawks in 2013.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/marshawn-lynch-1166/cash-earnings/

Good catch. They still need to cut Mixon though.

[Hillsdale87]

I feel bad for Lou, but good for us. Keeping Lou is huge. I don't know how you could watch the Chiefs' last 2 games and go with the guy whose defense got torched by the Chiefs instead of the guy who is 4-4 on keeping Mahomes in check, but I'm glad that's what the Cardinals did.

[WVRed]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230215/7e60efddc4b67a63dd05a9940fb0588b.jpg

Did a mock the other day and I could really get behind this one.

[KoryMac5]

Bengals have to go all in this season...both coordinators back and your stars still on rookie deals. The window is wide open this season.

[Redhook]

Bengals have to go all in this season...both coordinators back and your stars still on rookie deals. The window is wide open this season.

They have some big financial decisions to make. Bates is gone. I think they should bring Bell back. I love Hurst, but he’s probably too pricey for his position. Pratt is an interesting one and probably too expensive. Mixon should be cut. I’d try to keep Perine. They need to keep churning the roster, but they can’t decimate it, obviously. They’ve done a great job the last few years and I trust they’ll make the right decisions this off-season.

[Oxilon]

Bates is gone but we knew that once they drafted Dax Hill. I hope they cut Mixon just due to the cap savings alone. Pratt won't be resigned since he'll cost too much. I'd imagine they'll start focusing on extensions this offseason but in terms of priority, I would say:

1) Right Tackle
2) Defensive End/Pass-rusher (1st round pick?)
3) Offensive line depth
4) Secondary depth

[Sea Ray]

Yeah, unfortunately he's going to blow away the interview (he's the opposite of Mike Zimmer in this regard). He's as good as gone. Congratulations to him. I wish him well. Kudos to the Bengals' Ownership and Taylor for finding him first and snatching him. We got one Super Bowl appearance and two AFC Championship appearances from him. That's as much as anyone can expect before losing an O. C. or D. C.

Lou is so professional and impressive. He can definitely handle the Head Coaching responsibilities.

The process that got him to wear stripes and got Taylor to wear stripes will hopefully find a quality replacement for him. In-house would be best, normally, but there has to be someone who is truly worthy, and not just a token in-house hire. Lou set enough of a tone that it will still be Lou's Defense next season no matter who comes in, but it's the year after where we'll see the differences from a new D. C.

I have never seen a Coach make halfitime adjustments like he has....not even close to anyone as good as what Lou was at it. I mean, who shuts down Mahomes consistently? Nobody.

I'll bet you're awfully glad to be wrong on this one. I know I am. What you say about him shutting down Mahomes is sure true. He gives Reid and Mahomes fits

[KoryMac5]

The problem with Pratt is I could see someone (Bears) overpaying for his services...PFF put his contract around that 8 million per year mark but I could see a needy team going higher than that. I think the Bengals have a number on him and won't budge off of it.
3 yrs 24 million I would definitely do though...he was really good this season with Wilson.

[Ohayou]

Funny, up until that playoff game against the Raiders, Pratt was considered by many to be below average & expendable. He really stepped his game up this past season. But yeah, I would not be surprised to see him gone and ADG slide in, with Bailey getting a lot more playing time himself.

I know some people are calling for us to draft a DE early, but I really don't see the Bengals going that route. We already have solid depth there with Ossai/Sample, both of whom I think have real upside. They're still only 21 & 23. Problem is, Hubbard hasn't elevated his game like some have hoped he would, but he's still good...just not Hendrickson's equal. Someone like Tuli Tuipulotu (USC DL) I wouldn't mind at 28. Dude is barely 20 and makes it look so easy out there. He has the same versatility Zach Carter had coming out of college, but with helluva more upside.

Right now, I expect either S/CB/RT in the 1st round. If Michael Mayer somehow falls to 28, however, take him. He's already a Bengals/Burrow fan. Cody Mauch, I mentioned before. He plays tackle and was teammates with Volson at NDSU.

[WrongVerb]

For the draft, this is what I'm expecting, position-wise:

Rounds 1-3: OT/TE/CB or SA
Rounds 4-6: RB/LB/CB or SA
Round 7: DE or DT

[Kingspoint]

I'll bet you're awfully glad to be wrong on this one. I know I am. What you say about him shutting down Mahomes is sure true. He gives Reid and Mahomes fits

I don't expect Arizona to make correct decisions. Not hiring Anarumo is consistent with the way they've operated for a while now.

This will definitely be Lou's last season with us, as he helps lead us to a Super Bowl win in 2024. His demand will be off the charts.

With that, I'd like to add Vance Joseph to our staff as soon as Arizona releases him in preparation as a possible replacement for Lou.

Zimmer, who made Gannon one of his first hires when he became Head Coach at MIN, will probably become the new D. C. at Arizona. It only makes sense. I'm certain there's some staff position we could use Joseph on, as long as it's not in conflict with anything Anarumo does. A position that reports to Lou would be best....CB's Coach, Linebackers, something of that nature, or Defensive Assistant, so he can learn all aspects of what Lou can teach him to what he already knows.

[Kingspoint]

Funny, up until that playoff game against the Raiders, Pratt was considered by many to be below average & expendable. He really stepped his game up this past season. But yeah, I would not be surprised to see him gone and ADG slide in, with Bailey getting a lot more playing time himself.

I know some people are calling for us to draft a DE early, but I really don't see the Bengals going that route. We already have solid depth there with Ossai/Sample, both of whom I think have real upside. They're still only 21 & 23. Problem is, Hubbard hasn't elevated his game like some have hoped he would, but he's still good...just not Hendrickson's equal. Someone like Tuli Tuipulotu (USC DL) I wouldn't mind at 28. Dude is barely 20 and makes it look so easy out there. He has the same versatility Zach Carter had coming out of college, but with helluva more upside.

Right now, I expect either S/CB/RT in the 1st round. If Michael Mayer somehow falls to 28, however, take him. He's already a Bengals/Burrow fan. Cody Mauch, I mentioned before. He plays tackle and was teammates with Volson at NDSU.

Something consistent about Lou is that so many of his players improve a lot as the season goes along, and then about 3/4's into the season, there's a huge jump for many of them. It just adds to his assets as a Coach that shows that he's such a great teacher. As a Head Coach, he doesn't get to be a teacher anymore, as it's all about delegation, a completely different job (which is why so many fail at it who are excellent as Coordinators). I'm so glad we get to have him for one more season (likely) to help teach those we drafted and brought in from other teams the last two seasons, in addition to laying a foundation for those we draft and bring in this season. After he leaves, we'll get a hangover of one more season of his work that's embedded into the players, just as we got the same thing for a whole season after Zimmer left (and, unfortunately, got a whole season of hangover from Marvin after he left).

[Kingspoint]

Bad for Lou. Good for the Bengals.

I think it's good for Lou. He'll get a better Head Coaching opportunity elsewhere than at Arizona. To be handcuffed with the yoke that is Kyler Murray is a very, very bad thing. Those two would butt heads and Murray would lose and whine and I don't think Ownership of the Cardinals are smart enough to get rid of Murray (like Ownership of the Atlanta Hawks basketball team are not smart enough to get rid of the lazy and refusing-to-learn-how-to-play-Defense Trey Young and keep McMillan, letting Dejounte Murray lead that club as a player instead).

[Sea Ray]

I don't expect Arizona to make correct decisions. Not hiring Anarumo is consistent with the way they've operated for a while now.

This will definitely be Lou's last season with us, as he helps lead us to a Super Bowl win in 2024. His demand will be off the charts.

With that, I'd like to add Vance Joseph to our staff as soon as Arizona releases him in preparation as a possible replacement for Lou.

Zimmer, who made Gannon one of his first hires when he became Head Coach at MIN, will probably become the new D. C. at Arizona. It only makes sense. I'm certain there's some staff position we could use Joseph on, as long as it's not in conflict with anything Anarumo does. A position that reports to Lou would be best....CB's Coach, Linebackers, something of that nature, or Defensive Assistant, so he can learn all aspects of what Lou can teach him to what he already knows.

I tend to agree but Lou A is getting up there in yrs and I think that's already working against him.

Interesting take on Zimmer. We'll see if that situation suits him. I'd read somewhere that Gannon would bring someone with him (from Philly) to be his DC. I would think Zimmer would have his choice of jobs if he wanted to come back

[Kingspoint]

I tend to agree but Lou A is getting up there in yrs and I think that's already working against him.

Interesting take on Zimmer. We'll see if that situation suits him. I'd read somewhere that Gannon would bring someone with him (from Philly) to be his DC. I would think Zimmer would have his choice of jobs if he wanted to come back

There may be some truth to that as was eluded to by one of our posters before the hiring stages began.

Zimmer gave Gannon the opportunity by making him his Secondary Coach, and he was one of his first hires. That kind of loyalty goes a long way in the NFL. He doesn't have this Arizona job if not for Zimmer, nor the D. C. job in Philly.

Lou also may have been forthright and stated point blank, "If Murray doesn't fall in line and study and do his homework, are you going to be willing to trade him and keep me around?"

[WVRed]

I don't expect Arizona to make correct decisions. Not hiring Anarumo is consistent with the way they've operated for a while now.

This will definitely be Lou's last season with us, as he helps lead us to a Super Bowl win in 2024. His demand will be off the charts.

With that, I'd like to add Vance Joseph to our staff as soon as Arizona releases him in preparation as a possible replacement for Lou.

Zimmer, who made Gannon one of his first hires when he became Head Coach at MIN, will probably become the new D. C. at Arizona. It only makes sense. I'm certain there's some staff position we could use Joseph on, as long as it's not in conflict with anything Anarumo does. A position that reports to Lou would be best....CB's Coach, Linebackers, something of that nature, or Defensive Assistant, so he can learn all aspects of what Lou can teach him to what he already knows.

Nothing against Joseph but I’d rather cut ties with anyone from the Marvin Lewis era from a coaching perspective.

[Kingspoint]

So, Joe Gannon, the new HC of the Cardinals (doomed if he thinks he's going to be able to turn a Kyler Murray Quarterbacked team into a Super Bowl appearance, even in the weak NFC...winning 12 games in the NFC is equivalent to winning 9 games in the AFC), decided to take along his LB's Coach from PHI, the same LB's Coach that Mike Zimmer gave his first NFL job to, hiring him from the University of Minnesota to be the Vikings Assistant Defensive Coordinator in 2018. Gannon then added another Mike Zimmer hire to be the Cardinals' O. C., Drew Petzing. Like Rallis and Gannon, Petzing spent a number of years working under former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer in Minnesota, serving on the Vikings’ offensive staff from 2014-2019 (Gannon was the Vikes’ assistant DBs coach from 2014-17, and Rallis was on the club’s defensive staff from 2018-20).

So, the entire Cardinals' staff is basically Mike Zimmer's staff at Minnesota. I can see why Gannon didn't hire Zimmer, as there needed to be no question of who to turn to when it came to questions.

Which brings me to the future of the Bengals after Anarumo leaves. It wouldn't be a bad idea to try to bring Zimmer back to the Bengals' now, with no promises that he becomes the D. C. when Lou leaves, but he could be hired on as "Assistant to the Defensive Coordinator". (Yes, Mike, you can put that on your cards.)

Zimmer's been gone long enough that there would be no issues with who's in charge. Lou can handle that with no problem. And, Zimmer wouldn't be working with the buffoon that was Marvin Lewis. To work "under" Lou and Taylor would bring out more from Lou than what we got before. Zimmer is a great teacher and it could only help the franchise overall. It doesn't undermine anyone else's hopes of promotion from within, again "no promises" can be made.

I would think that Zimmer would see the Bengals as family, and they would see him as family. Was anything bad said by Zimmer after he left? I don't remember. Zimmer could get a lesson on how Lou and Zac does things that would make him a better Coach, too.

We're going to need Coaches who can work well with Grade 3 Free Agents and draftees, players the Bengals said this week are the keys to improving the talent around Burrow, Chase and Higgins in the future because of the costs associated with those three. Good Coaching can make up for a lack of talent, and we are definitely going to lose Lou at some point. I'd like to get Zimmer back here in Cincinnati to better the current staff and to add insurance for when Lou leaves.

[Kingspoint]

Nothing against Joseph but I’d rather cut ties with anyone from the Marvin Lewis era from a coaching perspective.

There were exceptions. Vance Joseph may get the D. C. position in DEN. I'd love to get Zimmer back here.

[Tony Cloninger]

I read where the same agents who got Watson that stupid Cleveland contract represent Higgins and Ossai. Now I doubt these agents actually believe he can get more guarantees in the contract for a WR and a DE but who knows.

Anyone got an opinion on this.

I just hope the Burrow contract gets done even if it doesn’t technically start until 2024 so we can see how much guaranteed money he will get. At least Burrow has an agent and not the stupidity that Lamar Jackson is going through with no agent and having the NFLPA try to make him the Curt Flood test case for all future contracts.

[Kingspoint]

I read where the same agents who got Watson that stupid Cleveland contract represent Higgins and Ossai. Now I doubt these agents actually believe he can get more guarantees in the contract for a WR and a DE but who knows.

Anyone got an opinion on this.

I just hope the Burrow contract gets done even if it doesn’t technically start until 2024 so we can see how much guaranteed money he will get. At least Burrow has an agent and not the stupidity that Lamar Jackson is going through with no agent and having the NFLPA try to make him the Curt Flood test case for all future contracts.

That had more to do with Cleveland's Owner being an idiot than anything else.

[KoryMac5]

David Mulugheta represents Tee now Ossai, and Bates...his contracts don't look terribly out of whack except for Watson, however Cleveland was desperate and the only way to get Watson was to offer the guaranteed money.

https://fanspo.com/nfl/agents/david-mulugheta/45657

I would imagine if Tee wants to stay a deal gets done.

[Redhook]

David Mulugheta represents Tee now Ossai, and Bates...his contracts don't look terribly out of whack except for Watson, however Cleveland was desperate and the only way to get Watson was to offer the guaranteed money.

https://fanspo.com/nfl/agents/david-mulugheta/45657

I would imagine if Tee wants to stay a deal gets done.

From PFF, I read a proposed trade with Detroit. Detroit would get Higgins and the Bengals would get their 1st (#6 overall) and 4th round picks. I’d miss Tee, but I’d do that in a second. With that scenario, you get an absolute stud with the #6 pick since 3 QB’s will be taken ahead of that and possibly Tee’s replacement with the 28th pick.

[RiverRat13]

From PFF, I read a proposed trade with Detroit. Detroit would get Higgins and the Bengals would get their 1st (#6 overall) and 4th round picks. I’d miss Tee, but I’d do that in a second. With that scenario, you get an absolute stud with the #6 pick since 3 QB’s will be taken ahead of that and possibly Tee’s replacement with the 28th pick.

That's the kind of offer it would take to part with Tee. I don't see anyway that happens, though. Detroit already has an explosive offense. They need guys on defense or they need to take a shot at their QB of the future.

[Kingspoint]

That's the kind of offer it would take to part with Tee. I don't see anyway that happens, though. Detroit already has an explosive offense. They need guys on defense or they need to take a shot at their QB of the future.

They believe in Goff and they have their entire Offensive Line set. To get another #1 opposite St-Brown would not be a bad move for them. Yes, they need Defense, but that Division is open to win now. After St-Brown, it gets sketchy.

That is what Higgins is worth, though.

[bucksfan2]

From PFF, I read a proposed trade with Detroit. Detroit would get Higgins and the Bengals would get their 1st (#6 overall) and 4th round picks. I’d miss Tee, but I’d do that in a second. With that scenario, you get an absolute stud with the #6 pick since 3 QB’s will be taken ahead of that and possibly Tee’s replacement with the 28th pick.

As would I, and I have come around on Tee. But if teams are going to be stupid and offer up insane draft capital, you take advantage of it.

The Bengals won't do it, but if you did, then traded that #6 to a QB needy team, and all of a sudden you have a ton of draft capital to work with. You could attack OL, DE, and WR all in one draft.

[WVRed]

They believe in Goff and they have their entire Offensive Line set. To get another #1 opposite St-Brown would not be a bad move for them. Yes, they need Defense, but that Division is open to win now. After St-Brown, it gets sketchy.

That is what Higgins is worth, though.

Didn’t they draft Jameson Williams last year?

I’d do it in a heartbeat but I don’t see the Lions doing it. I think the Texans at 12 would be enticing and use the AJ Brown deal last year as a template. Then take Quentin Johnson if he’s on the board.

[Redhook]

Didn’t they draft Jameson Williams last year?

I’d do it in a heartbeat but I don’t see the Lions doing it. I think the Texans at 12 would be enticing and use the AJ Brown deal last year as a template. Then take Quentin Johnson if he’s on the board.

Yes, and he’s really good. I don’t see the Lions doing it either and agree the Texans are a better fit.

[WVRed]

Forced the trade and did a mock. Don’t see this scenario happening but I could get behind it:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230224/fc69024e893df4b64fa3102c092f0049.jpg

[Kingspoint]

It seems to have been a foregone conclusion everywhere for the last 9 months that the Bengals would take a TE with their 1st Round pick in the 2023 draft.

[WVRed]

It seems to have been a foregone conclusion everywhere for the last 9 months that the Bengals would take a TE with their 1st Round pick in the 2023 draft.

I hope Mayer falls but if he doesn’t then I don’t know if Musgrave or Kincaid are suitable first round TEs.

[Kingspoint]

Higgins ranked #4 overall WR last season vs Single Coverage per PFF...

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-10-wide-receivers-against-single-coverage-a-j-brown-justin-jefferson-tyreek-hill

PFF receiving grade vs. single coverage: 93.0

https://twitter.com/i/status/1587274684609052673


With much of the attention on teammate Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins was able to see plenty of single coverage in 2022 — and he feasted. Along with ranking fourth in receiving grade against single coverage, Higgins ranked second in both passer rating when targeted (144.4) and touchdown receptions (7) on those one-on-one looks.

- - - Updated - - -

Bates is going to cost us if we want to keep him.

Looks like one more year of the franchise-tag.

From PFF's "One thing to know about each of the Top-25 2023 Free Agents":

4. S JESSIE BATES III

Stat to know: Bates was PFF’s highest-graded safety in 2020 and ranks fourth among all safeties since then.

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-one-key-stat-to-know-for-pffs-top-25-free-agents-in-2023

[Kingspoint]

Best bargain on the RB market per PFF:

RB KAREEM HUNT

Hunt was sufficiently marginalized during his time with the Cleveland Browns for Nick Chubb that he may actually be quite affordable this free agency period. Hunt has a complete running back skill set and is one of the better receivers at the position in the league. That time in Chubb’s shadow may also have helped extend his NFL lifespan by keeping him on a relatively low workload. He has just 443 total carries over four seasons in Cleveland and has been on the field for less than 1,100 snaps over the entirety of his six-year NFL career. Hunt has high-end starting talent and may be significantly cheaper than the other big-name backs that are hitting the market.

- - - Updated - - -

Best Bargain on the LB market per PFF:

LB GERMAINE PRATT

In many ways, Pratt mirrors Edmunds' story, but he comes with none of the notoriety. Pratt was a third-round pick instead of a first-rounder, isn’t quite the same physical specimen and is heading toward his 27th birthday. He is also coming off a career year that is a significant outlier relative to his prior baseline, but the extremes aren’t as wild and he likely won’t cost nearly as much if he does turn back into a pumpkin the moment pen is put to paper.

Pratt was also the Bengals' most improved player per PFF grading:

2021 PFF Grade: 54.0
2022 PFF Grade: 78.4

Pratt heads for free agency off the back of his best season in the NFL by far. Along with a career-high 64.3 PFF run-defense grade and a career-best 6.5% missed tackle rate, Pratt ranked third among all NFL linebackers with an 87.2 PFF coverage grade in 2022.

- - - Updated - - -

Hendrickson ranked 9th among EDGE Defenders per PFF for the 2022 season:

9. TREY HENDRICKSON, CINCINNATI BENGALS (85.0)

Hendrickson has emerged as one of the better pass-rush specialists in the league over the past few seasons, improving his pass-rush grade every year since 2019. His most recent improvement landed him among the top five players at his position in terms of pass-rush grade, and while that didn’t translate into the sack production of others in that range, he still made a significant impact with 18 quarterback hits (fourth most among edge defenders) and a 17.03% pressure rate (eighth).

- - - Updated - - -

PFF's early and late round fits for the Bengals...

Early Pick: OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Late Pick: TE Payne Durham, Purdue

The Bengals still need to invest in their offensive line, and whenever that’s the case, doing so with priority draft picks is the smart move. Wright is an experienced, aggressive and stout right tackle who has the strength to even be versatile on the inside. With Hayden Hurst entering free agency, there could be a lot of tight end snaps up for grabs in Cincy. Durham was a standout player at the Senior Bowl and earned a 72.3 receiving grade with eight receiving touchdowns for Purdue this past season.

[Kingspoint]

The Bengals' best cut candidate per PFF:

CINCINNATI BENGALS: RB JOE MIXON

Salary Cap Details: $5,500,000 dead money, $7,291,176 cap savings

With a lot of tough decisions coming for the Bengals' front office in the near future, clearing around $10 million in cash and more than $7 million in 2023 cap by moving on from Mixon could help them retain some younger talent. Mixon’s 0.11 missed tackles forced per rushing attempt in 2022 ranked 72nd out of 87 running backs with at least 25 rushing attempts, his 3.9 yards per carry ranked 65th and he posted just 16 explosive rushes on 210 attempts.

Mixon did have a great performance against the Buffalo Bills in a dominant snow game outing in the divisional round, but that was after carrying the ball 11 times for just 39 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round. He ended his year with eight carries for 19 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in the conference championship game.

[Kingspoint]

PFF's latest (4 days ago) mock draft has the Bengals taking...

29. CINCINNATI BENGALS: OT OLUMUYIWA FASHANU, PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (2024)

Cincinnati has to keep investing in the offensive line. This past season, left tackle Jonah Williams tied for the most sacks allowed (12), while right tackle La’el Collins earned the fifth-lowest pass-blocking grade (44.2) among tackles.

Fashanu didn’t allow a sack and surrendered only one hit on 281 pass-blocking snaps. His 84.7 pass-blocking grade placed sixth among Power Five tackles.


https://twitter.com/austingayle_/status/1590158192734253056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1590158192734253056%7Ctwgr% 5Ea1468b293756ab7f784a74677d29fd5e8aa85af9%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnews%2Fdraft-2023-all-eligible-nfl-mock-draft

[Redhook]

Higgins ranked #4 overall WR last season vs Single Coverage per PFF...

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-10-wide-receivers-against-single-coverage-a-j-brown-justin-jefferson-tyreek-hill

PFF receiving grade vs. single coverage: 93.0

https://twitter.com/i/status/1587274684609052673


With much of the attention on teammate Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins was able to see plenty of single coverage in 2022 — and he feasted. Along with ranking fourth in receiving grade against single coverage, Higgins ranked second in both passer rating when targeted (144.4) and touchdown receptions (7) on those one-on-one looks.

- - - Updated - - -

Bates is going to cost us if we want to keep him.

Looks like one more year of the franchise-tag.

From PFF's "One thing to know about each of the Top-25 2023 Free Agents":

4. S JESSIE BATES III

Stat to know: Bates was PFF’s highest-graded safety in 2020 and ranks fourth among all safeties since then.

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-one-key-stat-to-know-for-pffs-top-25-free-agents-in-2023

Higgins is very good. I’d be perfectly fine with them signing him long term or selling high. I think it’s a win-win with either direction they choose and I believe they’ll sign him long term.

Bates is gone. He’s good, but too pricey for that position. Hopefully, Dax is worthy of the first round pick. I’d also resign Vonn Bell.

[Redhook]

The Bengals' best cut candidate per PFF:

CINCINNATI BENGALS: RB JOE MIXON

Salary Cap Details: $5,500,000 dead money, $7,291,176 cap savings

With a lot of tough decisions coming for the Bengals' front office in the near future, clearing around $10 million in cash and more than $7 million in 2023 cap by moving on from Mixon could help them retain some younger talent. Mixon’s 0.11 missed tackles forced per rushing attempt in 2022 ranked 72nd out of 87 running backs with at least 25 rushing attempts, his 3.9 yards per carry ranked 65th and he posted just 16 explosive rushes on 210 attempts.

Mixon did have a great performance against the Buffalo Bills in a dominant snow game outing in the divisional round, but that was after carrying the ball 11 times for just 39 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round. He ended his year with eight carries for 19 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in the conference championship game.

He gone! At least, he better be. It’d be a terrible waste of resources to keep him.

[Kingspoint]

He gone! At least, he better be. It’d be a terrible waste of resources to keep him.

I hope good sense prevails.

[WVRed]

PFF's latest (4 days ago) mock draft has the Bengals taking...

29. CINCINNATI BENGALS: OT OLUMUYIWA FASHANU, PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (2024)

Cincinnati has to keep investing in the offensive line. This past season, left tackle Jonah Williams tied for the most sacks allowed (12), while right tackle La’el Collins earned the fifth-lowest pass-blocking grade (44.2) among tackles.

Fashanu didn’t allow a sack and surrendered only one hit on 281 pass-blocking snaps. His 84.7 pass-blocking grade placed sixth among Power Five tackles.


https://twitter.com/austingayle_/status/1590158192734253056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1590158192734253056%7Ctwgr% 5Ea1468b293756ab7f784a74677d29fd5e8aa85af9%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnews%2Fdraft-2023-all-eligible-nfl-mock-draft

He decided to go back to college so this would be next year.

[Kingspoint]

He decided to go back to college so this would be next year.

In response to this....

From... February 25th, 2023 at 10:53am CST by Ely Allen

Here are a few other quick notes on upcoming prospects:

Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer has long been thought of as the 2023 NFL Draft’s best prospect at the position. Well, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, one tight end made a strong case for himself at the Senior Bowl. Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave made a lasting impression on scouts at the all-star event. Musgrave measured at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds and impressed with his physicality, speed, route-running, and hands. Breer posits that Musgrave did enough to earn the top spot on position rankings.


https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/02/06/nfl-draft-prospects-tyjae-spears-senior-bowl

3) Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave was one of the players scouts were most excited to see, and he didn’t disappoint. He checked in at 6'5" and 255 pounds, and he showed off his physicality, route-running ability, speed and hands. (All of which matter since injury cut his final college season short after two games.) It wouldn’t be a surprise if Musgrave is the first tight end taken, in front of Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, who’s been on the NFL’s radar since he was a true freshman.

4) The battle we wrote about last week to be the first right tackle taken will march on, with Tennessee’s Darnell Wright and Ohio State’s Dawand Jones both having shown well in Mobile. At 342 pounds, Wright flashed solid movement skills, while the 375-pound Jones broke the Senior Bowl record for wingspan (89.5"!!). And it was a good week for the linemen in general, with Syracuse OT Matthew Bergeron, Minnesota C John Michael Schmitz, Alabama OT Tyler Steen (who looked good playing some inside) and Maryland OT Jaelyn Duncan all helping themselves.


Another prospect who may be higher than initially thought is Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright. The O-lineman also attended the Senior Bowl with many believing that he had a lot that he still needed to prove. According to Matt Miller of ESPN, Wright may have already done enough. Miller claims Wright is a top-32 prospect and finds it hard to believe that he’ll slip past the first round. The Volunteers didn’t expect to keep the consensus five-star out of West Virginia for all four years and the fact that they did had many thinking Wright is not a first-round talent. An impressive performance at the Senior Bowl and a first-team All-SEC selection in 2022 should prove otherwise as Wright continues to work towards the goal of hearing his name called on the first night of the draft.

[Bob Sheed]

Drafting a TE in the late first round is usually not a good idea.

[WVRed]

Drafting a TE in the late first round is usually not a good idea.

The Bengals have done it twice in recent memory. Jermaine Gresham was a good player in college but never really made the transition to the pros. Tyler Eifert had potential but could never stay healthy.

I’d rather see if someone slips to us who shouldn’t (JSN or Jordan Addison) or take BPA. I wouldn’t even be opposed to trading back and getting more picks as well.

[Ohayou]

I like Musgrave, but he barely played over the span of 4 years. In the tape I have watched of him, a sneeze will knock the guy over lol.

[Redsfaithful]

It's apparently the deepest TE draft in a decade, so I really hope they don't use a first round pick on one. Grab one later.

[WVRed]

It's apparently the deepest TE draft in a decade, so I really hope they don't use a first round pick on one. Grab one later.

I don’t know, they had the deepest WR class in two drafts and came out of those pretty well by drafting them early (Higgins and Chase)

[KoryMac5]

Wright fits the mold of who the Bengals draft…a kid who stayed in school all 4 years and started 40 games.

[WVRed]

Interesting:

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jalen-ramsey-trade-rumors-top-landing-spots-for-all-pro-cb-with-rams-reportedly-very-likely-to-move-him/

The idea of Jalen Ramsey and Cam Taylor Britt in the secondary is perplexing to say the least.

[Kingspoint]

Interesting:

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jalen-ramsey-trade-rumors-top-landing-spots-for-all-pro-cb-with-rams-reportedly-very-likely-to-move-him/

The idea of Jalen Ramsey and Cam Taylor Britt in the secondary is perplexing to say the least.

Bengals came out publicly last week and stated how they will acquire future players in lieu of the rising costs associated with retaining Burrow, Chase and Higgins. Tier C and D Free Agents and Draft picks. That leaves out anyone like Ramsey, as they won't trade draft picks, especially good ones, for any player, nor will they pay the price that a Free Agent like Ramsey would cost.

[Kingspoint]

I don't think trading Higgins is an option.

Think about it for a moment....

The Colts could never get over the hump until they got Reggie Wayne.

They had a HOF WR in Harrison, a HOF QB in Manning, a HOF LT and probably HOF C, an All-Pro TE and an All-Pro RB, but until they got Wayne, they could still be stopped, when necessary, on Offense (see Jets playoff win). Once they had two elite Receivers (and the luxury of an elite TE and an elite C, LT and RB), they probably would have been in the Super Bowl five or seven times (if not for NEP and PIT and the Colts' Defense at times).

The Bengals do not have an elite TE or LT or C or RB, so they definitely need two elite WR's. With only one, they are doomed, as Chase would never get a chance to catch a ball, while the issues at LT remain.

Resign Higgins for five years (many of his best years likely) and use that 1st Rd pick on the best TE in the draft (by their scouts) or a LT/RT.

[Redhook]

I don't think trading Higgins is an option.

Think about it for a moment....

The Colts could never get over the hump until they got Reggie Wayne.

They had a HOF WR in Harrison, a HOF QB in Manning, a HOF LT and probably HOF C, an All-Pro TE and an All-Pro RB, but until they got Wayne, they could still be stopped, when necessary, on Offense (see Jets playoff win). Once they had two elite Receivers (and the luxury of an elite TE and an elite C, LT and RB), they probably would have been in the Super Bowl five or seven times (if not for NEP and PIT and the Colts' Defense at times).

The Bengals do not have an elite TE or LT or C or RB, so they definitely need two elite WR's. With only one, they are doomed, as Chase would never get a chance to catch a ball, while the issues at LT remain.

Resign Higgins for five years (many of his best years likely) and use that 1st Rd pick on the best TE in the draft (by their scouts) or a LT/RT.

Yeah, it’s hard to disagree with this. It would take a haul to make a Higgins trade worth it. A top 10 pick and a 3rd/4th round pick. With that, they’d have to nail his replacement with one of the first round picks.

[Redhook]

Interesting. Lewan would like to play for the Bengals. Jonah will be back for another year. Could he move to LG? Would he be an upgrade over Volson? RT is another issue. Cut Collins, but who fills his spot? Draft a RT in the first? It’s be nice to have some quality depth fir a change.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-free-agency-three-time-pro-bowler-lists-three-teams-he-wont-play-for-but-is-eyeing-this-contender/

If I’m Bengals, I cut Mixon and Collins. Resign Perine, Vonn Bell, Hurst and maybe Apple for depth. Sign a LT or RT and an edge rusher. They’ll need a LB too if they don’t resign Pratt. Then, draft a CB/OL/TE in any order BPA

[Kingspoint]

Interesting. Lewan would like to play for the Bengals. Jonah will be back for another year. Could he move to LG? Would he be an upgrade over Volson? RT is another issue. Cut Collins, but who fills his spot? Draft a RT in the first? It’s be nice to have some quality depth fir a change.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-free-agency-three-time-pro-bowler-lists-three-teams-he-wont-play-for-but-is-eyeing-this-contender/

If I’m Bengals, I cut Mixon and Collins. Resign Perine, Vonn Bell, Hurst and maybe Apple for depth. Sign a LT or RT and an edge rusher. They’ll need a LB too if they don’t resign Pratt. Then, draft a CB/OL/TE in any order BPA

Really? I had just read two days ago that Lewan would either retire or return to the Titans.

I was going to propose that we try to pick up Lewan, but with him having missed 30 games over the past, what is it, two...three seasons, I wouldn't think the fans would go for it, and I'm pretty certain the Bengals would never go for it. They just paid for an injured RT coming in, who didn't last the season.

I just don't know how much Lewan would command. That $12M of Jonah is an insurance policy that they can cash in if they fail to land his replacement. I don't know how much of it is due in March, but certainly the rest of it isn't gauranteed until the end of the 1st Week of the regular season.

Because Lewan has missed so many games, it's possible he could be signed on a 1-year contract for about $8.5M (or $5.5M w/ games played incentives that rise to $12M). Anyway, that's my thought, and I'd certainly take that chance.

We also have knowledge of Carman showing well for himself when he took over at LT for a game or two.

[Kingspoint]

I still want to sign Penei Sewell's brother for Linebacker. He's ranked about 2nd (PFF) to 5th among LB's in mock rankings.

Penei had a great year with Detroit this season, ranking among the best in the league as a Lineman per PFF (14 best overall grade among all O-Linemen, and 77th best overall grade among all NFL players). When his contract comes up for renewal, maybe he'd be interested in joining his brother here in CIN. Samoans are extremely family-oriented. Who would you rather block for....Burrow or Goff? Sewell sounds like a 3rd Round pick with it being not a stong LB group and a very, very strong Free Agent LB group. Maybe not where the Bengals pick in the 3rd, but somewhere in the 3rd. But, if he's still there when the Bengals pick in the 3rd, I'd jump on him. I don't know if I would want to use our 2nd Rd pick on any LB, considering our other needs.

From PFF: 77. PENEI SEWELL, DETROIT LIONS
Detroit’s offense was cooking for much of the year, and Sewell was a big part of that success at right tackle. He allowed 28 total pressures over 17 games and was one of the better run blockers in the league. He even caught a game-clinching pass against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. Penei Sewell, impressing all year, was also still just a rookie at right tackle, and one who had been forced to position switch twice from preseason, from right tackle to left and back to right again.

From PFF: 2. NOAH SEWELL, OREGON (JUNIOR)
The last name should look familiar and so should the outright physicality Sewell plays the game with. The Oregon linebacker is a one-man freight train at the linebacker position — taking on blocks is child’s play for the 6-foot-3, 251-pounder. He earned an 88.6 pass-rushing grade last season with 34 pressures from 98 blitzing snaps. Give him a straight line to a ball carrier, and it’s a wrap. Nonetheless, he's still a work in progress in coverage. He only earned a 59.0 coverage grade last season and missed a lot of tackles in the open field. Those are two areas we’d like to see improved in 2022 to vault him into the first round.

I would heavily consider Bobby Wagner, who will be available. He had an outstanding season last year with the RAMS. He's still elite. A 1-year deal if it's reasonable.


https://twitter.com/i/status/1436745413806149650

[Kingspoint]

Letting Bates go should net us an extra 3rd Round pick in 2024.

[Sea Ray]

Letting Bates go should net us an extra 3rd Round pick in 2024.

Indeed. I wonder what losing Pratt might get us

[Redhook]

Really? I had just read two days ago that Lewan would either retire or return to the Titans.

I was going to propose that we try to pick up Lewan, but with him having missed 30 games over the past, what is it, two...three seasons, I wouldn't think the fans would go for it, and I'm pretty certain the Bengals would never go for it. They just paid for an injured RT coming in, who didn't last the season.

I just don't know how much Lewan would command. That $12M of Jonah is an insurance policy that they can cash in if they fail to land his replacement. I don't know how much of it is due in March, but certainly the rest of it isn't gauranteed until the end of the 1st Week of the regular season.

Because Lewan has missed so many games, it's possible he could be signed on a 1-year contract for about $8.5M (or $5.5M w/ games played incentives that rise to $12M). Anyway, that's my thought, and I'd certainly take that chance.

We also have knowledge of Carman showing well for himself when he took over at LT for a game or two.

Yeah, it’d have to be a good deal on the Bengals side to sign Lewan. If that doesn’t happen, could Carman push Jonah out of the starting position? I honestly don’t know, but I do know Jonah is one of the worst LT in the league and he’s coming off a season where he, unfortunately, dislocated both knees. If I were the Bengals, I would not be counting on him to be the starter.

Carman is interesting. Even though it was a small sample size, he looked solid on the left side. I think it’s a terrible idea for a team to draft a lineman or a defensive tweener and expect them to change positions with ease. Carman should never see the right side of the line again. At worst, he looks like a very solid backup option on the left side, but on the right side, he looked liked a turn aisle.

[Redsfaithful]

Bobby Wagner makes a lot of sense if Pratt leaves.

I'm hoping this will be the first offseason where we really start to see a Burrow effect with free agents. I know we've seen it a little bit already, but the Bengals have to take advantage of late-in-career guys who want to win a ring. There's no better landing spot for guys like that outside of the Chiefs, or maybe the top couple of NFC teams (Eagles, 49ers) since that conference is weaker.

[KoryMac5]

They have to extend Wilson so I think they will look for Davis-Gaither to fill Pratt's role...or perhaps a combo of Bailey and Davis-Gaither.

Eventually they will have to draft one as Davis-Gaither contract is up at the end of next season.

[Kingspoint]

The Bengals cannot allow teams to not pay for double-teaming Chase.

That means resigning Higgins for five years AND taking a TE in the 1st Round. We need to retain the elite WR's we have and add another in the form of a TE.

- - - Updated - - -


They have to extend Wilson so I think they will look for Davis-Gaither to fill Pratt's role...or perhaps a combo of Bailey and Davis-Gaither.

Eventually they will have to draft one as Davis-Gaither contract is up at the end of next season.

It was pleasant to see them both finish well on the season.

[Kingspoint]

Indeed. I wonder what losing Pratt might get us

I'm thinking a 5th because he only had one good year, while there are many other quality Free Agent LB's on the market, too.

I'd take a 5th in lieu of what he will cost considering how well I expect the rest of our younger Linebackers to play, that you only need two Starters at LB, and that Wilson is a stud. Again, I could see Bobby Wagner signing for under $5M with us.

[WVRed]

They have to extend Wilson so I think they will look for Davis-Gaither to fill Pratt's role...or perhaps a combo of Bailey and Davis-Gaither.

Eventually they will have to draft one as Davis-Gaither contract is up at the end of next season.

I think linebacker has to be a point of focus if Pratt leaves. I don’t think Wagner is the answer nor do I think he will come here but ADG and Markus Bailey are a downgrade.

It looks like they are keeping Higgins too:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35755082/bengals-tee-higgins-trade-rumors-find-your-own-wr

[Kingspoint]

I think linebacker has to be a point of focus if Pratt leaves. I don’t think Wagner is the answer nor do I think he will come here but ADG and Markus Bailey are a downgrade.

It looks like they are keeping Higgins too:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35755082/bengals-tee-higgins-trade-rumors-find-your-own-wr

There's always a good Linebacker in the 5th and 6th Rounds in every draft.

"During his annual session at the NFL scouting combine, team executive Duke Tobin refuted any notion that the team could be interested in shopping the standout receiver this offseason. The team's longtime director of player personnel said teams haven't presented any offers, and if they did, trading Higgins wasn't a thought." "If they want a receiver, go find your own," Tobin said Tuesday. "In my opinion, Tee Higgins is a good piece for the Cincinnati Bengals. The trade stuff is a little ridiculous right now."

Bengals coach Zac Taylor said that he laughed off any chatter about the team dealing Higgins this season.

"That's why whenever you see the rumors floating around there, it's nonsense," Taylor said inside the Indiana Convention Center. "At the end of the day, I do get to call the plays and it's fun having [playmakers] out there. You don't really want to give that up."

"I envision him being part of what we do going forward for a long time," Tobin said. "That's the hope. We want our guys -- especially our guys that come in and prove that they can help us win in a big way."


That last comment suggests that they are going to do what they can to keep Bates. If they aren't going to keep him, they should franchise-tag him so they can trade him mid-season and get a nice return. They could get two 1st's for him.


"Tobin said the team has a rough estimate as to how much Burrow's potential contract extension might cost as the team prepares to enter free agency, which starts the week of March 12." They could start with a 1% stake in the eventual $4Billion value that the franchise will surely reach while Burrow is it's Quarterback. That's $40M gauranteed right there for the rest of his life. Why would you not want to make this man part of the Ownership family?