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(03-28-2022, 09:08 AM)Go Cards Wrote: Surprised that Huber has not been re-signed. Believe he would take a cut in pay to stay if needed even being a hometown guy and obviously nobody is knocking down the door to sign him either. .
He averaged 46.4 a punt which is not a real decline for him. Not really going to be a big deal to me if they decide to move on, but surprising.
Not many punters sell jersey's and have fans in the stands. Although he is a little long in the tooth at 36, but punters don't get all that abuse.
And flawlessly holding snaps for McPherson. One has such confidence that the snap from Clark Harris and the hold from Kevin Huber will be flawless, and the McPherson's kick will be on the money. Visions of past poor holds (cue Tony Romo) make the Harris/Huber component of extra priority in my mind.
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(03-27-2022, 11:56 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Great stuff. I would add depth at DT. Even though they signed Tupuo, they need another penetrating 3T that can take advantage of the double teams on Reader. One thing I hope for more of this year is rotation at DE (Get Ossai and Kareem in there...they won't need Hendrickson to play 95% of snaps, ditto Hubbard) and DT (Hopefully Tupou pushes Shelvin and gives Reader some snaps off and they need a player to help provide pressure from 3T when Hill is taking a breather). I am not sure a player like that exists in the draft where the Bengals will be selecting.
They will also need a FA CB for depth behind Apple. I am almost 100% certain they will be drafting CB at 31, unless the top 5 are gone.
A FA CB before then would really open things up. I am not sure what kind of character guy Haden is, nor do I think he would accept a backup role. I kind of like Apple's phoenix, but I want better quality depth. It is paper thin after those guys.
I think D'Ante Smith's work ethic and love from the coaches will get everything out of Carman or he will find himself on the bench all season. I know he (Carman) was injured at the end of the year, but still...he needs to prove it or Smith will take that job and never look back. Smith is not as strong, but he is more athletic and longer...could be a better pulling guard.
There is also the outside chance that Linderbaum falls to the Bengals and Karras moves to LG. I actually think that would be our best case scenario...then guys like Carman and Smith are competing to be the first backup off the bench. To be clear, for that to be my best case, I want another NFL CB with starting experience for depth. I am pretty sure the Bengals want that as well.
Thanks for the comment.
Just one note, when I was typing that post about biggest worries, it was in regard to the starters only. That is why it is under the heading, Starters. The depth discussion comes later, where, indeed, DT#2 behind Hill has to be at the top of the list, along with CB#4. I was intending to do all the posts at once, but kind of ran out of gas/time after the post on the starters, which kind of left everything hanging. Apologies if that made it unclear.
With the pause in the signings, I am hoping a Bates extension is in the works. Otherwise, I could see us basically sitting it out until after the draft.
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we havent resigned huber yet?
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(03-28-2022, 01:58 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: Thanks for the comment.
Just one note, when I was typing that post about biggest worries, it was in regard to the starters only. That is why it is under the heading, Starters. The depth discussion comes later, where, indeed, DT#2 behind Hill has to be at the top of the list, along with CB#4. I was intending to do all the posts at once, but kind of ran out of gas/time after the post on the starters, which kind of left everything hanging. Apologies if that made it unclear.
With the pause in the signings, I am hoping a Bates extension is in the works. Otherwise, I could see us basically sitting it out until after the draft.
Got it. No problem. My mistake...
We haven't talked as much about it, and this seems so much about Bates' agent...he just got Hill the "biggest WR contract ever", and that is probably all that guy cares about to pimp himself. It won't matter the structure or if it pushes Bates out of Cincy, nor will he care if the full contract is even likely to be paid....he just wants the flashy title of "biggest contract". That guy has developed quite a name for himself and quite a reputation around the league.
That is fine, Jesse. This team has reportedly offered you something like 13-14 million per year over 4 years and you want more. Fine. Good luck winning a Lombardi with a team like the Jets.
I know the team loves Jesse and he was a big reason that the Bengals went on that run, but if he thinks he is worth more than double what a guy like Collins just got, think again. Once he forces the Bengals to draft another safety this year, the writing will be on the wall and we will see if he plays ALL SEASON like the best safety in the league or if he ends up signing for about half what the Bengals offered him before the season elsewhere next season.
With all the money being thrown at QBs and WRs now, you have to be a ridiculous talent at safety to get more money than a lot of CBs and LBs.
To be clear, I was really pulling for him to sign and wanted him here, but he appears to be listening 100% to his agent and not common sense. Sure, I would like 2 more million dollars on my annual check, but I sure as hell wouldn't leave my company for a 15% raise to go to another job where I have an entire new team and a new boss and have to move to a new town. Probably a stupid analogy and I am in my 50s, but I am annoyed that this agent seems to be so rigid and this gap seems to be too much for Bates to have the stability of a done deal and make enough money to live his entire life after football by signing it today. I just don't get it.
Sorry, guys, rant over...
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(03-24-2022, 05:23 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: We were 5th at stopping the run last I checked and were the best Defense in the Playoffs IMO.
I think we are a top 10 Defense but points allowed is a telling stat. Middle of the pack in that aspect, this needs to improve big time.
I think it will.
I think the few blowouts account for points allowed vs when the D got real stingy.. NY and the Stains games probably changed the averages..
In the immortal words of my old man, "Wait'll you get to be my age!"
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(03-24-2022, 09:05 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: If at #31, there isn't an obvious BPA who falls to us that we like (Linderbaum, Zion, Green, Wyatt, Booth, McDuffie, Hill, Dean, maybe even Ojabo/Jameson Williams), then I think if we can get a good trade down deal, we do it.
I'd love to finagle an extra pick before the end of day 2.
1) CB
2) DT
3)-4): Pick 2 from DE, WR, TE, OL, S.
Cross some stuff off depending on how the finish of FA goes.
Many won’t be available but could fall
Guys I like:
Pierre Strong Jr. RB
I’d take him at #95
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/pierre-strong/32005354-5265-8099-4e5a-fedfdfa80694
Tyler Linderbaum: I’d take @ #31 C
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tyler-linderbaum/32004c49-4e17-7976-f831-6fbe52def617
Zion Johnson: I’d take @#31 G
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/zion-johnson/32004a4f-4878-9880-ba7d-3f2f57808705
Kenyon Green: I’d take @#31 G
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kenyon-green/32004752-4529-8290-1f10-faef00b12bc2
Andrew Booth: I’d take him @#31 CB
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/andrew-booth/3200424f-4f65-5801-ad70-1602d1a77627
Kaiir Elam: I’d take him @#31 CB
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kaiir-elam/3200454c-4155-0002-a198-92eda6859fa9
Jelani Woods: I’d take @95 TE
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jelani-woods/3200574f-4f50-0422-b6bf-870b499f48cd
Nik Bonitto: I’d take @ #63 OLB/Edge
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/nik-bonitto/3200424f-4e49-0179-eaad-5763d16ae6ae
Dax Hill: I’d take ( S )@#31 https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dax-hill/32004849-4c16-4994-7b99-e93ebbf2d838
Lewis Cine: I’d take @63 S
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/lewis-cine/32004349-4e66-8075-a009-a60b6f3b4838
Brian Asamoah: I’d take @ #95 LB
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/brian-asamoah/32004153-4158-6824-4e3e-99c858dd3af6
Kyler Gordon: I’d take @63 CB
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kyler-gordon/3200474f-5219-8616-e177-4605181465d0
Jalen Pitre: I’d take @ #63. S
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jalen-pitre/32005049-5408-3599-b04a-4c2328e5af83
Perion Winfrey: I’d take @#63 DT
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/perrion-winfrey/32005749-4e18-3492-38d6-6dddd2e4f230
Roger McCreary: I’d take @ #63 CB
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/roger-mccreary/32004d43-4370-0734-eba8-250c4b4f71dd
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Tate to Falcons, dollars unknown. Chances of re-signing officially at zero. Irein's deal listed at $825k with zero dead cap. 1 year.
I. Signed Sealed, Delivered
1. La'el Collins, RT. 3 years, $21mil +$7 mil bonuses. 2022 hit: $4.2 mil.
2. Alex Cappa, RG. 4 years, $35 mil. 2022 hit: $6.75 mil.
3. Ted Karras, C/G. 3 years, $18 mil. 2022 hit: $5 mil.
4. Hayden Hurst, TE. 1 year, $3.476 mil.
II. Re-Signed
1. Jessie Bates, FS. 1 year, $12.9 mil. Franchise tag.
2. BJ Hill, DT. 3 years, $30 mil. 2022 hit: $8.33 mil.
3. Eli Apple, CB. 1 year, $4 mil (reported)
4. Josh Tupou, NT/DT. 2 years, $3 mil. 2022 hit: $1.4 mil.
5. Brandon Allen, QB. 1 year, $1.5 mil. $300k dead cap.
6. Clark Harris, LS. 1 year, $1.272mil. 2022 hit: $1.047 mil.
7. Michael Thomas, FS. 1 year, $1.035 mil. 2022: $995k.
8. Mike Thomas, WR. 1 year, $1.12 mil. $895k cap hit.
9. Jalen Davis, CB. 1 yr, $1.035 mil. 2022: $895k. Zero dead cap.
10. Joe Bachie, LB. 1 yr, $895k. 2022: $895k. Zero dead cap.
11. Trenton Irwin, WR. 1 year. $825k. Zero dead cap
12. Stanley Morgan Jr., WR.
III. ERFA's Tendered but not Re-Signed Yet (?)
1. Clay Johnston, LB.
2. Mitchell Wilcox, TE.
IV. Signed Elsewhere/Retired
1. CJ Uzomah, TE. NY Jets. 3 years, $24 mil.
2. Darius Phillips, CB. Raiders. 1 year, $1.5 mil.
3. Fred Johnson, OT. Bucs. 1 year.
4. Ricardo Allen, S. Retired.
5. Auden Tate, WR. Falcons.
V. Still FAs
1. Larry Ogunjobi, DT.
2. Riley Reiff, OT.
3. Quinton Spain, OG.
4. Kevin Huber, P.
5. Trey Waynes, CB. Released. +$10.9 cap.
6. Trey Hopkins, C. Released. +$5.9 cap.
7. Trey Flowers, CB.
8. Jordan Evans, LB. Serious knee injury.
9. Zach Kerr, DT/NT.
10. Wyatt Ray, DE/LB. Bengals declined to make ERFA tender.
11. Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG. SFA. Contract terminated during season.
12. Mason Schreck, TE. SFA, Contract terminated during season.
13. Vernon Hargreaves, CB. Ain't coming back.
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(03-29-2022, 01:40 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: Great list. Our tastes are very similar. I like Winfrey more. I like Elam less. I like Logan Hall (DT/DE) at #63.
But if one of my tip top guys aren't there (Linderbaum, Johnson, Green, Wyatt, Hill, maybe Booth/McDiffie), the I try to trade back into mid 30s-40 for an extra pick in the top 100.
I could live with that. There’s 2 guys I’d love to get at #31. Dax Hill or Zion Johnson. Dax can play CB or S. Zion Johnson is just a stud. If we could get him we’d go from around #10 OL to #5 in the whole league in ‘22.
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And we make another signing! Albeit a minor one. TE Nick Eubanks. First year player from Michigan. Most recently in Dallas, bounced around with 3 different teams. 6'5, 256 with some size and athleticism. Had a poor last 2 years at Michigan (so did C. Evans), but was still vited a team captain & played special teams and reportedly is a willing blocker.
Likely competing with Wilcox, Moss, and Washington for TE3. Probably a bit of a project. Best case: blooms and replaces Sample as TE#2, but is cheaper.
https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-eubanks
I. Signed Sealed, Delivered
1. La'el Collins, RT. 3 years, $21mil +$7 mil bonuses. 2022 hit: $4.2 mil.
2. Alex Cappa, RG. 4 years, $35 mil. 2022 hit: $6.75 mil.
3. Ted Karras, C/G. 3 years, $18 mil. 2022 hit: $5 mil.
4. Hayden Hurst, TE. 1 year, $3.476 mil.
5. Nick Eubankss, TE. Unknown $$$.
II. Re-Signed
1. Jessie Bates, FS. 1 year, $12.9 mil. Franchise tag.
2. BJ Hill, DT. 3 years, $30 mil. 2022 hit: $8.33 mil.
3. Eli Apple, CB. 1 year, $4 mil (reported)
4. Josh Tupou, NT/DT. 2 years, $3 mil. 2022 hit: $1.4 mil.
5. Brandon Allen, QB. 1 year, $1.5 mil. $300k dead cap.
6. Clark Harris, LS. 1 year, $1.272mil. 2022 hit: $1.047 mil.
7. Michael Thomas, FS. 1 year, $1.035 mil. 2022: $995k.
8. Mike Thomas, WR. 1 year, $1.12 mil. $895k cap hit.
9. Jalen Davis, CB. 1 yr, $1.035 mil. 2022: $895k. Zero dead cap.
10. Joe Bachie, LB. 1 yr, $895k. 2022: $895k. Zero dead cap.
11. Trenton Irwin, WR. 1 year. $825k. Zero dead cap
12. Stanley Morgan Jr., WR. 2 years. '22 cap hit: $1.065 mil. $100k dead.
III. ERFA's Tendered but not Re-Signed Yet (?)
1. Clay Johnston, LB.
2. Mitchell Wilcox, TE.
IV. Signed Elsewhere/Retired
1. CJ Uzomah, TE. NY Jets. 3 years, $24 mil.
2. Darius Phillips, CB. Raiders. 1 year, $1.5 mil.
3. Fred Johnson, OT. Bucs. 1 year.
4. Ricardo Allen, S. Retired.
5. Auden Tate, WR. Falcons. 1 yr. $1.035 mil.
V. Still FAs
1. Larry Ogunjobi, DT.
2. Riley Reiff, OT.
3. Quinton Spain, OG.
4. Kevin Huber, P.
5. Trey Waynes, CB. Released. +$10.9 cap.
6. Trey Hopkins, C. Released. +$5.9 cap.
7. Trey Flowers, CB.
8. Jordan Evans, LB. Serious knee injury.
9. Zach Kerr, DT/NT.
10. Wyatt Ray, DE/LB. Bengals declined to make ERFA tender.
11. Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG. SFA. Contract terminated during season.
12. Mason Schreck, TE. SFA, Contract terminated during season.
13. Vernon Hargreaves, CB. Ain't coming back.
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Correction, Eubanks was waived by Dallas, then on the practice squads of Philly & Detroit.
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(03-24-2022, 05:03 PM)Nepa Wrote: Terrific analysis.
Although I don't know about the statement: "On defense, 10/11 starters from a top 10 defense return." I don't think the Bengals were a top 10 defense.
During the regular season, the defense was 18th in yards allowed and 17th in points allowed.
Taken from the entire season, you are correct...they were probably average statistically, but they were tough against the run (huge in the AFC North) and they were trending to a top 10 defense (or higher) in the playoffs...and did so against the top competition.
It is very exciting to have them almost entirely back, and the draft will potentially add talent that will play this year, and quality depth. Plus, Ossai could be an impact player, returning from injury.
One thing I keep preaching is the synergy of things on this team: More pass rush equals better coverage grades. Better offensive line doesn't just keep Burrow upright, but the running game could excel, which only adds a better play-action for Burrow.
The possible synergy of an offense that can grind out drives and attack teams weakness with either run or pass, could have a huge payoff for the defense...statistically as well. Getting the ball back to Burrow and company could allow the Bengals to play with bigger leads, allowing the defensive line to tee off on pass rush and the secondary to make some plays on balls in the air.
The Bills had the #1 ranked defense and I think a lot of their success (other than playing the Jets and Fins twice) was their offense being so strong.
A revamped line could have the same effect here.
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(03-24-2022, 07:32 PM)Soonerpeace Wrote: Interesting that the last 9 games we averaged 18 points a game points allowed. Didn’t go back and look at all teams their last 9 games but if for the year we’d given up 18 we’d be first. I was told that they will draft the BPA at #31 and that’s really their philosophy period. I think that most of these are likely not to be there at #31 but I could see Booth, Elam, Dax Hill, Linderbaum, Zion Johnson, or possibly a DT. I look for a DT at #63. Most of the good DT’s will go before their pick then there’s a drop off so I think they’ll pass. If Winfrey’s there at #63 they’d take him but he’s likely gone. #31 is too high for him.
I think that it will be a corner. Like I said unless a really good DT, OL are there unexpectedly
My biggest fear is all the decent CBs are gone, but in that situation you have to think Linderbaum or a penetrating 3T would be there. A good position to be in, no doubt.
I just wish one of the FA CBs would be signed before the draft because if they wait until after then they are more of a need situation and the power is in the hands of the player/agent. It is probably tough because the talent they will most likely get is going to be told they will not project as a starter, but a backup.
I really think Flowers value is being undersold. Yes, it was a bit of a niche role, but what a job he did in that role. And he is an experienced vet. I am sure he is hoping for a bigger pay day and the job he did against some big time TEs might award him that elsewhere.
Flowers plus an outside veteran before the draft would be really nice.
EDIT: The re-signing of Michael Thomas (the safety) is a little overlooked as well as Lou likes those three safety looks.
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(03-25-2022, 06:40 PM)ochocincos Wrote: In a nutshell - The Bengals starters are basically set. About the only spot left to possibly be up for grabs is LG.
Remaining FAs and draft will go to depth players, with some being envisioned as future starter replacements (hopefully).
I really hope the veteran linemen that the Bengals brought in are working out together in the offseason and they start to gel as a unit. I think guys like Cappa, Karras, and Collins would be a positive role model on Carman. He could take a huge leap in the second year. It sure as hell isn't strength, and that is good because you can't teach that, but you sure as hell can teach technique.
Here's to Carman taking a huge step (and being 100% healthy) in 2022.
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(04-06-2022, 07:33 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: My biggest fear is all the decent CBs are gone, but in that situation you have to think Linderbaum or a penetrating 3T would be there. A good position to be in, no doubt.
I just wish one of the FA CBs would be signed before the draft because if they wait until after then they are more of a need situation and the power is in the hands of the player/agent. It is probably tough because the talent they will most likely get is going to be told they will not project as a starter, but a backup.
I really think Flowers value is being undersold. Yes, it was a bit of a niche role, but what a job he did in that role. And he is an experienced vet. I am sure he is hoping for a bigger pay day and the job he did against some big time TEs might award him that elsewhere.
Flowers plus an outside veteran before the draft would be really nice.
EDIT: The re-signing of Michael Thomas (the safety) is a little overlooked as well as Lou likes those three safety looks.
I feel like the Bengals are at a table in Vegas. They’ve amassed a great winning night. They aren’t betting big unless they have a great hand. I really think it’s BPA at #31. But I think if they can move up 4 or 5 spots they are guaranteed a starter. I don’t want to give up their second rounder so i guess standing pat and hoping somebody like Elam, Zion Johnson, or Linderbaum, or even Green is there. Carman can play tackle or guard as a reserve.
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(04-06-2022, 09:59 AM)Soonerpeace Wrote: I feel like the Bengals are at a table in Vegas. They’ve amassed a great winning night. They aren’t betting big unless they have a great hand. I really think it’s BPA at #31. But I think if they can move up 4 or 5 spots they are guaranteed a starter. I don’t want to give up their second rounder so i guess standing pat and hoping somebody like Elam, Zion Johnson, or Linderbaum, or even Green is there. Carman can play tackle or guard as a reserve.
Good analogy. And the other guys at the table are the Jags, Jets, and Browns who have been losing all night and are throwing caution to the wind and going all in. 
And, clearly, that is not what I want from the Bengals. They are all in to try and win but don't want to make a stupid move to jeopardize the club's longevity. This draft is going to be one of the most exciting in ages for Cincy fans.
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(04-07-2022, 07:49 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Good analogy. And the other guys at the table are the Jags, Jets, and Browns who have been losing all night and are throwing caution to the wind and going all in.
And, clearly, that is not what I want from the Bengals. They are all in to try and win but don't want to make a stupid move to jeopardize the club's longevity. This draft is going to be one of the most exciting in ages for Cincy fans.
Agree 100%
Do not want sell the future for now but if they covet somebody and need to move up in this draft with a current pick then that is fine with me.
After Burrow and Chase are signed Bengals will need all the picks they can get to try and hit on players on rookie deals imo.
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(04-07-2022, 11:47 AM)Go Cards Wrote: Agree 100%
Do not want sell the future for now but if they covet somebody and need to move up in this draft with a current pick then that is fine with me.
After Burrow and Chase are signed Bengals will need all the picks they can get to try and hit on players on rookie deals imo.
Spot on. They must draft good this year and subsequent years to stay a contender.
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(04-07-2022, 02:55 PM)Soonerpeace Wrote: Spot on. They must draft good this year and subsequent years to stay a contender.
Absolutely and if somehow Bengals hit in this upcoming draft they will be crazy good immediately.
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(03-28-2022, 10:36 AM)Nepa Wrote: And flawlessly holding snaps for McPherson. One has such confidence that the snap from Clark Harris and the hold from Kevin Huber will be flawless, and the McPherson's kick will be on the money. Visions of past poor holds (cue Tony Romo) make the Harris/Huber component of extra priority in my mind.
Never understood why the Cowboys had Romo taking snaps to hold for their kicker. That's too much extra practice that takes away from other skills they need to hone.
Get that it used to be done a lot back in the day, but nowadays it seems outdated. QB's have so many other responsibilities to worry about that its silly to make them practice holding kicks.
It may decrease a teams chances at a fake but not sure that outweighs their other duties that are so crucial.
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