Ask Jim Owczarski

[Brownshoe]

(10-19-2016, 12:43 PM)3wt Wrote: From what Boling said I don't think the issue is the coach's ability to coach him up during the season but the player's ability to address the issue during the season.

My guess is it is a strength or some physical related problem.   Boling was always a technique guy coming into the league.  My guess is that Alexander told him how he could properly address the strength issue in the off season.

There is no doubt that Og (as he has said himself) will have to do the same.  Og has said his biggest problem has been his difficulty handling the bull rush.  And the guy had almost no chance this offseason as he has had "muscle" problems and other injuries throughout.

Man I hope that's all it is.  My big fear is that it's a stupidity issue.   You can't really fix stupid.

"He doesn’t really have that leeway as far as the season going on"

To me that says that he's not able to coach players up during the season. If it's a strength issue then it's on the strength and conditioning coaches.

[jfkbengals]

(10-19-2016, 02:55 PM)Brownshoe Wrote: "He doesn’t really have that leeway as far as the season going on"

To me that says that he's not able to coach players up during the season. If it's a strength issue then it's on the strength and conditioning coaches.

My interpretation of Boling's statement is that coaches don't have the leeway to spend a lot of one on one time during the season.  After the season ends and before the off season begins, there is more time to sit with a guy and go over all of his film for the season and point out what their off season focus should be.

[CKwi88]

(10-19-2016, 12:43 PM)3wt Wrote: From what Boling said I don't think the issue is the coach's ability to coach him up during the season but the player's ability to address the issue during the season.

My guess is it is a strength or some physical related problem.   Boling was always a technique guy coming into the league.  My guess is that Alexander told him how he could properly address the strength issue in the off season.

There is no doubt that Og (as he has said himself) will have to do the same.  Og has said his biggest problem has been his difficulty handling the bull rush.  And the guy had almost no chance this offseason as he has had "muscle" problems and other injuries throughout.

Man I hope that's all it is.  My big fear is that it's a stupidity issue.   You can't really fix stupid.

I guess that I would equate it to trying to adjust your golf swing in the middle of a round. You do that you're bound to screw yourself up the rest of the way. The off season is the driving range and the season is the round, if that makes any sense at all.

[Brownshoe]

(10-19-2016, 09:14 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: My interpretation of Boling's statement is that coaches don't have the leeway to spend a lot of one on one time during the season.  After the season ends and before the off season begins, there is more time to sit with a guy and go over all of his film for the season and point out what their off season focus should be.

Alexander isn't the head coach. I would understand if Lewis didn't have time to go one on one with players, or even Zampese. But this is the reason why you have position coaches... So you CAN have time to adjust during the season, so you CAN have one on one sessions with players. Literally it's the whole reason why you have coaches like offensive line coaches. He has to worry just about those 5 starting guys. If Boling or Og (or whatever OL needs it) is having trouble it's his JOB to COACH up players.

[jfkbengals]

(10-20-2016, 11:58 AM)Brownshoe Wrote: Alexander isn't the head coach. I would understand if Lewis didn't have time to go one on one with players, or even Zampese. But this is the reason why you have position coaches... So you CAN have time to adjust during the season, so you CAN have one on one sessions with players. Literally it's the whole reason why you have coaches like offensive line coaches. He has to worry just about those 5 starting guys. If Boling or Og (or whatever OL needs it) is having trouble it's his JOB to COACH up players.

No, the only position coach who can do extensive one on one time is the QB coach, as he only has 2-3 guys to work with.  Alexander has 11 guys he has to work with, not 5.

[Brownshoe]

(10-20-2016, 09:29 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: No, the only position coach who can do extensive one on one time is the QB coach, as he only has 2-3 guys to work with.  Alexander has 11 guys he has to work with, not 5.

Coaches are able to go 1 on 1 with players. High school and college coaches are able to do it, so why not a higher caliber caliber coach who specializes in one position do the same?

[fredtoast]

(10-20-2016, 10:04 PM)Brownshoe Wrote: Coaches are able to go 1 on 1 with players. High school and college coaches are able to do it, so why not a higher caliber caliber coach who specializes in one position do the same?

Obviously the issue that paul addressed was much more complicated than the issues dealt with by high school and college coaches.

If it was something that a high school or college coach could fix then it would have been fixed when Ogbuehi was in high school or college.

Even the best college players have to step up their games in the NFL.  Why is that if college and high school coaches (and even random message board members) can outcoach an NFL coach?  

It is much more complicated than you can ever imagine.

[jowczarski]

bengalguy71
- I don’t work for the team


My question is did they have any interest in Carter before he was signed by the colts and would they be interested in a Gilberry reunion for the end of the season?

Carter earned a spot on the 53 with his rush production last preseason but obviously it didn’t translate. I don’t think he’s a fit on this current roster, and Gilberry might be done at this point, to be honest (injury or not). As for Hunt – he’s a relatively high draft pick and I think they want to see him take that step. Hardison’s injury has a lot to do with his usage, too, I believe. Obviously they feel Margus is showing enough to be that rotational guy. I’m not sure that’s “special” though…


Now I doubt Marv meant that as a direct stab at Zampese, but it's hard not to take it that way. Thoughts?


Mmm. Ken’s been on the staff since Marvin got here in 2003. I didn’t take it that way. I just think they’re real good buddies.

Alexander helped him fix some issues *after* the season was over. Boling said that Paul can't really deal with that kind of stuff during the season. I guess my question there is why not?

Some of you got to it already, but here it is:

One: It’s easy to forget Ogbuehi was hurt all of OTAs and mini-camp, and then missed all of the preseason/training camp after the first game. Two: Once in season, practice time is cut down and limited, and there just isn’t the time to really drill down into technique and “fix” such things. Andrew Whitworth said on BTS this week that really, once you get late in the year, it’s all about getting healthy, recovering, staying healthy…”practice” goes away, really. It has nothing to do with caliber of coaching, it’s just a fact around the league. Yes, there is coaching, all the players are trying to get better week in and week out, but sometimes, frankly, you need the OTA/mini-camp/training camp setting to really drill into something and make it right. The team only practices in pads on Wednesdays. There’s only so much you can do.

[*rfaulk34*]

(10-20-2016, 11:41 PM)jowczarski Wrote: bengalguy71
- I don’t work for the team


My question is did they have any interest in Carter before he was signed by the colts and would they be interested in a Gilberry reunion for the end of the season?

Carter earned a spot on the 53 with his rush production last preseason but obviously it didn’t translate. I don’t think he’s a fit on this current roster, and Gilberry might be done at this point, to be honest (injury or not). As for Hunt – he’s a relatively high draft pick and I think they want to see him take that step. Hardison’s injury has a lot to do with his usage, too, I believe. Obviously they feel Margus is showing enough to be that rotational guy. I’m not sure that’s “special” though…


Now I doubt Marv meant that as a direct stab at Zampese, but it's hard not to take it that way. Thoughts?


Mmm. Ken’s been on the staff since Marvin got here in 2003. I didn’t take it that way. I just think they’re real good buddies.

Alexander helped him fix some issues *after* the season was over. Boling said that Paul can't really deal with that kind of stuff during the season. I guess my question there is why not?

Some of you got to it already, but here it is:

One: It’s easy to forget Ogbuehi was hurt all of OTAs and mini-camp, and then missed all of the preseason/training camp after the first game. Two: Once in season, practice time is cut down and limited, and there just isn’t the time to really drill down into technique and “fix” such things. Andrew Whitworth said on BTS this week that really, once you get late in the year, it’s all about getting healthy, recovering, staying healthy…”practice” goes away, really. It has nothing to do with caliber of coaching, it’s just a fact around the league. Yes, there is coaching, all the players are trying to get better week in and week out, but sometimes, frankly, you need the OTA/mini-camp/training camp setting to really drill into something and make it right. The team only practices in pads on Wednesdays. There’s only so much you can do.

Don't know if you heard this as well but Lap also talked about muscle memory and how easy it is to revert back to bad habits in the heat of a game.

That's the kind of thing that takes time in the off season/OTA/mini camp where they can rep it over and over till it becomes second nature.

[jfkbengals]

(10-21-2016, 02:47 PM)rfaulk34 Wrote: Don't know if you heard this as well but Lap also talked about muscle memory and how easy it is to revert back to bad habits in the heat of a game.

That's the kind of thing that takes time in the off season/OTA/mini camp where they can rep it over and over till it becomes second nature.

That is a great point, and honestly one of the reasons I didn't expect much from Andy's first foray with Tom House.  I figured it would take multiple off seasons for those tweaks to become second nature.

[*rfaulk34*]

Jim, 

Do you know if the Bengals FO decided to downplay Dalton's approach to 20,000 yards this week...possible due to how fans reacted when Palmer reached that milestone?

[wolfkaosaun]

Jim,

We've seen Ogubehi get benched twice this year. Both were obviously coaching decisions. However, my question is why are they putting Winston in over Fisher? They drafted two offensive lineman last year and Fisher got some playing time, but why aren't they putting him in instead of Winston?

To my understanding, they view Ogubehi as the successor to Whit. And they wanted Fisher to be the successor to the RT. So wouldn't it make sense to put Fisher in instead of Winston? Or are they viewing Fisher as a possible replacement to Zeitler if he is let go?

[J24]

First off Jim thanks for answering my last questions and I hope you enjoy your trip to London.
A couple of questions
1.) What is AJ Mccaron realistic trade value and when should we expect the Bengals to unload him next offseason?
2.)Not asking you to name players but what do you think are the major positional needs  for the Bengals come next off season?
3.) More trade interest around the league Jimmy gruapplo or Tom Brady?

[GodFather]

Jim give me your prediction. Marvin finishes this team off this season at .500 or under. Do you predict another year extension given to him by the front office before his contract runs out?

[BengalChris]

Jim,

Thanks for all the answers so far, by the way.

I don't know if you get to see much of these boards or not, but there is some speculation that the coaches' jobs are on the line. I and others have argued that this isn't the Mikey Brown way and that the coaches are quite comfortable in their positions. Of course I wish they were on the hot seat, but I just don't see it being the case.

Is there any feeling around the Bengals' coaches that their jobs are in fact on the line with how this season goes?

If yes, any specifics on who's on the hot seat?

BengalChris

[Burma]

Thanks for answering my earlier question, and many others, Jim.

Have you heard or observed anything which would indicate the thoughts the organization has about Whitworth's remaining time?  Was Fisher supposed to be the heir apparent? Or can we expect to see another high round pick this year spent on his replacement?

[jowczarski]

Thanks all!

Do you know if the Bengals FO decided to downplay Dalton's approach to 20,000 yards this week...possible due to how fans reacted when Palmer reached that milestone?

I’ll admit since I wasn’t here for that number with Palmer I can’t speak to what you’re referring to. Honestly – not a single thing was mentioned about 20K when I was around the locker room. Not sure if it was by design, but I know a lot of media types (me included) really don’t see the value in certain numbers because the game has changed so much. I think players have to get to franchise record / all-time levels for it to really register. Just my opinion.

We've seen Ogubehi get benched twice this year. Both were obviously coaching decisions. However, my question is why are they putting Winston in over Fisher? They drafted two offensive lineman last year and Fisher got some playing time, but why aren't they putting him in instead of Winston?

To my understanding, they view Ogubehi as the successor to Whit. And they wanted Fisher to be the successor to the RT. So wouldn't it make sense to put Fisher in instead of Winston? Or are they viewing Fisher as a possible replacement to Zeitler if he is let go?

Fisher was the primary backup LT all through camp until Ced got hurt, when he flipped to the right side v. Detroit (before he got hurt). I haven’t caught up quite yet on the long term view of those guys, but I think it’s really hard to bench the first rounder in favor of the second rounder. It’s easier to do with Winston, a guy they know will do it right technically (even if he can’t quite move as well). If you drop Fisher in there, there is still a chance for mistakes. As for Fisher moving inside, he's only played tackle his first two years so we don't know if he can do that as a starter. I'm sure they'd like to find out as well.

First off Jim thanks for answering my last questions and I hope you enjoy your trip to London.
A couple of questions
1.) What is AJ Mccaron realistic trade value and when should we expect the Bengals to unload him next offseason?
2.)Not asking you to name players but what do you think are the major positional needs for the Bengals come next off season?
3.) More trade interest around the league Jimmy gruapplo or Tom Brady?

1. Realistic? A mid-rounder, maybe 4-5? Maybe a comp 3? Maybe? But I would expect them to move him. It’s not worth it to have him walk for nothing.
2. Gotta look at the defense first – pass rush end, another fast linebacker with coverage skills. A proven pass catching tight end and another center, offensive tackle.
3. Who would want who, Jimmy G or Brady? Well, Jimmy G is more likely to be dealt for sure.

Jim give me your prediction. Marvin finishes this team off this season at .500 or under. Do you predict another year extension given to him by the front office before his contract runs out?

THAT’s a good one – smart fan. People assume he’d be fired. Nope. But ya, that extra one-year….I could still see it happening because Mike also hates the “lame duck coach” questions and even if they had to buy him out it’s just one year as opposed to 2-3. Long way to say I just don't know...

I don't know if you get to see much of these boards or not, but there is some speculation that the coaches' jobs are on the line. I and others have argued that this isn't the Mikey Brown way and that the coaches are quite comfortable in their positions. Of course I wish they were on the hot seat, but I just don't see it being the case.

Is there any feeling around the Bengals' coaches that their jobs are in fact on the line with how this season goes?

I do see the topics and wave over the previews, but sometimes there are just too many responses to dive in! Well, which coaches? On defense there are no holdovers from a year ago and they moved Robert Livingston up out in the secondary. On offense, you’ve got a new OC and QB coach. So that leaves OL, TE, RB and WR as the lone holdovers. That’s a pretty big turnover from a 12-4 team to be honest. Now, could some of those position coaches look for other jobs this offseason? Sure. But I don’t the Bengals firing coaches they just hired with a year left on their deals to hire new ones.


Have you heard or observed anything which would indicate the thoughts the organization has about Whitworth's remaining time? Was Fisher supposed to be the heir apparent? Or can we expect to see another high round pick this year spent on his replacement?


Ogbuehi was/is the heir apparent at LT. Now, Whit told me in the offseason the he A) wants to play and B) isn’t too proud to play guard. Smart. He knows Zeitler is a free agent and, likely, gone – the Bengals won’t pay a guard $9-10 million annually. Here’s the thing – I could see them letting Whit test the market with the thought Ogbuehi/Fisher are ready to go at the tackle spots, Westerman at guard + a draft pick if there is one. The team has leverage. You, I or a player agent may say that’s not great leverage but let’s be real – it is. Or, if Whit is willing to play tackle at smaller rate than a year ago, then perhaps Fisher moves inside if Zeitler leaves. The team has options, but so does Whit to be honest. They picked Zeitler in the first round, so they’re not afraid to do that on a guard. Whit wants to go a couple more years, but I think the team will only want to explore him doing that with them on their terms.

[CageTheBengal]

Hey Jim,

Regardless of the reality of the situation let's just say that the Bengals are looking for a new HC at the end of the season. How attractive do you think the Bengals would be to a coach who is looking for a HC gig? Some argue that we have no talent but I disagree there. Between the players and the fact that the ownership is gonna give you a real chance to build a team (Meaning you won't be canned after the first bad season.) I think this would be a mouth watering situation for a fresh HC.

[Bengalboy]

He knows Zeitler is a free agent and, likely, gone – the Bengals won’t pay a guard $9-10 million annually

On this subject. Why won't the Bengals pay Zeitler the money?. He is on $8m + this year and we are plenty under the cap and he is by far the best player we have becoming a FA. Surely its worth giving a 26 year old who is one of the best at his position a long term deal (5 years) at somewhere in the ball park of top 5 guard pay. It's not as if this team ever goes out and spends big on a free agent from another team, so why not pay what you can already afford on a long term deal on a proven player who is in his prime.

[jowczarski]

Regardless of the reality of the situation let's just say that the Bengals are looking for a new HC at the end of the season. How attractive do you think the Bengals would be to a coach who is looking for a HC gig? Some argue that we have no talent but I disagree there. Between the players and the fact that the ownership is gonna give you a real chance to build a team (Meaning you won't be canned after the first bad season.) I think this would be a mouth watering situation for a fresh HC.

One, 100% attractive because it’s one of 32. There are 64 coordinators who would take the job + XX number of other position coaches + however many of other college coaches and those former coaches who are unemployed.

I love Hue J. but he went to Cleveland rather than sticking it out another year to see what else opened up. I think that’s says all you need to know about how desirable any head coaching job is.

Now, let’s talk reality: That coach would have to be OK with the very unique personnel set up here. Duke Tobin isn’t the standard GM. The family still has say. Same with the unique scouting situation.

Would the front office just grant the trust off the jump re: the personnel influence Marvin earned? I don’t know. Also, so many position coaches were just hired this year. They’re not going to just let a new HC whack everyone and hire an entire new staff. That’s also something some coaches wouldn’t be good with.

Then again, to your point – this organization is going to give you time. That’s the trade off.

Now, to the roster: Something has happened on the defensive side of the ball this year and perhaps some of the older guys have gotten old, fast. But Dansby will be gone anyway, as will Peko. Maybe Kirkpatrick. But Iloka, Williams, Jones and Rey were just re-upped. The other guys like Dunlap, Atkins and Johnson have years left on their deals. There is enough there to think this could improve with a good drat and another free agent move or two.

But any coach would look at Andy Dalton, who is still ascending, and say this is the best possible job out there (unless some other crazy opening happened, like in Green Bay). Any coach would look for the franchise QB. That sets you up for success. Then of course you’ve got A.J. Green locked up, a desire by the franchise to keep Eifert but at the very least he’s there for 2017 and 2018 (if you count the franchise tag). I’d think there would be some concern on the o-line, but Dalton is proving he can work around that.






He knows Zeitler is a free agent and, likely, gone – the Bengals won’t pay a guard $9-10 million annually

On this subject. Why won't the Bengals pay Zeitler the money?.


Look - they may. Once they get to that point in the offseason they may determine, well, that’s the market and Zeitler deserves it. But if you’re Zeitler and see DeCastro making $10 million – it’s not wrong to say you want around $9. So if the Bengals don’t offer that, you’ll want to get to 4 p.m. and see what the market bears. Then, of course, anything can happen.

But that opens a couple possibilities. What if Whit says I’ll move inside for $7 for the next two years? What if Whit and the team agree to keep him, and pay him to stay outside but they feel Fisher a better fit inside? Unanswerable questions until that time. So the team has some leverage, as does the player.

I also say that because if you’re talking about $9 million annually, when you look at the way the team spends that kind of money, they do it on the marquee positions. Currently four players make that annually – the left tackle, the quarterback, the wide receiver and the All-Pro pass rushing d-tackle.

What if they decide to pay Kirkpatrick? That’s also the time of year the team would decide on whether or not to extend Jeremy Hill and Vontaze Burfict. Both are free agents after 2017. Not saying they’d run out of cap room – they never will – but they do budget.

And if you’re talking $9 million annually for four years – that creeps into the period when you need to think about extending (or not) Atkins and Dunlap and Ogbuehi – who could be your franchise left tackle at that point. Who knows what the market would like for all of those players should they get there at Pro Bowl levels.

So while I believe the team will give Zeitler an offer, I don’t think if he can get $9-10 on the open market they’ll go that high. But say Kirkpatrick doesn’t extend or re-sign, say Whit gets a huge deal elsewhere, say Hill says no, I’ll gamble on myself…well, then that could change things. At that point in the year, so much can happen.