04-22-2022, 05:41 PM
(04-22-2022, 07:44 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Yeah, I don't want to put any kind of Brady/Belichek pressure on them (not saying you are), but what they did with a flawed roster last year is nothing short of amazing. Thankfully, the rest of the world still doesn't seem to believe in them, but I think Burrow wouldn't flinch if everyone expected them to win the Super Bowl either.
When you bring up the 49ers, I think how this year they have a different (very inexperienced) QB, and now Deebo Samual is asking out...reportedly not due to money, but longevity (doesn't like being a RB, I guess...which is true....much shorter career) but that also adds up to money, so we will see.
Aaron Donald of the Rams is reportedly looking for more money, too.
I compare this to Cincy and how the Bengals got three veteran FAs on the offensive line...all from very competitive programs, and the outward appearance that this is a destination people now want to be. It could be the well-documented "Burrow Effect", but if the players also didn't like the coaching staff, they probably wouldn't have any interest. At least to date, we haven't had anyone threaten to sit out, or go public with the "I'm not reporting until I get a new contract". There is just such a great culture here right now. Guys that are leaders and that are "all about ball". I really credit ZT for a lot of that.
Great post. No doubt we are the team on the rise that everybody else has taken notice of. It won't go to our head either, we
are still doubted by pretty much the entire media except a few and most fans of other teams. We aren't doubted by NFL teams
though anymore and Zac and company have created a standard on how to build a shitty team into a contender.
Took a bit with our trenches in complete disarray, but it has came around and we capped it off this Free Agency.
It is a beautiful thing to behold.
(04-22-2022, 07:54 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Weighing in on the Watson-led Browns discussion (thanks, I invited myself...): While I think on paper the team looks lethal with Watson, Chubb, Cooper, Ward, and Garrett, I can't help but think that a guy coming in that hasn't taken a single snap with the team, who is likely to be suspended for at LEAST five games, yet had his contract structured so his game check salary year 1 is next to nothing and won't really lose much money from his ridiculous guaranteed contract, is bound to create some issues.
People can't help it. It is human nature to compare your value and your salary to others. Watson will be sitting on the bench (or more likely a couch at home) drawing multiple times more money than anyone else on the Browns. Yes, QBs get paid more. But I still can't help thinking the extenuating circumstances surrounding Watson will be a distraction and a potential source of division. There are also some people bound to be in Baker's camp and feel the QB that played injured got a raw deal.
It is as though teams (the Browns aren't the only one) looked at the Bengals and thought: "Hey, if the Bengals can do it, all we are missing is a QB like Burrow (Browns). Or "we need a WR like Chase to make our offense click" (Raiders). There is so much more to it from a culture and chemistry standpoint. That being said, I think the Raiders are the surprise team from the AFC West.
It could definitely blow up in their face. This scumbag sitting on the couch collecting major dough could make other players bitter.
Honestly think they should of just kept Baker.
Speaking of the Raiders, that entire AFC West is going to be the toughest Division I have seen in forever barring injuries.
The Broncos now with a great QB again and a damn good Defense, The Chargers with probably the 2nd best young QB in the NFL
while adding lots of damn good players in FA on Defense, The Raiders adding probably the 2nd best WR to an already pretty decent
WR core and having a decent Defense with Mad Maxx and the Chiefs with Mahomes...
Damn, someone in there won't make the Playoffs and it could be the Chiefs for heck sake.
