07-23-2018, 01:43 PM
(07-23-2018, 08:47 AM)Sled21 Wrote: I would venture to guess there is a lot of excitement around this coming season, not only on this board, but in the locker room. Andy has to be excited to have Price in front of him and Glenn on his blind side. AJ has to be excited to have Ross stretching the field for him. The battle royal to make the roster at DE, the new coaches, the new schemes..... I think things are a buzzing. Which means one thing, to keep this excitement going, they have to come out fast and win right away. An opening 3 or 4 game losing streak will kill this team. Burfict being gone 3 games definitely does not help, but if they can come out and win right away, I think the skies the limit for this team.....
I think it is a bit unrealistic to think this O-line is going to just gel immediately with the new pieces.
I will be patient early with a couple losses, bet we start out 2-2 or 3-1 then get things going.
(07-23-2018, 08:51 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: With you 100%, and good to hear from you.
My only reservation is the DC. I just saw so little from Austin's unit, and other than the Packers, it wasn't like their division was like the NFC South. Was it talent? Was it him? At least he has the "generate a lot of turnovers" feather in his cap.
But this team has addressed some huge issues, as you mention, from players to coaches and they aren't relying on rookies to come in and start with the exception of the center, Billy Price. I hope Bates can get on the field, but we have experienced players there and they will get a shot under the new DC. Bates could absolutely be a contributor on passing downs/nickel, dime, etc packages as he tracks the ball in the air so well (something our INT-challenged secondary has not done in the past...except I think WJIII is a star in the making).
Piggy and Flacco are old and it is all about winning your division. The Bengals might FINALLY have a "punch first" mentality with a better rushing attack and coaching on offense. The defense will undoubtedly struggle early without Burfict, but if they can control the possessions with a strong rushing attack, the defense should be able to keep them in it and in position to win.
My prediction is 11-5, in a tie with pitt, and the tie-breaker will go to the Bengals.
Who F**^$ Dey!
Austin didn't have nearly as talented of a Defense as this one, he had like Ansah and that is about it.
So i am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt unless this Defense still cannot stop the run.
But with a decent O-line keeping them fresh we should be much better in this aspect this year.
12-4 is my prediction, once we get our chemistry down we will be tough.
