Thuney and Warford

[*SHRacerX*]

(11-23-2020, 10:05 AM)Crazyjdawg Wrote: I'd rather we have a safe offensive line for Burrow to play behind but a defense that couldn't stop anything than compromise our Oline to get a pass rusher or CB in the 2nd round, personally. We can always build the defense in 2021 or 2022, but the franchise needs to be protected immediately. I wouldn't even be upset if they just, down the line, took the best offensive lineman in each round. It wouldn't be efficient drafting, but it would significantly lower the chances of an Ogbuehi or Fisher level choice setting us back 5 years.

When you whiff in the draft as badly as the Bengals did with the likes of Ogbuehi, Fisher, Price, and Ross, the penalty is you must spend some money in free agency to make up for those mistakes.  Those guys were given every opportunity.  Oddly, the Bengals spent most of their FA dollars on defense, and have had some really bad luck with the top two being out injured for most of the season.  

I look at Thuney as a sure thing.  You know what you are getting.  What if they draft Sewell and he is another Obguehi?  I have no idea but the truth is none of us do.  Thuney is an NFL proven, top-at-his-position, Guard.  I would rather spend on him than keep Atkins.  Of course, Thuney will likely cost an additional $5 million per year over that, but I think there are places to make that savings happen.  

The tackle play has been solid.  Jonah will be our LT for a long time.  I don't really like the idea of moving him to RT.  They really need help at G.  Maybe Spain can be one of those guys.  Was it MJ that got Burrow smoked?  I thought it was.  If they draft a T early (Sewell?) they could spend their FA dollars on a top tier guard like Thuney and then you have the makings of a really good line.  

That, and a pass rush, are priority one and two for this team.  I don't even know what to think about the coaching staff.  Makes me sick.