Bucky Brooks: Bengals could be competitive quicker than many anticipate

[Luvnit2]

(05-16-2020, 09:32 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Thanks for sharing, Holic.  Nice to see something other than the old parroting of things that haven't been accurate for over a decade.

My biggest concerns this season:

LB corps gets up to speed quickly enough with limited practice schedule
The coaching staff has the right plan
Will there be enough pass rush

My biggest reasons for optimism:

The offense is loaded.  We have rarely seen AJ and Ross on the field together.  Sprinkle in Mixon, a better offensive line, and Joe Burrow and it could be special.  We have not had a mobile QB in a long time.  It is a huge difference maker.

The offensive line has no massive holes where they are throwing in bodies at the last second.  Quality depth will provide competition at essentially every position.  Think about last year that losing Jonah and Cordy before week 1...The backups were John Jerry, Andre Smith, and Michael Jordan.  Although he struggled early and got baptism by fire, Jordan looks like he might have been a really solid rd 4 selection and could prove to be a quality starter judging by where he left off last year.  

The massive DJ Reader in the middle immediately helps the run defense, both by his presence as a potential tackler and by occupying blockers to free up the LB corps, which is much faster sideline to sideline now.  

Winners.  Almost every FA.  Almost every draft pick.  Winners.  Captains.  The article touches on the culture aspect.  Oh, and Joe Burrow:  "I'm all about ball".  When your QB is going to be the hardest working guy and has an unbelievable football IQ, there will be dedicated, proven winners all over the field in stripes.

I would add because of all of weapons and tyoe of weapons we will be a much harder team to defend. A healthy AJ who missed all of 2019 begins a DC nightmare. Add in the rest of the receivers who can all get open quickly or go deep or mid range helps the Ol. If you blitz Joe, you have receivers who can get open quickly. If you rush with 4, then more time for a talented WR group with deep ability and a QB who can deliver deep accurate passes.

The offense can be scary good when John Ross maybe your 4th best WR in a 4 WR set.