07-23-2018, 08:51 AM
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!
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!
![[Image: 4CV0TeR.png]](https://i.imgur.com/4CV0TeR.png)
