Are We A Contender Now?!

[samhain]

(02-03-2019, 10:30 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: We don't know yet who our OL will be in 2019. Just like the new coach had no idea he had Steinbach who had yet to be drafted when ML was hired.

It is a hard sell to say the 2-14 roster was better than the 2018 roster Taylor will inherit when they went 6-10 or 4 games better. The OL comparison also consists of you knowing the 2003 OL, we do not know the 2019 OL, not yet. But, how many hall of famers on the 2002 or 2003 OL? 
My comparison is the entire roster though, Taylor will inherit a roster just like ML did of more tan an OL.

It's a tough comparison.  Marvin had some of the best player in the history of this franchise in place when he arrived.  Chad, TJ, Willie, Rudi, Levi, Braham, etc were a solid foundation.  Taylor will have AJ, Boyd and Mixon.  Other than that, there are many more question marks on offense.  No clear number 1 TE on the roster. Absolutely nobody of value on the right side of the o-line.  

On top of that, Marvin had a number 1 pick in his pocket coming in.  This was in a year when what many perceived to be a generational talent at quarterback was available in Palmer.  He was made to be a QB, had size, a rocket arm, and could make literally any throw.  Even if the Bengals had the number 1 pick, that guy is not in this draft.  

All of the skill guys were in place for Marvin.  Bookend tackles were in place, too.  On top of that, you had a guy coming in to lead your team for the next decade at qb.  Taylor will not have this luxury.  he's got the skill guys, but that's about all.  This team is looking at a 2-3 year rebuild to contend again.