02-04-2019, 12:20 PM
(02-04-2019, 01:49 AM)samhain Wrote: 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.
That's the thing we ALL need to keep in perspective ... and all of this senseless arguing about who inherited a better group is just silly.
If we're honest with each other, the current Bengals team has a lot of holes ...
OFFENSE
We need a starting RG, a starting RT and maybe even a starting LT plus a decent OL backup or two.
We need a starting TE because I think Eifert is about done (too many injuries).
We need a #2 WR.
TOTAL OF 4 STARTERS NEEDED
DEFENSE
We need 3 LBers who can run like scalded dogs, who can cover and who can tackle and 1 or 2 better backups.
We need another CB or two and better backups.
We need a quality Edge rusher.
We need a quality interior DL plus someone who can be groomed to take over for Geno.
TOTAL OF 6 STARTERS NEEDED
So we need 10 starters ... 1/2 a football team ... and almost impossible to find thru the draft (assuming. of course, that we're NOT going to pay for a top-tier FA.
