05-22-2019, 12:46 PM
(05-22-2019, 12:37 PM)Whatever Wrote: The issue is Burfict was basically a folk hero in Cincinnati after that game. He was the guy righting the wrongs and giving back what the Steelers were dishing out. He didn't start wearing out his welcome until the following years where he would routinely show up out of shape and his play declined. Plus, I'm sure the thinking was that they would have won comfortably if Dalton had played.
Being fair, fans are pretty two faced about discipline issues, too. How many people wanted Reuben Foster claimed off waivers last year? Heck, there's a thread about signing Gerald McCoy right now.
That's all accurate analysis I'd say.
IF you look at Burfict's stats, he was basically done after his 2nd year in the league (2013):
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BurfVo00.htm
Games played: 16, 16, 5, 10, 11, 10, 7
Tackles: 127, 177, 29, 74, 101, 69, 33
He finished with 8.5 career sacks here.
4 Forced Fumbles. 5 Fumble Recoveries.
5 Interceptions in his Bengals Career.
His reputation was largely built on the 177 tackle season and dirty hits which make fans think he was better than he was. For 2 years, he was a great LB. For the other 5 years he was average to below average.
