02-14-2021, 12:16 PM
(02-14-2021, 10:36 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: While I have high praise for Burrow's abilities to read the defense and get the ball out quick, we saw how he struggled (and it wasn't just the line) against pitt and baltimore. Those two teams had defenses deep enough to take away Higgins and Boyd and the routes would take too long to develop. We have a lot of guys that run good routes and have really good hands, but (IMHO) we need that one ace to make it all work.
The two best offenses (that put up points on virtually everyone) in our recent history was the Bengals in 2005 and in 2015. They both had true, in their prime, #1 WRs. Guys that dictated coverage. Guys that if you gave too much cushion could get easy completions and guys that if you pressed could torch you. Boyd and Higgins, while great WRs in their own right are simply not those guys. Plus, if you have a true #1 like Chase, the middle opens up so much more for them as well as forcing safeties deep to open the rushing attack.
Of course, we need the line improved, but I think no one player can upgrade this offense like Chase.
Those defenses killed Burrow because they had both the talent and scheme to throw several blitz packages at him that this o-line in no way had the talent (or coaching) to deal with. Baltimore was bringing safeties that were running free at the quarterback. The right side was Watt's *****, to absolutely no one's surprise, as Hart has always gotten smoked by any speed rusher.
Everything should not be predicated on Burrow getting the ball out as fast as possible. I'd much rather give the quarterback more time than weapons. With more time, a passer (especially one like Joey B) that can see the plays develop will be able to win without an arsenal of receivers.
If we're honest here, this team isn't really hurting at the WR position. Even as AJ declined, you had 2 prime targets develop in Boyd and Tee. How many high-end receivers do we expect to have? I want 5 or 6, lol. Unfortunately when it comes to roster building, that will detract from positions of major need like DE, DT, and most importantly OL. CB is also in the mix.
If I had to bet money, I would bet a lot that Chase is gong to be a Bengal. I think between Mikey's love of high-end WRs and Joe's seeming desire to reunite with him, it's practically baked into the cake barring him murdering someone or sustaining a major injury. I'm probably going to be excited about it, but I still see it as a luxury pick when there are so many other needs.
At the end of the day, this is a shitty roster. It's most glaring problem has gone unresolved for 5 seasons. Taking a 1st overall quarterback when you are at a point of needing one is an excuse not to address the o-line with an early pick. Taking a WR when you have a shot at the top OL in the draft is definitely not.
Another thing to consider: last week in the SB, we saw a favored team (KC) get beat like rented mules. Some might blame Mahomes, but even under duress, he was putting the ball in places where his receivers could make plays. KC had all of their vaunted targets healthy. They had the best WR in the NFL in Tyreek Hill. The best TE in Kelce. Two excellent compliments in Watkins and Hardman. On top of that they had CEH and Bell, both capable receivers in the backfield. They also have one of if not the most physically gifted quarterback ever to play the game, and a guy that's been there and won before. So why did they lose despite having the best arsenal of weapons and best QB in the league? Could it be because both starting tackles were out? That alone should illustrate the importance of o-line vs weapons. The best of the best in terms of weapons is worthless without a group that can pass block. No team got anywhere in the playoffs without a line that could do it reasonably well.
