06-07-2021, 11:51 AM
(06-07-2021, 11:06 AM)fredtoast Wrote: Taylors seat is so hot he will barely be able to sit down during training camp. I am sure he would love the distraction.
And to be honest, I would too. I really soured on "Ochocinco" after that '08 off season, but I would still welcome "Chad Johnson" back for training camp.
And I am 100% serious about the WRs behind our top 3. Even at 43 Chad could still be better than one of them.
Regarding WR depth..
- I have high hopes for Mike Thomas being a good #4, but Tate looks to be more of a specific scenario type of player.
- The kid from SF, Taylor, has some potential behind Boyd. He had a very good rookie season and then just fizzled out of San Fran. I know he was out 2019 with injury, but that doesn't explain the drop in targets and production...
ROOKIE 2017: 60 targets & 43 catches
2018: 41 & 26
2019: DNP INJURED
2020: 21 targets for 10 catches
^ I'm sure missing 2019 put Taylor behind and the 49ers found a strong replacement and Taylor just didn't have a place.
- The intriguing guy to me is Scotty Washington. As a developmental guy to see out there, I'm hoping he can really grow and learn with the guys on the roster. I think the pace and expectations will be high from the Bengals top 3 and, as the saying goes, iron sharpens iron.
- My hopes and dreams involve CJ & Sample becoming very viable targets, limiting the use of 11 personnel and allowing for more 12 sets (2 TEs) and a more prominently featured rushing attack.
^ If fully healthy, this leaves limited roles for Thomas, Tate, Taylor, & Washington to where maybe they are just there for rotational use. At 43, could Chad take the pounding of a possession receiver? I have no doubts he could get open on shorter routes and still catch. But the play to play beating is my question.
Really curious as to what the Bengals 5 wide ends up looking like. Will that be based on the scenarios like down and distance? Or will it be a reliable same 5 guys? Right now it would probably be the big 3 and Thomas + Tate? or would a TE (or 2) be tossed in instead? An RB (Evans? Mixon?).
I appreciate Taylor having a super flexible offense... but at what point do the Bengals declare who and what they really are as an offensive unit? Jack of all trades, masters of none?
