03-02-2024, 07:07 PM
(03-02-2024, 10:39 AM)lone bengal Wrote: Trying to make sense of this they obviously don’t trust Hill or Battle ? It’s now or never for Hill entering year 3. Far as Hill to CB talk I know he’s not an outside CB and Hilton is the slot replacing him now makes your secondary even more inexperienced and if anything they probably kick Turner inside when Hilton’s contract is up. If you sign a good vet to play along side Hill I guess you view Battle as only a 3rd Safety? He played well and getting less playing time in year two means he’s not in your future plans as a starter? I know they missed Flowers in 3 safety looks and I was like maybe Lou wants to get back to that ? But I feel like we can’t stop anybody up front and are division is more geared towards stopping the running and your in less 3 safety looks.
The staff already publicly said some of the poor LB play/run D issues was due to tentative play/not trusting the S calls on D. So getting a vet back there helps the run D from jump. It does not have to be in a 3 S set.
There is no way we are cutting Hilton. Outside of Trey & Reader, he was our best Defensive starter last season and is one of the best nickel corners in the league.
There is no way we are not over the moon thrilled with Battle. He will start this year. 100%. In fact, he graded out (PFF) higher than everyone on the team save for Hendrickson & Chase. Though only for half a season vs full. If you want to call that a starter, then Hilton drops to #4 on D.
We are looking for a vet S to replace Scott and QB the D. Who will likely start, paired with Battle. Remember to subtract $2 mil from whatever the vet S signs for.
Hill will likely be a nickel CB/3rd S in big Dime, which we will allow him to be close to the LOS, blitz more, and cover TEs. We looked at his speed and versatility and tried to turn him into something he isn't, a CF high safety. Maybe he can get there someday, but for a contender, too many mistakes. Let him do what he is already good at.
