01-04-2016, 02:13 AM
Sorry for going AWOL the last couple weeks. As we hit the holiday crunch and two west coast games it’s been pretty crazy.
Here we go:
OK this isn't a Bengal question or NFL question per say but a question about the game of Football all together. What steps can and should be taken to make the game safer especially when it comes to head trauma? I know its a heavy question just curious on your thoughts on the matter.
I have no idea. I think at the NFL level, all they can do is what they’ve started to do – heavily penalize and fine helmet-to-helmet contact and reducing the number of padded practices. NFLPA president Eric Winston is in the locker room, and he feels that is working. But, to take it a step further, he feels teams should be fined when the coaches/trainers/doctors don’t pull a guy they see has having issues (i.e. Case Keenum). I agree that step should be taken.
Honestly, the best thing is to eliminate pee wee tackle football. Kids probably shouldn’t tackle until they’re juniors or seniors in high school, but small steps. No hitting until high school.
What did the bengals organization get you for christmas?
Being closed to the media on Christmas day. I was able to get home to see my wife and family before shooting off to Denver. They didn’t do it for “us” in the media, but I appreciated it.
How much interaction is there between head coaches and refs?
They talk quite a bit during the game on the sidelines, but it’s exactly what you see on NFL Films – a lot of one-way yelling.
Also, how in shape do these refs have to be? Is there a physical to take? Eye test? (Just had to throw that in)
Heh. I’m sure there is a physical they have to pass.
are the media aware of the term "Marvinball" and the tendency he has to stop attacking once we have a lead? If so, what are your thoughts on this?
I’ve never heard of that, but I don’t know. I do know Marvin pulled the reins in in San Francisco when they got the lead, but it was also McCarron’s first start. Hue Jackson is a former head coach – I think this year (which is all I can speak of) Hue has had complete control of that group.
How important is Duke Tobin to this team and how much of a say does he get in the making of the roster? More important are any teams looking @ Duke for a GM position?
Very. Very important. And yes, other teams will come sniffing around to see if he will be their GM. He’s that good, and believe it or not the Bengals organization is a model other franchises around the league will want to copy. But, Duke likes it in Cincy. The team likes him and values him. I wouldn’t be shocked if he is given a new title and a pay raise to stay here.
Has management discussed any replacements or is Hue giving tips to any current asst. coach to groom him for the OC position?
Hue was hired to eventually leave. He was a former HC who was dumped too soon. Marvin did him a solid by bringing him in a few years back. As for who will replace him, great question and the No. 1 offseason question IMO. Do you try to keep some continuity considering Dalton’s leap this year with longtime QB coach Ken Zampese? Or do you go outside like Gruden and have the QB learn a new offense again? Tough call.
do you really believe this team as it stands today is going to win a playoff game this year?
Against Pittsburgh, yes. The team is that good. I know, I know. We’re talking just football – the 53 man is better than theirs. My prediction will be out Friday at Cincinnati.com
Has there been any reasoning to starting Vinnie over Maul in the Raven's game?
We assume a discipline issue. We were told it was for non-injury reasons, and he stood with his helmet on next to Guenther the entire first quarter and then came in on the first play of the second. Looked an awful like Jeremy Hill’s situation in Frisco.
Here we go:
OK this isn't a Bengal question or NFL question per say but a question about the game of Football all together. What steps can and should be taken to make the game safer especially when it comes to head trauma? I know its a heavy question just curious on your thoughts on the matter.
I have no idea. I think at the NFL level, all they can do is what they’ve started to do – heavily penalize and fine helmet-to-helmet contact and reducing the number of padded practices. NFLPA president Eric Winston is in the locker room, and he feels that is working. But, to take it a step further, he feels teams should be fined when the coaches/trainers/doctors don’t pull a guy they see has having issues (i.e. Case Keenum). I agree that step should be taken.
Honestly, the best thing is to eliminate pee wee tackle football. Kids probably shouldn’t tackle until they’re juniors or seniors in high school, but small steps. No hitting until high school.
What did the bengals organization get you for christmas?
Being closed to the media on Christmas day. I was able to get home to see my wife and family before shooting off to Denver. They didn’t do it for “us” in the media, but I appreciated it.
How much interaction is there between head coaches and refs?
They talk quite a bit during the game on the sidelines, but it’s exactly what you see on NFL Films – a lot of one-way yelling.
Also, how in shape do these refs have to be? Is there a physical to take? Eye test? (Just had to throw that in)
Heh. I’m sure there is a physical they have to pass.
are the media aware of the term "Marvinball" and the tendency he has to stop attacking once we have a lead? If so, what are your thoughts on this?
I’ve never heard of that, but I don’t know. I do know Marvin pulled the reins in in San Francisco when they got the lead, but it was also McCarron’s first start. Hue Jackson is a former head coach – I think this year (which is all I can speak of) Hue has had complete control of that group.
How important is Duke Tobin to this team and how much of a say does he get in the making of the roster? More important are any teams looking @ Duke for a GM position?
Very. Very important. And yes, other teams will come sniffing around to see if he will be their GM. He’s that good, and believe it or not the Bengals organization is a model other franchises around the league will want to copy. But, Duke likes it in Cincy. The team likes him and values him. I wouldn’t be shocked if he is given a new title and a pay raise to stay here.
Has management discussed any replacements or is Hue giving tips to any current asst. coach to groom him for the OC position?
Hue was hired to eventually leave. He was a former HC who was dumped too soon. Marvin did him a solid by bringing him in a few years back. As for who will replace him, great question and the No. 1 offseason question IMO. Do you try to keep some continuity considering Dalton’s leap this year with longtime QB coach Ken Zampese? Or do you go outside like Gruden and have the QB learn a new offense again? Tough call.
do you really believe this team as it stands today is going to win a playoff game this year?
Against Pittsburgh, yes. The team is that good. I know, I know. We’re talking just football – the 53 man is better than theirs. My prediction will be out Friday at Cincinnati.com
Has there been any reasoning to starting Vinnie over Maul in the Raven's game?
We assume a discipline issue. We were told it was for non-injury reasons, and he stood with his helmet on next to Guenther the entire first quarter and then came in on the first play of the second. Looked an awful like Jeremy Hill’s situation in Frisco.
Beat writer for Cincinnati.com & The Enquirer. Follow along on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Periscope.
