Ask Jim Owczarski

[jowczarski]

Thanks all!

Do you know if the Bengals FO decided to downplay Dalton's approach to 20,000 yards this week...possible due to how fans reacted when Palmer reached that milestone?

I’ll admit since I wasn’t here for that number with Palmer I can’t speak to what you’re referring to. Honestly – not a single thing was mentioned about 20K when I was around the locker room. Not sure if it was by design, but I know a lot of media types (me included) really don’t see the value in certain numbers because the game has changed so much. I think players have to get to franchise record / all-time levels for it to really register. Just my opinion.

We've seen Ogubehi get benched twice this year. Both were obviously coaching decisions. However, my question is why are they putting Winston in over Fisher? They drafted two offensive lineman last year and Fisher got some playing time, but why aren't they putting him in instead of Winston?

To my understanding, they view Ogubehi as the successor to Whit. And they wanted Fisher to be the successor to the RT. So wouldn't it make sense to put Fisher in instead of Winston? Or are they viewing Fisher as a possible replacement to Zeitler if he is let go?

Fisher was the primary backup LT all through camp until Ced got hurt, when he flipped to the right side v. Detroit (before he got hurt). I haven’t caught up quite yet on the long term view of those guys, but I think it’s really hard to bench the first rounder in favor of the second rounder. It’s easier to do with Winston, a guy they know will do it right technically (even if he can’t quite move as well). If you drop Fisher in there, there is still a chance for mistakes. As for Fisher moving inside, he's only played tackle his first two years so we don't know if he can do that as a starter. I'm sure they'd like to find out as well.

First off Jim thanks for answering my last questions and I hope you enjoy your trip to London.
A couple of questions
1.) What is AJ Mccaron realistic trade value and when should we expect the Bengals to unload him next offseason?
2.)Not asking you to name players but what do you think are the major positional needs for the Bengals come next off season?
3.) More trade interest around the league Jimmy gruapplo or Tom Brady?

1. Realistic? A mid-rounder, maybe 4-5? Maybe a comp 3? Maybe? But I would expect them to move him. It’s not worth it to have him walk for nothing.
2. Gotta look at the defense first – pass rush end, another fast linebacker with coverage skills. A proven pass catching tight end and another center, offensive tackle.
3. Who would want who, Jimmy G or Brady? Well, Jimmy G is more likely to be dealt for sure.

Jim give me your prediction. Marvin finishes this team off this season at .500 or under. Do you predict another year extension given to him by the front office before his contract runs out?

THAT’s a good one – smart fan. People assume he’d be fired. Nope. But ya, that extra one-year….I could still see it happening because Mike also hates the “lame duck coach” questions and even if they had to buy him out it’s just one year as opposed to 2-3. Long way to say I just don't know...

I don't know if you get to see much of these boards or not, but there is some speculation that the coaches' jobs are on the line. I and others have argued that this isn't the Mikey Brown way and that the coaches are quite comfortable in their positions. Of course I wish they were on the hot seat, but I just don't see it being the case.

Is there any feeling around the Bengals' coaches that their jobs are in fact on the line with how this season goes?

I do see the topics and wave over the previews, but sometimes there are just too many responses to dive in! Well, which coaches? On defense there are no holdovers from a year ago and they moved Robert Livingston up out in the secondary. On offense, you’ve got a new OC and QB coach. So that leaves OL, TE, RB and WR as the lone holdovers. That’s a pretty big turnover from a 12-4 team to be honest. Now, could some of those position coaches look for other jobs this offseason? Sure. But I don’t the Bengals firing coaches they just hired with a year left on their deals to hire new ones.


Have you heard or observed anything which would indicate the thoughts the organization has about Whitworth's remaining time? Was Fisher supposed to be the heir apparent? Or can we expect to see another high round pick this year spent on his replacement?


Ogbuehi was/is the heir apparent at LT. Now, Whit told me in the offseason the he A) wants to play and B) isn’t too proud to play guard. Smart. He knows Zeitler is a free agent and, likely, gone – the Bengals won’t pay a guard $9-10 million annually. Here’s the thing – I could see them letting Whit test the market with the thought Ogbuehi/Fisher are ready to go at the tackle spots, Westerman at guard + a draft pick if there is one. The team has leverage. You, I or a player agent may say that’s not great leverage but let’s be real – it is. Or, if Whit is willing to play tackle at smaller rate than a year ago, then perhaps Fisher moves inside if Zeitler leaves. The team has options, but so does Whit to be honest. They picked Zeitler in the first round, so they’re not afraid to do that on a guard. Whit wants to go a couple more years, but I think the team will only want to explore him doing that with them on their terms.