Dre Kirkpatrick is working his ass off to earn the starting job and finally play to his potential and expectations:
Quote:"I am a low key guy. The offseason this year for me has been about dialing into the vision of how I see the season unfolding," Kirkpatrick said. "I spent a tremendous amount of time back home in Alabama spending time with my son and my family."
Following the end of the season, Kirkpatrick took a month off to let his body settle and rest from the season. Then, after that month, the work began in preparing for the 2015 season. To start up his training, Kirkpatrick headed down to his alma mater, University of Alabama.
What's awesome about that is how he took a month off to heal and be with his family, but then immediately got into football mode and he's focused on being the best that he can:
Quote:"I eat, breathe, sleep football down there with those guys, not to mention the mentor factor really inspires me to be a better pro," Kirkpatrick said. The younger college guys look up to us as players that have gone through the process and are making an impact. It gives me just as much motivation as they get from the pros that come back to UA."
He's stepping into being a leader and has the mindset that he's the man this year:
Quote:And, after three years on the Bengals, Kirkpatrick's expectations are set high, "As far as the starting role is concerned it's not a question. I know it's mine," Kirkpatrick told us last week.
We need that kind of confidence and swagger from our corners, which hopefully he's rubbing off on DD because they could be a hell of a duo for years to come.
I can't wait to see what he can do with getting close to 100% of the snaps because look at what he did with only getting 21.3% of them:
Quote:In 2014, Kirkpatrick had 20 tackles, seven passes defended and three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Those three interceptions tied for second-most on the team, behind only Reggie Nelson and tied with Adam Jones and George Iloka. What makes those three interceptions stick out is the amount of playing time Kirkpatrick was given to produce those results. Comparatively, Iloka played on 99.3% of the Bengals' 2014 defensive snaps, Nelson 97.9%, and Jones 69.2%, Kirkpatrick only played in 21.3% of defensive snaps throughout the 2014 season.
Then, this makes it sound like he's ready for a breakout year, but will reward the Bengals by sticking with the team:
Quote:The Bengals' trust in Kirkpatrick was solidified this offseason when Kirkpatrick experienced the highlight of his offseason. "The highlight of all highlights is the Bengals picking up my 5th year which just allows me to continue my dream," Kirkpatrick said.
And as the 2015 season approaches, Kirkpatrick will seek to further live out his dream and snag the starting role he's been working toward the past three seasons.
I'm just pumped because I think that we'll finally ee what he can do and we'll have a hell of a secondary this year, which will be aided by a much-improved pass rush.
I'm continuing my scouting reports on each Bengals player drafted. Kroft was interesting to watch, as he wasn't used as much in the passing game last year. Which is sad, because he blew up onto the scene the year before.
Simple question would you make out with Larry King, for 10 minutes, if so the Bengals would win the super bowl. When I say make out I mean.. whatever the old man wants...... :vomit:
Honestly, I just made this thread because it gives me a glimmer of hope that Tate might be cut, but, according to CincyJungle, Gio, A Jones, and the new guy, Mario Alford, were all returning punts.
If Dre and Dennard take over the starting corner positions, and Hall is our nickel guy, then I feel like we may finally see Jones returning punts full-time and Tate could be kicked to the curb (I can hope and pray, can't I?).
I could also see Alford getting some reps, so it looks like the "Say A Prayer Whenever Tate's Returning" era could be over.
A few weeks back I started a thread regarding which player the Bengals could least afford to lose. Keeping on the idea of "injuries happen" I want to try take this thread in a different direction. If the Bengals were to lose a starter for significant time (10 games or more) which position would be best equipped to deal with it? Now that being said there is a bit of additional criteria involved. Rotational guys are excluded. I'm looking for guys that have played or are projected to play fewer than 20% of the defensive snaps. IE... Brandon Thompson backs up Geno, but plays a lot in rotation now. If (please football Gods don't let this scenario happen) Geno were to get injured, Thompson's role would obviously increase, but I'm looking at the guy that would replace Thompson in the rotation. (Marcus Hardison)
Obviously we don't know for sure who will even make the team at this point, so many of the players are projections. I know their are other players at positions, and I'm not discounting them. But was just trying to give a good sample size of they depth chart players I was looking to discuss. Please feel free to add any player omissions.
We like to focus on who did poorly in the playoff games, lets take a turn to focus on who did well on the last four attempts. (lets keep it to guys who are still on the team, so no first half BJGE please )
I'm going to say Marvin Jones. In the Chargers game, Marvin had 8 catches on 12 targets, 130 yards, 6 first downs and a nice 49 yard bomb from Andy. We talk a lot about his impact coming back healthy, and I feel we often forget how well he played in the 2013 playoff game. Shame his season was cut short last year.
Who else played well in the last four attempts? We know it wasn't Andy! So lets not bring him up
)
