We seem to play him nearly every season since he left. He is 2-1with 4 TD and 0 picks. You best believe we will be facing pro bowl level Dalton and with this defense I'm seriously concerned

Linebackers have been a position of strength… Why not see if ADG can rush the passer? He’s athletic and smart. NT would probably be an issue though

Joe announced he will be a more vocal leader. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/joe-burrow-plans-to-be-a-more-vocal-leader-for-bengals  OK, where was this in the last 1-2 years.

Is it just me but I see Joe has no personality. Yeah, he has fun with fashion, but, his personal interviews and post game interviews show a really prosaic (and dull) person. I really have questions about his ability to "Lead the charge!." Here is a basis for opinion: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/joe-burrow-plans-to-be-a-more-vocal-leader-for-bengals

OK, roast me now all you Burrow apologists!

I am in no way, shape, or form a "blame the coach" guy. I think ZT is a fine head coach and I think the issues with this team are waaaay bigger than head coaching. It's more of a personel issue for me.

That being said, is it time for ZT to stop being such a players coach?

There was an interview with Joe yesterday where Joe was talking about how he needs to be more of a "vocal" leader, hold people accountable, etc. Why shold that fall on the QB? We ask Joe to do enough already. Holding people accountable, being the "vocal leader", etc. should come from the head coach IMO.

I think one of ZT's charms is that he IS a players coach, but maybe he's become a little TOO much of a players coach. Things seem to be getting a bit lax. Maybe it's time to light some fires and not rely on your QB to do it.

We knew during training camp Hubbard was injured. It turns out that the injury was a grade 3 hamstring which is a severe tear. He's not going to get better if everyone else on the line is out so he has to play the entire game.

As stated in here, Bengals DE Sam Hubbard is recovering from a Grade 3 hamstring injury, per source. The most severe grade for a hamstring injury.

Hubbard didn’t want to talk about injuries today.

Lou Anarumo: “I expect Sam will continue to get stronger and better each week.”

— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 26, 2024

Only walk through today so this is an estimated report


FP

Joe burrow-Wrist
Kris Jenkins-thumb

Limited practice

Ja'Marr Chase-shoulder


Did not Practice

BJ Hill-hamstring
Sheldon Rankins-hamstring
Trey Hendrickson-illness
Tanner Hudson-knee
Trent Brown-knee (heading for season ending IR)
I would expect the corresponding move will happen next week when Myles Murphy and Mackenzie Jackson are eligible to come off of IR

Let me start by saying I get it. I get that the default option for Bengals fans is doom and gloom. I get there have only been like 4 teams in the history of the NFL to start off 0-3 and make the playoffs.

But, even if the defense does NOT improve, we're making the playoffs this year and here's why I think that: our offense is good enough to win shootouts. In addition, a lot of teams on our schedule do not have good offenses; that even with our shitty defense, we should still not have trouble out-scoring them. In fact, I think a big issue for our defense is mobile QBs. Jayden Daniels picked up a lot of 1st downs with his legs as he did his best Lamar Jackson impression (except Jayden showed he's actually really good at throwing the ball accurately). So, even if our defense doesn't improve we only have to worry about facing teams with running QBs. That's currently the Ravens (twice) and the Eagles. Maybe the Steelers, but I think by the time we play them Russ will be starting and he's not as mobile as he used to be.

With that said, I see hope for improvement. Our defense did a really good job against the Chiefs (DPI notwithstanding). I don't know what the issue with tackling is, but it wasn't an issue against KC so I can see that improving immediately. Aside from that, we were missing our starting DTs. Don't know the timeframe for when they're coming back, but they'll be back. Then we got other DLmen that will be joining this defense in Murphy, Jenkins and Jackson. Soon. Granted, not only are they coming back from injury - 2 are also rookies. But promising rookies nonetheless.

Don't get me wrong, at best, I think our defense will be mediocre, but I don't think it'll be the worst defense ever either.

So, I think the Ravens will probably sweep us and the Eagles will beat us. And we'll most likely lose at least 1 against the Steelers just because they're the frickin' Steelers. But I think we'll beat most of the other teams we'll face even if it's by just outscoring them. I see us ending with 10-11 wins assuming only a little defensive improvement which should be enough to get a Wild Card game if not the division depending on how the season goes for our divisional rivals.

And if we make the playoffs off the back of our offense ... I know defense wins championships, but, well, 0-3 teams also don't make the playoffs, right? Do you pick up what I'm putting down? (Can't wait for rfaulk's response to that question)

WHO DEY!

Should the Bengals save money for other dire areas and let Ja' Marr walk? I believe Chase and Burrow are a unit and Chase will get the extension, but in theory, would it be better to use the money else where? Is keeping Chase going to lead to the promise land of a Super Bowl victory?

Others are way better at this than I, but Burrow's cap hit will be 16.92 % staring 2025. I am not certain but I do not believe any team has won the super bowl with the QB higher than 14% of cap. You factor in Chase's cap hit at 35 million per and the two players will be near 12% of cap. Therefore, approximately 29% of cap space will be for two offensive players in Burrow and Chase.

When your bad team plays another bad team you get limited distribution


https://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2024&wk=4

Game is on Fox

announcers: Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin

Ref: Adrian Hill, his crew throws the 4th most flags

Uni combo:black jerseys, pants, orange socks

I am curious how Mims graded out Monday night.