We need to get better at guard. I know PFF has flaws, but it is comparable measurement.

Cappa - 2024 Overall 50.5 Run -54.9 Pass - 39.7
https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/alex-cappa/66578
2023 - Overall 64.9 Run - 67.3 Pass - could not find PFF pass but gave up 35 pressures
https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/allbengals-insiders-plus/pff-ranks-alex-cappa-among-nfl-s-top-25-guards-01hzs7729n99

Volson
2024 Overall - 59.3. Run - 65.6 Pass - 49.4

https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/cordell-volson/30614

2023 - He was a decent run blocker, but in the 30's pass blocking

It is scary our best OL in 2022 was Cappa, then he was our worst OL in 2024.

It is hard to believe Joe did not get killed in 2023 and 2024.

We don't need all pro guards, but we needs guards that can pass blcok in the 60's in 2025

I don’t think anyone needs PFF to tell them Volson ain’t it.

(03-18-2025, 12:19 AM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: I don’t think anyone needs PFF to tell them Volson ain’t it.

But he is better than Cappa who we were paying big bucks, that is scary our 2024 offense had 2 of the worst OG's starting each week,

(03-18-2025, 12:19 AM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: I don’t think anyone needs PFF to tell them Volson ain’t it.

people still think he can improve. And I think there's a 50% chance he starts next season

(03-18-2025, 12:21 AM)Frank Booth Wrote: people still think he can improve. And I think there's a 50% chance he starts next season

Think or hope Volson improves?

I personally hope every member of our team improves, but am not thrilled he is #1 on our LG depth chart. If it stays that way, I think it is a huge blunder.

I hope he proves me wrong, but not optmiistic he can.

(03-18-2025, 12:30 AM)Luvnit2 Wrote: Think or hope Volson improves?

I personally hope every member of our team improves, but am not thrilled he is #1 on our LG depth chart. If it stays that way, I think it is a huge blunder.

I hope he proves me wrong, but not optmiistic he can.

here's the most optimistic take involving Volson...

he may not be a starter next season

Yeah. I look at the offensive line the same way as I do the defense.

We don't need them to be a top 5 unit. Just need them to be better than what they were. A competent, middle-of-the-pack offensive line, a competent, middle-of-the-pack defense, and a healthy team as a whole gets us back to the Bowl.

If Volson takes the field as a starting lineman this season it's a massive failure on our coaching staff.

(03-18-2025, 09:06 AM)bengalfan74 Wrote: If Volson takes the field as a starting lineman this season it's a massive failure on our coaching staff.

and ownership and the front office. 

(03-18-2025, 09:06 AM)bengalfan74 Wrote: If Volson takes the field as a starting lineman this season it's a massive failure on our coaching staff.

Coaching staff or FO?

(03-18-2025, 09:09 AM)Luvnit2 Wrote: Coaching staff or FO?

Probably both

Yes - We really need 2 new Guards...Unless this O-Line coach can work wonders.

I remember years ago Evan Mathis was kind of middling here. Went to the Eagles with their O-Line coach with a different scheme and was the best Guard in football for a while.

(03-18-2025, 12:21 AM)Luvnit2 Wrote: But he is better than Cappa who we were paying big bucks, that is scary our 2024 offense had 2 of the worst OG's starting each week,

I wouldn't say "big" bucks, personally.

Cappa had signed for just under $8 mill APY with the Bengals back in 2022 and had just $7 mill cash total to him last year.

There are 24 Guards who make more APY right now than Cappa was.

Even back in 2022, there were plenty of Guards making $10+ mill APY.
Cappa was typical solid guy who was in Bengals' budget they were willing to spend for IOL, which is typically under $10 mill APY along with safety, and TE.

I don’t think anybody knows the dynamics in the draft and free agency. Who is the ultimate decision maker. I think the poor draft in OL & defense falls on Pollack & Lou. I think it’s a consensus from Doug, Zac, and the coordinator/position coach. But when there’s not they rely on Zac on offense and Lou on defense. I personally think it factored in Lou’s demise.

Cappa was hurt. He got signed quickly so his agent convinced the Raiders he’s not the ‘24 guy. But they’d better draft better on defense and OL going forward. I think the new OL coach Scott Peters knows what he’s looking for. I don’t think Pollack was technical nor did he know what type of lineman he wanted. They need cohesion matching the scheme to the strengths of the lineman. I don’t think that existed. I think Peters thinks between drafting one and working with Volson,Kirkland, and Ford he can make it work.

This is also why I was thinking there are more options than just like 1-2 guys.
Because the Bengals guards were SO BAD last year, especially in pass pro.

Bengals should be able to get both Dalton Risner AND Will Hernandez for under $10 mill APY, possibly even closer to $5 mill together.
Risner cover LG, Hernandez RG.

We definately need to improve the OL this year Burrows Sack count too high

It’s too bad Ford had to move to tackle after only one game at guard. It would have been nice if they could have seen him at guard for several games.

The Bengals have several needs. I think Trey is here and they are set at DT with Slaton, Hill, Jenkins, and Carter. I think guard and LB is their target. ARMAND MEMBOU from Missouri they may have to swap picks and move up to get him. But he’s a G/T. Ford & OBJ played next to each other and won the Joe Moore award as best OL in CF. They work great together. They like Ford. That could be an OL that’s fixed for 2 years. MEMBOU can move to tackle with injury. He’s the best OL at both run/pass in awhile. They can get a LB in the second. I’d expect Pratt is out.

(03-18-2025, 09:06 AM)bengalfan74 Wrote: If Volson takes the field as a starting lineman this season it's a massive failure on our coaching staff.

Volson bothers some of us a lot because of how he was handles. It causes shivers of the old 'we have successfully drafts because it produces this many starters' when starting bad players doesn't = success.  They tried to make him work as a much needed cheap young starter to develop but he never got to starter grade.  We are now at the point where he may be beaten out by a rookie drafted in the same round he was or a sub tackle.  We can improve, but this is why this guy bothers us so much 

Ask yourself this question:

Would you rather have (Name your FA)/ Cody Ford as your guards with Pollack still as coach

or

Ford and Volson/mid-round pick with the new Oline coach