(03-20-2025, 08:29 AM)Bengalbug Wrote: I don’t even know where to start with this. The only thing I come back to, is that defense, and OL, has been the primary focus of improvement every year. It’s not where the picks are. It’s either bad scouting, bad coaching, or a combo of both.

The chiefs are drafting above average and all pro with their “tier up pool of players”. The bengals are getting below average production. It’s not apples to apples. I just wish for the days where we could solidify a position for 5+ years and not worry about it (Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Sam Hubbard, Peko). Forget all pro player, just consistent contribution.

Same goes for offense.

It is where the picks are. For years we struggled to draft LBers. All of a sudden we draft up a tier and we hit two years in a row with Pratt and Wilson.

For years we struggled to draft OL. All of a sudden we pick at 18 and we hit at OT.

For years we struggled at G and C. Then we invest in FA with Karras and Cappa instead of Su’afila or John Simpson and things improved.

What you invest matters.

Of course if you get someone who outperforms their draft position and be a star that can change the dynamic of your team. But chasing star WRs in the 3rd round gets you Burton.

When you draft up a tier you get players with more complete profiles instead of rolling the dice on someone with a major gap in their profile (this could be injury (Erick All), character (Burton), production (Murphy) or athleticism).

If you look at the Ravens’ defensive stars they are players like Kyle Hamilton (14th overall), Marlon Humphrey (16th overall), Roquan Smith (was drafted 8th overall, the Ravens traded for him in a blockbuster move). Three players drafted top 20. The Bengals have none on D. They have three on O. Guess which unit is elite?

The Steelers’ D is built around Minkah Fitzpatrick (11th overall, blockbuster trade), Cam Heyward and TJ Watt. Heyward and Watt were with hindsight misses from the League, like Higgins was. That can happen but it’s not a viable strategy to plan for and more a bonus if it happens.

At 17 they should be able to get a playmaker on D with a more complete profile and less risk. This is a pick they need to nail. If they get it right it’ll set up the D for years to come and elevate the players around him. The hope is we won’t be picking this high again for many years.

(03-20-2025, 09:12 AM)Sled21 Wrote: From what I hear, the Colts offered him a lot of money, but they will not give up a 1st round pick for him. The Bengals will not take less than a 1st. Trey is too old to sit out a year and expect to come back to a huge contract. So, he's going to be here. They'll get it worked out just like they did with Tee and JaMarr 

....and if they get Trey extended, that's a pretty good FA in my book. You signed a triple crown winner, the best 1a/2 WR in the league, and Trey would obviously be the NFL sack king. That's a really good off-season without considering the external FAs they signed, Gisecki, and any future signings. I was getting really itchy about the delay in getting Tee and Chase done....so my initial F grade is already up in the high C, low B range. 

And then there's rumors like this: Trey considering sitting out the season. Seems like nonsense.

'Earlier this month, Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported that the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders were among teams that could look to acquire Hendrickson in a trade with the Bengals.'

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/espns-fowler-expects-bengals-trey-hendrickson-considers-sitting-out-without-deal-trade/ar-AA1BgvSO?ocid=BingNewsSerp

So far looks like we have the same non play off team we had last year just at a higher price tag. We need to nail the draft, which ae are mediocre at best. Ext to joe and chase. Bad t ack record. How many 1st round line men never made it. Waisted drafts. Who Dey. Hope they have draft party this year

(03-20-2025, 10:40 AM)THE PISTONS Wrote: And then there's rumors like this: Trey considering sitting out the season. Seems like nonsense.

'Earlier this month, Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported that the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders were among teams that could look to acquire Hendrickson in a trade with the Bengals.'

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/espns-fowler-expects-bengals-trey-hendrickson-considers-sitting-out-without-deal-trade/ar-AA1BgvSO?ocid=BingNewsSerp

Agents start rumors like that as a negotiating ploy.  If Trey comes out and says that he is willing to sit a year then I will believe it

(03-20-2025, 10:40 AM)THE PISTONS Wrote: And then there's rumors like this: Trey considering sitting out the season. Seems like nonsense.

'Earlier this month, Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported that the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders were among teams that could look to acquire Hendrickson in a trade with the Bengals.'

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/espns-fowler-expects-bengals-trey-hendrickson-considers-sitting-out-without-deal-trade/ar-AA1BgvSO?ocid=BingNewsSerp

That's not a rumor, that's Fowler talking out of his ass.  

"the same non-playoff team". I get it. 

No two seasons are the same. The Bengals started off 0-5 in 1 score games last year. Win just 1 and they're in. I doubt they start 0-5 in 1 score games again, because it's just not the norm. 

Quicker starts. Finishing games. That's all subjective to preparation and effort. They could just as easily start the season 6-0 with the squad they have. That's not unreasonable to say. 

They have players coming back from injury and they have the draft. 
They have the weapons core for at least 4 more years and the elite QB. If they end up with a shitty Oline...well, welcome to Bengals fandom for the last 5 years. 

I wouldn't say SB bound but i also wouldn't say lost season, even as we sit here now. 

The team is pretty much the same, but it's really not because teams have different seasons every year with the same players. 

(03-20-2025, 11:05 AM)rfaulk34 Wrote: "the same non-playoff team". I get it. 

I think it's a lazy argument.  The bengals made significant coaching changes.  If coaching really was the problem then why not bring back the same players?  Let's see what they can do under (theoretically) better coaches?

(03-19-2025, 08:52 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I agree, the defense needs another playmaker. That's why I'm so hooked on Nick Emmanwori. Getting an air traffic controller back in the middle of the secondary will fix a lot of things wrong with the defense, as well as make life easier for the front four to get to the QB.

This wouldn't bother me at all. Safety is arguably the weakest and scariest (in a bad way) position group on the team. Hence, why I've mentioned we could see Dax back there again. Not saying that's a good thing but it may be necessary.

Turner, Ivey, CTB, and Newton alone already give the CB position an edge over the paper thin Safety position. Battle and Stone are talented but neither really pop off the screen when watching a game. AG may be able to help Battle, Stone said he wants to play better. Let's hope so! 

I like how vague emoji's and vague comments like Who Pey are hints hints that Trey is on the verge of signing.

(03-20-2025, 11:14 AM)basballguy Wrote: I think it's a lazy argument.  The bengals made significant coaching changes.  If coaching really was the problem then why not bring back the same players?  Let's see what they can do under (theoretically) better coaches?

I think the coaching changes could help.

But, it's tough mental gymnastics. We can blame coaching, but people also point to the defense playing much better the last 7 games.

The team found ways to lose too. Fumbles. Bad defense. Bad offense against the Patriots. Missed kicks.

Trademark posted it, so it's not going to happen now

(03-20-2025, 09:12 AM)Sled21 Wrote: From what I hear, the Colts offered him a lot of money, but they will not give up a 1st round pick for him. The Bengals will not take less than a 1st. Trey is too old to sit out a year and expect to come back to a huge contract. So, he's going to be here. They'll get it worked out just like they did with Tee and JaMarr 

If true stinks for Trey. But, he signed the contract. In my opinion, Bengals do not want to trade Trey and only way they will consider it is if an over the top offer comes in.

I agree, they should not trade a huge piece of our defense we need to build around in 2025 and 2026.

(03-20-2025, 12:58 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: If true stinks for Trey. But, he signed the contract. In my opinion, Bengals do not want to trade Trey and only way they will consider it is if an over the top offer comes in.

I agree, they should not trade a huge piece of our defense we need to build around in 2025 and 2026.

I imagine if the Bengals keep Hendrickson and I think they will, they extend him and pay the man. I don't know how much the Colts offer was but if the Bengals can get close that it should please Trey and his agent. I want a happy Trey Hendrickson, not a disgruntled one but he is under contract for 2025 and he signed that contract so we'll see. On local news the other night they showed Trey at the hospital visiting kids and signing autographs. He was wearing Bengals wear and was smiling and happy, didn't seem to have a care in the world. Have to see how it turns out but I have a feeling Hendrickson will be here another two years.

(03-20-2025, 11:05 AM)rfaulk34 Wrote: "the same non-playoff team". I get it. 

No two seasons are the same. The Bengals started off 0-5 in 1 score games last year. Win just 1 and they're in. I doubt they start 0-5 in 1 score games again, because it's just not the norm. 

Quicker starts. Finishing games. That's all subjective to preparation and effort. They could just as easily start the season 6-0 with the squad they have. That's not unreasonable to say. 

They have players coming back from injury and they have the draft. 
They have the weapons core for at least 4 more years and the elite QB. If they end up with a shitty Oline...well, welcome to Bengals fandom for the last 5 years. 

I wouldn't say SB bound but i also wouldn't say lost season, even as we sit here now. 

The team is pretty much the same, but it's really not because teams have different seasons every year with the same players. 

The naysayers will always be the naysayers (not you). I would wager they trashed the FO prior to the 2021 season for our 4-11-1 record.

https://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/teams.nsf/histories/bengals

Bengals from 4 win team to a 10 win team and lost in the Super Bowl after beating Mahomes and Reid. Our 10 win team was only 1 game better than our last 2 years teams at 9-8.

Bemgals have proven under Burrow, get them in the playoffs and they are a very tough out. It is not inconceivable our 9-8 team could improve 3 games and be a 12-5 team in 2025. Yet many will spend time whining about Bengals not doing their plan versus looking objectively at Bengal's plan.

I love the FO cut multiple players who made a lot of money and did not produce. It is a first and a welcome change from in the past being too loyal to those who were not helping us win. They locked up not 1, but 2 WR's would many including me said it was a bad idea. I have warmed up to the idea as it removes  a need in 2025 so we can focus on true needs at guard and more importantly on the defensive side of the ball the rest of FA and then the draft.

Of course I see the glass half full while many see it half empty. We all want the same thing, let's hope we get back to the playoffs in 2025 and let Joe perfrom his magic.

(03-20-2025, 11:04 AM)basballguy Wrote: That's not a rumor, that's Fowler talking out of his ass.  

Yup, he's just trying to generate clicks with clickbait. Barring some team giving up a first for him, he is here at least this coming season. He is too old to sit out. He's near the point where edge rushers start dropping off now, if he sits out this year he'll be two year older than he is now. 

(03-20-2025, 11:05 AM)rfaulk34 Wrote: "the same non-playoff team". I get it. 

No two seasons are the same. The Bengals started off 0-5 in 1 score games last year. Win just 1 and they're in. I doubt they start 0-5 in 1 score games again, because it's just not the norm. 

Quicker starts. Finishing games. That's all subjective to preparation and effort. They could just as easily start the season 6-0 with the squad they have. That's not unreasonable to say. 

They have players coming back from injury and they have the draft. 
They have the weapons core for at least 4 more years and the elite QB. If they end up with a shitty Oline...well, welcome to Bengals fandom for the last 5 years. 

I wouldn't say SB bound but i also wouldn't say lost season, even as we sit here now. 

The team is pretty much the same, but it's really not because teams have different seasons every year with the same players. 

Exactly, we could lost Burrow on the first play, or we could be in the Super Bowl. Look at the Chiefs, they've lost like 4 starters, and even if Kelce comes back he's washed up. Anybody counting them out?

(03-20-2025, 10:30 AM)Wyche Wrote: ....and if they get Trey extended, that's a pretty good FA in my book. You signed a triple crown winner, the best 1a/2 WR in the league, and Trey would obviously be the NFL sack king. That's a really good off-season without considering the external FAs they signed, Gisecki, and any future signings. I was getting really itchy about the delay in getting Tee and Chase done....so my initial F grade is already up in the high C, low B range. 

Not really getting any better, but spending much more money to do it, is a net loss of an offseason.

(03-20-2025, 01:15 PM)BrownAssClown Wrote: I imagine if the Bengals keep Hendrickson and I think they will, they extend him and pay the man. I don't know how much the Colts offer was but if the Bengals can get close that it should please Trey and his agent. I want a happy Trey Hendrickson, not a disgruntled one but he is under contract for 2025 and he signed that contract so we'll see. On local news the other night they showed Trey at the hospital visiting kids and signing autographs. He was wearing Bengals wear and was smiling and happy, didn't seem to have a care in the world. Have to see how it turns out but I have a feeling Hendrickson will be here another two years.

Yes, I think they will extend him, but even if they don't I expect them to give him a raise this year to keep him happy. He has made it very clear he wants to stay here. Indy may offer more money, but he can't go there unless the Bengals let him. He'll get a 2-year extension here is my guess.

(03-20-2025, 11:17 AM)coachmcneil71 Wrote: This wouldn't bother me at all. Safety is arguably the weakest and scariest (in a bad way) position group on the team. Hence, why I've mentioned we could see Dax back there again. Not saying that's a good thing but it may be necessary.

Turner, Ivey, CTB, and Newton alone already give the CB position an edge over the paper thin Safety position. Battle and Stone are talented but neither really pop off the screen when watching a game. AG may be able to help Battle, Stone said he wants to play better. Let's hope so! 

As we closer to the draft it is apparent to me defense in the draft has to be the priority. Sunset called it a while ago, Bengals need two draft Nick Emmanwori. I do always worry about the workout warriors, but not all are a bad choice. He definitely could enhance or defense. I think Stone's days are numbered, I think we draft him and cut Geno. I am not impressed with Battle either, I know some are but he seems to be an average safety and that is his ceiling.

I like our CB room even without Hilton who I would not be surprised returns because he can't get the big money deal he is seeking on likely his last contract. If we do draft a safety ad don't do anything to address the DL (Edge/LDE), then there will be some guys available in round 2. The problem is was may need to address OG in round 2 depending on how team approaches the guard position.

I think we have 2 major needs on defense safety an LDE. The third would be LB and there should be some good ones available in round 3 or 4 of the draft. I think Pratt is fixable teamed with a healthy Wilson who I think is under rated.