(09-21-2020, 01:02 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I was expecting anywhere between 5 and 7 wins.

(09-21-2020, 06:23 PM)McC Wrote: That can still happen.  Turns out the Chargers are a good team and I think the Browns will be a good team too.  People have been talking for three or four years about how good their roster is.  Maybe now they have the right coach.

I guess I'm in the minority but I don't see shame in losing to either of those teams.

(09-21-2020, 06:25 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I didn't say they couldn't and I apologize if it was implied.
5-7 wins is still a big improvement over last year, and yes it's still achievable.

(09-21-2020, 10:20 AM)Crazyjdawg Wrote: There was no one in the fan base who, after the free agency period (where we spent a bunch of money on our defense) and the draft (when we spent a bunch of resources on rebuilding our Linebacking corp and our QB and WR of the future), was not concerned about the offensive line.

We heard the fluff. Michael Jordan is actually looking super good! Jonah Williams looks like a 10 year veteran at LT! Bobby Hart totally isn't a terrible RT, guys!

I think some people bought in to the idea that maybe the Oline would be fixed enough to be competitive.

But I don't think anyone believed the Oline was no longer a weakness of the team.

We'll improve the Oline next off season. We are still at least 1 season away from playoff contention. Maybe 2 seasons.

But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the hell out of watching Joe Burrow be an actual legitimate threat at QB for us. The first time we've had a QB who didn't need to be given a bunch of playmakers to "make him better" since at least 2007, if not 2005.

I'm going to enjoy the ride no matter how many games we win. Joe Burrow is just that special.

(09-21-2020, 02:44 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I expected 5-7 because of:
- Burrow would make some plays that we wouldn't normally see Dalton make
- Williams I thought would come in and maybe struggle at times initially but ultimately become the best OL on the team and be solid or above average
- Reader was better than Billings at NT
- AJ Green and John Ross healthy would boost the passing game
- Nowhere to go but up for the LBs
- Waynes and Alexander seemed like an upgrade over DK and Dennard

Reasons I didn't expect 8 or more wins:
- Hart was still RT
- XSF, who hadn't played RG prior in the NFL, was coming in to replace Miller, who was second-best OL on the team last year
- I didn't think Jordan would grow into a solid-or-better LG (at least until next year)
- LBs probably weren't going to be stellar with so many new faces

(09-22-2020, 08:25 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Did you think Burrow would be an upgrade over Dalton? 

(09-21-2020, 06:23 PM)McC Wrote: That can still happen.  Turns out the Chargers are a good team and I think the Browns will be a good team too.  People have been talking for three or four years about how good their roster is.  Maybe now they have the right coach.

I guess I'm in the minority but I don't see shame in losing to either of those teams.

(09-22-2020, 10:44 AM)ochocincos Wrote: Somewhat, yes.

(09-22-2020, 04:12 PM)SHRacerX Wrote: Only asking because you didn't list it...

Quote:Burrow would make some plays that we wouldn't normally see Dalton make

(09-22-2020, 02:19 PM)3wt Wrote: This.   The big problem on offense Thursday night was right guard.  Bobby had his requisite failures, but Johnson killed us.   I was shocked how bad the D line played - especially Dunlap - but if we get at least Daniels back (I fear that Geno is just not going to have a good season with a messed up shoulder) I think the D-line will snap back, and the linebackers are young or slow.

I also think it's going to take AJ some games to get back to speed.   I don't think he'll be that slow all year - and Ward is a beast.  He also has not had the reps to get on the same page as Burrow.

Even though he's slow, they should use Tate.  I have a lot of confidence in him in the crunch.   Ross can do great things, but is just not a money receiver.

I don't think this is over by a long shot.   BAD year to not have OTAs and a pre season with so many rookies and other new players.  They're going to need some time to get the chemistry going.   But I'm really hoping XSF is back soon.   Them other guys is tragic!