(01-17-2024, 11:54 AM)SunsetBengal Wrote: CTB took the lead on the issues with the secondary this season, spoke of a general lack of communication, the type of communication that existed the year before when the secondary was led by a pair of veteran Safeties.  I think that it's much too soon to be trying to play "pin the tail on the donkey" and attempting to lay blame on any individual player for the faults of an entire unit (secondary).  CTB has stepped forward as the new vocal leader of this young secondary, and says that he's calling on all members of the secondary to get together and work specifically on communication this offseason.

(01-19-2024, 04:27 PM)J24 Wrote: My two cents

Hill is more of a NB/SS/LB than a true deep Safety. Now that doesn't mean he can't play deep on occasion but it shouldn't be is main position. With the way the Ravens play Hamilton at Nickle and the Lions play Branch at a Nickle. That's the way Dax should be used but not like Jessi Bates.


Also; I think Dax could be our best defensive player next season and could get  some DPOY votes.

(01-19-2024, 04:39 PM)ochocincos Wrote: What do you do then this year with Hilton and Battle if Hill really isn't a fit at FS?
Battle isn't a true deep safety type either. He's more of a SS.
Hilton is a nickel CB.

My thought - Give Hill one more year to see if he can be a good FS, and if not, put him in at nickel CB in 2025 after Hilton leaves.

(01-19-2024, 05:51 PM)J24 Wrote: I would trade or cut Hilton. Then draft, sign, or trade for a deep Safety!

(01-19-2024, 05:51 PM)J24 Wrote: I would trade or cut Hilton. Then draft, sign, or trade for a deep Safety!

(01-19-2024, 07:54 PM)ochocincos Wrote: So you're gonna basically force out a good player just to have worry about spending an early draft pick or expensive salary on a potential upgrade?

If you let go of Hilton, you're only freeing up $6.45 mill.
That's not going to get you a good deep safety.
And the Bengals will have too many other needs to take a safety in Rd 1 or Rd 2 in the draft.

Bengals have so much youth at DB now with the departures of Apple, Bates, and Bell. Awuzie also likely not returning.
Hilton will be the only veteran starter back there.
He's also familiar with the defense and has made solid impacts in the years he's been here.
You gotta keep him around for this final year.

Also, let's give Hill (and Battle) another year before writing off and looking for a replacement.
We do that way too quick with draft picks, IMO.

(01-19-2024, 10:01 PM)J24 Wrote: 1.) Hilton can't cover in man to man anymore which limits what Lou can call on defense. Replacing him with Hill gives the defense more flexability in what Lou can call. Also I think you could trade Hilton to another team for a mid rd pick or a player. 

1b.) That 6.4 million could be used for two DTs. Like A Maurice Hurst and Joseph Day combination.

2.) We will have to draft his replacement at Nickle anyways this season(or draft a safety if Hill is innfact the replacement).Considering that in all likelihood we won't resign him next off season and the Bengals like to draft players replacements a year in advance. 

2b.)Why can't we draft a Safety early? We were the 31st ranked defense for yards allowed, gave up the most yards per a pass, and yards per a play. How is any positon(except for Hendrickson) not on the chopping block this off season?

3.) Or let's  use one of our best players at his best position. Hill is a dynamic player that can cover in man to man, play elite run defense, and blitz at a high level. Let's use him properly instead of playing him deep!

(01-19-2024, 10:01 PM)J24 Wrote: 1.) Hilton can't cover in man to man anymore which limits what Lou can call on defense. Replacing him with Hill gives the defense more flexability in what Lou can call. Also I think you could trade Hilton to another team for a mid rd pick or a player. 

1b.) That 6.4 million could be used for two DTs. Like A Maurice Hurst and Joseph Day combination.

2.) We will have to draft his replacement at Nickle anyways this season(or draft a safety if Hill is innfact the replacement).Considering that in all likelihood we won't resign him next off season and the Bengals like to draft players replacements a year in advance. 

2b.)Why can't we draft a Safety early? We were the 31st ranked defense for yards allowed, gave up the most yards per a pass, and yards per a play. How is any positon(except for Hendrickson) not on the chopping block this off season?

3.) Or let's  use one of our best players at his best position. Hill is a dynamic player that can cover in man to man, play elite run defense, and blitz at a high level. Let's use him properly instead of playing him deep!