(11-23-2021, 03:43 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: Hard to say. We have way better talent, and we're not trying to tank anymore. So that explains some of the improvement. I thought Zac's gameplans vs the Steelers and Ravens were top notch.

We've also had some duds though. Would we be better with a better scheme and game plans? Maybe. Hard to be mad at someone for wondering. I think at best, Zac still has to prove himself...and this last stretch (which looks moderately difficult, but has a bunch of home games) will tell us what we need to know.

I know people make similar claims every week, but the playoffs are on the line and the team is about as healthy as it gets. If we have a losing record over the next 7 games, that will he very telling, IMO. We're set up to win.

(11-23-2021, 04:15 PM)WeezyBengal Wrote: This is such a huge point that no one talks about. This team is DISCIPLINED. 

Its so refreshing to not see a ton of penalties and stupid shit during the games. Not a lot of false starts, off-sides, cheap shot BS. That has 100% improved under ZT. 

(11-23-2021, 04:15 PM)WeezyBengal Wrote: This is such a huge point that no one talks about. This team is DISCIPLINED. 

Its so refreshing to not see a ton of penalties and stupid shit during the games. Not a lot of false starts, off-sides, cheap shot BS. That has 100% improved under ZT. 

(11-23-2021, 10:06 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Dramatically.

Every team has injuries but we had an unusually high amount last year and an unusually low amount this season.

(11-23-2021, 10:38 PM)Tony Wrote: We are seeing accountability that we haven't since Wyche...

(11-23-2021, 11:09 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Uh, no we are not.

We played like total shit against the Jets and the team was "held so accountable" that they followed that up by playing like shit at home against the Browns.

Where are you seeing any "accountability"?

(11-23-2021, 10:35 PM)Tony Wrote: I don't believe anyone really tries to tank. These guys have to much pride...

(11-24-2021, 12:53 AM)Shake n Blake Wrote: I don't believe players or coaches do, but organizations most definitely do. The Browns hired analytics guys and gutted their team to where no reasonable person thought they were trying to win. They were tanking for high draft picks.

Their process looked identical to what many NBA and MLB teams have deployed. It's slowly coming to the NFL. I think the Dolphins, Jags and yes the Bengals have had similar rebuilds.

Thankfully, NFL teams aren't tanking as long as NBA and MLB teams. NFL teams seem to try for a QB and a couple other pieces, and fill the gaps with free agency.

(11-23-2021, 11:15 PM)Bengalfan4life27c Wrote:  Point I'm trying to make I didn't feel we were overmatched talent wise like I have felt in previous seasons.

(11-24-2021, 02:24 AM)Bengal Dude Wrote: I'd also include this year's Texans and Lions teams as tanking. I agree that no player or coach is in on tanking. It's always the front office. 

I do think that the 2019 Bengals weren't in on tanking until about the mid point of the season. The FO legitimately thought that we had a talented roster and the new coaching staff would fix that.

(11-24-2021, 12:23 PM)Bengalfan4life27c Wrote: If Mr. Pec/hamstring ever stays on the field we can fix CB2.

(11-24-2021, 12:27 PM)jj22 Wrote: I still don't think they should trust (or plan) for him being around even if he does somehow return and stay healthy. 

Also, maybe FS, and 3te DE.

(11-24-2021, 02:24 AM)Bengal Dude Wrote: I'd also include this year's Texans and Lions teams as tanking. I agree that no player or coach is in on tanking. It's always the front office. 

I do think that the 2019 Bengals weren't in on tanking until about the mid point of the season. The FO legitimately thought that we had a talented roster and the new coaching staff would fix that.

(11-24-2021, 12:23 PM)Bengalfan4life27c Wrote: C,G CB2 are the 3 week spots If Mr. Pec/hamstring ever stays on the field we can fix CB2. Hopkins is improving as the season wears on. He still currently a liability though. The other G spot will remain a problem rest of season unfortunately.

(11-24-2021, 12:27 PM)jj22 Wrote: I still don't think they should trust (or plan) for him being around even if he does somehow return and stay healthy. 

Also, maybe FS, and 3te DE.

(11-24-2021, 08:47 AM)fredtoast Wrote: Exactly.  If we have the talent then the problem must be the coaching.

With all the help the team has given Taylor in free agency we should be winning more.

(11-24-2021, 12:46 PM)PhilHos Wrote: Now, sure, reality is what it is and we're at 6-4 but we are this close (i'm holding my index finger extremely close to my thumb) to being 8-2 

(11-24-2021, 12:46 PM)PhilHos Wrote: Ok, but think about this: 2 of our 4 losses (Packers, Jets) we had chances to win or should have held on to a lead to win. Green Pay, we had 2 FG attempts for wins and the Jets we had an 11 point lead midway through the 4th quarter. If we had won those games, we'd be sitting at 8-2 and one of the top teams in the league. 

Now, sure, reality is what it is and we're at 6-4 but we are this close (i'm holding my index finger extremely close to my thumb) to being 8-2 which I think we would all agree is pretty damn good for a guy who had 6 total wins coming into this season.

(11-24-2021, 01:13 PM)Bengalfan4life27c Wrote: 9 -1 if we make that shoestring tackle of Fields