I’m privileged to say that I’ll be joining the @js_packers and @PGPackersNews coverage team in the coming weeks. But it is bittersweet to leave Cincinnati and @ENQSports. No doubt. https://t.co/mwr04QPNNJ

— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) August 10, 2018

(08-03-2018, 05:07 PM)MaineBengal Wrote: Hey JimO - this isn't a question but a comment, I want to compliment you on your writing. It's always at least very solid beat stuff, but a few times each season you pen a real gem. The recent story on John Ross is one of those, and what triggered this comment. Nice job, I'd rather read your stuff than any other Bengals writer.

(08-16-2018, 10:32 PM)jowczarski Wrote: Sorry for the delay - as y'all know it's been a bit hectic!


@Jakeypoo
A couple of questions
1.) Do you think we will see a lot of 3 safety packages this season with Bates at safety with Iloka, and Williams as linebacker?

Nah, I don’t think so. I think they’d do it if they really felt some bad stuff was happening at linebacker (which is possible) but I think there is a feeling there that three-safeties is more gimmicky than anything else.

2) how is Evans looking at Backer?

He’s been OK. Seems to be getting to the right spots, but like with running backs it’s really hard to evaluate linebackers when there is no live tackling.

3.) The Running Back position seems deep this year do you think they will keep 4 or 3?

Great question. Considering Mixon and Bernard aren’t really going to be used on special teams I’m sure they’d like to have another special teamer to back up Walton. I honestly am not sure how they’re leaning there.

4.) Why are the Bengals/NFL being so stingy with video content this training camp? You think after ratings went down last year that they would want more content out there but it seems the exact opposite.

Heh. The NFL wants to control all of its messaging and that includes video. They feel they are protecting their broadcast partners (at least that’s what they say) but to me I just think coaches are paranoid and don’t want video out there.

@MaineBengal
Thank you so much! The Ross feature was really fun to do, and I appreciate you reading!

@fredtoast
We don’t get the top speed stuff, unfortunately. If you saw the Bears one, Fej on the fake punt actually was faster than Green on his long catch-and-run. I’m not sure how that works or when they measure it. The Bengals do wear GPS every day to measure how much they run and how fast, but they’ve never shared that info.

@shady
Have Kauran White or Devonte Boyd made any noise as WRs? Any chance of making the PS? How about Q. Flowers?

Nope. Those guys are just guys. They need someone to catch balls on a practice squad, but they’re not NFL material yet. Flowers is interesting. These games will be big for him. Still has a long way to go to fully transition to RB in terms of pass protection, ball security and keeping his tracks early when it’s put in his belly.

@Boomerfan @TheLeonardLeap
Thank you! It’s bittersweet. You all have treated me so well – I appreciate it!

(08-16-2018, 10:32 PM)jowczarski Wrote: @Jakeypoo
A couple of questions
1.) Do you think we will see a lot of 3 safety packages this season with Bates at safety with Iloka, and Williams as linebacker?

Nah, I don’t think so. I think they’d do it if they really felt some bad stuff was happening at linebacker (which is possible) but I think there is a feeling there that three-safeties is more gimmicky than anything else.

(08-16-2018, 10:32 PM)jowczarski Wrote: Sorry for the delay - as y'all know it's been a bit hectic!


@Jakeypoo
A couple of questions
1.) Do you think we will see a lot of 3 safety packages this season with Bates at safety with Iloka, and Williams as linebacker?

Nah, I don’t think so. I think they’d do it if they really felt some bad stuff was happening at linebacker (which is possible) but I think there is a feeling there that three-safeties is more gimmicky than anything else.

2) how is Evans looking at Backer?

He’s been OK. Seems to be getting to the right spots, but like with running backs it’s really hard to evaluate linebackers when there is no live tackling.

3.) The Running Back position seems deep this year do you think they will keep 4 or 3?

Great question. Considering Mixon and Bernard aren’t really going to be used on special teams I’m sure they’d like to have another special teamer to back up Walton. I honestly am not sure how they’re leaning there.

4.) Why are the Bengals/NFL being so stingy with video content this training camp? You think after ratings went down last year that they would want more content out there but it seems the exact opposite.

Heh. The NFL wants to control all of its messaging and that includes video. They feel they are protecting their broadcast partners (at least that’s what they say) but to me I just think coaches are paranoid and don’t want video out there.

@MaineBengal
Thank you so much! The Ross feature was really fun to do, and I appreciate you reading!

@fredtoast
We don’t get the top speed stuff, unfortunately. If you saw the Bears one, Fej on the fake punt actually was faster than Green on his long catch-and-run. I’m not sure how that works or when they measure it. The Bengals do wear GPS every day to measure how much they run and how fast, but they’ve never shared that info.

@shady
Have Kauran White or Devonte Boyd made any noise as WRs? Any chance of making the PS? How about Q. Flowers?

Nope. Those guys are just guys. They need someone to catch balls on a practice squad, but they’re not NFL material yet. Flowers is interesting. These games will be big for him. Still has a long way to go to fully transition to RB in terms of pass protection, ball security and keeping his tracks early when it’s put in his belly.

@Boomerfan @TheLeonardLeap
Thank you! It’s bittersweet. You all have treated me so well – I appreciate it!