(02-15-2022, 03:11 PM)thillan Wrote: So tough to say. There's so much talk about the Bengals attracting free agents.. but I think it's harder than that. If you're a player - you have a plethora of good options in the AFC.

Chiefs? No cap, but if you could SOMEHOW play with Mahomes, you probably take it.

Chargers? Herbert is arguably more exciting that Burrow, and has shown he can go toe to toe with the best of them. Defensive talent is what is needed.. and you're in LA, which I'm sure lots of athletes will love.

Bills? Josh Allen is a freak, and the team is becoming a blue-chip. Need better weapons to go with Allen.

The one we probably don't want to admit - Lamar. I saw some replies to my comment, but Baltimore would've been much tougher if the injury bug hadn't hit them that hard. Players seem to love Lamar.

I'm sure there's others.. Broncos, etc. The biggest thing to me is the cap space, and the fact that most of those teams I listed have a good OL, so the talent will hopefully want to come here. But to go back is going to be so hard. Not impossible, but the way this year went it was the PERFECT setup. We honestly should've put it away after that second interception by Stafford.

Just saying that we can make it back, but the road to make it back is so much more difficult in this current time with the talented QBs that are all over the AFC. Heck, Pittsburgh becomes a contender again if they snag one of the FA QBs they are rumored to be targeting.

However, I don't doubt we are back in the playoffs next year. I've never seen a Bengals team that healthy though, wow what a stretch. So close.

(02-19-2022, 07:54 PM)bengalfan74 Wrote: Yes I believe it really is just that simple. The Bengals fan skeptic in me can't help but be afraid they'll try to cut corners and hit it with a lick and a promise though, sorry.

But I do think if they'll actually, finally get Joe a "real" Oline this team will be a true contender for years to come.

They sunk big money (by Bengal standards) into the D. Will they now address the giant elephant in the room ? I'm not opposed to whatever it takes. Trade Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd ? Cut Waynes and whomever else ? Do whatever it takes to get a real Oline.

They've just got to protect Joe.

(02-19-2022, 08:31 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: Agreed. Not to focus on Mixon, but with a great line, I don't think we need him. The best teams usually roll with a tandem, and don't pay big money to one guy to be a "bellcow".

(02-19-2022, 08:31 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: Agreed. Not to focus on Mixon, but with a great line, I don't think we need him. The best teams usually roll with a tandem, and don't pay big money to one guy to be a "bellcow".

(02-19-2022, 08:31 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: Agreed. Not to focus on Mixon, but with a great line, I don't think we need him. The best teams usually roll with a tandem, and don't pay big money to one guy to be a "bellcow".

(02-19-2022, 08:34 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: Yep. Dating back over a decade the team that wins the SBs leading back made under 2 million dollars.

(02-19-2022, 10:10 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: Mixon is one of my favorite players on this team, but in the long haul that's one way to help us afford the huge contracts guys like Burrow, Chase, Hendrickson etc are going to command. Draft your RBs and let them walk after their rookie deals.

Our run game wasn't dominant in the playoffs anyway, and we don't need it to be. Just be good enough.

(02-19-2022, 10:10 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: Mixon is one of my favorite players on this team, but in the long haul that's one way to help us afford the huge contracts guys like Burrow, Chase, Hendrickson etc are going to command. Draft your RBs and let them walk after their rookie deals.

Our run game wasn't dominant in the playoffs anyway, and we don't need it to be. Just be good enough.

(02-19-2022, 05:52 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: Hard to compare this team to any in NFL history. They were in the midst of a full blown rebuild and IMO made it to the SB ahead of schedule. Team is loaded with extremely young talent.

Are there any truly similar examples? I don't think there is.

I do think this team will be back. Yes losing can be crushing, but I think this group "gets it", and I think they realize just how special last year was even with the loss. This and just the overall talent level of this team will have them competing for another one for several years at least.

Without Brady in the AFC things are wide open, and who better than Burrow to take Brady's place? Fix the line and let's go.

(02-19-2022, 07:54 PM)bengalfan74 Wrote: Yes I believe it really is just that simple. The Bengals fan skeptic in me can't help but be afraid they'll try to cut corners and hit it with a lick and a promise though, sorry.

But I do think if they'll actually, finally get Joe a "real" Oline this team will be a true contender for years to come.

They sunk big money (by Bengal standards) into the D. Will they now address the giant elephant in the room ? I'm not opposed to whatever it takes. Trade Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd ? Cut Waynes and whomever else ? Do whatever it takes to get a real Oline.

They've just got to protect Joe.

(02-21-2022, 01:59 AM)grampahol Wrote: I doubt Boyd or Mixon are going away this season. They both are considered part of the team fabric. it would be one thing if they had ready replacements, but there's no sure fire slot guy to replace Boyd and Mixon ain't no slouch either.. I'm not opposed to trading guys, even popular players, but I just don't see them moving on from these two this season.. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. Both are known commodities.. 

(02-21-2022, 02:07 AM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Love both players, just have to fix the OL no matter what it costs. Both are a little expensive for what they do and a great OL 
will make everything look great especially Burrow. Chase is great in the Slot, we can add another WR no problem for cheaper
than Boyd even if I love the guy, Mixon could get worn out soon with how much we have been using him. RB's get worn out 
faster than any other position.

(02-21-2022, 02:22 AM)grampahol Wrote: Perhaps so, but both spots would need to be replaced and a miss on either one could set everything back.. Yeah, Mixon has taken a beating and both don't come cheap, but we're not talking long term contracts to keep either one since both are already under contract now.. It ain't like this team is desperate for cap space right now.. It's a gamble that could go either way and badly if they miss on their replacements.. 

(02-21-2022, 03:10 AM)Bengalfan4life27c Wrote: Melvin Gordon would be a little older but much better short yardage and pass protector and probably cheaper. than Mixon

(02-21-2022, 04:57 PM)CincyDog Wrote: https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1493946507946606594/photo/1