Quote:Not too long ago, it wasn’t even clear if Billy Price would even make the final roster. Now, the former Ohio State Buckeye could be the starting center on opening day.

Against the Washington Football Team, Price finished with a solid 76.4 pass blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus. He was part of a starting o-line that held the opposing d-line starters, all first round picks, to zero pressures. That’s a big deal considering the talent on Washington’s defensive line.

There are two major factors to his resurgence: health and coaching. “It seems like he kinda has that confidence back that was kinda lacking at time the last two years as he was going through those injuries,” said Marisa Contipelli, the Bengals’ official team reporter. “And I’m sure it helped a lot finding out that Frank Pollack, the coach that drafted him, was going to be coming back in here to work with him.”

Quote:Price’s preseason performances validated the positive showings in training camp. At the very least, he is serviceable, which is significant progress from where he was under previous o-line coach Jim Turner. Price looks to beat out Trey Hill for the backup center job. But he’s been playing so well that there’s a chance he could remain a starter even after Trey Hopkins returns from injury by being moved to guard.

(08-26-2021, 04:15 PM)Murdock2420 Wrote: So Price starts to work hard after his 5th year option was declined and he is fighting for a contract to remain in the league. This shouldn't surprise anyone.

Hope he is successful, hope he becomes a decent player but hard to see him on the team in 2022 after they declined the option, I'm sure it has happened before I'm just not remembering a huge trend of decline the option, then signing the guy long-term.

(08-26-2021, 05:57 PM)ochocincos Wrote: If Price starts at C, put Hopkins at RG (or LG and move Spain to RG). Hopkins would easily be the best pass-blocking OG on the team. He's not that good in the run game though, but pass blocking more important with this offense.

(08-26-2021, 06:42 PM)BFritz21 Wrote: Mixon doesn't need great blocking because he hits the hole so fast and he has the vision to change his direction if the hole is blocked.  

I'd much rather them be able to better protect the franchise in Burrow.

(08-26-2021, 06:46 PM)KillerGoose Wrote: Agreed. This is going to be a pass heavy offense, so pass blocking is king.

(08-26-2021, 06:42 PM)BFritz21 Wrote: Mixon doesn't need great blocking because he hits the hole so fast and he has the vision to change his direction if the hole is blocked.  

I'd much rather them be able to better protect the franchise in Burrow.

(08-26-2021, 04:15 PM)Murdock2420 Wrote: So Price starts to work hard after his 5th year option was declined and he is fighting for a contract to remain in the league. This shouldn't surprise anyone.

Hope he is successful, hope he becomes a decent player but hard to see him on the team in 2022 after they declined the option, I'm sure it has happened before I'm just not remembering a huge trend of decline the option, then signing the guy long-term.

(08-27-2021, 09:13 AM)lone bengal Wrote: Trey Hopkins has been one of the only consistent quality starting lineman we’ve had  , I hope he returns to forum. I’d be fine with Price starting if Hopkins isn’t ready. I didn’t like Turner either but I feel like some blame needs to go on the players. We blamed  Paul Alexander for all the line issues before he left even tho he had picked / produced good lineman such as Willie Anderson, Levi Jones , Andrew  Whitworth , Clint Boling , Kevin Zeitler, Eric steinbach and even guys like Anthony Collins who stepped in off the bench and played well at tackle.

(08-26-2021, 03:36 PM)BFritz21 Wrote:

Billy Price Has His Confidence Back!

Any good news about the line is AMAZING for me because, IMCO, that's the one area that's keeping us from being successful!

Billy Price is fighting to be the starter and is looking good due to health, confidence, and coaching, which makes me love bringing Pollack back even more:


The fact that our entire offensive line performed that well, especially against that front four, is very refreshing.  If we can keep Burrow comfortable in the pocket and prevent the pocket from being pushed back into his face, it will help Burrow feel more comfortable returning from injury and allow him to just shred defenses.


Put the best 5 linemen on the field and let them get the job done.  

The fact that this is the final year of his contract should also light a fire under his butt.

Let's hope that he starts living up to his potential and draft position!  

WHO-DEY!

(08-27-2021, 10:20 AM)TJ528 Wrote: Personally, i don't think the majority of the blame goes on the players.  The offensive line plays better in some system than others.  My guess is Frank Pollacks blocking scheme is more of a fit for the players on the OL than Jim Turners was.  

Which in turn, why hire a OL coach who's system doesn't fit his personnel?  I had the same question for the DC.  Why hire a DC who's known for zone defense when you have mostly players that have played man defense with some zone mixed in.

Two massive hiring mistakes by a very inexperienced head coach who maybe has finally learned his lesson.  Otherwise, we're in for a long year.