Ask Jim Owczarski

[XenoMorph]

(12-30-2015, 04:18 PM)J24 Wrote: Second Question- How important is Duke Tobin to this team and how much of a say does he get in the making of the roster?

More important are any teams looking @ Duke for a GM position?

[EatonFan]

It's almost a foregone conclusion that Hue will be offered a HC position. Has management discussed any replacements or is Hue giving tips to any current asst. coach to groom him for the OC position?

[StLucieBengal]

(12-30-2015, 05:22 PM)XenoMorph Wrote: More important are any teams looking @ Duke for a GM position?

He was mentioned as someone Haslam wanted to talk with about the clowns opening.

I can't see him leaving the stability here. Maybe if Marvin was gone he would consider other jobs but he seems happy in their groove at PBS.

[Bengal Dude]

(12-31-2015, 06:16 PM)StLucieBengal Wrote: He was mentioned as someone Haslam wanted to talk with about the clowns opening.  

I can't see him leaving the stability here.  Maybe if Marvin was gone he would consider other jobs but he seems happy in their groove at PBS.

I could see Tobin leaving. Him getting hired as GM is a promotion for him and increased pay. I could see him jumping on the Indy GM job if it becomes available. Then he could try to bring Hue in and basically create the Indianapolis Bengals.

[GodFather]

Jim,
Give me an honest answer. No Politically Correct one... do you really believe this team as it stands today is going to win a playoff game this year?

Not anything like they could, or any given Sunday. Do you think this team is going to win a playoff game come January?

[BengalFanInNJ]

(12-31-2015, 01:05 AM)EatonFan Wrote: It's almost a foregone conclusion that Hue will be offered a HC position.  Has management discussed any replacements or is Hue giving tips to any current asst. coach to groom him for the OC position?

I agree that Hue will probably be offered a HC position. My question is, why don't I hear Todd Haley's name being thrown around as a HC?

[*wildcats forever*]

(12-31-2015, 06:19 PM)Bengal Dude Wrote: I could see Tobin leaving. Him getting hired as GM is a promotion for him and increased pay. I could see him jumping on the Indy GM job if it becomes available. Then he could try to bring Hue in and basically create the Indianapolis Bengals.

I can see where Tobin will be offered opportunities, and the upheaval created if he was to leave. It's hard to imagine the Brown family not trying their best to keep him though. If ever there was a need to formalize the position of GM (or assistant GM), it would be to keep Duke. My opinion is that replacing Duke would be the most difficult. 

[*bfine32*]

Has there been any reasoning to starting Vinnie over Maul in the Raven's game?

[jowczarski]

Sorry for going AWOL the last couple weeks. As we hit the holiday crunch and two west coast games it’s been pretty crazy.

Here we go:


OK this isn't a Bengal question or NFL question per say but a question about the game of Football all together. What steps can and should be taken to make the game safer especially when it comes to head trauma? I know its a heavy question just curious on your thoughts on the matter.

I have no idea. I think at the NFL level, all they can do is what they’ve started to do – heavily penalize and fine helmet-to-helmet contact and reducing the number of padded practices. NFLPA president Eric Winston is in the locker room, and he feels that is working. But, to take it a step further, he feels teams should be fined when the coaches/trainers/doctors don’t pull a guy they see has having issues (i.e. Case Keenum). I agree that step should be taken.

Honestly, the best thing is to eliminate pee wee tackle football. Kids probably shouldn’t tackle until they’re juniors or seniors in high school, but small steps. No hitting until high school.


What did the bengals organization get you for christmas?

Being closed to the media on Christmas day. I was able to get home to see my wife and family before shooting off to Denver. They didn’t do it for “us” in the media, but I appreciated it.

How much interaction is there between head coaches and refs?

They talk quite a bit during the game on the sidelines, but it’s exactly what you see on NFL Films – a lot of one-way yelling.

Also, how in shape do these refs have to be? Is there a physical to take? Eye test? (Just had to throw that in)

Heh. I’m sure there is a physical they have to pass.

are the media aware of the term "Marvinball" and the tendency he has to stop attacking once we have a lead? If so, what are your thoughts on this?

I’ve never heard of that, but I don’t know. I do know Marvin pulled the reins in in San Francisco when they got the lead, but it was also McCarron’s first start. Hue Jackson is a former head coach – I think this year (which is all I can speak of) Hue has had complete control of that group.


How important is Duke Tobin to this team and how much of a say does he get in the making of the roster? More important are any teams looking @ Duke for a GM position?

Very. Very important. And yes, other teams will come sniffing around to see if he will be their GM. He’s that good, and believe it or not the Bengals organization is a model other franchises around the league will want to copy. But, Duke likes it in Cincy. The team likes him and values him. I wouldn’t be shocked if he is given a new title and a pay raise to stay here.

Has management discussed any replacements or is Hue giving tips to any current asst. coach to groom him for the OC position?

Hue was hired to eventually leave. He was a former HC who was dumped too soon. Marvin did him a solid by bringing him in a few years back. As for who will replace him, great question and the No. 1 offseason question IMO. Do you try to keep some continuity considering Dalton’s leap this year with longtime QB coach Ken Zampese? Or do you go outside like Gruden and have the QB learn a new offense again? Tough call.

do you really believe this team as it stands today is going to win a playoff game this year?

Against Pittsburgh, yes. The team is that good. I know, I know. We’re talking just football – the 53 man is better than theirs. My prediction will be out Friday at Cincinnati.com ☺

Has there been any reasoning to starting Vinnie over Maul in the Raven's game?

We assume a discipline issue. We were told it was for non-injury reasons, and he stood with his helmet on next to Guenther the entire first quarter and then came in on the first play of the second. Looked an awful like Jeremy Hill’s situation in Frisco.

[J24]

(01-04-2016, 02:13 AM)jowczarski Wrote: Sorry for going AWOL the last couple weeks. As we hit the holiday crunch and two west coast games it’s been pretty crazy.

Here we go:


OK this isn't a Bengal question or NFL question per say but a question about the game of Football all together. What steps can and should be taken to make the game safer especially when it comes to head trauma? I know its a heavy question just curious on your thoughts on the matter.

I have no idea. I think at the NFL level, all they can do is what they’ve started to do – heavily penalize and fine helmet-to-helmet contact and reducing the number of padded practices. NFLPA president Eric Winston is in the locker room, and he feels that is working. But, to take it a step further, he feels teams should be fined when the coaches/trainers/doctors don’t pull a guy they see has having issues (i.e. Case Keenum). I agree that step should be taken.

Honestly, the best thing is to eliminate pee wee tackle football. Kids probably shouldn’t tackle until they’re juniors or seniors in high school, but small steps. No hitting until high school.


What did the bengals organization get you for christmas?

Being closed to the media on Christmas day. I was able to get home to see my wife and family before shooting off to Denver. They didn’t do it for “us” in the media, but I appreciated it.

How much interaction is there between head coaches and refs?

They talk quite a bit during the game on the sidelines, but it’s exactly what you see on NFL Films – a lot of one-way yelling.

Also, how in shape do these refs have to be? Is there a physical to take? Eye test? (Just had to throw that in)

Heh. I’m sure there is a physical they have to pass.

are the media aware of the term "Marvinball" and the tendency he has to stop attacking once we have a lead? If so, what are your thoughts on this?

I’ve never heard of that, but I don’t know. I do know Marvin pulled the reins in in San Francisco when they got the lead, but it was also McCarron’s first start. Hue Jackson is a former head coach – I think this year (which is all I can speak of) Hue has had complete control of that group.


How important is Duke Tobin to this team and how much of a say does he get in the making of the roster? More important are any teams looking @ Duke for a GM position?

Very. Very important. And yes, other teams will come sniffing around to see if he will be their GM. He’s that good, and believe it or not the Bengals organization is a model other franchises around the league will want to copy. But, Duke likes it in Cincy. The team likes him and values him. I wouldn’t be shocked if he is given a new title and a pay raise to stay here.

Has management discussed any replacements or is Hue giving tips to any current asst. coach to groom him for the OC position?

Hue was hired to eventually leave. He was a former HC who was dumped too soon. Marvin did him a solid by bringing him in a few years back. As for who will replace him, great question and the No. 1 offseason question IMO. Do you try to keep some continuity considering Dalton’s leap this year with longtime QB coach Ken Zampese? Or do you go outside like Gruden and have the QB learn a new offense again? Tough call.

do you really believe this team as it stands today is going to win a playoff game this year?

Against Pittsburgh, yes. The team is that good. I know, I know. We’re talking just football – the 53 man is better than theirs. My prediction will be out Friday at Cincinnati.com ☺

Has there been any reasoning to starting Vinnie over Maul in the Raven's game?

We assume a discipline issue. We were told it was for non-injury reasons, and he stood with his helmet on next to Guenther the entire first quarter and then came in on the first play of the second. Looked an awful like Jeremy Hill’s situation in Frisco.

Rep thanks for answering my questions!(I gave you a ? Instead of a ! On my rep it was unintended)

[Hammerstripes]

Jim,

Here's an offseason/development question for you.

Since the Bengals seem to let their rookies ease their way into the lineup, who is the "next guy up?"

I know Fisher and Ogbouie will probably see more playing time next year, but are there any guys that will step into major playing time next year?

[jowczarski]

Since the Bengals seem to let their rookies ease their way into the lineup, who is the "next guy up?"
I know Fisher and Ogbouie will probably see more playing time next year, but are there any guys that will step into major playing time next year?

Ogbuehi will be the starting RT in my opinion. The rest of the line is locked up for at least 1 more year and they'll want that continuity. Shaw and Dawson will see elevated roles due to attrition. I don't think Leon Hall will be back, and it's possible Jones gets signed away. That leaves a spot for the rookie. I think Lamur was on his way out anyway, but now for sure (I don't have an official diagnosis on his knee, but having had multiple torn ligaments on my own, I have a good feel for what has happened based on the immediate aftermath. The fact he was on crutches postgame was not good). Vinny Rey is a "glue" guy but he's also a UFA. I think they'll keep Hawk around as a fill-in for the last year of his deal but Dawson should jump him when it comes to nickel or fill-in base if Maualuga or Burfict get hurt.

[ShowMeUrTDs]

Jim,

Thank you for taking the time to participate in our message board in your role as a beat writer for the Bengals at the Cincinnati Enquirer!

First question:

I just read your article on the Enquirer titled, "Steelers week does not feel like a playoff." Interesting you would write that, one of the frequent debates regarding the Marvin Lewis coached 0-6 Bengals in the playoffs is he does not elevate the environment, tempo, and motivation for the playoffs leading to his teams coming out flat. Could this be the reason you feel this way that led you to write that article? How would you compare the atmosphere to that of the Green Bay playoff teams you were around in the same capacity?

Second question:

Marvin Lewis's record in the playoffs (0-6) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2-12 @ home, 8-19 overall) are abysmal results that would lead to heavy scrutiny by the organization, media, and fans in most NFL markets. Many coaches are terminated for much less, yet Marvin Lewis is still in Cincinnati and I never hear local reporters question him regarding these results and hold him to the fire.

Such as, "Given your record coach Lewis, what will be different this time? Why should anyone believe in your team? Is this why you are an underdog at home as a higher seed?"

Are local reporters threatened with lack of access by the Bengals organization if they ask "negative" questions?

I feel these are fair and relevant questions for local reporters to be true to their community. Cincinnati fans funded the stadium through local taxes, they buy tickets, and merchandise even through the many years of failures. Us, fans, do not have access to ask these questions directly, but reporters do and I am extremely curious as to why they do not?

Thank you again so much for your participation!!

[XenoMorph]

(01-07-2016, 04:38 PM)ShowMeUrTDs Wrote: Jim,

Thank you for taking the time to participate in our message board in your role as a beat writer for the Bengals at the Cincinnati Enquirer!

First question:

I just read your article on the Enquirer titled, "Steelers week does not feel like a playoff." Interesting you would write that, one of the frequent debates regarding the Marvin Lewis coached 0-6 Bengals in the playoffs is he does not elevate the environment, tempo, and motivation for the playoffs leading to his teams coming out flat. Could this be the reason you feel this way that led you to write that article? How would you compare the atmosphere to that of the Green Bay playoff teams you were around in the same capacity?

Second question:

Marvin Lewis's record in the playoffs (0-6) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2-12 @ home, 8-19 overall) are abysmal results that would lead to heavy scrutiny by the organization, media, and fans in most NFL markets. Many coaches are terminated for much less, yet Marvin Lewis is still in Cincinnati and I never hear local reporters question him regarding these results and hold him to the fire.

Such as, "Given your record coach Lewis, what will be different this time? Why should anyone believe in your team? Is this why you are an underdog at home as a higher seed?"

Are local reporters threatened with lack of access by the Bengals organization if they ask "negative" questions?

I feel these are fair and relevant questions for local reporters to be true to their community. Cincinnati fans funded the stadium through local taxes, they buy tickets, and merchandise even through the many years of failures. Us, fans, do not have access to ask these questions directly, but reporters do and I am extremely curious as to why they do not?

Thank you again so much for your participation!!

Because marvin simply would ask for the next question... The media has learned how to talk to marvin or they wont ever get their questions answered.

[BengalChris]

(01-07-2016, 04:38 PM)ShowMeUrTDs Wrote: Jim,

Thank you for taking the time to participate in our message board in your role as a beat writer for the Bengals at the Cincinnati Enquirer!

First question:

I just read your article on the Enquirer titled, "Steelers week does not feel like a playoff." Interesting you would write that, one of the frequent debates regarding the Marvin Lewis coached 0-6 Bengals in the playoffs is he does not elevate the environment, tempo, and motivation for the playoffs leading to his teams coming out flat. Could this be the reason you feel this way that led you to write that article? How would you compare the atmosphere to that of the Green Bay playoff teams you were around in the same capacity?

Second question:

Marvin Lewis's record in the playoffs (0-6) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2-12 @ home, 8-19 overall) are abysmal results that would lead to heavy scrutiny by the organization, media, and fans in most NFL markets. Many coaches are terminated for much less, yet Marvin Lewis is still in Cincinnati and I never hear local reporters question him regarding these results and hold him to the fire.

Such as, "Given your record coach Lewis, what will be different this time? Why should anyone believe in your team? Is this why you are an underdog at home as a higher seed?"

Are local reporters threatened with lack of access by the Bengals organization if they ask "negative" questions?

I feel these are fair and relevant questions for local reporters to be true to their community. Cincinnati fans funded the stadium through local taxes, they buy tickets, and merchandise even through the many years of failures. Us, fans, do not have access to ask these questions directly, but reporters do and I am extremely curious as to why they do not?

Thank you again so much for your participation!!

Mike Brown will never fire Marvin Lewis, even if the team were to go 4-12 next year. Marv might quit, but he won't be fired.

Why? Because the team is so much better off than it was when Mike Brown were making all the decisions and overruling the coaches, and Mike Brown will reward that improvement with loyalty. To Mike Brown, Marv is the guy who came in and made up for all those Mike Brown front office fumbles of the 90s.

[ShowMeUrTDs]

(01-08-2016, 11:01 AM)XenoMorph Wrote: Because marvin simply would ask for the next question...  The media has learned how to talk to marvin or they wont ever get their questions answered.

All coaches do that, but that doesn't stop media in all other markets from putting the coach on the hot seat.

There are two reasons for that: First, the media are the voice of the community and it is incumbent upon them to raise legitimate concerns from the community. 

Second, it is not about how the coach answers the questions, it is about making public the failures which should be known, addressed, and create pressure surrounding those failures.

The reporters in Cincinnati do not do that in their capacity as Cincinnati Bengals media, even with the existence of ample relevant evidence, and I wan't to know why?

[StLucieBengal]

(01-08-2016, 04:21 PM)ShowMeUrTDs Wrote: All coaches do that, but that doesn't stop media in all other markets from putting the coach on the hot seat.

There are two reasons for that: First, the media are the voice of the community and it is incumbent upon them to raise legitimate concerns from the community. 

Second, it is not about how the coach answers the questions, it is about making public the failures which should be known, addressed, and create pressure surrounding those failures.

The reporters in Cincinnati do not do that in their capacity as Cincinnati Bengals media, even with the existence of ample relevant evidence, and I wan't to know why?

Everyone talks about the steelers record but no one talks about the Ravens record.   We dominate them.   16-10 now under Lewis (I believe, please correct me if I am mistaken).   Which is amazing considering how bad we were when he started.  

18-8 vs Cleveland and 16-10 vs Baltimore means Lewis is beating down 66% of the division consistently and will always be in the hunt for the division title.    Please correct those numbers if I am wrong.

Yes the steelers record could be better but it's not like he isn't successful.   Heck Pete Carroll has trouble with the Rams.   Does that mean he should have his feet held to the fire and be ran out of town?

Paul Dehner and Reedy do/did enough anti Marvin/pro Pittsburgh press to fuel the paranoia of you guys. Paul isn't as bad as Reedy but he no doubt is scared of the steelers and I have no idea why. Maybe it's just being a Jags fan lol

We are better than The steelers and it's been nice having Jim on the beat to give a fresh perspective instead of the retread of the constant complaining of the team. It gets old and I am happy to have new eyes on the situation.

[fredtoast]

(01-08-2016, 04:21 PM)ShowMeUrTDs Wrote: Second, it is not about how the coach answers the questions, it is about making public the failures which should be known, addressed, and create pressure surrounding those failures.

Not in this case.  All Bengal fans know about the problems.

Real reporters know these type questions are meaningless, the only ones who ask them are just putting on a show for the fans that love to hate.  

[wolfkaosaun]

(01-09-2016, 01:08 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Not in this case.  All Bengal fans know about the problems.

Real reporters know these type questions are meaningless, the only ones who ask them are just putting on a show for the fans that love to hate.  

Yep. Jim is very good at his job and isn't afraid to ask certain questions and hurt a cord. Nor is Paul Dehner.

[ShowMeUrTDs]

(01-10-2016, 05:29 AM)wolfkaosaun Wrote: Yep. Jim is very good at his job and isn't afraid to ask certain questions and hurt a cord. Nor is Paul Dehner.

link? source?