08-07-2021, 02:05 PM
(08-07-2021, 01:55 PM)Bengalstripes9 Wrote: I really hope they run the ball more this year to protect Burrow.
It's really frustrating to me that when the season was over and we had no chance of making the playoffs, they abandoned the run and put Burrow at risk against Washington (not to mention all the other games before). And obviously they stated that they had confidence in the offensive line going into the season, when they were one of the worst in the league--if not the worst. Burrow took some huge hits all year. I think everyone in the back of their minds was just hoping something major wouldn't happen--then it did. They should have invested more in the offensive line back then, and they should have protected him more. I get that they want to win and he gives them the best chance--and that it's fun to watch him do his thing. But still, make some small efforts to protect the guy at least. And the refs didn't do him any favors either.
I get that the league is trending towards being more pass happy--but that could lead to more QB injuries in the future (which would be bad for the sport). I hope to see more of a move to a balanced attack--maybe not 50 50, but at least 40 60 run to pass. We can't be passing every down like last year.
I had a dream a couple weeks ago that on the first snap of the season the Bengals called a play action QB draw and Burrow's knee locked up and he couldn't move. It's just hard to trust this organization making the right calls after what happened last year. I get they want to win. But we need a balanced attack and we need to protect our players when there's nothing to play for.
I'd love to see them resting Burrow late in games where we either are up a lot or have no chance of coming back. I'd love to see more of an emphasis on the running game. Most of all, I just want to see him fully recover and not get hurt this year. I'd be perfectly fine with him easing into the year. If he's not ready to go, I'd be perfectly happy seeing Allen start the year against the Vikings. But obviously the ideal scenario is him starting every game this year and showing no signs of any issues with the knee (and staying healthy).
My worst fear is seeing this franchise waste an A+ prospect like Burrow. Let's all hope that doesn't happen and he bounces back in a big way this year!
They have doomed you man! Don't be scared, I completely understand your feelings. Burrow will bounce back and have a
great year behind a muchly improved OL is what I see happening. That is, if the starters on the OL can stay relatively healthy
and our depth improves which I think it will. Pollack is such an upgrade over Turner it isn't even funny. You will see brother.
Mixon had his best season rushing behind Pollack's wide zone scheme and is already raving about it.
