The regression of Jessie Bates

[TecmoBengals]

(11-03-2021, 12:23 PM)fredtoast Wrote: We know Bates can play at an elite level.

I believe it is pretty rare for a player to just decide not to play as well as possible. Even if it was NOT a contract year players have big egos and don't want to look bad.

So the question is "Why" has Bates performance (or stats and rating) dropped this year. Is it injury or change in scheme/assignment, or something else.

The main reason I expected us to re-sign Bates this year was the way the team was pumping him up and marketing him as a rising star and face of the franchise. I don't which side to blame for it not happening but we could still outbid other teams for him this off-season and still come out ahead because we had him for peanuts this year. Bates may be upset that we did not work out an extension but that will all be forgiven if we pay him more than any other team.

I felt Bates deserved a good contract. He is young and played great last year. But I did not feel he should be the top paid safety in the league.

Good point. I know for a CB, the best defensive back can also be made irrelevant for stats because the opposing offense is afraid to throw their way, but I don't think that's as much a factor for Safeties? I'm trying to look for the good to give Bates a benefit of the doubt for his supposed decline in production.

Also, one lesser season doesn't mean he's done for as a player, he could bounce back next season if more healthy, etc. etc. I'd be happy if the Bengals extend him.