02-15-2022, 10:31 AM
(02-15-2022, 10:14 AM)samhain Wrote: I hate it, but to me the toughest questions are Bates and Uzomah. Bates is arguably the most important player on the defense and has the ability to man single high as well as anyone in the league. H's role is unquestioned and his play has been on a level that makes him incredibly expensive. I've seen projections as high as 17 mil, which to me is getting a little crazy. 12-13? That's easier to digest, but still a lot.
Uzomah is a guy that everyone loves and is a clear leader on the team. He's also a solid pass catcher and blocker. He's not quite a top tier tight end, though.
My issue with giving Uzomah 6-7 mil per over 3-4 more years is not easy for me to want to believe. Unfortunately, he's probably this team's 5th offensive option behind a no doubt number 1 receiver, a borderline number 1 receiver right behind him, a top end slot guy, and a very good running back. Is that role worth that kind of investment? Does the team lose anything that would cripple that loaded of an offense if he's no longer on the team? I hate saying it, but I don't think it does. I don't see him bringing 7 mil worth of value compared to what investing that amount in capable OL would. This is a tough decision, but I assure fellow fans that even tougher ones loom in the coming years. Leadership and culture standard bearers are important, but this team has an undeniable leader at the quarterback position.
I suppose the idea I'm coming around to is this: This offense was plenty potent this year. It was still pretty limited at times due to the substandard line play. We have a quarterback that thrives on taking advantage of developing long plays that was forced to unload the ball in a half second on Sunday. The game plans that protect him don't render him totally ineffective, but they definitely neuter the offensive play selection. The weakness up front is dictating game plans, and even when they try to ignore it as they did in the 2nd half Sunday, they are quickly reminded of why it's a dangerous idea.
When you look at what you might give up to buy time for the qb, you aren't just looking at preserving his health. You're talking about unleashing aspects of an offense and core of young talent that we haven't yet in the best case scenario. The losses you sustain in free agency should be more than accounted for when the offense can actually cash in on plays like the Chase jailbreak route on the final drive of the 4th quarter Sunday. How many more of those are we missing out on?
Great post. I would add that Logan Wilson and Mike Hilton have stepped big time in importance. Our DE's are huge as is Von Bell. DJ Reader is a leader - we are not void of leadership without Bates.
Burrow brings a lot of happiness but in a couple years things will tighten up big time and this off season is so crucial because of that, especially if those we sign are on 3 year deals.
