06-12-2022, 01:37 PM
(06-12-2022, 11:36 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Wish I knew how to cleanly respond in each point (other than just bolding) like Nate does...
But here goes:
Lots of good stuff on here, and point #1 was most likely the most important. The additional coach added to help Pollack should help him develop the second tier guys while Pollack works with the starters. Although it sounds simple, it is a big addition and could pay huge dividends. I think between Trenton Irwin and a few of the UDFA, that 7th WR spot is likely already on the roster. There could be a surprise WR available, but I like the talent behind the big three...just think Mike Thomas is probably at risk of being bumped in favor of Irwin, who a number of coaches rave about in practice.
Special teams and the rookies gaining experience (I think Bates will be there) in packages will be huge.
The D line would rank as my second most important facet and most specifically, the pass rush. There needs to be more rotation and blitz packages. The Bengals relied on Hendrickson way too much last year. There needs to be packages where Ossai, Hendrickson, Hubbard, and a fourth like Kareem, Sample, or even one of the rookies are in a sort-of NASCAR package. Generating pressure on the opposing QB is every bit as important as protecting yours.
Your comment about Hurst lines up well with the Red Zone comment....I think they will benefit each other. And I think Hurst, Boyd, the RBs, and even Chase when lined up in the slot are going to be vital to adapt to what I believe defenses will try to do against the Bengals: Two deep safeties. I think they will do everything to limit Tee and Chase deep and hope the Bengals self destruct of the pass rush gets home and takes away longer developing stuff underneath. Personally, I think this will play right in to the hands of Taylor and Callahan. They will have safe, high % plays to sustain drives keeping the defense off the field. Get ahead by a couple scores and you can take kill shots on offense and unleash the pass rush without having to respect the run game very much. Kind of like the Manning-led Colts.
It was the subject of a somewhat controversial thread, but I would like to see Mixon give up some touches to Evans and even Perine. I want Joe 100% healthy and breathing fire for big games (I know they all are) and the playoffs. If the Bengals are fortunate enough to have home field throughout the playoffs, the run game will be a key in December and January.
Nice post once again SHRacer. Agree with everything you say. First off, the trenches need to improve on both sides especially
on Offense which I think they will with the additions as long as they stay healthy somewhat. This will improve both the running
and passing game on Offense. Mixon due for his best season and like you say, use him different. Use Evans some on running
downs and Mixon on passing downs to change things up. Keep Mixon fresh, don't wear him out like we were doing last year.
Trent Irwin or even Lassiter who has been catching passes from Burrow could help. You never know, these types of UDFA's
can come out of nowhere and be what you need for depth. Been seeing and hearing good things about both of these guys.
Thinking out of Ossai, Cam Sample, Gunter, Kareem, Hubert, one of these guys should be able to help out Hendrickson and
Hubbard rushing the passer off the edge. Need to spell Trey, like you said we relied on him too much to do ALL of the pass
rushing for us. Hendrickson needs some help. We have a lot of guys and at least one of them needs to step up.
My bet is Ossai of course lol
