07-30-2022, 12:18 PM
(07-30-2022, 10:34 AM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: A lot.
WRs not named Chase/Higgins/Boyd played 508 snaps on offense for the Bengals in 2021. For comparison Tee Higgins played 710 snaps on offense and Boyd played 807 snaps. That 508 is already with the #2 TE (Sample) playing 459 snaps as well for your multiple TE set suggestion.
That's also from a season where the top 3 WRs all stayed pretty healthy.
An improvement at #4 WR to someone who is at least a competent NFL WR would be a huge upgrade for a pretty darn large number of snaps. Even if Chase/Higgins/Boyd stay healthy all year, a good quality #4 WR could easily see 500-700 snaps (with Sample needing less playing time with an improvement of OL). That's 50-60% of the Bengals offensive snaps where there will be an improvement over PS fodder to an actual NFL caliber pass catcher being on the field.
Their biggest offseason improvement is the run blocking on OL, namely the right side. The majority of us didn't freak out in the slight drop off at TE. This team is built to run well out of 4 WR sets, so if anything the snaps could go up for that 4th guy (which at times could be Hurst split out).
Giving an established WR the 4th slot means you still have 2 spots for true ST guys, instead if having to cut a really good one because of limited WR upside. They have a bevy of them, not all will be snatched up. Give me a solid slot guy to do damage short, that should free up coverage on Boyd..not cause redundancy. If a true outside guy isn't #4, a good slot man let's you move Boyd outside with an injury to 1A and 1B.
On paper, Beasley and Hilton may be waiting for desperate teams that have injuries. To your point, there is a pathway to snaps in Cincy's offense, and ring chasers should take advantage.
