08-08-2022, 10:06 AM
(08-08-2022, 09:54 AM)PDub80 Wrote: Here's my question....
Usomah had 493 yards last season. If the line protects better, can Hurst get to 800? This would give the Bengals 4 guys with 800+.
I would contend that NO, he wouldn't. At least, not with the other 3 still getting over 800. Where's why: I believe the Bengals want to and WILL run the ball more and more effectively IF the O line is better. This will cut down on drop backs quite a bit and/or open up the screen game.
I also don't think the TE is featured in what the Bengals are running as a general concept. The TE is more of an outlet or a player where the play is adapted to roll that way at the line after checks and adjustments are made. More of an opportunistic position in the ZT/Burrow/LSU style offense than a featured guy.
My guess is that a stronger O line would make Hurst a strong red zone target and 3rd down guy more than an every play option. Especially since he isn't a strong blocker and wouldn't be on the field on every down.
I don't think Cincinnati will run the ball more - I fully expect them to continue doing what they were doing. They have Burrow, Chase, Higgins and Boyd. They have a Ferrari passing game that isn't going to stay together for much longer. Cincinnati passed the ball 59% of the time last season, good for 13th in the league. I think that will stay roughly the same, if not increase slightly. Towards the end of the season, Cincinnati was really chucking the ball around, passing the ball 66% of the time. That obviously led to a Super Bowl appearance, and nearly a victory.
Mixon is good, don't get me wrong. I expect him to have a great season. However, passing the ball correlates much better to points scored than running does, and points scored correlates highly to victories. It is boring to say this, because RBs are cool, but RBs aren't very important to team success. QB performance is the single largest indicator of team success - RB performance barely matters at all, even for guys like Derrick Henry.
In regard to Hurst, I really think he is going to replace Uzomah's production. Neither guys are world beaters, but are good enough to do some damage as an outlet player.
