04-21-2023, 12:12 PM
(04-20-2023, 07:19 PM)tms Wrote: Oh don't get me wrong- I agree it's (waaaay) too early to write him off. But can't deny he's had virtually zero impact to date... to the point that I've seen safeties commonly mocked to the Bengals to "play alongside Nick Scott." As far as the league is concerned he almost doesn't exist.
I get the reasons, and some of them are valid, but I can't imagine that was the plan. We heard a lot about three-safety looks (that never materialized) or how he would displace Hilton/Flowers on TE coverages (never really happened either). He was the fourth most valuable member of the draft class behind Volson, CTB and Carter, and ahead of two Day 3s who either didn't play much (Gunter) or play at all (Tycen). If this is a guy who we really wanted and were thrilled to get in Round 1, he's off to a rocky start.
I read the exchange between you and Nate. I get where you are coming from, but it's a little early to be writing the kid off. He has been stuck behind arguably a top 10 Safety. The Bengals play in a tough division and with the recent success have been playing a top tier NFL schedule. Games have been close! Not sure when you expected Dax to get real playing time up until this upcoming season.
I would like to believe that the current coaching staff has a good feel for the pulse and talent of this team. They have been to the AFC Championship game 2 years in a row. Let's see what the kid can do before we just write him off, and I'm not a fan of your assumption that no other teams in the league would be interested in Dax. You have absolutely zero knowledge of the validity of that statement.
He was drafted in advance of Bates departure. It was a savvy move by the FO. Doesn't mean that they won't take a look at a Safety in this draft. Just means they feel like they have a guy that can do the job.
