05-03-2023, 12:31 PM
i agree with the OP. Good analysis.
On paper, safety was unquestionably downgraded. Bates and Bell were excellent safeties, as seen by the contracts they got elsewhere. They are gone only because the Bengals could not possibly afford them. Our current safeties have a total of one year of starting experience at the position (Nick Scott). But they could turn out excellent. Dax Hill, Nick Scott, Tycen Anderson, and Jordan Battle certainly have a lot of speed and athleticism. We won't know if they fill in adequately or well for Bates and Bell until the season is underway.
Tight end is also a drop-off. Not only has Irv Smith been injured more games than he has played, he is tied for the second shortest tight end in the league (the average height is 6'4"; he is tied with a few others at 6'2").
The OL has improved and the pass rushing has improved, which are big helps. The Bengals ranked near the bottom in QB pressures and sacks, and the OL lacked the depth last year to surmount the injuries.
On paper, safety was unquestionably downgraded. Bates and Bell were excellent safeties, as seen by the contracts they got elsewhere. They are gone only because the Bengals could not possibly afford them. Our current safeties have a total of one year of starting experience at the position (Nick Scott). But they could turn out excellent. Dax Hill, Nick Scott, Tycen Anderson, and Jordan Battle certainly have a lot of speed and athleticism. We won't know if they fill in adequately or well for Bates and Bell until the season is underway.
Tight end is also a drop-off. Not only has Irv Smith been injured more games than he has played, he is tied for the second shortest tight end in the league (the average height is 6'4"; he is tied with a few others at 6'2").
The OL has improved and the pass rushing has improved, which are big helps. The Bengals ranked near the bottom in QB pressures and sacks, and the OL lacked the depth last year to surmount the injuries.
