09-18-2023, 11:22 AM
(09-18-2023, 11:04 AM)Wyche Wrote: Pretty much this. As I noted in another thread, this fanbase always has to have a scapegoat, but can't seem to put blame where it actually should go sometimes. It's kinda fascinating to watch. Wonder how much better "playcalls" are if we don't throw red zone INTs when we're trying to get back in a game, or don't have four picks and a fumble on opening day, or go 14/31 for 82 yards on opening day?
It's literally ok to criticize poor performance when it's there. I know he hasn't had the benefit of full training camps, but this team's slow start the last two years can be traced directly to poor QB performance. Can he right the ship again? Time will tell.
Agree and I'm a ride or die Burrow supporter. The interception to stone was a play that more or less decided the game. At best it caused a 10 pt swing, at worst 14. Horrific decision by a guy who is known not to make very many of them.
All in all, however, looking at the team stats side by side, you'd have thought the Bengals would have been absolutely blown out in that game. They got smashed in both rushing and passing yards, first downs (not pretty), and time of possession. They were incredibly fortunate to be in it late.
I dislike the soft preseason approach, but it's worked incredibly well for 2 seasons. This can't be denied. The approach generated the best Bengal campaigns in 30 plus years.
As far as Burrow, I don't believe he's physically whole. The team took a risk playing him this and last week and didn't get the desired outcome. I wouldn't say it's the worst, because he still doesn't have a serious structural injury, that we know of. It was a dodgy situation for the with the contract and the calf. It's tough to make a call to sit a guy you just paid 260 mil for two weeks when he's the main reason fans show up to games. It's easy to say they should have when you're looking at 0-2 and a re-aggrvated calf, but these were unknowns at the time.
My main criticism of the team right now is the inability to have a capable backup on the roster. I have zero faith in Browning or Grier to win games if Burrow misses time. They are at best high end practice squad players. A serious Super Bowl contender needs to be ready if the need to rest their star qb arises.
I'd hate to see Burrow miss time, but frankly it's a miracle he hasn't missed more with the beating he's taken here. This should have been accounted for all along.
