BREAKING: Marvin will officially be back

[Benton]

(12-29-2016, 03:41 PM)SHRacerX Wrote: This is completely speculation.  Last year they were playing better football than anyone in the league before Dalton's injury.  The season completely re-starts come the postseason.  The team that wins it all is generally the one that is closest to their starting roster at the beginning of the season.  The Chiefs were on quite a roll, but just lost one of their best defensive players.  The Vikings looked like world beaters until injuries caught up to them.  

The only playoff game that the Bengals entered in the Dalton/Green era with a pretty healthy roster was the SD game.  And I honestly believe if Gio doesn't fumble at the 5 yard line, they win that game...plus, I think Geno was out.  

Regardless of the history, I think if they can plug some holes I think they will be back....back in position to make a run at the Championship.  

The problem is, every playoff game we have injuries. So does the opponent. It's just part of the NFL. You're beat up, they're beat up.

That's the difference maker. Teams that can coach around the weakness of a missing player, or teams that have benches developed and ready to go. We haven't had that under Marvin. From first rounders who sit on the depth chart until they're forced into action and look lost, to guys we draft/sign and never see.

Bill Belicheck will go down as one of the greatest NFL coaches. Why? Because he finds ways to win when his team isn't at its best. Starters suspended or injured? He plays the backup and wins. Doesn't have a running game? No problem, he modifies the passing game to control the clock. Receivers can't catch? No big deal, he just deflates the balls... er, well, nevermind that one.

On the flipside, Marvin losses his TE and drops to 6th in red zone scoring to 21st. He just doesn't have a plan for things when what he wants/expects doesn't work out.