I am actually kind of excited for next season

[*SHRacerX*]

(03-27-2017, 10:45 AM)Beaker Wrote: I know a lot of people think the Bengals are in the crapper next season due to FA losses, but I am kind of excited now to see how all the new blood plays out. I realize it will likely not be a playoff season, but I actually think the Bengals will be better than this past season next year. My reasons for enthusiasm:

1. I think we have a lot of good young talent that we have not seen (or seen much of) yet. Guys like WJIII, Billings, Cody Core (who should get more looks now that James Wright is gone), a season of experience under Boyd's belt, etc.

2. I think our you OTs will step up. Fisher had done a decent job when in, and I think Ogbuehi will be a much different player in year two. He has basically been injured the whole time until being thrown in this season. I think with finally a full off season where he is not rehabbing, and getting full OTAs, mini camp and training camp, he will be much better. Lapham and the coaches have all steadfastly stood by him despite his struggles and maintained that they see something in him. I trust Lapham the most to make that assessment. I also remember Whit worth struggled mightily his first season at OT. He even had a game where he simply could not block Dwight Freeney....but Whitworth came around, didn't he?

3. Th players we can get in the draft. With a high draft position, and 11 picks, the Bengals can really get some quality players, and be much younger and faster in many positions.

4. We have a solid core still in place, so it won't be a rebuild, its more like a retooling by changing out some of the older parts. Bottom line is the old combination of parts was just not quite good enough, so let's buy some shiney new parts and see how she runs.

I think it will be a fun and exciting time, yes we may have to step back for a season or two, but after that, there could be some real rewards. Now if they could just release Adam Jones.

You are absolutely correct.  We all loved Whit, but the fact is it was time to turn the roster, get younger and faster, and see what they can do.  This team didn't win a playoff game with the old guard, and maybe it can be a better team with the infusion of youth and speed.  

I am also very excited to see Minter play with Burfict and Vigil, who looked good in his action late last season.

WJIII was my favorite player coming out of last year's draft.  28 PBUs in a single season?  I love the way he plays the ball.  Fluid speed, and his injury was a torn pec, not a leg injury that could have affected that ability.

Williams struggled early replacing Reggie, but progressed as the season wore on and he should be significantly better in year two in the position.  

I will also offer that guys like Uzomah could really shine if the Bengals run more two TE sets in the red zone.  

From the draft, we will surely add another speedy WR and there are lots of interesting RBs out there.  I really like John Conner.  I don't care what his 40 time is...he is the kind of jack-of-all trades, loves to play the game, winner that I love.  

If Eifert, AJ, Uzomah, Boyd, and a burner WR and new RB can stay healthy, this offense can soar.  Even with Zampese

And lastly, YES, punt Adam Jones from this team.  The culture of this young team is ripe for influences, and I don't want him to have anything to do with that.