03-27-2017, 12:17 PM
(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.
Nice post Beaker, i am done crying over spilled milk. Like you said we still have a solid team.
If Ogbuehi and Fisher improve which they will we might even make the Playoffs, you never know. We all know the
problem once we get there though. Still, should be fun to watch this team. I am particularly excited about the Defense.
If we add a nice pass rusher to this D-line it could be dominant. Billings was my favorite DT in that entire deep class.
Him next to Geno should be a blast to watch. Getting Minter was awesome, this guy is smart and can stop the run and
cover. I doubt we see our Linebackers out of position as much this year. Our CB's are stacked, the Safeties are not as
bad as some say. Shawn should improve and if he doesn't i love Derron Smith, Fej and Josh Shaw.
