03-14-2018, 06:40 PM
(03-14-2018, 06:25 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: You almost sound like you wish the rumor was true.
Let me tell you this. Early in the Marvin Lewis years, they went big on LB picks. For one reason or another, virtually none of them ever achieved full glory as a Bengal. The one bad boy, UDFA flyer that Marvin picks turns out to be The Super Destroyer.
He may be hated by fans of other teams. He may be a bit of a liability for concussions and suspensions. But, you know what? He is exactly who you want going to war for you, every Sunday afternoon. The guy leaves it all on the field. (albeit sometimes to his detriment) As far as character, you've got him all wrong. That dude is a true champion. He rose from the ashes of not even being drafted, to being one of the premier players at his position.
I wouldn't trade that guy for anything.
I actually do wish they were true. I know I'm in the minority but I won't miss a guy who cannot be relied on.
Someone posted earlier in this thread that Burfict has only played in (I think it was) 36 of 64 games since 2014... That's pretty pathetic. Whether his suspensions are justified or not, it's obvious that the league has it out for him. And I'd rather another team suffer because of it.
He'll get a suspension anytime he hits somebody because (as Marvin accurately described him), "he hits like a Mach truck". When Burfict cleanly yet hardly hits somebody, people notice. The league notices. And he'll be suspended for an ungodly amount of time the next time it happens. And we all know it will happen. It's how Burfict plays the game (it's how the game should be played IMO).
Don't get me wrong, I loved having Burfict on this team. I certainly never questioned his character (I came to his defense dozens of times when people erroneously called him "a criminal" and said "he belongs in prison") He was one of the only players I can recall that actively HATED the steelers and didn't stand for any of their BS. He hit them right back and I loved him for it. And just his overall talent and ability to play the game of football... An absolute joy to watch.
But again, he's simply not reliable. His reputation precedes him, and the league will make examples out of him every chance they get. What good is having a guy on your team who will only play about 8 games a year? And just because we've swung and missed on LB's in the past doesn't guarantee it will happen again (maybe if we avoid USC this time).
If the price is right, I say we take oaklands draft picks and look towards the future... Because either way, I think burficts days in football are numbered. Might as well get something for him while we can.
