03-19-2018, 09:40 AM
Well, Burfict has been almost as unreliable as Eifert and fans seem to trash him and his absences aren't in his control.
I look at it all as though the Bengals had a really good team a few years ago and lost key pieces on the offensive line and the offense predictably suffered. The loss of Hue and replacement with Zampese was just as big a debacle. I like what I have seen with Lazor in a difficult circumstance and the removal of Alexander and his moronic scheme is a step in the right direction, but I need to see our young guys like Ross, Mixon, and Malone/Core step on and take over this team on the offensive side of the ball. I am hoping we will see a rejuvenated AJ Green, who just seemed to believe they were done before they started last year. Eifert's health and using him and Kroft together is also a big piece of what has to be next year's puzzle.
Will I get my hopes up? In a word, no. I hope I am wrong, but I have little to no faith in Lewis as head coach. Austin might have the excuse that he didn't have talent around him last year, but he gave up a TON of points last year in Detroit. I am more than a little worried about the defense. I think the offense can at least be average, but that would equate to 7 or 8 wins, not enough to make the playoffs.
I look at it all as though the Bengals had a really good team a few years ago and lost key pieces on the offensive line and the offense predictably suffered. The loss of Hue and replacement with Zampese was just as big a debacle. I like what I have seen with Lazor in a difficult circumstance and the removal of Alexander and his moronic scheme is a step in the right direction, but I need to see our young guys like Ross, Mixon, and Malone/Core step on and take over this team on the offensive side of the ball. I am hoping we will see a rejuvenated AJ Green, who just seemed to believe they were done before they started last year. Eifert's health and using him and Kroft together is also a big piece of what has to be next year's puzzle.
Will I get my hopes up? In a word, no. I hope I am wrong, but I have little to no faith in Lewis as head coach. Austin might have the excuse that he didn't have talent around him last year, but he gave up a TON of points last year in Detroit. I am more than a little worried about the defense. I think the offense can at least be average, but that would equate to 7 or 8 wins, not enough to make the playoffs.
![[Image: 4CV0TeR.png]](https://i.imgur.com/4CV0TeR.png)
