11-21-2018, 01:42 PM
Even if fully healthy, this team is nowhere near Super Bowl-caliber like Kansas City, New Orleans, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, etc. If the goal is to win a Super Bowl, then it time to start the rebuild this offseason (might as well keep trying to win this year as long as they're in the wild card hunt). First move of rebuild is getting rid of Marvin and bringing in a young, offensive-minded head coach (not Hue Jackson). Keep rebuilding the OL via draft for the eventual successor to Dalton. I'd also dangle Dalton for a first round pick (doubtful) or second round draft pick. Dalton's contract is so team-friendly, some QB-desperate team might bite. Bengals could even cut him in 2019 with no cap hit. Worst case, keep Dalton for 2019/2020 but draft his replacement at QB next year or two.
I would also seriously look into moving AJ Green this offseason (if Brandin Cooks brought back a first rounder, so would AJ). He will be on downside of his career by the time Bengals ready to make a real playoff push again. Either way, don't make the mistake the Reds did by hanging on to mediocrity and delaying the rebuild. Worst thing is Bengals go 7-9 or 8-8 next couple of years leading to no playoffs and non-impact draft picks. Make the right moves and Bengals could be back in the playoff hunt by 2021 season, with an actual chance of winning some games once they get there.
I would also seriously look into moving AJ Green this offseason (if Brandin Cooks brought back a first rounder, so would AJ). He will be on downside of his career by the time Bengals ready to make a real playoff push again. Either way, don't make the mistake the Reds did by hanging on to mediocrity and delaying the rebuild. Worst thing is Bengals go 7-9 or 8-8 next couple of years leading to no playoffs and non-impact draft picks. Make the right moves and Bengals could be back in the playoff hunt by 2021 season, with an actual chance of winning some games once they get there.
