Replacing A.J.

[*SHRacerX*]

(08-17-2019, 07:32 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Hmm, I don't think that we can simply "replace" AJ Green with anyone on our current roster, that would take drafting another gifted phenom.  Now, if you're speaking more to how do the Bengals cover his absence, then that takes a significant change in how the offense operates.  

I do feel like there are enough competent receivers to allow the Bengals to have ample weapons.  However, it will likely entail having a healthy and engaged John Ross and Tyler Eifert to accomplish this feat.  Boyd, Tate and Erickson have shown that they can amply take up slack and move the sticks, with Boyd already having shown some big play potential.

As much as we are talking about replacing Green in the starting 3-wide package, I can't help but think Ross might not be out there on the first snap.  As much as I am (still) looking forward to seeing him in this offense, I worry that he won't know what plays and will make costly mistakes out there.  I think there is a good chance Cody Core lines up at X, with Boyd at slot, and Tate at AJ's position.   

I don't think they will move Boyd as (at least last year) it seemed that the slot was the #1 target.  AJ would run from the slot at times as well and was targeted out of it successfully a number of times.  

I wonder if they won't really try to showcase Malone in this third preseason game and offer him in a trade for a late round pick next year.  You could say that a team could just wait for him to go to the PS (not sure he is eligible) or released, but this way they are 100% certain to get him.  Maybe the WR-deficient Redskins?  

I know everyone seems down on Core, but the extra work he put in during the offseason seems to have paid off, and he is one of the better blocking WRs on the team, and plays very well on special teams.  

Starting the season with 7 WRs due to AJ's injury:

AJ
Boyd
Ross
Erickson
Tate
Willis
Core

PS:  Morgan Jr

I could also see Core getting released and Morgan Jr making the squad.  Dude doesn't wow you but is very consistent and seems to have a high football IQ.  

Wonder if they could carry 8 WRs to start (with AJ out) and only carry 3 TEs since they aren't supposed to be quite as big a part of this offense as the WRs? 

Or could Tate count as a WR/TE?