11-20-2019, 06:01 PM
(11-19-2019, 10:10 AM)Fan_in_Kettering Wrote: Please read this entire post before flaming me.
Yes, it's true. Andy Dalton needs to start one or two more games for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2019. I'm not against Ryan Finley so don't misunderstand; this is about the future of the team. It's painfully obvious to all observers that the Bengals have a multiplicity of issues: Coaching, personnel, and scheme. Simply going after Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, or Joe Burrow will solve next to nothing, unfortunately, because this team is more than just a new quarterback away from success. If it were up to me I would fire every coach except for special teams and take a blowtorch to the entire roster -- but that's not Mike Brown's way. Therefore, working within the confines imposed by the Front Office, let's look at a realistic way to begin the rebuild in Cincinnati.
First of all, every coach will likely be retained in 2020. Mikey Boy will cite injuries and something about giving the new coaches a chance to turn it around taking more than one season.
With zero likely coaching changes, who can realistically be drafted, traded, or retained?
As of now I think the Bengals' best strategy is to build a shutdown defense around Chase Young from Ohio State. He's the best defensive player I've seen in years and his impact in Cincinnati could mirror that of Nick Bosa in San Francisco. Geno Atkins looked better against Oakland but he's not getting any younger. He's going to need fast edge rushers so having Young on one side with Sam Hubbard on the other side would be a needed improvement to the Bengals' almost nonexistent pass rush.
So what about the quarterback position? I know Mike Brown strikes at shiny objects faster than a hungry barracuda and a big arm quarterback, to Mike's eye, is the shiniest object there is. I'm all for having Ryan Finley play more games in 2019 but, circling back to my original proposal I think it's time for Andy Dalton to play at least two more games as well. Teams interested in Dalton need fresh film on him and the Bengals need to win just one game to avoid 0-16 which I find a wholly unacceptable record. Also, since Dalton has one more year on his contract, he could potentially function as the "bridge" quarterback in 2020 while the Bengals look to Justin Fields or Trevor Lawrence -- or Tua Tagovailoa if he stays at Alabama -- in 2021.
If Andy Dalton does not play well in the late games there is a plethora of experienced quarterbacks worth consideration to be the "bridge" for Cincinnati in 2020. Philip Rivers or even Eli Manning might be great "bridge" quarterbacks to bring in for a season; Drew Brees will be too expensive and Dak Prescott will stay in Dallas. I would even consider bringing Jameis Winston in for a workout but, even better, what about taking a look at Cam Newton? If he's healthy he can still compete.
Basically, Bengaldom, we have more options than just Andy Dalton, Ryan Finley, or falling into the trap of drafting a shiny object.
If we draft Chase Young, there is a chance we improve enough to win more than 2 to 4 games, which could put us out of the top 5 in 2021. I want the best shot at a franchise QB, and I believe that is this year.
