What have we learned in the past few weeks?

[*SHRacerX*]

(12-27-2020, 11:30 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: The biggest, most obvious thing to me is that in spite of some speculation, the team has not quit on the coaching staff.  Perhaps a little heat from media and personalities on social media may have inspired some rethinking on the part of the staff, or not.  Whatever the case, weather it be a collective gathering of professional pride on part of the players, or the coaching staff taking an introspective look and making some necessary changes, it seems to be working.

I'm sure that it must be reassuring to Joe Burrow to see the team double down and solidify their resolve while he is rehabbing.  Some may call these latest two wins "meaningless", but I guarantee that they mean a hell of a lot to every man who wears the striped helmet.  How nice will it be to get Joe back, and have a team that believes in itself for Joe to come back to?

What I think I know:

Brandon Allen deserves a secure deal to remain as Joe's backup going forward.

With XSF at LG and Spain at RG, the interior of the OL has seemed to stop the bleeding.  Teams can no longer pass rush up the gut at will, and we seem to be getting better push in the run game.  I hope that they sign Spain to a 3 year deal, and keep him around until the next permanent Guard of the future is drafted and properly developed.  I still think they need a bona fide stud at Tackle, either to pair with Williams, or assume his spot should he never achieve full greatness.  Missing 75% of his games due to injury in his first two years is a bit concerning to me.  That is partly why I have been such a die hard on the Penei Sewell bandwagon.

Our backup RBs are pretty good.  We all knew what Gio Bernard was capable of, when used properly.  Samaje Perine has shown to be worth keeping around, as well.  Not the quickest out of the gate, but dude has a second gear when in open territory.  Given a crease, those massive thighs just keep churning, not bad hands either.

Tee Higgins is for real, he will be a modest to medium star in this league. Boyd is going to continue to be Boyd: steady, dependable, not one for the defense to sleep on.  AJ Green looked like absolute dog shit to start the year.  However, in the past month or so, he's gotten his rhythm back on, and is looking much like his old self.  Part of me would like to see him signed to a modest 3 year deal, and retire as a Bengal.  (He may be looking for one last huge payday)  After that, WR gets a bit murky.  Erickson looked clutch a few times today, but typically he's a non factor.  Would like to see an over the top, role player WR signed in free agency, while a mid round pick is drafted and developed to complete the game day 5.

Drew Sample is NOT a bum, and he indeed CAN find the end zone, as was proven today.     Yes, we need another TE, NO I don't feel like we need to take Kyle Pitts with our top pick.  This team doesn't utilize the TE position nearly enough to justify ignoring fundamental position group NEEDS in favor of a shiny, new weapon.

On defense:

Too much to cram into this post.  We can discuss that one in another thread.

I agree with a great deal of what you said here, but here are a couple things I think I know in relation to the things you think you know...

XSF and Spain have been solid, and we can't say that they are playing lackluster defenses after holding pittsburgh's front in check (although there were only 7 pass attempts, and run blocking has not been the issue as much as pass blocking).  However, I don't want average to below average.  I want a line that allows Joe to be Joe.  I want a line that allows for better balance with the rushing attack.  I want COMPETITION at those guard positions.  I would hope for a FA like Thuney, although I most likely won't get it.  I surely want to see a draft pick like Deonte Brown from Bama, and I love the RT from Minnesota (Faalele) that is (get this) 6'8" and 400 lbs.  He is a mammoth man (obviously) that could be groomed to start behind Bobby Hart.  Adeniji and Faalele give the Bengals excellent quality depth at the tackle position.  If Sewell is gone, I think Jonah and Faalele give the Bengals a really good starting pair of tackles.  Brown and Thuney would be incredible for the guard spot, but if they don't make a move for Thuney, I hope Brown gets the RG spot and Spain the LG spot.  I think if Spain had an entire offseason and camp to work that one position that he could be a really good find.

You nailed the RB and WR position.  If Sewell is gone, I hope they can either trade back a bit for an extra pick or get Ja'marr Chase.  I love that kid.  Pure alpha dog on the field.  I love Higgins but we need a true #1 to make the offense become truly lethal.  Chase would do so much for the offense.  One guy that probably won't be there in the fifth round but I have had him mocked there several times is Anthony Scwartz from Auburn.  Dude has Ross-like speed with good hands and durability.  He was used all over in Gus's high school offense.  He would be a great piece for ZT to have for jet sweeps, screens, slants, and can also track the deep ball very well.  He gets a cushion from every DB that doesn't want to end up a vapor trail.  Plus, he would allow me to say cheesy things like "Use the Schwartz!"  or "May the Schwartz be with you".  He is still pretty raw as true NFL WR route tree would go, but he wouldn't be counted on right away and could be a nice piece to bring along. 

Sample is grading out almost exactly where CJ has for his career (about 60).  He has proven himself to be a reliable chain mover, but he has become an above average blocker and that is where the Bengals utilize him the most.  Those little screen passes he took for 10 yards a pop the second Cleveland game are there for the taking when teams blitz, and he showed really good route running and hands.  I wish we saw more of him and fewer incompletions to AJ Green, but nonetheless....People hating on Sample and comparing him to the best TEs in the land should look at the blocking grades for guys like Kelce.  Below a 50.  Guys like Kelce are one-dimensional receivers taking advantage of defenses so scared of their outside WRs that he gets a lot of room to roam.  He is a fantastic route runner and receiver, don't get me wrong, but having Sample help block as much as he does yet be capable to keep a defense honest and move the chains is just fine for his first real year of getting some quality snaps.  

In summary, where I want upgrades/competition for this offense is at RT, RG, LG, and WR.  Having the QB set is a HUGE deal moving forward.  If the Bengals went WR, DT, OT, G  in the first four rounds then look for some unconventional help as outside pass rushers (why aren't we looking at ADG here?  It is his best attribute, and if that guy is 230 lbs than I must be over 300 because that guy isn't small.