What have we learned in the past few weeks?

[*SHRacerX*]

(12-27-2020, 11:50 PM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: This.

I also really wish people would stop with the “shiny new toy” stuff. It’s a very outdated way to look at the game. Yes the trenches will always be important, but so are good weapons. The league is completely geared towards offense now, and it’s best to have as many good ones as you can. Just look at KC. They had the best QB, the best TE, one of the best WR’s (certainly one of the fastest), but they still went out and got a Sammy Watkins, and just used a 1st round pick on a RB.

This team will go as far as Joe Burrow can take them. They should give him every possible advantage.

If you want to use KC as the measuring stick, you need to ask yourself how successful Mahommes and Kelce would be without Hill and their other blazing outside WR (that plays over Watkins) aren't creating instant separation and taking the top off the defense so Kelce can work underneath.  Kelce is a heck of a receiver, but a below average blocker.  They have a really good offensive line, too.

If you look at them, what is the thing the Bengals miss the most in that offense?  I would say it is the vertical threat that can generate quick separation.  Hill gives Mahommes a deep threat, but also a screen receiver or dumpoff on a blitz that moves the sticks.  I would rather have a WR like Chase than a TE like Pitts.  We don't need another body that can get open and has good hands in the middle, we need the piece that opens up everything in the middle.  Chase does that more than Pitts.  

And while we are quick to hammer Sample for being taken middle second round, he is grading out around 60, which includes an above average blocking grade and he usually catches the ball and moves the chains just fine when he is targeted.  It isn't his fault that he is largely asked to stay in and block.