Wade Phillips wants a job

[SunsetBengal]

(01-18-2021, 03:42 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: If it were just issues with getting to the QB, it would be a little easier to give Lou somewhat of a break...but over his 2 years, they're not only dead last in sacks, but also dead last in rush yards allowed, and have given up almost 5 yards a pop. 

It's one thing to not be able to get to the QB or to not be able to stop the run, but when you can't do either - it seems like there's a troubling combination of issues going on...from players, to coaching, to scheme, to fundamental execution.

Good points, 'Holic.  I will add this point though;  Defenses that are strong against the run also seem to do a pretty good job of getting to the QB.  

From my point of view, the failure in both aspects is a 3 force vector.  Part of it might be a lack of superior talent, which the front office tried to rectify by signing DJ Reader and going heavy on LB in the draft.  That part looked good, until the pandemic inhibited their ability to practice and mold as a unit, and then the injuries started accumulating.  Part II is coaching and leadership.  It became very apparent with the Dunlap situation that there was a serious disconnect between the staff and the players.  This came long after we had all had our suspicions from watching the product that was presented on the field.  Part III is an ineptness on the part of team management.  Rather than taking the bull by the horns and making some wholesale changes in the coaching staff, the Bengals front office took a route similar to getting anything major accomplished through modern medicine and insurance procedures.  I.E. instead of sending you straight to an orthopedic to fix your backwards hanging elbow, the decided to try "rehab and therapy" first, meaning rather than canning Lou and going after a bona fide DC, they decided to just draft a few mid-round LBs and to now bring in a slight upgrade at DL coach..