The truth about our O-line situation.

[Big Boss]

He'll grade worse than Bodine if he doesn't get this snap issue under control by the time the regular season rolls around. Bodine may have been a shit blocker but the guy hardly ever put the ball on the turf. Price being a more efficient blocker means diddly squat if he's already fumbled the ball away at the start of the play.

[bengals67]

(08-06-2018, 05:01 PM)WeezyBengal Wrote: You and I have no idea if Billy Price is better than Russel Bodine. You said it yourself, Ced was a first rounder and he is AWFUL. Why should we be so sure that Billy Price is going to be better than Bodine?

The only certainty with this O Line is that Cordy Glenn is better than Ced. 

I would place a large bet that by the end of this season all of us will say Price is a lot better than Bodine.

He is not superman and will take some time learning from his mistakes on the field.

[WeezyBengal]

(08-07-2018, 01:07 AM)I_C_DeadPeople Wrote: Bodine was the worst centre in league so Price cannot be worse

Why? Because he was a first round draft pick? 

Ced was a first round draft pick and was one of the worst offensive lineman in the league. 

[WeezyBengal]

(08-07-2018, 09:52 AM)bengals67 Wrote: I would place a large bet that by the end of this season all of us will say Price is a lot better than Bodine.

He is not superman and will take some time learning from his mistakes on the field.

I agree with you. Im not trying to be pessimistic, im just saying im not holding on to this pipe dream that the offensive line is going to be leaps and bounds better because of Cordy Glenn and a rookie we took in the first round who we have no idea if is going to be any good or not. 

I do think the offensive line will be better this year, but lets wait and see. 

[grampahol]

They're going to be the best oline since sliced bread .. Remember that year when the oline was 5 slices of bread ?  Yeah, me either.. 

[depthchart]

(08-07-2018, 10:22 AM)grampahol Wrote: They're going to be the best oline since sliced bread .. Remember that year when the oline was 5 slices of bread ?  Yeah, me either.. 

   I remember when we had Biscuits and Gravy  - (Andre Smith)  



   

[Hoofhearted]

Seen they had Bobby at RT and Trey at RG in first published depth chart. Not end of the world news since it's first pre-season game, but kinda sucks to see Fish not able to beat out Bobby so far. I also think line will do better, but I am not sure how much. I don't think they're going from last to top 5 in many categories, but if they can tailor their offense around their strengths, they should be able to keep up. Just keep envisioning a scenario going against an elite pass rush specialist on the right side of the line.

[sandwedge]

(08-07-2018, 08:41 AM)Big Boss Wrote: He'll grade worse than Bodine if he doesn't get this snap issue under control by the time the regular season rolls around.  Bodine may have been a shit blocker but the guy hardly ever put the ball on the turf.  Price being a more efficient blocker means diddly squat if he's already fumbled the ball away at the start of the play.

Not entirely true BB. Jethro had a hard time getting the snap his first summer also.

[Nicomo Cosca]

(08-07-2018, 10:08 AM)WeezyBengal Wrote: Why? Because he was a first round draft pick? 

Ced was a first round draft pick and was one of the worst offensive lineman in the league. 

Didn’t Price win the award for best center in college? I really doubt he’ll be worse than Bodine.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(08-06-2018, 04:05 PM)fredtoast Wrote: So were Levi Jones, Willie Anderson, and Kevin Zeitler.

Doug Free was bad before Pollack coached him up is the point. Doesn't matter where you are drafted.

When you are a bad player and a coach coaches you up, that is a good coach.

When Paul Alexander picks a Tackle in the first round and pretty much loses us two seasons in a row, that is a bad coach.

Pollack will be a much better coach, bank on it Fred.

(08-06-2018, 05:01 PM)WeezyBengal Wrote: You and I have no idea if Billy Price is better than Russel Bodine. You said it yourself, Ced was a first rounder and he is AWFUL. Why should we be so sure that Billy Price is going to be better than Bodine?

The only certainty with this O Line is that Cordy Glenn is better than Ced. 

You have no idea, i do.

[*Wyche'sWarrior*]

(08-04-2018, 05:03 PM)fredtoast Wrote: On a positive note our biggest upgrade was at LT.

I'd rather have a couple of holes to fill on the right side than a gaping hole at LT.  At least on the right side Dalton can see who is getting beat.

This.  If Glenn is his usual self, and with Boling at LG, Dalton's blindside should be a MUCH better scenario than last season.  Maybe this will help with his internal clock and get him back to what he is capable of.  As you say, it's at least better to be able to see the rush coming at him.  Hopefully they get the right side straightened out, and Billy Price should be an improvement over Bodine letting defenders push him in his lap.

As for Pollack, I think his scheme will suit our run game better, and play more to the strengths of the personnel up front.

[*Wyche'sWarrior*]

(08-06-2018, 12:14 PM)ochocincos Wrote: I agree and I think fans 100% expecting a playoff berth are too optimistic. I think it could happen, but I don't have any confidence this OL would be good enough to get that elusive first playoff win in the ML era. Personally, I think RT is going to be the weakest part of the OL and none of Ogbuehi, Fisher, or Hart will be worth keeping after this season. I have confidence most in Westerman for RG but that goes back to what I saw and researched when he entered the draft. He and the rest of the RG candidates still need to become solid, dependable guys in the NFL before I feel comfortable not getting a new RG next offseason. 

I think the most important thing for this upcoming season is that a lot of the young guys (on offense especially) really come along by the end of this year and that the team can make a legit push next year. That's my expectation anyway.

Spot on.  I see this as a 9-7ish kinda year, and that's really not that bad after the last two seasons.  Next year should be the year all of the pieces and coaches come together.

[HarleyDog]

(08-07-2018, 12:53 PM)Wyche Wrote: Spot on.  I see this as a 9-7ish kinda year, and that's really not that bad after the last two seasons.  Next year should be the year all of the pieces and coaches come together.

I tend to agree. Although, I'm holding on to the possibility we get explosive some time around week 3-4 and already have a victory under our belt and win 12.

[Luvnit2]

(08-07-2018, 10:09 AM)WeezyBengal Wrote: I agree with you. Im not trying to be pessimistic, im just saying im not holding on to this pipe dream that the offensive line is going to be leaps and bounds better because of Cordy Glenn and a rookie we took in the first round who we have no idea if is going to be any good or not. 

I do think the offensive line will be better this year, but lets wait and see. 

Sadly, our offense was worst in the league in 2017.

Good news is nowhere to go but up! Hopefully.....

[*Wyche'sWarrior*]

(08-07-2018, 12:55 PM)HarleyDog Wrote: I tend to agree. Although, I'm holding on to the possibility we get explosive some time around week 3-4 and already have a victory under our belt and win 12.

Absolutely Harley.....that is my hope.  My realistic side says 8-8/9-7....my homer shades tell me compete for the division crown.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(08-07-2018, 12:55 PM)HarleyDog Wrote: I tend to agree. Although, I'm holding on to the possibility we get explosive some time around week 3-4 and already have a victory under our belt and win 12.

I could see what Ocho and Wyche are talking about if our Line has significant injuries.

We all know it will take some time for the O-line to gel but we still won 7 games last season with the worst O-line in
the NFL and no John Ross to take attention away from AJ Green, no Eifert, PA as our O-line coach, Mixon as a rookie,
Jeremeh Hill taking snaps away from Gio and Mixon, Minter at LB, Billings coming off injury, Adam Jones taking snaps
away from the next great Corner in WJ3, no Cordy Glenn, no Billy Price, no Hubbard, no Bates etc.

Predicting atleast 8 wins...

Probably around 12.

[Whodey614]

I've been lurking this place for a year or two now and I finally made the decision to join. Just wanted to add my thoughts.

I genuinely think we're solidified on the left side. Glenn is a proven left tackle and will absolutely not be worse than Ogbuehi. Those who are expecting Whitworth level from him are unrealistic, but he's still solid. That's all we need for now. Anything more than solid from Glenn will just make the team even better. He's gotten burned by Carl Lawson a few times in camp but how many left tackles could handle Lawson last year? I think we should just expect Lawson to have a 15 sack caliber year. Boling even sandwiched in between Ogbuehi and Bodine still graded out as a pretty good guard. We know what to expect from him. I think he could actually have the best year of his career playing next to a former teammate and a legit center for the first time in his career.

Billy Price. R-E-L-A-X. He will get it together. Most of us expect rookies to automatically come in and start firing at all cylinders against seasoned defensive veterans. He will have good plays and bad plays. There is a learning curve he has to go through playing in an entirely different playstyle in the NFL. He is not Russell Bodine who f'd up play after play for Dalton and the running backs. We haven't heard anything about Price getting pushed back into the backfield every other play in practice. Even if Price is just average this season, that's more than we've gotten from a center in the last decade. That doesn't mean he won't grow into a fine center that can anchor the line for years to come.

Right guard I'm ok with. Hopkins got significantly better as the blocking scheme changed after the midway point last year. I'm really pulling for Westerman though, he has a lot of potential and I hope he can get back to speed soon.

Right tackle is where it gets tricky. The idea of Hart being our best RT as of right now is scary. I refuse to buy into any Ogbuehi hype. I don't care if he held his own against prime Julius Peppers in one meaningless practice, he's destroyed our last 2 seasons and as much as I want to believe that Frank Pollack is a miracle worker, I just won't see it until I believe it. I don't have a lot of hope in Fisher either but I think he's our best option. Kent Perkins has been getting praise in camp. I'm interested to see what he has in more than just one drive against the Ravens. I've seen the idea of Redmond playing RT thrown around here but is Pollack actually considering it? I think Redmond is a fine mauler but his pass blocking leaves a lot to be desired for. If he can't handle a DT I wouldn't want to put him against Khalil Mack or Von Miller.

The Bengals offensive line in 2011 and 2012 had some struggles and they still made the playoffs both of those years. Even in 2015 when PFF had us as a top 3 O-line in the whole league, they had issues at C and RT and had trouble running the ball. Worst case scenario we're looking at

LT: B
LG: B
C: C+ (could go higher if Price improves his snapping and his run blocking is as advertised)
RG: C
RT: D

for the o-line in 2018. I think that's doable.

And who's to say the Bengals won't be on the market after rosters start cutting players?? We've preached all offseason about how the organization is more aggressive at making moves and bringing outside guys in. I don't believe Pollack is Paul Alexander. If he sees that one of the guys at RG/T can't do the job we will bring other options in. I would keep an eye out on the situation in Oakland. They have 2 young tackles there that could push Donald Penn out of the door. I would immediately jump on that opportunity. It's clear that building the o-line is going to be a 2-year process. If we get the left side and middle worked out, we can focus on those 2 holes in the draft and FA next year.

I'd hate to bring up the past but imagine if the Browns didn't screw up that McCarron trade. We could've drafted Will Hernandez or Braden Smith to play G and drafted Orlando Brown or one of the other tackles in the 3rd. I think a lot of us would be breathing easier. I still believe that right guard will work itself out. We just need someone at RT to not be a total trash bag. Most importantly, Pollack's scheme will bring out the best physically and skillfully in our linemen and we become a dangerous offense.

[Hoofhearted]

(08-07-2018, 12:03 PM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: Didn’t Price win the award for best center in college? I really doubt he’ll be worse than Bodine.

Yes, he won the Rimington...but that was college and not the Pros. Archie Griffin won the Heisman TWICE and was not very good in the NFL. 

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(08-07-2018, 01:12 PM)Whodey614 Wrote: I've been lurking this place for a year or two now and I finally made the decision to join. Just wanted to add my thoughts.

I genuinely think we're solidified on the left side. Glenn is a proven left tackle and will absolutely not be worse than Ogbuehi. Those who are expecting Whitworth level from him are unrealistic, but he's still solid. That's all we need for now. Anything more than solid from Glenn will just make the team even better. He's gotten burned by Carl Lawson a few times in camp but how many left tackles could handle Lawson last year? I think we should just expect Lawson to have a 15 sack caliber year. Boling even sandwiched in between Ogbuehi and Bodine still graded out as a pretty good guard. We know what to expect from him. I think he could actually have the best year of his career playing next to a former teammate and a legit center for the first time in his career.

Billy Price. R-E-L-A-X. He will get it together. Most of us expect rookies to automatically come in and start firing at all cylinders against seasoned defensive veterans. He will have good plays and bad plays. There is a learning curve he has to go through playing in an entirely different playstyle in the NFL. He is not Russell Bodine who f'd up play after play for Dalton and the running backs. We haven't heard anything about Price getting pushed back into the backfield every other play in practice. Even if Price is just average this season, that's more than we've gotten from a center in the last decade. That doesn't mean he won't grow into a fine center that can anchor the line for years to come.

Right guard I'm ok with. Hopkins got significantly better as the blocking scheme changed after the midway point last year. I'm really pulling for Westerman though, he has a lot of potential and I hope he can get back to speed soon.

Right tackle is where it gets tricky. The idea of Hart being our best RT as of right now is scary. I refuse to buy into any Ogbuehi hype. I don't care if he held his own against prime Julius Peppers in one meaningless practice, he's destroyed our last 2 seasons and as much as I want to believe that Frank Pollack is a miracle worker, I just won't see it until I believe it. I don't have a lot of hope in Fisher either but I think he's our best option. Kent Perkins has been getting praise in camp. I'm interested to see what he has in more than just one drive against the Ravens. I've seen the idea of Redmond playing RT thrown around here but is Pollack actually considering it? I think Redmond is a fine mauler but his pass blocking leaves a lot to be desired for. If he can't handle a DT I wouldn't want to put him against Khalil Mack or Von Miller.

The Bengals offensive line in 2011 and 2012 had some struggles and they still made the playoffs both of those years. Even in 2015 when PFF had us as a top 3 O-line in the whole league, they had issues at C and RT and had trouble running the ball. Worst case scenario we're looking at

LT: B
LG: B
C: C+ (could go higher if Price improves his snapping and his run blocking is as advertised)
RG: C
RT: D

for the o-line in 2018. I think that's doable.

And who's to say the Bengals won't be on the market after rosters start cutting players?? We've preached all offseason about how the organization is more aggressive at making moves and bringing outside guys in. I don't believe Pollack is Paul Alexander. If he sees that one of the guys at RG/T can't do the job we will bring other options in. I would keep an eye out on the situation in Oakland. They have 2 young tackles there that could push Donald Penn out of the door. I would immediately jump on that opportunity. It's clear that building the o-line is going to be a 2-year process. If we get the left side and middle worked out, we can focus on those 2 holes in the draft and FA next year.

I'd hate to bring up the past but imagine if the Browns didn't screw up that McCarron trade. We could've drafted Will Hernandez or Braden Smith to play G and drafted Orlando Brown or one of the other tackles in the 3rd. I think a lot of us would be breathing easier. I still believe that right guard will work itself out. We just need someone at RT to not be a total trash bag. Most importantly, Pollack's scheme will bring out the best physically and skillfully in our linemen and we become a dangerous offense.

Damn, one of the best first posts i have ever seen. Welcome aboard man. You have been lurking awhile it seems lol

Would love to get Donald Penn even if it sounds unrealistic. If it was a year ago i would of thought it would of been
unrealistic to get Cordy Glenn, Preston Brown and Billy Price. Things are different this year. Again, great post and
welcome to the greatest board in the land.

[HarleyDog]

(08-07-2018, 12:59 PM)Wyche Wrote: Absolutely Harley.....that is my hope.  My realistic side says 8-8/9-7....my homer shades tell me compete for the division crown.

(08-07-2018, 01:02 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: I could see what Ocho and Wyche are talking about if our Line has significant injuries.

We all know it will take some time for the O-line to gel but we still won 7 games last season with the worst O-line in
the NFL and no John Ross to take attention away from AJ Green, no Eifert, PA as our O-line coach, Mixon as a rookie,
Jeremeh Hill taking snaps away from Gio and Mixon, Minter at LB, Billings coming off injury, Adam Jones taking snaps
away from the next great Corner in WJ3, no Cordy Glenn, no Billy Price, no Hubbard, no Bates etc.

Predicting atleast 8 wins...

Probably around 12.

I was severely tempted this morning to bet on one of the Vegas odds sheets. $100 on winning the division, $100 on winning conference, $100 on winning the SB. $300 investment, if running the board, would net about $14,500.