(09-07-2020, 07:41 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Andy Dalton's first 8 seasons or his one year in the Taylor offense?
It would not take much to look better than he did last year.
This is a great question and point. They didn't elaborate any on what scheme or anything. Like, they have rarely attached conditions to the comments. And, I have to listen to that stuff with "Trust, but verify" in mind. Verify is coming up in a few days.
I listen to probably 6 different Bengals specific podcasts/shows that are done either daily, bi-weekly, or weekly. I have been doing so for years. The hosts of these shows are typically all local and are around the players/team and at practices as much as possible.
All of the long time local guys who have been covering the Bengals for years: Tony Pike (former NFL QB), James Rapien, Paul Dehner Jr, Jay Morrison, Richard Skinner, Dave Lapham (former Bengal Lineman), Dan Hoard have all said directly or eluded to Joe Burrow being already better than Dalton (some are more polite and carefully word their statements to not badmouth Dalton directly) with an immediate positive difference in talent and abilities both with his throws, adjustments, leadership, attitude & personality, etc.
Tony Pike, former UC star QB and NFL QB (2010-11 with Panthers & 2012 training camp with Bengals) has been incredibly complimentary of Burrow and has had no problem directly comparing Burrow to "what was on the roster previously" and said that Burrow has the team and offesne looking different and trending way up.
Now, does that = Joe Burrow not making mistakes or knowing everything Andy knew in terms of how to adjust? No, of course not. Anyone reading this has got to understand and accept that Joe Burrow will make rookie mistakes.
The other guys who haven't been around as much: Ben Baby & Tyler Dragon, for example, have also had only positive remarks in regards to how Burrow has looked like a vet, doesn't make the same mistake twice, calm under pressure or after mistakes, etc.
Is 13th too high? Right this second? Probably, sure. Is 13th too high 3/4 of the season through? I would have high hopes that's a realistic prediction.