Imagine This Offseason

[Blacknights36]

(12-02-2020, 04:43 PM)Wes Mantooth Wrote: Note: Before I start, please know that I understand that any and all of this is incredibly unlikley to happen, to the point of being almost impossible.  It's just meant to be for fun.  If a thead like this isn't your idea of fun, no biggie.  I just don't need reminding it's a waste of time.  Also, know that everything I'm about to say isn't calling for the moon, or becoming the Dallas Cowboys, these are reasonable developments for an average spending franchise. This is how a normal franchise might approach this offseason, to counter the disgust by their fanbase.

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--January 3rd (Shortly After Ravens Game):  Bengals put out a press release, essentially saying that they understand fans frustrations with the disappointment that was 2020, and that they will be having a press conference the following day, Monday, January 4th, to discuss it.

--January 4th (Press Conference):  Bengals announce the hiring of a new GM (this has been in the works for weeks).  They also announce that they're parting ways with Zac Taylor, and will let their new GM and new HC build out their staff.  Any existing coaches are free to explore other options if they choose to not to wait to see if they make the cut.

--Mid January to Early Feb:  New GM (insert your favorite name here) announces the hiring of Eric Bienemy (or your favorite) to be your next coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.

--Throughout Jan to Mid Feb:  GM, and Bienemy (or Joe Brady, or whoever you like) build out their coaching staff.  Qualified and name coaches are hired, signifying that a.) Guys want to be here and b.) Spending didn't prohibit us from attracting talent

--Feb-March--Team slowly announces additions to the scouting department, and state they'll continue looking for for talent they believe can help their ball club in this department

--Feb-March--Press Release: The new slogan is: The Dey is Now.  They attatch a well put together release that backs this up and creates excitement.

--Feb-March--Press Release: Bengals Unveil new uniforms that they worked with Nike.  They're cool as shit, and show that a new era is upon us.

--Creating space: Bengals move a ton of money off the books by moving on from Geno, Bobby Hart, Uzomah and Erickson (Frees up roughly 22 million) Maybe rework Gio deals with an extension to bring the annual hit down.

--Free Agency -- Team signs two guards for a combined total of 15-20 mil per.  Sign a 10 mil LB or a 10 mil TE. Fills out depth with decent, cheaper vets eager to come up on board.  Most of all, they're creativem they're and active like last year.

--Draft: Take Sewell at #3.  Take a speedy WR in the 2nd or stud DL.  May make trade to target a player higher than their position.

--OL now looks like this: Sewell, Free Agent G, Hopkins, Free Agent G, Jonah Williams.

--Press Release: Team announces a team Hall of Fame that will be constructed on the PBS grounds.  Announce members, and invite names like Munoz, Boomer, Collinsworth, Dillon, Chad Johnson, Willie Anderson, etc. to ground breaking ceremony at a later date.

--July: Hold a Fan Fest to kick off the season at PBS that emcompsasses the stadium and/or lots.  Former players are on hand, and there's plenty of entertaiment for both the die-hards and for families. 

--August: Joe Burrow is cleared to play for the start of 2021 season.

--Sept: Profit????

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There's obviously a lot of holes in this and it's lacking specifics (Which FA's do we sign, which coaches, who do we draft in rounds 3-7, etc.)  This is just an outline of an offseason that could energize this fanbase to the point of creaming their paints.

New GM, Bienemy (or your favotie), quality asst. coaches, more scouts, new uniforms, a hall of fame, a fun fan event, a healthy Joe Burrow.  None of this would really be that hard to do.  

This would all be amazing!!!!!!!!!

[Sled21]

(12-02-2020, 06:10 PM)ochocincos Wrote: What do you want the coaches to do where they would need to be in person, run routes or something? 

Oh, probably what they do in EVERY coaches interview. Have meetings with ownership.

[*bfine32*]

bfine's off season:

Brown's sell the team to Ohio native Eddie DeBartalo.

We let him do everything else.

[bengals67]

Wes and Holic- God bless both of you.

We all have been waiting for this for over 30 years.

Will the Family ever wise up???

I remember how bad the Bears were when Papa Bear ( George Halas) died and the family tried to run things for several years.

Pretty sure they finally got it and hired professional and experienced people to run their personnel operation which led to the Ditka Bears and Super Bowl.

I don't even fathom how a player like Burrow falls into their lap and they don't take advantage to the fullest extent possible and admit their mistakes.

[*ochocincos*]

(12-02-2020, 06:45 PM)Sled21 Wrote: Oh, probably what they do in EVERY coaches interview. Have meetings with ownership.

Those meetings can happen over Zoom. I don't really see your point why someone would need to have an in-person interview vs virtual unless there was something specific that had to be done that could not be seen/heard virtually.

[MileHighGrowler]

If they fire Taylor and Tobin and bring in a real GM to take the lead on building out his coaching staff and roster, I'd be over the moon. People (myself included) were so giddy when they made this last HC change because it was a change. If a stubborn franchise like the Raiders that ran things old school have finally lightened up and joined the modern era, why can't the Bengals? Just because it's been one way for so long doesn't make me lose all faith and optimism that it could finally change.

[BengalsRocker]

(12-02-2020, 06:52 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Those meetings can happen over Zoom. I don't really see your point why someone would need to have an in-person interview vs virtual unless there was something specific that had to be done that could not be seen/heard virtually.

"Duke...  I wanna see if they come in with a fist bump, forearm tap, or just wave.  Piano man told me something or other about ketchup, but I never cared for putting any of that new fangled fancy stuff on my food."

[BengalsRocker]

They can hire a GM but it better be someone with experience not some college ex-roommate of Troy Blackburn.

Otherwise they might as well stick to "the plan".

[Wes Mantooth]

(12-02-2020, 09:06 PM)BengalsRocker Wrote: Piano man told me something or other about ketchup, but I never cared for putting any of that new fangled fancy stuff on my food."

Ketchup doesn't go well with any of his daily staples...

---Lunch: Pooridge, cottage cheese, a plum, and a Werther's Original. Drink = RC Cola

---Dinner: Liverwurst, or Pimento Loaf on Rye, Tapioca Pudding, and some Peanut Brittle. Drink = Ovaltine

If he alters either of these meals, or even changes the serving time by even 5 minutes, then it reaks havoc on his entire day.

[BobJones4980]

Seen this on Bienemy earlier when someone asked why he wasn't getting the head coaching jobs that were open last year : 

Quote:Most of it is over a decade ago, and people can definitely change and grow...BUT...

it's a tough sell to say a guy with (allegedly) multiple assaults (including choking a woman), DUI, a seperate fleeing the scene and being part of a sexual assault cover-up should lead your team.

We all hated bringing in Turner with his history, not sure Bienemy is the best guy to bring in either. Who knows though, maybe he truly has changed.

[BengalsRocker]

(12-02-2020, 09:22 PM)Wes Mantooth Wrote: Ketchup doesn't go well with any of his daily staples...

---Lunch: Pooridge, cottage cheese, a plum, and a Werther's Original. Drink.  Drink = RC Cola

---Dinner: Liverwurst, or Pimento Loaf on Rye, Tapioca Pudding, and some Peanut Brittle. Drink = Ovaltine

If he alters either of these meals, or even changes the serving time by even 5 minutes, then it reaks havoc on his entire day.

"Mmmm love dunking my pimento loaf sandwich into the Ovaltine. Shouldn't work but it does. Delicious !  I get crazy sometimes."

[Truck_1_0_1_]

Yeah, no Bienemy, thanks.

I really wanted him last year, was on the fence about him after we (and the other interview) didn't hire him, then after a SB win, he has 3 interviews (IIRC) and he doesn't get hired by anyone?

Yeah, not touching that.

Also, seeing Nagy and Pederson not doing anything over the moon recently, doesn't help him out.

[Nicomo Cosca]

(12-02-2020, 09:32 PM)BobJones4980 Wrote: Seen this on Bienemy earlier when someone asked why he wasn't getting the head coaching jobs that were open last year : 


We all hated bringing in Turner with his history, not sure Bienemy is the best guy to bring in either. Who knows though, maybe he truly has changed.

If he’s good enough for Andy Reid he’s good enough for the Bengals.

[Nicomo Cosca]

(12-02-2020, 10:11 PM)Truck_1_0_1_ Wrote: Yeah, no Bienemy, thanks.

I really wanted him last year, was on the fence about him after we (and the other interview) didn't hire him, then after a SB win, he has 3 interviews (IIRC) and he doesn't get hired by anyone?

Yeah, not touching that.

Also, seeing Nagy and Pederson not doing anything over the moon recently, doesn't help him out.

Pederson won a Super Bowl with a backup QB. I’d take him in a heartbeat.

[Truck_1_0_1_]

(12-02-2020, 11:39 PM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: Pederson won a Super Bowl with a backup QB. I’d take him in a heartbeat.

Pederson of 3 years ago, for sure.

The way he's been bungling the Philly QB sitch is ridiculous, especially for a noted QB, "specialist."

Also, when you say you're going to play Hurts more than any other game this year and he plays one snap, throwing an 8 yard pass and not again for the game... yeah.

And it wasn't even like the game dictated keeping Wentz in; he was awful.

All that being said, I too would probably take him, but I only brought him up because he's another Reid OC that has done nothing/become stagnant.

Perhaps he needs a change of scenery to get that spark back?

[Nicomo Cosca]

(12-02-2020, 11:50 PM)Truck_1_0_1_ Wrote: Pederson of 3 years ago, for sure.

The way he's been bungling the Philly QB sitch is ridiculous, especially for a noted QB, "specialist."

Also, when you say you're going to play Hurts more than any other game this year and he plays one snap, throwing an 8 yard pass and not again for the game... yeah.

And it wasn't even like the game dictated keeping Wentz in; he was awful.

All that being said, I too would probably take him, but I only brought him up because he's another Reid OC that has done nothing/become stagnant.

Perhaps he needs a change of scenery to get that spark back?

Become stagnant is fair, but winning a Super Bowl (especially against TB12/Belichick) is far from nothing. We’d build the guy a statue and name streets after him here lol

[Wes Mantooth]

(12-02-2020, 11:50 PM)Truck_1_0_1_ Wrote: The way he's been bungling the Philly QB sitch is ridiculous, especially for a noted QB, "specialist."

I see him  catching a lot of heat for this, but I'm not sure people understand just how f'd up the situation is.  He's basically stuck between a rock and hard place.

Here are his options:

1.) Bench Carson Wentz and cut him after season's end. 

They can't do this.  He will account for 59 million dollars in dead space in 2021 if he is cut.  That is an absolutely insane number.  It's even more insane with the reduce salary cap.  You'd be better of keeping him, and spending the money around him and just build around a less than ideal QB.

2.) Bench Wentz and trade him after season's end.

They can't do this either.  No one is going to take on that contract.  Options 1 and 2 only leave you one choice, Carson Wentz has to be on the team in 2021.

3.) Bench Wentz and let Jalen Hurts start from here on out.

If you do this then you'll have a 34.5 million dollar backup in 2021. (Remember, Wentz has to remain on the roster.)

4.) Bench Wentz and but him the chance to start next year in a QB competition.

Sounds great, except for the fact that you may ruin any confidence he may left.  And if Hurts stinks, then you're even more screwed than you already are.  And if Hurts is decent, you're still left with a 34.5 million dollar backup.

There are no easy answer here.  What I think he's doing is the following 5th option:

5.) Keep Wentz in there and hope somehow you can get him to look like the player he's proven capable to be. 

Give him some real receiving weapons and at least a semi-decent OL tihis offseason and hope for the best.  He's been decent before, and your stuck with him for 2021.  If he stinks again next year then go with the Hurts experiment.  But don't rush the gun until you absolutely have to.

tldr; This is a complex situation.  It's not as cut and dry as most, where you bench the guy and plan to move on.

[MileHighGrowler]

(12-02-2020, 11:37 PM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: If he’s good enough for Andy Reid he’s good enough for the Bengals.

But he's not a HC.  And never has been.  And it's questionable just what exactly he does do for the Chiefs, as great a team and offense as they are, considering who is above him and who's likely the brains behind the scheme.  

Personally, I want a leader.  I want a guy at HC who sets the tone, who drives the coach's room and the locker room, who manages a game well.  I don't need an offensive or defensive guru to come in at HC.  That's what coordinators are supposed to do.  And I think that if a guy is brought in at HC who's supposed to answer the offensive or defensive questions, there's a strong possibility he either gets into the weeds on it too much (like Taylor is doing now with his playcalling) or puts too much focus on that side of the ball.  

So I'm not in the camp of thinking Bienemy is automagically going to be any better than Taylor.  Give me a guy who owns the locker room and demands high results from his coaches and coordinators.  A guy can be a great position coach or coordinator and also be a terrific leader who ends up being a solid HC, but being a good coordinator or position coach doesn't guarantee a guy has those skills to really lead the building.  Nothing I've seen of Bienemy's coaching history shows me he'll be a better leader than Taylor.  

[Wes Mantooth]

Oh, and one more thing regarding Pederson...

Howie Roseman has done him zero favors. They have an absolutely garbage OL, and the receiving corp is among the worst in the league. No wonder their offense, and specifically Wentz sucks.

His (Roseman) recent free agency signings have been poor, and his recent drafting has been abysmal. He's built out a bad team these last few years.

So it's really easy to just assume Pederson suddenly forgot to coach offense, or that he became a terrible coach overnight. But if you remember that they're a club with an actual GM, who's pulling the strings, you might think twice about laying on the blame on him.

Doug Pederson was a great OC working side by side with Reid in Kansas City, and he helped get the ball rolling there.

He was a more than solid NFL coach up until this year. Obviously he won a Superbowl, but he also had 3 winning seasons in 4 years, with his worst being 7-9. His overall record was 38-25.

So, I don't think he just forgot to coach in 2021. I think there's a lot more going on there than that.

[Nicomo Cosca]

(12-03-2020, 12:22 AM)MileHighGrowler Wrote: But he's not a HC.  And never has been.  And it's questionable just what exactly he does do for the Chiefs, as great a team and offense as they are, considering who is above him and who's likely the brains behind the scheme.  

Personally, I want a leader.  I want a guy at HC who sets the tone, who drives the coach's room and the locker room, who manages a game well.  I don't need an offensive or defensive guru to come in at HC.  That's what coordinators are supposed to do.  And I think that if a guy is brought in at HC who's supposed to answer the offensive or defensive questions, there's a strong possibility he either gets into the weeds on it too much (like Taylor is doing now with his playcalling) or puts too much focus on that side of the ball.  

So I'm not in the camp of thinking Bienemy is automagically going to be any better than Taylor.  Give me a guy who owns the locker room and demands high results from his coaches and coordinators.  A guy can be a great position coach or coordinator and also be a terrific leader who ends up being a solid HC, but being a good coordinator or position coach doesn't guarantee a guy has those skills to really lead the building.  Nothing I've seen of Bienemy's coaching history shows me he'll be a better leader than Taylor.  

I was specifically addressing the character concerns (that are ancient history anyway) wrt Bieniemy. If Andy Reid is comfortable employing him then it doesn’t concern me.