"...but at least it'll be fun to watch"

[SunsetBengal]

(Yesterday, 07:25 PM)XsandOs Wrote: Fouts and Chargers - in a 3 year window, won 33 games in the regular season, but lost in AFC title games twice.

It's interesting that the Allen Bills are one tier behind the Kelly Bills. Almost similar to the McNab Eagles, without the lone SB appearance. 

As related to Burrow Bengals, my concern is being viewed similar to Ryan Falcons. 

Or the Marino Dolphins, they made it to the SB fairly early in his career, lost and never made it back..

[XsandOs]

(Yesterday, 07:32 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Or the Marino Dolphins, they made it to the SB fairly early in his career, lost and never made it back..

Sunset, that is a comparison that readily comes to mind. And I really hope that doesn't define the Burrow - Bengal story.

But given that it occurred before advent of Free agency, and that the Dolphins were in the SB the year before Marino was drafted - I am not sure if it is a fair comparison. 

[SunsetBengal]

(Yesterday, 07:50 PM)XsandOs Wrote: Sunset, that is a comparison that readily comes to mind. And I really hope that doesn't define the Burrow - Bengal story.

But given that it occurred before advent of Free agency, and that the Dolphins were in the SB the year before Marino was drafted - I am not sure if it is a fair comparison. 

Marino did get to enjoy 7 seasons of modern NFL free agency before he retired. 

[*TheLeonardLeap*]

(Yesterday, 07:32 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Or the Marino Dolphins, they made it to the SB fairly early in his career, lost and never made it back..

I guess the bright side of the Eagles both making and winning the SB was Jalen Hurts broke the streak of the last 19 QBs who lost their first SB never making it back.

Still have that whole stink of no HC/QB duo having ever won a SB if they didn't win one in their first 5 years together first, though.

[SunsetBengal]

(Yesterday, 08:18 PM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: I guess the bright side of the Eagles both making and winning the SB was Jalen Hurts broke the streak of the last 19 QBs who lost their first SB never making it back.

Still have that whole stink of no HC/QB duo having ever won a SB if they didn't win one in their first 5 years together first, though.

I guess that means that the team should shitcan Zac, and bring in a guy who prefers to build his team around OL and Defense... 

[XsandOs]

(Yesterday, 08:02 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Marino did get to enjoy 7 seasons of modern NFL free agency before he retired. 

True. The combination of the rise of Denver and Buffalo led to Dolphins downfall starting mid 80s.

 

[Millhouse]

(Yesterday, 12:11 AM)sandwedge Wrote: Part of my optimism for a better D this year is:
1) Early last season our DL was hit hard by the injury bug, Rankins, Hill, Jackson and Jenkins
2) Dax and Turner go down, season ending injuries
3) Wilson goes on IR
4) A lot of Rookies were getting a lot playing time, they showed they were rookies, but played well down the stretch
5) Slaton is being way underrated on here. Led the league for DTs for run stopping percentage
6) We will add some very good talent in the draft.

I believe this D will end up better than last year

I agree. One variable that will matter the most is Golden, and what improvements he can bring to the scheme, playcalling, culture, etc. to the defense. If he can get them all on the same page early on, then by default this defense should be better simply because they were so bad for most of last season.