Ask Jim Owczarski

[EatonFan]

We all know this is a copycat league. My question is how often do the coaches come up with new plays, formations, etc. Plus how long do they practice these before they show up in a game? I'm sure there is technical tweaks they do to old favorites too. Any insight would be welcome.

[jowczarski]

Any idea what the team plans on doing with Uzomah? Any chance he surpasses Kroft or Hewitt for playing time?

Good question. I imagine the first thing he has to prove is that he can handle the blocking assignments and the execution of those assignments. His ability to catch the ball isn’t an issue, I don’t believe. Hewitt is out for a little bit (non-football related procedure) and w/out Eifert, it’s his time to really show he can handle it all. After that … who knows?

Any chance the Bengals take a look at Dwight Freeney?

Heh. Sorry for the late response here. Good call.


1. Do you think that the schedule of Pittsburgh in game 2 was intentional, because of the Burfict suspension? (I don't think Pitt wants any part of Burfict and if Rooney had his way, he would have had game 1 and game 3 be against the Bengals.)

Honestly, a lot of media (local and national) thought for sure CIN-PITT would be Monday Night in week 4. That didn’t happen. No one in the league would ever admit that was a factor. Fun to speculate, but who knows.

2. Do you think the new OC will give Andy the same green light on pre-snap audibles that Jackson did?

Yes. Most definitely.

3. The way I see things now with the Pittsburgh rivalry, is that the Bengals have shown they are no longer intimidated by Pittsburgh, and I think Pitt knows that which is why you are seeing them pushing the Bengals buttons and lashing out with the helmet slapping (Brown at Kirkpatrick), the hair pulling of Reggie Nelson, etc. I believe the next step for the Bengals, now that they are no longer intimidated, is for this team to play under that poise that Lewis has tried to instill. If not, I see the Steelers continuing to own them. Agree? Disagree? Comments?

They played with that poise for what, 59 minutes, 30 seconds – or whatever it was until Jones lost his mind. But 30 seconds can lose you a game, obviously. It’s interesting. The Bengals are done talking about the Steelers – yet the Steelers keep talking about the Bengals and what they do to them. Is that the Steelers trying to get in their head? To keep the national narrative alive? I dunno. But right now, no one in that locker room will talk about Pitt. until it’s that game week.



4. Is there anything at all, you can put a finger on, as to why this team, for the history of the franchise, continues to struggle in 'big stage games' (prime time season games and all playoff games)?

Honestly, no. It’s like why the Bills never won the Super Bowl or why the Atlanta Braves only won one World Series, or why Dusty Baker can’t seem to pull a starting pitcher in the playoffs. I thought they were there when Burfict made the interception. I’m sure everyone did.

Have you heard any rumors as to whether the Bengals are still in the market for a veteran WR and which ones they might be looking at? (A. Boldin would be awesome, but I doubt we have the cap room to spare)

Not a peep at that position. They’ve worked out a couple d-linemen but that’s it. It may happen – and I do think they may eventually bring in a veteran wideout…or perhaps a TE if the Eifert thing really goes south, but it’s quiet.

The question, is Core really get any time at returner? If yes, and I hope the answer is yes, then how is that working out?

I don’t believe so.


My question is how often do the coaches come up with new plays, formations, etc. Plus how long do they practice these before they show up in a game? I'm sure there is technical tweaks they do to old favorites too. Any insight would be welcome.

I think it’s a grey area. For instance, the Bengals offense isn’t going to be that markedly different. Now, I’m sure Zampese will add in new routes or formations but off the same basic structures that already existed. And they liked that Lazor came off the Chip Kelly tree and I’m sure you’ll see some stuff that looks like that – so it’s “new to you” but in reality it’s an offshoot of something that already was run. Are you talking about pure, pure innovation? Like, making up something that never existed? That’s far more rare. The practice time in the NFL is so restricted now and cut down that an established team like the Bengals will add wrinkles, but it’s part of a larger fabric that’s already been created. I’m trying to think … I mean, Gary Crowton was the first guy I saw really bring the bubble screen to the league back when he was OC with the Bears in 1999 but it was never executed like it is now (and, the rules for defensive contact were far different). But he came from college. Same with Chip Kelly. He did all that mess in college first. Great question. Zamp would be a great one to ask because his old man was the one who basically created the “Air Coryell” offense.

[jfkbengals]

(05-26-2016, 01:06 AM)jowczarski Wrote: My question is how often do the coaches come up with new plays, formations, etc. Plus how long do they practice these before they show up in a game? I'm sure there is technical tweaks they do to old favorites too. Any insight would be welcome.

I think it’s a grey area. For instance, the Bengals offense isn’t going to be that markedly different. Now, I’m sure Zampese will add in new routes or formations but off the same basic structures that already existed. And they liked that Lazor came off the Chip Kelly tree and I’m sure you’ll see some stuff that looks like that – so it’s “new to you” but in reality it’s an offshoot of something that already was run. Are you talking about pure, pure innovation? Like, making up something that never existed? That’s far more rare.  The practice time in the NFL is so restricted now and cut down that an established team like the Bengals will add wrinkles, but it’s part of a larger fabric that’s already been created. I’m trying to think … I mean, Gary Crowton was the first guy I saw really bring the bubble screen to the league back when he was OC with the Bears in 1999 but it was never executed like it is now (and, the rules for defensive contact were far different). But he came from college. Same with Chip Kelly. He did all that mess in college first. Great question. Zamp would be a great one to ask because his old man was the one who basically created the “Air Coryell” offense.

Well there's a fact a didn't no.  Thanks for the info.

Could that mean an eventual transition back to that style of offense?  (Perhaps why there was a waiver claim for Mettenberger)

[J24]

Do you think the Pro Bowl changes will have any impact on weather players will play in the Pro Bowl?

Do you think the Raiders will move to Vegas? Do you no what Mike Browns position on a team in Vegas is?

Also if not Vegas, Oakland, or La. Where is the next logical place for the Raiders to land?

Hope you don't mind me asking non Bengal questions just thought you might get bored by the non stop Bengal questions. A nice change of pace.

[EatonFan]

(05-26-2016, 01:06 AM)jowczarski Wrote: My question is how often do the coaches come up with new plays, formations, etc. Plus how long do they practice these before they show up in a game? I'm sure there is technical tweaks they do to old favorites too. Any insight would be welcome.

I think it’s a grey area. For instance, the Bengals offense isn’t going to be that markedly different. Now, I’m sure Zampese will add in new routes or formations but off the same basic structures that already existed. And they liked that Lazor came off the Chip Kelly tree and I’m sure you’ll see some stuff that looks like that – so it’s “new to you” but in reality it’s an offshoot of something that already was run. Are you talking about pure, pure innovation? Like, making up something that never existed? That’s far more rare.  The practice time in the NFL is so restricted now and cut down that an established team like the Bengals will add wrinkles, but it’s part of a larger fabric that’s already been created. I’m trying to think … I mean, Gary Crowton was the first guy I saw really bring the bubble screen to the league back when he was OC with the Bears in 1999 but it was never executed like it is now (and, the rules for defensive contact were far different). But he came from college. Same with Chip Kelly. He did all that mess in college first. Great question. Zamp would be a great one to ask because his old man was the one who basically created the “Air Coryell” offense.

A bit of a followup question:  Hue Jackson was incredibly inventive with pre-snap shifts in order to get the defense to reveal their hand and give cues as to what type of D they were running.  He would also shift to get great matchups when the personnel was right.  Do you see Zampese doing this as well or will he play it more traditional?  Just your gut.

[*ochocincos*]

Who are the top KR/PR candidates besides Tate? Is Boyd expected to get any looks back there or is it likely going to come down to Tate and Alford?

The reason I ask is because with the selection of Core, I think/hope the WR corps ends up as:
Green
LaFell
Boyd
Alford
Core
Kumerow/Wright

However, I can (sadly) see Tate making it again if no clear return specialist upgrade emerges by end of TC. And that would mean cut/PS for two of Alford, Core, Wright, and Kumerow.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(06-06-2016, 01:37 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Who are the top KR/PR candidates besides Tate? Is Boyd expected to get any looks back there or is it likely going to come down to Tate and Alford?

The reason I ask is because with the selection of Core, I think/hope the WR corps ends up as:
Green
LaFell
Boyd
Alford
Core
Kumerow/Wright

However, I can (sadly) see Tate making it again if no clear return specialist upgrade emerges by end of TC. And that would mean cut/PS for two of Alford, Core, Wright, and Kumerow.

I second Ocho's question. We need another Returner to step up for the future so we can keep the young guys.

I think Tate is solid and i am not a Taterhater but it would be nice if we got a gamechanging type KR back there.

My guess would be Alford of course cause he was a dynamic Returner in college but his hands are a question right now i hear.

That ain't good if your hands are a question and you are a Returner.

[Brownshoe]

How long do you think that Boyd will take to be an active member on the offense? I listened to your podcast a week or so ago, and you said that he was a "work in progress" or something like that. Do you think that he might take a whole year to get used to the slot for the Bengals, or from what you seen from him, you think that he will get the hang of it fast? I was hoping that he would be a Houshmandzadeh type of receiver, but the thing you were saying about him makes me kind of worry.

[XenoMorph]

(07-01-2016, 01:33 PM)Brownshoe Wrote: How long do you think that Boyd will take to be an active member on the offense? I listened to your podcast a week or so ago, and you said that he was a "work in progress" or something like that. Do you think that he might take a whole year to get used to the slot for the Bengals, or from what you seen from him, you think that he will get the hang of it fast? I was hoping that he would be a Houshmandzadeh type of receiver, but the thing you were saying about him makes me kind of worry.

Housh didn't really start to pick it up till about year 3 or so from what I remember... (which is watching him drop everything in the preseason and yelling for him to get cut.. *Housh in year 2 or 3 preseason*.)

[BengalFanInNJ]

Yeah. I was surprised they kept Housh for as long as they did. I thought he was pretty bad. Glad they were patient with him. I guess the coaches knew more than I did.

[jowczarski]

Could that mean an eventual transition back to that style of offense? (Perhaps why there was a waiver claim for Mettenberger)

Hm. First blush is no – because they stretched the field a bit last year. If Dalton was able to connect more with Marvin Jones in the final few games before he got hurt it might have been more on display. Ken basically said it’s the exact same offense. As for Mettenberger, that claim was for one reason: improving the No. 3 QB spot for basically free.


Do you think the Pro Bowl changes will have any impact on weather players will play in the Pro Bowl?

Nope. Guys who don't want to go won't go. The NFL should make it at the Super Bowl stadium every year, and play it in that bye week every year. Not that would make more guys go or play, but it adds to the spectacle of the SB and makes it a two-week "event."

Do you think the Raiders will move to Vegas? Do you no what Mike Browns position on a team in Vegas is?

I would have said yes when you first asked this, but now I have to wait to see if Vegas approves the hockey team. I mean, there is a lot of cash out there but the NHL is asking for $500 million and the Raiders would need $500-750 million. That’s a ton of cash for a city. If the NHL thing comes through (and they already have the arena, mind you), I say no. At least no for awhile. And I don’t think Mike really cares. I could be wrong, but if an owner moves it usually means more money for everyone.

Also if not Vegas, Oakland, or La. Where is the next logical place for the Raiders to land?

Wow, those are the top three options. I don’t think they go anywhere other than those three. And feel free to send any non-Bengals related questions my way!


Hue Jackson was incredibly inventive with pre-snap shifts in order to get the defense to reveal their hand and give cues as to what type of D they were running. He would also shift to get great matchups when the personnel was right. Do you see Zampese doing this as well or will he play it more traditional? Just your gut.

I do see him doing that, to be honest. Zampese’s personality might come out in down and distance calls, as opposed to “looking” different.

Who are the top KR/PR candidates besides Tate? Is Boyd expected to get any looks back there or is it likely going to come down to Tate and Alford?

This has already been a great debate among the media during the May/June mini-camps. Alford needs to have a really, really good camp both in route running, catching and returning punts and kicks. Others will get a look but special teams will break ties here, I think. So that’s where Core and Wright have advantages because they know what they’re doing on coverage. Kumerow is more polished than Core and Alford, but obviously the other guys have more speed and “upside.” I can’t speak on Wright at all. I’ve never seen him play. But honestly, no one but Alford can return. At least theoretically, because we haven’t seen Alford return anything.


How long do you think that Boyd will take to be an active member on the offense?

Depends on how you define that. I think he “starts” week 1 (meaning if they open with three or four wide). Unlike most rookies, he’ll play right away. Now, does that mean he gets the ball? Dalton won’t throw it to him unless he’s open and where he’s supposed to be. That may take some time, even if Eifert misses time. He could be the fourth option if Hewitt or Kroft are in patterns, or maybe even the fifth option if Bernard is out there. It’s hard to say what we’ve seen because it’s all tshirts. I can tell you the speed looks real, and I don’t recall him dropping easy ones (like some of the undrafted guys). But in the slot, it’s about getting off the line, getting in little spaces, and knowing where your QB wants you to be. That takes game reps, game speed.

[jonesy84]

The question is this:    What is the current status of Billings' injury?  Will he be out for a significant time?  How will this impact the D Line and who will have to step up to compensate for this loss?

[3wt]

I was listening to Tony Pike on Mo Eggar's show.   He said that the concern he had was that the pressure Minnesota was killing the Bengals' offense with was up the middle.  Up till then I'd been hearing it was mostly coming through Fisher on the left edge.

So if they are still cramming our interior offensive line into Dalton's lap we would seem to have a really serious problem as that is a veteran group - and this has been a problem for the Bengals' offense against good defenses.

My questions are: was the pressure coming from inside, outside or both?

And if it's coming up the middle is that just one player's issue (Bodine) or is it all three?

I'm thinking if we don't solve that problem we will not be going to the playoffs this year.

[Bengal Dude]

(08-12-2016, 02:57 PM)3wt Wrote: I was listening to Tony Pike on Mo Eggar's show.   He said that the concern he had was that the pressure Minnesota was killing the Bengals' offense with was up the middle.  Up till then I'd been hearing it was mostly coming through Fisher on the left edge.

So if they are still cramming our interior offensive line into Dalton's lap we would seem to have a really serious problem as that is a veteran group - and this has been a problem for the Bengals' offense against good defenses.

My questions are: was the pressure coming from inside, outside or both?

And if it's coming up the middle is that just one player's issue (Bodine) or is it all three?

I'm thinking if we don't solve that problem we will not be going to the playoffs this year.

When it comes to interior line, an inferior center can affect a good guard and vice versa. In this case, we know that Bodine is the main struggle on the OL.

[jonesy84]

(08-12-2016, 04:08 PM)Bengal Dude Wrote: When it comes to interior line, an inferior center can affect a good guard and vice versa. In this case, we know that Bodine is the main struggle on the OL.

I was going to refer to Bodine as being the Oline's weak link, but given how strong he was at the combine and all that jazz, that term may not be completely accurate  LOL 

[*bengalfan74*]

We're probably just a little harsh on Hunt on here to be fair. But I don't feel Margus impressed anybody with his game or effort Friday.

I mean he's going into his 4th season and it still seems he just doesn't "get it". Is the majority of the boards appraisal of him on par ? Is the coaching staff really going to hang their hat on him ? What are we missing ?

[jowczarski]

What is the current status of Billings' injury? Will he be out for a significant time? How will this impact the D Line and who will have to step up to compensate for this loss?

Sorry for the delay on this but obviously the Billings news just came out yesterday. They weren’t sure what the issue was until just before then, really. I know everyone gets impatient but sometimes that stuff takes some time (swelling, inconclusive MRI imaging etc.)

Honestly, there isn’t much an impact on the d-line provided everyone is healthy. Billings wasn’t having a great camp. He had some OK plays here and there but he also was getting blown out of plays against second team o-linemen. He was going to be on the 53, but inactive as long as everyone else was healthy. Now it affects depth should Sims/Peko go down, and this sets his development back, but as for 2016 it’s not a huge loss.

was the pressure coming from inside, outside or both?

And if it's coming up the middle is that just one player's issue (Bodine) or is it all three?

The pressure was coming from everywhere. Fisher and Ogbuehi were struggling at tackle, and there were issues on the left side of the interior with Boling/Bodine. It was more of the same with the second team o-line It was concerning because the Bengals quarterbacks weren’t really able to get their work in. But, you’ll notice we only tweeted what we saw and didn’t go hard on those guys – that was going to have to come either after Friday or this week in Detroit. But when it mattered, the Bengals offensive line played just fine. It’s hard in camp – offensive linemen can’t really block or run combinations off one another because they’re trying to keep the d-lineman healthy.

I mean he's going into his 4th season and it still seems he just doesn't "get it". Is the majority of the boards appraisal of him on par ? Is the coaching staff really going to hang their hat on him ? What are we missing ?

Hunt may be what he is at this point. He’s on the team – he is the fourth defensive end. Right now Clarke would be first up should Johnson/Dunlap go down but if they both get hurt Hunt will get run (with maybe Hardison – but he hasn’t gotten any work on the outside in camp). Is that hanging their hat on him? I dunno. But I challenge you to find any fourth defensive end on any team and feel confident he could do the job of the starter. They hoped for more obviously but unless we see some major strides over the next three weeks, it is what it is.

Oh – I’ll give the board a s/o in this morning’s walkthru a bit later!

[jonesy84]

Thanks for the response Jim! I was more worried/upset over the Billings injury because I kept hearing about his incredible strength, with is obviously an important trait to anchoring the Dline. But thank you for reminding me (and many others on here) about how little the staff had planned on using him anyway during the 2016 season. You've helped me be a bit more at ease on that injury situation. So thank you for that!!

[Luvnit2]

We never want injuries. However, do you think sometimes rookie or 2nd year injuries can be a blessing for a deep team like the Bengals? Does it give them ability to keep a few players on the roster that maybe would have been cut or exposed on the practice squad? I was at the game last week and watched the warm ups and the game. Core looked fast and big. If he stays healthy do you think he is competing against Wright for the last WR spot or do you think the injuries may help both make the team?

[Burma]

Jim, was there any interest on the part of the Bengals in Bjeorn Werner, the former 1st round pick of the Colts?  If not, why? I find it hard to believe that he could not have provided at least the same impact as Margus Hunt while being 4 years younger. 

Also, was there any interest in Brandon Boykin? He looked very good with the Eagles before his stint with the Steelers.