Stripes

I'm so glad they viewed DT as a major priority. It's not something the fanbase talked about as much as the LB black hole or the looming free agency losses at CB. The defensive line was immensely disappointing to me in both 2018 and 2019 though, and I can't wait to see if Reader can make a difference. Hell, if he can just eat up a few extra blocks and get us one more big Geno Atkins season then that's huge. It could also provide Geno the push he needs to make a loud and final Hall of Fame case.

On paper I think the free agents (plus the three drafted LBs) are ALL clear upgrades other than the corners, and they could be upgrades too. The larger concern is getting them on the field together to gel, build rapport, and get repetition in Anarumo's system. There's nothing the Bengals can do about it right now that they're not already doing, so we just have to cross our fingers. I am with mem in the end regardless: whatever happens on the field, nobody can look at me with a straight face and say they didn't try to fix this thing.

If I'm Tua I hold out as long as necessary to get that 30,275,439th dollar.

SIGN 'EM

Little do you realize that the future still rests on the shoulders of Jake Dolegala.

The last time I really, truly cared what this team did (apart from PleaseLose2019) was a few seconds prior to a certain Jeremy Hill fumble. So I get it. I'm glad Joe and the receivers are closely communicating, whether they can get out for some throws any time soon or not. He can begin to establish rapport and assert his leadership immediately.

Incidentally, that's also the number of times Tua got his ass handed to him by Burrow in Tuscaloosa.

I've been watching a number of Burrow-dedicated videos lately, and one thought that keeps emerging: his arm is strong. He didn't always need it, because he favored precision and touch, but when he needed it he gunned it.

"Pookie bear, be sure you lock your doors tonight. Custodian Rob swears he saw Rookie Pool lurking in the halls last night!!!"

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29127392/source-bengals-not-picking-fifth-year-option-wr-john-ross Declining the 5th year option on John Ross.

Cool article. It's nice to put numbers to the more abstract strengths most of us see in Burrow -- decision making, reads progressions, etc.

I don't really care who started it, who's at fault, and who sucks: These exchanges have got to stop. They ruin every thread in which they appear. Block each other for the love of god.

We all knew it was coming at this point. Seems it's [about to be] official. Happy trails to a top three all-time Bengals quarterback. His was one of our finest decades ever.

I would hate cutting out the bye week. Seems like a terrible idea.

Dalton put up 20 TDs, 13 INTs, 3,400 yards, and a 58% completion rate in 2011. Just sticking this here for later reference. ADG being so high on that chart is a neat development. I wonder to what extent a less "obvious" option like him is featured prominently to entice those drawn towards foolhardy dark horse bets.