Stripes

Disregard. /edit

I'm glad Taylor is being given the freedom to bring in someone he wants. What's the point of a new head coach if we're going to force staffing decisions upon him?

I'm not married to any of the personnel save Geno. And if he doesn't fit, I guess I can move on from him too. I think the 3-4 is just a better scheme in a vacuum, so I'd be on board. Get the people who fit it. The personnel we have right now suck ass anyway.

If Taylor does happen to be enamored by some QB, I kinda hope it isn't Haskins. I mean, I know jack shit compared to NFL scouts etc... but every time I watched him, he seemed like he had a very slow release -- like Byron Leftwich slow. Especially behind a shoddy line that would be a recipe for problems early. Of course, I could be wrong and he'll be fabulous. But we're on a message board, and talking out of our asses is our pastime.

Yes, the majority of the players in the league (81% according to the broadcasts) have been signed to an NFL contract at least once. There are some recognizable names too, like Trent Richardson. What really draws me to this thing is their experimentation with the fundamental rules of the game. They have made changes that many NFL people have mused about but never had the balls for. They've eliminated all kickoffs and onside kicks (the latter being replaced by a 4th-and-12 attempt by the scoring team). Extra point attempts are gone; teams must attempt two-point conversions. The play clock is accelerated, and the number of commercial breaks is drastically reduced. The total game time is closer to 2.5 hours now. Fans are given full view of the replay official in the booth as he/she makes critical decisions on calls/no-calls on the field. The league structure is also really well-conceived in a way that I think should encourage fans to genuinely invest emotion in the outcomes. Every franchise is regionally affiliated like I suggested earlier, but that includes colleges too. There is no "draft" apart from the quarterback position; teams draw their players either from the NFL, or from a regional subset of colleges located around each other. For example, the Birmingham Iron draw players from both Alabama and Auburn -- fans of those schools are given a clear reason to identify with and enjoy Iron football games. There are no midwestern or northeastern teams to this point, which is understandable. Playing up there in February is a tough pill to swallow without a dome. I think it will come though, and the regional setup will be so cool. Imagine, for example, a "minor league" team based in Dayton or Toledo or wherever that draws from Ohio State, UC, Miami (Ohio), etc. To me, that sounds so awesome.

I know it's not the NFL, but they're partnered with them so close enough. Is anyone watching these games? I am having a ton of fun with the new league and its rule adaptations. There are no obvious rooting interests for people in the area of Cincinnati, though there are league affiliates in the AAF. Each of the 8 AAF teams has four NFL affiliates and one CFL affiliate. The Bengals are affiliated with the Memphis Express (who just got smashed 26-0 today).

On the bright side, Taylor was clearly aware of the controversies associated with Turner and still made the hire he wanted to make. He doesn't seem fussed with image; he is interested in results. I am not convinced Turner is going to get those results, but I'll wait and see. If he pulls any shit though that reflects poorly on the franchise and the city, I hope there's no mercy.

The Bengals like to brand themselves as redeemers, so that may as well apply to the coaching staff too I guess. Turner sounds like a piece of work. The less I hear his name the better (which would be the case for any offensive line coach).

Given the shite QB draft class, I want to see Dalton get his proper shot under Taylor. I was seeing rumors floated about Ryan Tannehill which is thoroughly gross. Please no, unless that's a backup plan.

I'm pleased by it, assuming it is properly finalized (part of me is concerned about the degree of certainty in the air when nothing is signed) given that it is representative of concrete change and reliance upon the outside. They didn't sit on their hands here like many of us were afraid they would. Whether it represents a meaningful change in the behavior of the organization remains to be seen, because there are a number of ways this can go: 1. Taylor's teams consistently fail and finish with losing records, and he departs after three seasons or so. That precedent exists already with this franchise re: the '90s. If that happens it isn't the end of the world. They had to take a chance and I can forgive a flop as long as it is handled expediently. 2. Taylor's teams mimic Marvin's in their level of success. They win sometimes, get a few exciting playoff berths, but make no deep runs. If this happens, I want him gone just as quickly as I would in the previous item. That culture cannot be allowed to continue. Wild Card losses don't cut it. If he gets 6+ seasons without a playoff win, then nothing has really changed. 3. They win a g-damned playoff game, at least one, and play football in the mystical unicorn that is the divisional round. That sounds great. What happens if he is Jason Garrett though, and he gets to *that* level once or twice but never beyond it? That wasn't good enough for Houston when they were beating us in the WC round. Is it good enough for Cincinnati? 4. AFC Championship and Super Bowl contention. Obviously that'd be swell. I am just rambling here and I am not sure what my point is. I just wonder if there's truly a culture shift at work even as I observe the evidence of it. I am too traumatized by this shit to have confidence.

Tangentially relevant positivity: Andrew Whitworth might finally get a playoff win tonight. Knock on wood.

He’s also esteemed for being the 12th President of the United States.

I’m glad it’s a young guy. He shouldn’t be as firmly entrenched in obsolete football as many of the previous generations.

McDaniels dumped Jay Cutler when he was still good and rolled out Kyle Orton. McDaniels thought Tim Tebow was a first round draft pick. No thanks.

I want a QB. Trade up if necessary.