ArmyBengal

Jackson Carmen… Due to changes with players being able to cash in when they outperform their rookie deal, the union and the NFL also now allow teams to recoup funds from those that underperform. Please see the transaction where we have withdrawn $5 million from your bank account. Thank you for understanding and as a parting gift, please see the included blow up doll resembling a 15 year old girl. Buh Bye…

The big difference there is he didn't lose game checks sitting out at LSU. He has a hell of a lot more to lose making that call now.

Here would be my only counter point to that. In your numbers above you only give Chase and Higgins as a part of those numbers. However, when looking at the Bengals offense, they ran more 3 WR sets than any team in the league last year. Along with that, they were #5 in the league running 4 and 5 WR sets, while passing the ball more than all but 3 teams in the league. There should be opportunities if that trend continues, but I think there are more mouths to feed this year than last. I don't disagree with you though, just maybe a different perspective as to why. Additionally, should Burton earn more of those opportunities, I don't think he disappoints, which would lead to more. I would say 2025 looks to be a year he could "break out".

Chase is not on social media talking shit, not on sports center or some other sports outlet trashing the team or the front office. In return, the fans are pretty chilled out about the situation and many (like me) think something probably gets done. However, if he misses regular season games, all bets are off. I will shift to "Fuck that guy" mode as a fan. On one hand, I understand why he wants (and frankly deserves) a contract extension. On the other, he's under contract and don't blame the Bengals for wanting him to play on the contract agreed upon by the union. Don't like having to play out a rookie deal? Talk to your union rep. They agreed to the rookie wage scale. Want to make teams more likely to extend those players that produce consistently and meet draft status expectations? Make it possible for teams to recoup money from the first round busts that can ruin a team for years due to lack of production. I guess I'm always of the thought process that I would rather max out results than pay when I already have made more than most people will make working 40+ hours a week, in a job they hate, for their whole life. What good does it do to get an extra $5 million a year when the team can no longer afford to build a team around you? How long would it take you to make the nearly $22 million Higgins is making this year? At my current pay (which I'm happy with), someone would need to find a way for me to extend my life by at least another 125 years. Then of course I would need to be able to produce at the same level I currently am able to at 54 years old. Sounds reasonable.... right? This is why they can't keep Tee. No way they make both Burrow and Chase the highest paid at their position when extended and then give another guy close to the same, even if not at the top. Even though the cap always grows, those contracts can make things very prohibitive in adding more talent. A team can no longer miss on draft picks.

Chase, Higgins, Yoshi, Sizzle, Irwin and Burton are your 1-6 WR corps. I can't see them carrying 7 when looking at the drop off in talent. While I agree that Burton's production may be limited, I took a look at the 1-6 WR's from last year. Chase, Higgins, TB, Irwin, Yoshi, and Sizzle. Jones only played in 11 games and Higgins only 12. Of course Burrow didn't play the whole season either. That being said, Yoshi was the surprise last year in a season most thought he was a fringe player. While he only had 15 catches for 116 yards on the season, his 4 TD's were good for 3rd on the team behind only Chase and Higgins. 11 of his 15 catches went for a first down as well and only Higgins had a better 1st down conversion rate. While that may not be anything to write home about, it was more production that I thought we were going to get from him. I'm not saying Burton is going to set the NFL on fire here, just saying he will have a role in this offense. With the focus on having Moss and Brown catching passes out of the backfield this season, along with a plethora of TE receiving talent, a smaller role won't surprise me in the least. However there is no denying his talent.

Score aside, I thought the backups did better than I thought they would against the Colts starters. Anthony Richardson looked like crap for them. Outside of that, I still enjoy seeing the young players getting snaps. Burton is going to play a part in this offense. If not this season, certainly in the coming years. Very vanilla offense and defense which is what you expect in preseason game 3. Not much to hang your hat on and not much to get upset about. It was perfect football weather and we had a good time hanging out at the stadium for the evening. Armybengal Jr. is a senior this year and the high school has their first game tomorrow night. Next Saturday we wilL be up in Columbus for the Buckeyes season opener against Mother Mary of the Blind I believe…

I saw a new report that Murphy is now out 4-6 weeks. That’s definitely missing regular season games. Kind of a bummer !! Hope he heals up sooner rather than later.

Yeah I want to see how our backups fare against their starters. Certainly worth checking out the game for that reason. Hoping to see the alphabet linebacker, Njongmeta get more snaps tonight.

I personally don't care if he ever hits 1600 yards as long as his whole body of work continues as it has to this point. Again, we have a WR that has produced in the post season and a Super Bowl. He's established from that perspective and knowing that has it's own value. The moment isn't too big. He doesn't shrink when his number is called. The closest Jefferson has been is winning a college National Championship. While that is something, it's not the same. Do I think he would fail in that area? No, but it's not established. Chase needs to be signed now. He doesn't need to get $40m per year either. Just on par with whatever the top of the market is at currently. He's a top of the market WR and the Bengals may lose more than just the player if not resigned. Have to think Burrow won't think too highly of the front office's decision if he's not extended. Just don't let that become a problem when it's not needed. I would love for them to have both Chase and Higgins, but that's a pipe dream. No way the Bengals devote that much of the cap to one position group. NO. CHANCE.

Well was there anyone thinking he didn’t want top of the market contract? Of course he said that, but that’s because he probably knows (or should) that he’s not getting that. The number will be lower for sure. Again, yards are one small stat. Chase has actually played in multiple playoff games and a Super Bowl. Something Justin Jefferson can only dream of at this point regardless of his personal stats.

I’m headed down to watch the backups and enjoy and evening hanging out at the stadium. Should be a nice night for football. Hoping for nothing more than no injuries. Go Bengals !!

Former Bengals TE C.J. Uzomah back on the street after being released by the Jets. That dude should have never left Cincinnati, but I get it. I like our TE room going into the start of this season though. Good luck CJ...

Yes it could have. Seeing as how we are still 2 1/2 weeks from the opener, maybe he only misses a game or two. Heal up quick Myles, you will be needed this year !!

So from all reports, the Bengals won’t be playing starters and the Colts will be playing most of their starters. At least we get to see how our backups fare against the Colts first team. Murphy walked off the field on his own? I don’t like the sound of that…

I need to clarify... The hope and pray strategy is that there is no injury, not saying there is and the season is lost. For the record, I'm all about bringing in MacGyver if that would be of assistance. Could all be nothing more than clickbait type crap, but which of us truly knows the answer? I'm good with the "nothing to see here" approach at this time.

Yeah, it's out there among mainstream reporters at this point. I guess we are back to the "hope and pray" strategy. Get some super glue, cortisone shots, and a paper clip to MacGyver his fucking wrist to not break into pieces this year.

Jesus help us

There’s always hoping !!

I'll take whatever good news there is to be had about the o-line. As much as I enjoy the preseason, I always take it with a grain of salt. Much like the UDFA linebacker that has been blowing up the preseason, Njongmeta from Wisconsin. You would think he's the next coming of Dick Butkus with all the talk. If he's simply solid depth, that would be a steal in and of itself. That and any more would all be gravy. I like gravy...

He's not touching the field only goes so far. If Chase honestly thinks (I don't think he does) he's going to outlast the Bengals front office, him and his agent obviously aren't aware what team they are dealing with. Please understand, that's not an endorsement of the front office and how they do business. It's them wanting to be cheap for another year they have the ability to do so. While I don't blame them for wanting that, I think it's a mistake in this particular situation. In the most disinterested voice as possible, "just get it done already"...

These jokers have got to clean up the penalties as well. Yeah, preseason, but clean it up.

There were 12 WR’s taken ahead of Burton. Honestly I liked every single one of them. Agree he may suffer from the glut of receiving options at Burrow’s disposal, but he has that ability to really shine in this offense. I still stand by thinking that Gesicki is going to swallow up his fair share of snaps from the slot as well. As much as I loved Boyd, his time was up here. I wish him the best in Tennessee and think he will have a better season there than he would have had here. Well, at least more opportunities. I cannot wait to see this offense in all its glory week one. Just stay healthy men !!

Burton could be the surprise WR this year that surpasses many WR’s drafted ahead of him. I love what he brings.

Now you did it...

Torn Patella Tendon for D. Smith as well. Out for season…