ArmyBengal

I literally haven't watched TV since last weekend outside of movies on whatever streaming platform. The only football news I have been into is whatever is discussed here and mock drafts. I'm sure it will pick up as we get closer, but I'm not watching the Super Bowl either. Just don't care.

Money must really cloud the fuck out of your judgement when making THAT much. I struggled with money when I got out of the Army and was busting my ass to get my family back on track. I got on at the VA and was going back to school. I kept working and got promotions quickly. Then it happened. One day on my to school, I filled up my gas tank. I got in the car and started driving and it hit me. I had no idea how much it took to fill my gas tank. Like literally NO idea and I thought, "Wow, that's cool". I even called my wife and told her about it. She just laughed at me, but it really hit me. I had spent most of military career not making shit and struggling. Got out of the Army and struggled. Worked and worked and worked some more and finally got my family pointed in the right direction. All these years later and I couldn't imagine fucking all that hard work up with such a poor decision. What are these guys doing?

I would love a Pittman type deal for Higgins as well, but don't think there's a way they get him at that number. Having that type of out after 2 seasons would be spectacular. In retrospect, the Bengals messed this up, just like Ja'Marr. They tagged Tee and reportedly didn't offer a long term deal that hit $20m per year. It was a mistake because that number was only going to go up from there. If getting Tee at $21-$22m per year now would be a great deal (I DO) than the Bengals messed up. They could have had it at that last year and be sitting only needing to focus on Chase and Trey right now. Just like Ja'Marr betting on himself and turning in one of the best WR season's in history. People saying he wasn't worth the $30m last year are going to shit themselves with his deal coming up. Again, people will NOW say, "Yeah, pay Chase $30m per year". TOO LATE...

I haven't read (or looked for) a single thing about the Super Bowl. It's like the game has already been played. Can't muster any interest at all...

Keeping Tee was always going to be a struggle and I don't think that's the Bengals being cheap either. I want them to and think they can, but am unsure if it's really the right thing to do. I guess some of that will come with seeing who else they could add to the roster in free agency. I was curious in a comparison and went to take a look at the Michael Pittman Jr. deal. Him and Tee were drafted in the same draft class. Higgins has played in 70 games, starting 62 of them. His stats look like this: 330 receptions on 512 targets. That's nearly 60% success rate when thrown his way. 4,595 yards and 34 TD's, converting 233 first downs. During the playoffs, he has 31 catches, 457 yards, 3 TD's and 21 first downs over 7 games. Pittman has played in 78 games, starting 70 of them. His stats look like this: 405 receptions on 598 targets. That's 53.5% success rate when thrown his way. 4,470 yards and 18 TD's, converting 215 first downs. During the playoffs, he has 5 catches, 90 yards, 0 TD's and 3 first downs in 1 game. While there are several different ways one might interpret that, I'm in the camp that says when Higgins is healthy and on the field, he's clearly the better receiver. Had he been healthy, those numbers would only be increased. Another might be, well Pittman has had shit QB's play and still put up solid numbers while Higgins has had Burrow throwing him the ball. Either way around, Pittman got a 3 year $70m deal, averaging $23.3m per year with a $15m signing bonus. $46m of the $70m is guaranteed. The Colts have a $5m dead cap out the 3rd year, saving $24m if they move on. While there are certainly other WR's that could be compared, this is a pretty good one in my opinion. My take away is there is no way a contract is done that doesn't average AT LEAST the $26.2m tag. As much as Tee should probably stay with Burrow, some team will throw a bigger number than that at him. With that said, Tee is gone...

It’s sort of like mediation in a lawsuit. The insurance agency offers this much. The other party wants this much. When all is said and done, the insurance agency gives more than they want to while simultaneously the other party gets less they wanted. Middle ground… Oddly enough you walk away thinking FUCK YOU !!

Nope, can't hurt at all. However, it takes people being both willing to listen and move from their current stance. How much they move is the story. Should be interesting.

In all honesty, I have no business being anywhere near a football field. Well, unless I'm cutting grass or have good seats. In terms of actually playing football, that never appealed to me. I was always short and light in the ass. Soccer was my sport. Played since I was 4, played all over the world and finally called it when I was about 35-36 years old. Great sport and provided great memories. I miss playing, but love watching. Back on topic... I like the Norman-Lott kid out of Tennessee as well, but am not sure why he has missed games in almost every season he played in college. I'm assuming injuries, but am not sure. Still looking for the clone of my favorite Bengals player at that position. GENOOOOOOO !!!

Yeah, that was almost too easy. I couldn't resist. Sadly, all of that is true. LOL...

Don’t know why they are worried about the Jefferson and Lamb deals. They sat on their hands last offseason, Chase bet on himself, and they watched him become one of the few WR’s in history to pull off the receiving triple crown. His deal will eclipse both of those mentioned. The Bengals fucked that up for sure. Just lazy on their part.

All looked great when he was healthy this year and agree with the comments. That being said, the knee were noted in college and they knew it was a risk. It bit them. Such is life. Honestly, I’m intrigued by what McLachlan might be. He was solid in college.

Hell yeah I am. Once I get this degenerative disc disease, rheumatoid arthritis and PTSD under control and cut back on the whiskey, I’m all in. Come to think of it, a couple of those things might actually help. Anger issues and pain killing agents probably are a bonus when tackling. Yep, put me in coach !!

The big knock on Nolen I have seen is the lack of consistent desire to be great. He clearly has the ability to do so, but his motor runs cold at times and disappears.

Aaaaaaand there's the risk with All, which was noted heavily. Better make sure that Gesicki is a priority. He just got more valuable.

If Tee walks, can we please not replace his 6'4 big body frame with a guy who's 5'11 ?? I think that's kind of the point with Tee. He's big AND athletic. Those guys don't grow on the draft tree. If they do, it's an early selection and I'm all in on giving Golden a new weapon based on what he wants/needs for the defense. The only thing that really takes me off of a defender at #17 is a free agency bonanza that nets us a starting DT, DE and Safety. Ok, maybe two of those three, but still. Minus a guy like WR Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona dropping, that's a no. If you haven't seen that kid play, check him out. T-Mac reminds me a lot of Tee.

Agree with almost any defensive pick, although CB would be less thrilling in the first round than a DE or pass rushing DT. Give me a defensive front 4 guy in the first and then have at it after that. I love Singleton from Penn State as well, but he's returning for another year unfortunately. Golden was fun to watch this year as well. I'm not as high on Jeanty as everyone else seems to be however. As always, the first chip is going to be free agency. Once we see what we get and what we lose, the clearer picture will come into focus. I'm all in on draft mode at this point and that sucks. Not being in the playoffs makes the time from the new year to the draft really drag out. However, rarely a day goes by where I don't do at least two or three mock drafts. Don't know why, but they are fun to me.

It will probably be said a million time between here and next fall, but again this defense simply needs to get to mid range to be considered wildly successful. There is no expectation of a top 5 defensive and with a potent offense, it’s not even needed. Had the defense been able to stop any of those team even once when we scored 30+ the talk wouldn’t have been about the last wild card slot but rather playing a home playoff game at minimum.

It's gotten to a point I almost don't like to share with those that don't know. They've been my own little piece of perfection that people have seemingly forgotten or never knew. Since I feel like sharing today. Listen and read the lyrics. Simply an amazing tune. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEgpcgO4Hvk

Up until today, I think I have only met one other person who not only knew who they were, but claimed they were his favorite band. Again, I had young uncles and credit them for taking me to concerts at a young age. Thank God my parents didn't object. Concur about Allied Forces. Just amazing to listen to. Going to put it on now and listen while I work. Thanks YouTube....

I got them on loan from COB for a short duration to Power Wash the driveway and cut down some obnoxious honeysuckle plants along the wood line. For some reason Bodine keeps showing up in a Speedo. Something about COB requested that? I don't know...

Ok, let me address a few things... Triumph might be the most underrated band of all time. I have always been a fan and it shocks me when I hear other people mention them. Agree that Ministry might be the worst band of all time. They were said to be ahead of their time. Maybe that time hasn't come yet. The singer sucks and the music is right behind him in the epicness of suckage. Although I know many that love them. Opinions and all. Slayer is a band that, if the song is good, it's really good (Dead Skin Mask = Heavy/Dark Masterpiece) and if it's bad, it horrible. Pantera is the soundtrack to my military career. Going to gym? Out for a run? Need motivation? Combat missions in Afghanistan or elsewhere in the world? All of which took place with Pantera in my ears. They absolutely crushed shit and I felt invincible when listening. Still do.

Don't really care. I didn't want either the Chiefs or the Bills to win that game, so I will just take the good away from it and take pleasure in knowing all those shitbag Bills fans I hate so much are unhappy today. Didn't use to be that way either. I use to feel a sort of kinship with them. Not any more. Eat a dick Bills fans. At this point my only take away is seeing guys that could win a ring that I like and feel deserve it. Chiefs: DeAndre Hopkins, Samaje Perrine Eagles: Saquon Barkley, Chase Brown's brother (Sydney) BONUS WIN: Kenny Pickett could win a SB with the Eagles and not the Steelers Honestly, there are a lot of players that I like individually on both of these teams. Many I had hoped the Bengals would have drafted through the years. Funny how some of that has worked out. While I won't be watching the game, there's that aspect I suppose. Hey TJ, I'd offer to have you do something, but I currently have Andre Smith, Russell Bodine and John Ross handling the small details around the house. Want to come over and watch them work?

First concert of my life? 1976, Riverfront Coliseum (at the time) KISS and Bob Segar. I was 6 years old and have young uncles.

Queensryche. Great band, great shows back in the day. Any talk of seeing 80’s hairbands live in their prime gives you all you need to know… I’m with you Stripes !!

On a side note, Joe Brady the OC for the Bills, decided to stay in that position instead of considering head coaching gigs. If you recall, he was at LSU when Burrow and Chase were there. If Zac comes up short again in 2025, Brady would be on my wish list.