ArmyBengal

The Bengals have an out on Collins contract as well, so seeing as how he's likely to miss damn near if not the whole 2023 season, his release would not be a surprise. That's not to say it will happen, but his contract was built to allow for that possibility.

Just one as far as I have seen.

I'd rather a RT, as opposed to a LT. Jonah may not be the best LT in the league, but forcing the issue with a lesser talent that may not see the field isn't my desire. RT on the other hand could earn the starting spot from day 1 with Collins possibly not seeing the field in 2023 or at least until the last few weeks of the season. The other thing I like about taking a RT is one could be had on day 2.

Well Bates would still need to sign the tag in order for the team to trade him, but if he wants a bigger contract (he does), I don't think that would be an impediment. He has already stated that while he wants to stay with the Bengals, he can't leave 10 million on the table. I would make a bet another team would be willing to give more than a 3 round comp and have him sit at a table of his liking. Don't get me wrong, I love Bates and think he deserves to be paid. However, I don't think that position is where we need to spend 18+ million per year. Thanks for everything Jessie and nothing but the best !!!

Oh yeah, free agency... There's too many unknowns at this point to try to guess. Burrow should be the first piece to that and then move from there. I hope they get that done sooner rather than later as well. I don't want that hanging over everything else. After that, what I hope for is as much continuity as possible and upgrades where they can get them done. Jonah, Volson, Karras, and Cappa should all be there to start the 2023 season, but Collins tore his ACL and MCL in week 16, so he might not see the field in 2023. RT needs to be the priority and don't care if they do it via free agency or the draft. Considering future contracts coming due, I would guess the draft. After that, I have no issue with trying to build the depth of the line at any position the teams desires. I still have no thought of Bates being here under a long term contract. He was franchise tagged and got 12.9 million last year. Unless there was guarantee when he signed the tag, I believe the Bengals could tag him again at less than 16 million. I would rather them try to tag and trade, as oppose to let him walk. He's looking for top of the market (18 million) and the tag wouldn't impede a trade. Yes, it would piss off Bates, but at that point, who cares? Do you want a 3rd round comp or what could come in a potential trade that would surely be more. What the hell do I know though ??

I don't like the decision Ossai made there. It's one thing to have your momentum carry yourself into a player, but this was more than a simple unavoidable collision. He gave Mahomes a shove well after being out of bounds. It was a very bad decision on his part and that flag had to be thrown. All that being said, I understand what comes along with making bad decisions that affect many people and how it can stick with someone for an extended time. I truly hope Ossai can move past it sooner rather than later, because I think he's a good player and I want him to stick around. Own the play and move forward, don't let it define you. I feel bad for him not just because of the outcome, but how the cameras focused on him at one of his most vulnerable and emotional moments. I wish him nothing but the best and hope the team rallies around him. And to Paul Alexander... at your soonest convenience, please go fuck yourself. What a piece of shit.

Side note… The Chiefs fans might be the coolest group of fans my son and I have ran into during our years of football traveling. Damn near everyone was welcoming and then gracious in their winning. Unlike the Bills fans who can ALL go suck a dick. We had a great time. Great memories with my son !!

Hard to take that one and the crap drive home will be a little more irritating. I hate the late hit by Ossai and still don’t know how you make that huge of a boneheaded mistake in that situation. That being said, he’s not the only reason they came out on the wrong end in the game. It was simply nothing in comparison to how completely they played in Buffalo. Call it better game planning and execution on the part of the Chiefs. I don’t want to sit and and pick apart every little reason they lost today. It’s just pointless at this point in time. They had a great season and that makes back to back appearances in the AFC Championship game, with a Super Bowl appearance between them. Anyone not happy to be a Bengals fan really needs to go back and relive the 90’s. The 2023 season is going to belong to the Bengals. Hope all you guys and your families are well. WHODEY EVERYONE !!!

Made it to the stadium. It’s old but the Chiefs stadium looks cool as shit when coming into the area. Tailgates are pretty sweet as well. Much better scenario than the Buffalo game. Yes, I’m not about to complain about the Chief’s injuries when considering our o-line. Pressure Mahomes and hit Kelce every chance you get. Lets get after it boys !!’ WHODEY !!!

Nice move on the Bengals part there.

My wife, in a desperate attempt, took a picture of my Atkins jersey and it now it’s my wallpaper on my phone. Its going to have to suffice for now !!

All is lost. I left my Atkins jersey hanging in my room. Well, there’s always next year…

Seriously, I’m beyond dreading that drive back. Bengals winning will get me through !!

Ok we got here after 9 hours driving through the asshole of America. Southern Illinois might be the closest thing to Afghanistan I’ve seen since leaving that shithole country.

Two hours to go and this drive makes me want to eat a bullet. Never saw more depressing shit in my life.

Alright guys… ArmyBengal Jr. and I are headed to KC in the morning. Wish you all could be there with us freezing our asses off and screaming loudly !! Will do our best to bring home the “W” !! Let’s fucking go !!! WHODEY !!!

I know, I know, just poking...

Is that Nickelback ?? lol

Yeah, that guy sucks...

Here's where I am with the Mahomes injury... Anyone placing a bet on the game predicated upon what the coaches say and video clips show, is a fool. Of course the coaches are going to say he looks great and will be ready to go. What else are they going to say at this point? That video never once showed Mahomes sprinting. That was the most gingerly jogging I've seen and think it's going to be an impact. Does that mean the Bengals are going to win? No, but again, high ankle sprains don't heal in 4 days. Mahomes will be taking a pain killer before the game for sure to get through, hoping to make it through the game in my opinion. His ankle will be wrapped and I would guess his scrambling ability will be hampered by the injury. All that said, I expect him to make every effort to ball out and the Chiefs to game plan for what he's dealing with. I compare it to every Bills fan telling us on the way into the stadium we couldn't win because of the o-line. Truth is, you just never know and why I wouldn't touch betting on this game. I still think both teams will have their hands full just like each of the 3 previous meetings.

Yes, the cap growth is what makes a guaranteed contract interesting as well. The cap hit stays the same year after year while the cap continues to grow. Mahomes is interesting that way for sure and it's a 10 year deal. Nice for them to not have to worry about that for a while.

So I was a little curious and took a look at the highest paid QB's in the league. I was going to look at the top 5, but the 6th included Mahomes which I thought was an interesting comparison. Age in parenthesis and Burrow just turned 26 for comparison. Watson (27)- 5 yr deal in '22- 55m per yr- At signing 230m- Cap hit stays the same Stafford (34)- 4yr deal in '22- 63m per yr- At signing 63m- Cap hit goes up a little across contract Wilson (34)- 5yr deal in '22- 48.5m per yr- At signing 124m- Cap hit goes up a little across contract Allen (26)- 6yr deal in '21- 43m per yr- At signing 100m- Cap hit goes up a little across contract Rodgers (39)- 3yr deal in '22- 50m per yr- At signing 101m- Cap hit goes up more across contract Mahomes (27)- 10yr deal in '22- 63m per yr- At signing 63m- Cap hit goes up more across contract I found it interesting how some of these were put together and I guess you could argue many different angles. There is far more than I can understand with all types of guarantees and bonuses, but the cap hit seems very important to the organization. I can see some advantage to keeping the cap hit the same, like the Watson deal, but that is risky as hell for a team to guarantee everything. Something along the lines of what Allen got, but obviously more money involved for Burrow in 2023. North of 50m per year (which has been mentioned) obviously places him in the top 5 paid QB's in the league. Conversely, I don't know what the hell Bills fans and coaches are bitching about regarding paying players when you have Allen's contract either. Anyway, something to consider...

The block Carman put on Trumaine at the end of that clip is still amazing to watch. Everyone in the stands saw it and you heard a collective, "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH" !!! Carman might be the luckiest player ever. Had that injury to Jonah not happened, he probably wouldn't have seen the field. I still don't get the confusion however. He's a natural LT and regardless of what people thought of his ability to play there in the NFL. He struggled at every other position they put him in. The fact he plays better at his natural position shouldn't shock anyone. Now, does that mean he should be the LT of the future for the team? Not necessarily, but I think they know what position he should play. I don't have to (and I don't) like the character concern, but this has been more than a humbling experience for that young man and you would hope he's figured some shit out with his life. If he has, maybe that makes the team relook the LT position long term. Maybe not, but they need to address the OT spot in the draft anyway. As much as I have beaten on Carman, if this can be a catalyst for his life to improve, then good for him.

They have work to do considering all the other free agents they are looking at after the season ends. As they always say, you can't pay everyone. Guys that are starters or contributors heading into UFA: Bates- He's not back at his price point and we have Dax Bell- He's 28 and coming off a 3 year, 18 million deal. Should fit. Hurst- How much does he want? With both him and Sample hitting FA, we are drafting TE anyway. Pratt- They need to bring him back, period. He's a high priority in my personal opinion. Apple- Can I help pack your bags? Awuzie will be back, CTB is playing well and we will be drafting CB. Perrine- He's 27 coming off a 2 year, 3 million deal. I want him back. Earned another deal and pass blocks well. Scharping- I love the fact we had this guy for depth. Such a good pick up. If we can bring him back with a backup contract, do it. Sample- I really don't know what to think about Sample. Flowers- I don't think he will cost much to bring back if they so desire. Allen- If they just have to have Allen back, they can probably make that happen. and more

By watching that, he looks like he’s taking his time in that ankle. However, I’m with Mem. Let them ramble about how he’s 100%, that does them no good when we all know he’s not. High ankle sprains don’t heal in 3 days.