HoosierCat

I would think that Pitcher has the inside track on the OC job if Callahan moves on. ETA: yeah Hobs hints pretty strongly that’s the case in his latest: https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-begin-offseason-routine-after-one-of-their-best-seasons-ever-was-far-fro Other bits: Pratt & Bates both want to come back, but Bates doesn’t sound hopeful on the money front Cappa would have been back for the Super Bowl Still no timetable on Chido’s recovery

Well, the reportedly just gave the QB coach a fat extension, so they seem to be working to keep the band together on that front. Losing Lou was my biggest concern but it seems like teams are looking for HCs with an offensive background these days.

So, two and a half years (more or less) later, how are we all feeling about this? I’m (no pun intended) mixed. Since signing the deal, Joe’s lost most of one year (2020) to injury, had a superb and arguably all-around career best year in 2021, followed by a season that in many respects was below average. He was probably most useful as a receiver last season, setting career highs in targets, receptions, yards and first downs gained. He was actually the third-leading receiver on the team after Chase and Tee. But if you wanted. *running back,* well his 814 yards were (excepting 2020) his lowest since his rookie year and his 3.9 yards per attempt was the third lowest of his career. And he went from 13 rushing TDs in 2021 to 7 in 2022. His numbers aren’t horrible, but just to contrast Perine was banging our 4.1 yards a rush behind the same line and he only cost $1.8 million vs. Joe’s $11 million. I still think the extension was a good one, but looking at how things played out in 2022, that near-$13 million cap hit for the upcoming season is a bit tough to swallow.

May as well get this started. First thing that pops to mind is Bates. He wanted top dollar last time around, I wonder what his offers will look like now. On the one hand he had a career high four picks and only allowed about 50% of targets to be completed (another career high). OTOH he allowed a career-high 4 TDs and unlike last season made zero plays in the playoffs. Someone will probably throw a Brink’s truck at him because free agency and after drafting Hill last year I don’t think he’s in the Bengals’ plans. But I don’t think this season did much to advance his case for big bucks.

First run-through over on pff: 1. OT Anton Harrison, Oklahoma 2. HB Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama 3. CB Jaylon Jones, Texas A&M 4. DL Jonah Tavai, San Diego State

The weird thing is that, looking at the team, there’s not really a clear “hole” to fix. Last offseason it was clear they had to fix the offensive line, and they did. The oline that finally gave out last night was, of course, not that line, due to late-season injuries. Likewise the 0-2 start can in large part be chalked up to Burrow’s August surgery and a freak long snapper injury. OL depth? Absolutely. I know they love Adenjii but he seems to have like one good game in him per season then he falls apart. Scharping? Thanks for stopping by, best wishes at your next stop. Carman? I guess he can back up LT okay but he seems to stink everywhere else. It really shouldn’t be that difficult or expensive to get some upgrades here. TE? Sure. This year we had Hayden Hurst and some guys who have never been in my kitchen. I wouldn’t mind bringing Hurst back at the right price. We need a playmaker in the secondary. That’s where Chido’s loss hurt the most, I think. DL is always a good add but since it looks like opponents will be allowed to hold our guys every snap I’m not sure how much it will ultimately matter. I will really be interested to see what they do this offseason.

31 other teams. Have fun.

That’s game

D forgets how to tackle

It was a good season

Damnit

This is likely the season. Get it done o

Wow we are getting g fucked

Holy shit

Sigh

Thanks Patrick

Hilton limping a bit

We’re done

Can’t. Make. A. Play.

Yup

Someone on d needs to make a play

Chiefs dropping like flies

Fantastic throw too. I thought he was throwing it away at first

Oh hai tee

Good start