HoosierCat

My take on the state of play: Tee — I’ve seen no word about talks between the Bengals and Higgins. Maybe both sides are just really good at keeping things on the down low, but by all appearances are they are going to let him walk. The tag remains an option. The deadline to make that call will be in early March. Chase — They want to do a deal but Tobin’s “frameworks” calls to mind Marvin’s comment about how they offered one of the Sharpers “a structure” before he left town and eventually signed with (I think) Seattle. So yeah, they are still hung up on doing business their way. They still probably get something done but it won’t be easy. Trey — Sounds to me like business as usual. They’ll give him something but aren’t willing to pay top dollar. Odds of a deal maybe 50/50? I dunno.

So Tobin talked about Chase and Trey at the Senior Bowl. Re Chase: “Framework” in question are the Jefferson and Lamb deals Re Trey: No mention of Tee.

Yeah, both DT and edge seem pretty deep this year, which is why I haven’t been locked in on dline at 17. Won’t complain if they end up going there but I don’t think it’s the end of the world if they don’t.

Let me preface this by saying I’d like Gesicki back, but they were very much different models. Gesicki is the more modern TE/WR type. All could catch too but was more the old school TE/FB guy. And I really liked how the offense looked with him in there. I haven’t looked at TEs much so far in the draft but I’d love to find a guy like him.

Good thread. Thanks.

Joe looks at Derrick Harmon. https://youtu.be/Hw_uTdq__P0?si=ooKMUhyi83ngLKgl Guy would be a top 10 pick if he could tackle. As is, it’s a no from me at 17.

Yup. Sucks. Sounds like the reports that his first surgery was not done correctly were accurate. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/report-cincinnati-erick-all-tight-end-to-miss-2025-season-due-to-injury-01jjq1wd82bj

At this point, all eyes turn to Tee and the FO. That's the proverbial elephant in the room. If they re-sign or tag him, then they could go almost any direction at 17. If Tee walks, I think we can just pencil in Emeka Egbuka there and start discussing who we'd like in later rounds.

Joe looks at DT Walter Nolen: https://youtu.be/eXIBVw_F0oc?si=dfzknwXf8bGn4_zP

FWIW Golden seems to feel the early season issues can be addressed through better offseason QC, specifically strengthening spring workouts so that knowledge of the system doesn’t atrophy as much over the times they are off. I leave it up to the reader as to whether they think that makes sense, but at least it’s something. From: https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/new-bengals-dc-al-golden-outlines-scheme-philosophy-plus-plan-to-fix-tackling-issues-and-needed-offseason-changes-01jjmha3ghqx

He was Golden’s assistant when Al was last here coaching LBs so I think he’s pretty safe. ETA confirmed: https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/new-bengals-d-c-al-golden-retaining-two-assistants-from-lou-anarumo-s-staff-01jjmc64bs3z

Glad to see someone remembers them! When I mention them I tend to get reactions like, “who?” Allied Forces is one of the best albums ever made. Wore that cassette tape waaaay out bitd.

Kovacs is the safety coach. Him, Burks (CB) and Regula (gofer) are the three carryovers from Lou.

Mike Hodges tapped for LB coach.

Yeah I give exactly zero shits who wins. Bring on free agency.

I think my first was Triumph at the Gardens. Mid 80s. Saw The Firm around the same time, great show. Sat on a boat on the Ohio at Riverbend for Robert Plant & the Honeydrippers. Not sure which was actually first but probably Triumph.

Last concert I saw must be about 15 years ago now. Queensryche. Small venue, like 2,000 people tops. Fkking rocked. Me and a friend screaming along with Jet City Woman drunk off our ass. Fantastic night.

Yeah, sounds about right. Other teams get McDonalds, we get the green pepper welfare burger.

Ah yes they also have Chase up for OPY.

AP awards coming in Feb. https://apnews.com/article/nfl-mvp-award-finalists-71381d63b22e88f8b1eeb5015d772540 Burrow up for MVP, offensive player of the year and comeback player of the year. Hendrickson up for defensive player of the year.

(Note I’m still considering buying tix to the Dokken concert at the Hammond Horseshoe casino on Friday…)

ATTENTION COB ATTENTION COB!!!!! Remembering how much you enjoyed Madonna’s SB halftime show a few years back, the Bengals have a can’t miss concert opportunity that’s right up your alley! next September 20, Paycor will be host to two of the hottest stars of 50 years ago, on stage together: Billy Joel (75) and Rod Stewart (80). Get your tix today! https://www.bengals.com/news/billy-joel-rod-stewart-paycor-stadium-cincinnati-september-20-2025

Damn. Better add another $10 million to stadium maintenance costs. Now when they need concrete they’ll have to hire actual trucks and laborers instead of just sending Troy over with a wheelbarrow.

Can’t speak for all fans, but I would feel better if the hire was the result of a competitive job search, that’s all. Is Golden qualified for the job? Absolutely. Is he the best person for the job? That I can’t say, because they didn’t even try to address that question. I just hope it works out. Burrow ain’t getting any younger.

It’s…fine. I just wish the search had gone a little further afield than “walking distance from Taylor’s front door.” Bottom line, either these moves get them back to the postseason, or the Bengals are looking for a lot more than a coordinator and a few assistants this time next year.