AMPHAR

They were probably the best team in the 2nd half of 2022. Losing 3 starters on the o-line was enough to sway that AFC Champ game. The secondary reboot simply has not taken hold. There's a bunch of premium picks on that defense. IF they all end up striking out, then that is what will be the window closer for Burrow/Chase era. I think all remain with the team except for Zac Carter. It can even be argued the potential FA adds instead of Higgins would not have mattered its all about getting those picks performing.

I meant Grant.

damn it. I was hoping for a Miami trip.

Caught an interview with Al wasn't sure if this was pre or post Chase/Higgins news. He'll run a 4-2 nickel as base. Of course, gave some sound bites about being unpredictable/flexible in alignment. Certainly sounded like he was planning on having Trey. Also IF he thinks the secondary sucks, well you might not want to play poker with him because he sounds confident in what they are going to do. One key point was getting bigger in the middle DL. That way you could attempt to defend the run with a light box more often. So maybe this cuts down on BJ Hill snaps? Gets him back to more pass rush? Maybe puts Mason Graham on the radar at 17 which I thought he was more NT vs. 3-Tech pass rusher?

The agent admitted the Garrett deal had no impact. They were pretty much at the number in January. In reality the Crosby and Garrett deals were bringing them up to the market Justin Jefferson and Cee Dee set in the summer. With Garrett's funny money on the end and Chase's reported AAV. Get kinda of nervous that these two (Tee/Chase) will be back in contract talks in 2 or 3 years.

Garrett's deal is a functional 4yr $125m deal. $80m in the last two years bringing total length and value to 6yr $204m. None of it equals $40m a year. He may have gotten new years and money that equaled $40m a year but seems like creative accounting. Reported AAVs are agent serving. Just something to keep in mind when thinking about the potential Chase and Tee cap hits.

By the way the hot take that the Bengals cost themselves money doesn't appear to be the case. Justin Jefferson contract pays him more actual money in the first 4 years than Myles Garrett. $126m vs. $125m Garrett's AAV is pumped up by the last 2 years which highly likely he never sees. We'll see what Chase collects his first 4 years and how its structured but there was no drastic price increase in terms of real money. If the Bengals pay drastically more in the first 4 years its was because they are nice people. Unless the hacks locally and nationally recognize this, don't pay attention to their newer hot takes.

FA after the first days always slows down. I would question why cut Cappa so soon IF they don't make an offer to a replacement? So I hope something is a brewing.

The CTB interception vs. the Chiefs is an example of his potential. I thought he played a solid game and was hopeful something big was on the horizon. Then again there were too many times he was beat in split seconds off the line. Carolina was a bad bad game for him. Dax Hill, I have always thought had Pro Bowl potential. I think he's a guy you can put in several spots in the secondary and really hopeful he can establish himself.

The ole Marvin saying "I see better than I hear" or whatever. I tend to blame Lou. There was just too much up and down, benchings, communication blaming etc. Not saying they are All-Pros but there's either massive draft misses or a world of potential in the secondary room. We'll see,I guess, have no idea what to expect from the group because they certainly didn't develop into anything last year.

Pac has always had a way with words.

Murphy is a bust, IMO. It didn't appear he entered last year's TC ready to go. He was running with the scrubs early in TC and the only reason he made it out was due to injury. Then as the season went along after he returned from injury he started making a few plays, no sacks. He needs a sharp turn around.

With the assumption Trey stays. That gives them what 8 DL? I think they got a spot at DT and DE open. The prospects in this draft are rated high. They need to at least get 1 if not 2 in the first 4 rounds.

There's plenty. Nick Wright has commented against it. Unsportsmanlike has as well. That's fine. I think it is a legit points. However, when they were calling the Bengals "cheap" that point of view was muffled or absolutely not brought up at all. There were plenty of reasons not to sign Higgins and commit cap dollars to him. Yet when they tagged him it was "cheap". They were shamed nationally. Joe Burrow should ask for a trade etc. Tee Higgins can't repeat that past two years, IMO, for this to work at the highest level. Which has been about getting Joe a second bite at a Superbowl.

Trey comes off to be All about his sacks. But there's a bunch of defensive players publically hoping he comes back. I'm hoping it happens.

Defense of course but on a higher level its finishing games. For example they were in control a bunch in Baltimore then Chase Brown fumbles, they let a dude dash down a sideline for a TD, bad calls or no calls etc. That story repeats itself a bunch the past two seasons and its realistic because the margin they've missed the playoffs has been so slim.

Don't think Al would be surprised. His comments have been about developing players.

I hope Schreff is in play. I'm sure the Manning Colts comparison's are coming. Neither Bengals or Colts, IMO, when they were at the bottom before Manning or Burrow set foot and said WE must have 2 top WRs at the start. Its a matter of paying and retaining the parts that have worked out. In the case of Manning. Faulk and Harrison were already on the roster and unexpected 1997 meltdown landed them Manning. They were in the playoffs 95 and 96. Its a zero sum game and something Tobin has not proven to win at. He must add top pieces while drafting in the 2nd half of rounds.

Its also clear they were waiting for the Monday news cycle to make it official. Which is kinda like they waited for Thrusday Night opener to report Burrow.

Bengals need Higgins 4 best years. If they get that then this could be gold. If they get the last 2. It could be a problem. Trey is supposedly home shopping in Cincy area, lol. That's off one of the youtube podcast. If the rumors are true the Bengals are offering that. Its hard for him to say no, IMO. If this group returns to the Superbowl and Trey moved on. Its like not going in on the work powerball pool and it hits.

Structure is the key. I think Justin Jefferson is really the highest non paid QB. Myles Garret details have not been released yet. Justin Jefferson gets $96m first 3 years and then, $126m first 4 years. $110m considered guaranteed. The Max Crosby deal never exceeds any of those numbers. So the media can't afford to wait to report truth it will go on the AAV and their hot takes which is not truth. JJ's cap hits were $9m first year and $15m. So if its structured in the same manner there's significant cap savings. Higgins: I believe Waddle is considered the highest paid No. 2 WR. He gets $53m in 3 years, $77m in 4. His cap hits are $9m first two years. If structured in same manner more cap savings. We'll see.

Big moment for the franchise. Rival fans, media won't eat crow but ever since the Bengals beat the Chiefs in 2021 they've been saying the Bengals couldn't (poverty franchise) or wouldn't (cheap franchise) get this done. Now they all can suck it and pivot to Bengals shouldn't (not a smart franchise) get this done. I think it puts pressure on Trey if they have $30m out there. You really going to be the lone player not to comeback and chase $$$? Best chance to get paid more and win is in Cincinnati. Now Reds get Elly extended and we can be the nexus of the sports world.

They've gotten plenty of deals done. The workings of Chase/Tee, IMO, are not holding anything up for guard. The pool of money was known its not hard to project cap impact a 100 different ways that probably have less 5% change in any of them. They'll sign a guard when they find one they like in the price range they want to pay. It is what it always is when it comes to guard. They are going to pay just about every other position first over guard. Yes, the Bengals will get slandered in the media because they stupidly paid 2 WRs that a few days ago bashed them for being cheap for not paying 2 WRs. Schreff is one I hope they use some of the wiggle room with. Loved to have him for 2 years next to Mims. But if he's wanting 4/5 year Fries type deal it probably isn't happening. I don't know what the deal with Z is, but I think there's burnt bridges there and you also have to wonder why he's going from team to team at this point IF he's as good as he was. I would not put long term money into Jenkins at all. I don't get the hype. I also do believe Cleveland who our new O-line coach has history with could cut any of their interior IF they are truly QB shopping again. I also would not rule out or be against bumping their flawed LT in a guard for a season.

Edit: probably fake account saying Chase deal is done.

Ogunjobi suspended for 6 games, PEDs.