Stacy Andrews - Prisco's #1 Breakout Player

[greenday333]

Breakout Players

I hope that Stacy can be a force on the right side of the line. For what we are paying him, we can't afford for him to be a backup.

[CJBestInAFC]

Well I don't know how he is supposed to be a break out player when he will be on the bench because good ole Willie the fan favorite will be starting in his place. I just don't understand the blindness of a lot of Bengal fans have for Willie Anderson. Yeah he was great in his day, made some probowls, but now it is time for him to step aside and allow Stacy to be the starter. I hope the Bengals don't lose Stacy because of their loyalty to Willie Anderson, like they did with Steinbach when Willie Anderson got his last contract. 33 and coming off an injury, don't know how he will hold up as a full time starter, and Anderson is probably better suited as a backup, but probably going to be the starter. Pretty sad.

[redsbengalsbucks]

Well I don't know how he is supposed to be a break out player when he will be on the bench because good ole Willie the fan favorite will be starting in his place. I just don't understand the blindness of a lot of Bengal fans have for Willie Anderson. Yeah he was great in his day, made some probowls, but now it is time for him to step aside and allow Stacy to be the starter. I hope the Bengals don't lose Stacy because of their loyalty to Willie Anderson, like they did with Steinbach when Willie Anderson got his last contract. 33 and coming off an injury, don't know how he will hold up as a full time starter, and Anderson is probably better suited as a backup, but probably going to be the starter. Pretty sad.

It does not matter who the starter is, I think there will be a rotation of the two to keep Andrews weeknesses from showing and Anderson healthy.

[Orange and black fanatic]

Well I don't know how he is supposed to be a break out player when he will be on the bench because good ole Willie the fan favorite will be starting in his place. I just don't understand the blindness of a lot of Bengal fans have for Willie Anderson. Yeah he was great in his day, made some probowls, but now it is time for him to step aside and allow Stacy to be the starter. I hope the Bengals don't lose Stacy because of their loyalty to Willie Anderson, like they did with Steinbach when Willie Anderson got his last contract. 33 and coming off an injury, don't know how he will hold up as a full time starter, and Anderson is probably better suited as a backup, but probably going to be the starter. Pretty sad.

It does not matter who the starter is, I think there will be a rotation of the two to keep Andrews weeknesses from showing and Anderson healthy.

The biggest factor to the success of the o-line is continuity. A rotation on the o-line doesn't work like it does on the d-line.

Andrews will only have a breakout year if he beats out someone else for their spot and the line develops chemistry. The amount of quick adjustments they have to make before the snap to successfully run block and pass block demands that each man on the line knows what to do and trusts his neighbors to do their jobs as well.

Last year's blocking problems stem directly from the lack of consistency of personnel. (And Levi looking like he was stuck in cement against Jared Allen)

I just don't know how he will fit in. Apparently, Willie is healthy and should start. Ghiacac (or however you spell his name) is our best option at center. So, sliding Williams to center and putting Andrews at RG isn't likely. Could Andrews beat out Whit, Williams or Willie? I think Andrews at RG and Willie at RT is our best option. But from what I am reading Bobbie is getting high praise from the o-line coach.

I just hope they don't feel obligated to start Stacey at the expense of the quality of the o-line play. But I could see how that could happen. If Lewis thinks that the best way to get him signed to a long-term deal is to give him a starting job then what? Willie sits with his big contract? Whit sits? Hopefully this works itself out without controversy ot camp.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Breakout Players

I hope that Stacy can be a force on the right side of the line. For what we are paying him, we can't afford for him to be a backup.

Then he needs to improve his run blocking. His pass blocking is great, he just needs to round out his performance.

[TJJackson]

At this point, we are just about screwed when it comes to Stacey

The franchise tag move was a good one ONLY if the Bengals could get him signed to a long term contract by the July 15th deadline. I said back then as I say now that there is only a very small chance this will happen, as Stacey has already determined he wants to be elsewhere

So here we are 10 days to go, and not even the slightest bit of evidence exists that the Bengals and Stacey are even talking contract. I've heard that Whitworth is talking extension - and I'm happy about this, as he actually wants to be here.

There's no reason at all to even start Stacey this year except as an emergency (ie due to an injury), because

a) he'll be gone in 2009

and

why bother trying to form cohesive line unit chemistry with a player who will not be around the following year? Give the snaps to someone who will be here - maybe Collins?

For my money, if he doesn't sign by July 14, unless the approx 8 million is guarenteed (and I don't think it is) you save 8 million by cutting him. If I am GM, and if the money is not guarenteed, then I cut him a minute before the deadline. Maybe 2 minutes, to be safe.

If it is guarenteed, then yeah, you've bought yourself an 8 million dollar backup

The same 8 million that Steinbach - a proven pro bowl level player - was somehow not worth a year before

Just another brilliant move on the part of "Son of a Genius"

[ArmyBengal]

TJ, all I can say is, I AGREE COMPLETELY !!! Not sure Collins is ready and I don't think you were suggesting he was, but this is fastly becoming a clusterf*ck if we aren't already there !!! Letting Steinbach go, extending Willie, and franchising Stacey = 3 bad moves. Although, hindsight is always 20/20...

WHODEY !!!

[Ickey44]

At this point, we are just about screwed when it comes to Stacey

The franchise tag move was a good one ONLY if the Bengals could get him signed to a long term contract by the July 15th deadline. I said back then as I say now that there is only a very small chance this will happen, as Stacey has already determined he wants to be elsewhere

So here we are 10 days to go, and not even the slightest bit of evidence exists that the Bengals and Stacey are even talking contract. I've heard that Whitworth is talking extension - and I'm happy about this, as he actually wants to be here.

There's no reason at all to even start Stacey this year except as an emergency (ie due to an injury), because

a) he'll be gone in 2009

and

why bother trying to form cohesive line unit chemistry with a player who will not be around the following year? Give the snaps to someone who will be here - maybe Collins?

For my money, if he doesn't sign by July 14, unless the approx 8 million is guarenteed (and I don't think it is) you save 8 million by cutting him. If I am GM, and if the money is not guarenteed, then I cut him a minute before the deadline. Maybe 2 minutes, to be safe.

If it is guarenteed, then yeah, you've bought yourself an 8 million dollar backup

The same 8 million that Steinbach - a proven pro bowl level player - was somehow not worth a year before

Just another brilliant move on the part of "Son of a Genius"

The franchise contract is fully guaranteed as soon as he signs it. We're on the hook for the whole 8 mil, or whatever it is.

[TJJackson]

Yep, you're right - we're on the hook for 7.5 million or so whether we cut him now or not.

However, in the interests of building and maintaining offensive line continuity and cohesiveness, i think it is best despite this enormous financial mistake to let him sit the bench in 2008 and serve as the top reserve unless a long term contract is signed.....which i think is HIGHLY unlikely at this point.

[BengalPimp]

Breakout player of 2008? Did he not "break-out" last season? Did it not get him a franchise-tag? Even if he has a pro-bowl season(unlikely, since he figures to split either playing time, or time at 2 positions) I can't really see that being a "break-out" season. Thats just an improvement from good to better isn't it? I believe the term "break-out" should be used for a player who has A) Never been a starter, or B ) Come out of nowhere to excell.

BTW, Anyone else notice Peko was #30 ?

[Ickey44]

Yep, you're right - we're on the hook for 7.5 million or so whether we cut him now or not.

However, in the interests of building and maintaining offensive line continuity and cohesiveness, i think it is best despite this enormous financial mistake to let him sit the bench in 2008 and serve as the top reserve unless a long term contract is signed.....which i think is HIGHLY unlikely at this point.

Well, I was all for keeping him, but franchising him WAS a mistake. We could've used that money elsewhere.

[HoosierCat]

Well, I was all for keeping him, but franchising him WAS a mistake. We could've used that money elsewhere.

Where? I mean, what have the Bengals been unable to do this offseason because of money or cap issues? I don't think many fans would have rejoiced had they given it to Justin or Madieu instead (and let Stacy walk in the process). Landon left because he got a guarantee of a starting job, not because of money; the Bengals matched Carolina's offer. Money wasn't the reason we lost out on Rogers and skipped over Robertson. They signed Odom, Utecht and Dhani Jones, which represents what, $40 million+ in contract value. And the Bengals extended Peko and Fanene, and are reportedly working on a Whitworth extension.

Even with Stacy's big number, cash and cap space just haven't been an issue this year.

[TJJackson]

Where?

84

[HoosierCat]

Where?

84

If they wanted to re-sign Housh, they could have. There was no reason to throw big-bucks at Peko now or seek a Whitworth extension, as they are doing. Neither would be a FA until 2010. Heck, TJ is taking up nearly $4 million in cap space this year, they probably could have crammed year one of a new deal into that, and still done Peko and explored Whit.

[HAPPYJAQ]

I don't think the Bengals will be able to resign Andrews, which makes this a huge mistake. Unfortunately, I think part of the Bengals reasoning was that it took them 4 years to develop him from a project to a potential franchise-type OT and they didn't want another team to reap the rewards. The other drawback is that if they didn't franchise him, they probably could've signed another impact defensive player or used those funds to re-sign T.J., who was a lot cheaper then than he is now and will be during/after the season. It would take nearly 15 million to resign T.J. and Andrews and they are both on offense, although proven producers. With younger, less expensive players already in the wings and Chad and Levi, respectively on near-franchise deals (at their positions), I expect the team will not push hard to resign either.

[TippCityRick]

I said it at the time and I'll say it again . . . franchising Andrews was a BIG mistake. He doesn't want to be here (can I play with my brother? I miss my brother!) and he hasn't shown the requist ability to run block that you need from a RT. I was for releasing Steinbach since he wanted tackle money (came close) and didn't want to play center. I still think it's the best position for him . . . he's overpaid as a guard and his brains could've been used at center. Extending Willie, a 50/50 shot that I'm not sure has played itself out. If he plays like he did the last three games of last year then the Bengals are winners. If not then they've spent a hell of a lot of money and not fixed a position. I guess franchising Andrews was a panic move over Willie's injury, but I thought it too expensive then and now.

[Ickey44]

Where?

84

If they wanted to re-sign Housh, they could have. There was no reason to throw big-bucks at Peko now or seek a Whitworth extension, as they are doing. Neither would be a FA until 2010. Heck, TJ is taking up nearly $4 million in cap space this year, they probably could have crammed year one of a new deal into that, and still done Peko and explored Whit.

I think resigning Housh will cost a lot more than what Peko did. I'm afraid the Bengals aren't even going to try to resign TJ. He's on the wrong side of 30. The Bengals don't generally keep receivers around once they're that old.

[TJJackson]

At this point, we are just about screwed when it comes to Stacey

and as of midnight, we now officially ARE screwed

Thanks, son-of-genius!

[redsbengalsbucks]

I dont see this as a big deal, every year there is a need for a backup O-lineman to come in and play a large chuck of time due to injuries. Having Andrews makes the line that much deeper for this season. If he is gone next season, Collins has a year in the system and another O-lineman in the draft takes care of the problem. Giving Andrews a big long term contract could turn out to be a big mistake. He really has not produced as much as was expected yet.

Next season, I expect the Bengals to do a similar thing with TJ. Franchise him and let Caldwell and Simpson get two years of spot duty in games, then let him go if he will not agree to thier terms.

[fattyjay]

I dont see this as a big deal, every year there is a need for a backup O-lineman to come in and play a large chuck of time due to injuries. Having Andrews makes the line that much deeper for this season. If he is gone next season, Collins has a year in the system and another O-lineman in the draft takes care of the problem. Giving Andrews a big long term contract could turn out to be a big mistake. He really has not produced as much as was expected yet.

Next season, I expect the Bengals to do a similar thing with TJ. Franchise him and let Caldwell and Simpson get two years of spot duty in games, then let him go if he will not agree to thier terms.

True depth on the o-line is important, but you can't pay a guy $7.5 mil to ride the pine. Clearly whatever long term plan the Bengals had for Andrews has backfired and now they may have to make a more drastic decision about Anderson's career.

[skyline]

I dont see this as a big deal, every year there is a need for a backup O-lineman to come in and play a large chuck of time due to injuries. Having Andrews makes the line that much deeper for this season. If he is gone next season, Collins has a year in the system and another O-lineman in the draft takes care of the problem. Giving Andrews a big long term contract could turn out to be a big mistake. He really has not produced as much as was expected yet.

Next season, I expect the Bengals to do a similar thing with TJ. Franchise him and let Caldwell and Simpson get two years of spot duty in games, then let him go if he will not agree to thier terms.

True depth on the o-line is important, but you can't pay a guy $7.5 mil to ride the pine. Clearly whatever long term plan the Bengals had for Andrews has backfired and now they may have to make a more drastic decision about Anderson's career.

I'd hardly say that Andrews is going to be riding the pine.

The bottom line is that the Bengals couldn't afford to lose him this season. It's a band-aid solution, sure, but it was the best option they had.

If you have a better plan to help the team win this season, then I'd love to hear it.

[HoosierCat]

I wouldn't say anything has "backfired." How freaking tough is it for people to accept the simple propositions that 1) Stacy knows he'll get paid next year and 2) the Bengals will be happy to do the paying if he demonstrates he can play at an elite level this year?

[cincyhokie]

When Anderson is healthy, he is dominant. He destroys people. I never get a true appreciation of the play of the o-line until I watch in person at the stadium.

Last home game against the Browns, Willie looked like the Willie of old. He looked like he was playing with boys.

Watching him play in that game healthy could possibly be a good sign that he is ready to come back this year and play back to form. As far as the o-line goes, my biggest concern will continue to be from the center position. This offense has never been the same since Braham left. Guy-check needs to step it up this year.

[membengal]

I wouldn't say anything has "backfired." How freaking tough is it for people to accept the simple propositions that 1) Stacy knows he'll get paid next year and 2) the Bengals will be happy to do the paying if he demonstrates he can play at an elite level this year?

Word.

What is so hard about that?

[TJJackson]

Simple question, simple answer

What's hard is that he isn't going to sign any contract for any amount of money and remain with the Bengals. He wants to go play with bubby in Philly. The end.

You folks are making the assumption that they can just back up the Brinks truck to keep him, and ergo it is OK to play him now. Its a bad, bad assumption.

No, it makes no sense to give him snaps when he is gone next year, because now is the time to build a cohesive line that you expect to be together not just in 2008, but also in 2009

The mistake (7.5 million salary guarenteed regardless of whether he plays at all) has already been made. Don't make it worse by giving Stacey snaps that the player who will take his spot in 2009 needs NOW.