PFF: O-line Ranked 8th in 2012

[HoosierCat]

PFF's oline rankings are out and they put the Bengals at 8, up from 13 in 2011.

/>https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/01/28/ranking-the-2012-offensive-lines/4/

That said, when you break it down they were night and day. Pass blocking? Second in the league. Run blocking? 22. My gut says that's better than they deserve vs. the pass and too harsh vs. the run, but the overall trend seems about right.

Per their numbers, our best player was Moobs, who was also PFF's top-rated RT. Our worst player was the center, no matter who was in the game. Faine was horrible, Cook was bad and even Robinson graded out negatively. It should be noted, though, that Robinson made PFF's all-rookie team for 2012, even if it was mostly by default. Zeitler also made the all-rookie squad, and Boling was on their all-sophomore team.

Two further annoyances: the Cowboys' best oline guy? Yup, that would be Nate Livings, who suddenly became consistent after leaving here. And the Eagles? Yup, Evan Mathis, who wasn't good enough for the Bengals. Somewhere, Shula is sticking pins in his Paul Alexander doll, and I can't blame him. It's not just that two guys who could obviously have been coached up left, but also that the team spent a first and a fourth round pick, plus a big (for Cincy) FA contract (Wharton) to replace them. Those are resources that could have been used elsewhere.

On the flip side, Bobbie was the Ravens' worst oline player, so at least they got that one right

[ArmyBengal]

Mathis and Livings ?? Good God.

I won't worry with what could have been and will simply be happy we got younger with both Boling and Zeitler.

Could those spots been drafted in another way ?? Sure, but things happen and some players just do better after leaving the team and situation they were in. They aren't the first and won't be the last.

Our center position was the weak link of the o-line huh ??

That shouldn't surprise anyone by any shape, form, or fashion and why I wouldn't mind seeing Jones drafted.

That being said, I still don't think they do it that early.

They need to bring back Dre, but that has always been my thought process.

[HoosierCat]

Could those spots been drafted in another way ?? Sure, but things happen and some players just do better after leaving the team and situation they were in. They aren't the first and won't be the last.

That's what worries me. You know I don't like it when the Bengals let talent walk over money, like they did with Joseph. Not only do they lose a good player, but then they have to spend a high pick to replace them. But...that's their MO. Okay fine. But in that case, if they are going to be as choosey as they are in spending, it's imperative that when they do get good, coachable players, that they recognize them and bring them along. Because you are never going to have enough resources (either money or draft picks) to let both recognized and unrecognized ability escape.

I'm not as down on Alexander as some, but right now it looks like he blew it with those two.

[ArmyBengal]

It would appear that way, but I can't say as i'm knowledgeable about the schemes those particular teams run with their o-lines. Could it be the Cowboys and Eagles run different schemes that play to the strengths of those players ?? I'm asking, not being a pain in the ass about this. Maybe they just didn't fit with the scheme we ran. It sure didn't look like it when they were here.

[HoosierCat]

Mathis played well when he was in Cincy but was always stuck in a reserve role. After he left he accused Alexander of playing favorites in the locker room, a charge that has to carry some weight given his success in Philly. Livings was not a bad player but he was terribly inconsistent, exactly what you would look to coaching to correct. I know there's nothing to be done about it now. But it aggravates me nonetheless.

[ArmyBengal]

Oh yeah, aggravation indeed.

It's not like there hasn't been complaints about Alexander, so it's not surprising in the least.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

I tend to come back to the fact that over Alexander's long history here, he has failed to "develop" players that "needed it."

Sure, any experienced coach should be able to take 1st and high 2nd round picks and make them into good lineman (Zeitler, Levi, Whit, Steinbach, Smith) but they've failed pretty miserably with free agents and mid-round picks, and

haven't had enough success in those areas to maintain any sort of success or consistency.

I've always also thought these o-line rankings lack any sort of measurement that takes into account how quickly their QB averages between the snap and throwing a pass (for the Bengals' that's been ridiculously fast for years now). And also, how many YAC RB's accumulate. IF I am missing those being factored in somewhere (possible) correct me.

I also tend to think great tackles cover-up deficiencies and weak play by interior lineman - which has historically allowed Brown to skimp on Guards and Centers.

I just don't know how anyone could look at that o-line at the end of last season and guess they were the "8th best" - they had to be the most inconsistent group in the league (just look at the great run BJGE had for 4-5 games and what he did the rest of the year).

I don't know why this franchise insists on keeping a dolt like Alexander around for so long, they could sorely use a change there, he has way too much influence over draft picks, FA's, and the blocking schemes/offense.

[HoosierCat]

I would say Alexander has been pretty successful with Boling. Cook too. OTOH you're right that they seem to spend a lot of picks on guys who don't pan out. For instance, it appears the Otis Hudson experiment is over. Then there are the guys who are obviously terrible but keep starting, like Ghiacuic and Andrews. And then there are guys who get a shot, look good, and somehow never make it on the field again, like Collins ( but boy they can't wait to roll Dennis Roland out there...).

I certainly wouldn't object to a coaching change here, but it doesn't appear to be in the cards.

[HoosierCat]

More numbers from PFF. Does Rey Maualuga suck balls in coverage?

Yes. Yes, he does.

/>https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/01/29/signature-stats-first-downs-allowed-linebackers/

[BengalszoneBilly]

More numbers from PFF. Does Rey Maualuga suck balls in coverage?

Yes. Yes, he does.

/>https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/01/29/signature-stats-first-downs-allowed-linebackers/

Did you get a look at him in the later games of the season? He's packing on the pounds. 20 more and he could probably line up at DE.

[ArmyBengal]

I don't care how much he weighs or anything else about him for that matter. He sucks.

[kingwilly]

Mathis played well when he was in Cincy but was always stuck in a reserve role. After he left he accused Alexander of playing favorites in the locker room, a charge that has to carry some weight given his success in Philly. Livings was not a bad player but he was terribly inconsistent, exactly what you would look to coaching to correct. I know there's nothing to be done about it now. But it aggravates me nonetheless.

In the past, guys like Mathis and Collins, who played well and get buried, is what makes me irritated. I look at how they handled Robinson this year. He was 3rd string, after they brought in Faine, and then when he starts the line begins to solidify. Then, as soon as COok is abe to hobble onto the field, Robinson is back on the pine. dumb.

Boling also did well enough to start. What Wharton has to offer, over Boling, will be a camp battle to watch.

Color me skeptical of Alexander and his ability to develop lineman. Its clear he does play favorites, and when you are not a favorite, you will not play much, no matter if you are better than te starter. That sucks.

As for the Oline being "8th" in some ranking, who cares. It is not a true indicator of success. I look at the lack of productivity on 3rd down, and the effectiveness of running on 1st down as a better indicator. Both of which they were pretty average, if not outright miserable.

I'd like to see them go after a LT in a higher mid-round, as Whit may end up better getting kicked inside as he gets more miles on his clock. LT's like Kyle Long out of Oregon or Menelik Watson of FSU would be a great fit.

If Robinson can beat Cook in camp, I do think this line can play more consistent ball, rather than the committee-style crap they played late season once Cook returned.

[ArmyBengal]

Watching them trot Cook out there was painful and funny thing about it is, it seems like we all knew it was going to happen. I know some here like Cook and while I agree he may be a very smart guy and able to call things for the line, he has never given me reason to believe he is just as capable from a physical standpoint.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but didn't BJGE and the running game get moving in the right direction once Robinson began getting starts ?? Why the hell they didn't just let him stay in and develop further is beyond me. It's irritating.

[COB]

Watching them trot Cook out there was painful and funny thing about it is, it seems like we all knew it was going to happen. I know some here like Cook and while I agree he may be a very smart guy and able to call things for the line, he has never given me reason to believe he is just as capable from a physical standpoint.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but didn't BJGE and the running game get moving in the right direction once Robinson began getting starts ?? Why the hell they didn't just let him stay in and develop further is beyond me. It's irritating.

No kidding. Just go with what's working. The decision to put your "starter" back in just because he was designated your "starter" at the beginning of the year reeks of bad coaching. Look at what Robinson did, then tell Cook he lost his job due to his injury. Welcome to the real world, the darwinian world of the NFL.

[BengalByTheBay]

Watching them trot Cook out there was painful and funny thing about it is, it seems like we all knew it was going to happen. I know some here like Cook and while I agree he may be a very smart guy and able to call things for the line, he has never given me reason to believe he is just as capable from a physical standpoint.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but didn't BJGE and the running game get moving in the right direction once Robinson began getting starts ?? Why the hell they didn't just let him stay in and develop further is beyond me. It's irritating.

No kidding. Just go with what's working. The decision to put your "starter" back in just because he was designated your "starter" at the beginning of the year reeks of bad coaching. Look at what Robinson did, then tell Cook he lost his job due to his injury. Welcome to the real world, the darwinian world of the NFL.

Alex Smith hates you right now.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

More numbers from PFF. Does Rey Maualuga suck balls in coverage?

Yes. Yes, he does.

/>https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/01/29/signature-stats-first-downs-allowed-linebackers/

Good grief why would you even want him on the field if you didn't have to. Change of scenery for him sorely needed.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Watching them trot Cook out there was painful and funny thing about it is, it seems like we all knew it was going to happen. I know some here like Cook and while I agree he may be a very smart guy and able to call things for the line, he has never given me reason to believe he is just as capable from a physical standpoint.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but didn't BJGE and the running game get moving in the right direction once Robinson began getting starts ?? Why the hell they didn't just let him stay in and develop further is beyond me. It's irritating.

They aren't going to win anything with Boling and Robinson and overrated tackles, in front of a skittish 6'2" QB who can't throw accurately. They have to get a Center, and I would think if Wharton comes back, he'd easily replace Boling. They need to get-off Cook and eat the last year of his deal (or two), what a stupid contract.

[ArmyBengal]

Shula, simply pointing out the running game was better with Robinson rather than Cook in the lineup.

I have already said I would welcome Barrett Jones as the first round pick and have moved in the direction of him now being my #1 choice at #21.

That being said, I think Whitworth and Smith are solid at the ends and Boling will get better. Zeitler is more than ok in my book.

Dalton ?? Well, I have my concerns but they aren't moving away from him and with that being the case, they need to put more around him.

If he doesn't improve next season, they will have a difficult choice ahead of them.

This isn't the year to need a QB in the draft anyway, so i'm good with where we are.