2025 Opponents Set/Offseason Notes

[Allentown21]

9 hours ago, HoosierCat said:

Seems like the "Bengal need to play starters more in preseason to avoid slow starts" theory is gaining traction with Zac and the players.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/how-can-bengals-avoid-slow-starts-jamarr-chase-agrees-more-preseason-action-could-make-a-difference/

We'll have to see to what extent, if any, they follow through.

 

This is possible, I just think it's just about not losing vs the bad teams early more than whatever extra reps are actually helping in the preseason. 

 

Starting 4-2 vs 2-4 is everything with only 17 games. 

 

I don't think the Bengals will be screwing around early tho. I think they're going to come out swinging 

[Allentown21]

Dec 7th vs Buffalo could be for the 1 seed. Similar situation to 2022 in December almost 

[AMPHAR]

21 hours ago, HoosierCat said:

Seems like the "Bengal need to play starters more in preseason to avoid slow starts" theory is gaining traction with Zac and the players.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/how-can-bengals-avoid-slow-starts-jamarr-chase-agrees-more-preseason-action-could-make-a-difference/

We'll have to see to what extent, if any, they follow through.

I don't know IF the Bengals need to play every starter in preseason.    IF you look at the slow starts.   Fans can find anything to justify why they start slow.   If they want to grind an axe about the front office well of course it was J'mar and so on and so on.

I think the 1 clear pattern is Joe Burrow and the line.   There is always a game or more that is a complete stat buster in the first 4 games.   The line (I would NOT call them great at any point during a season) but the amount of pressures and sacks given up early is amazingly multiplied in those 4 games vs. the remainder of the season.

Joe Burrow - He's had some Training Camp issues that were major.  They clearly have to be factored in.  However, I don't know what it is.  But early in the year Joe Burrow doesn't take check downs at all.  How many times has the local media gotten on Zac about Cover 2 beaters.   Well, those have been there all the time.  The QB has to be boring and check it down against coverages designed to slow him down.   He kinda wants to play hero ball early, IMO.  

So 1st you can play that starting OL with back up skill guys.  Get them a few more live reps.  Plus they are on the road in preseason so that's a perfect time. 

2nd, I think you could roll Burrow out with back up skill guys (starting O-line)  and have him check it down a bunch in the 3rd preseason game which would be against Colt back ups and right before the season. 

You go back and review these early season games.  Joe refuses to check it down and the amount of pressure he gets in multiplied over a normal poor rest of regular season.  

I don't think you necessarily have to expose Chase, Higgins etc.    Defense they are all young so its natural they should play more for reps.

 

[ArmyBengal]

Whatever the story or thought is, I can't say that I really give a shit.

Need to play in the preseason?  Need more time off?  Need more physicality during camp?
Need more meetings to install the offense?  Need more time in the weight room?
Need hotter water in the shower?  Need Nestle Quik mix instead of Kroger chocolate milk?

I don't care.  Do any, all, or none of that.  Just figure out a way to not look like shit week 1.

[HoosierCat]

I do agree with amphar’s point about Joe needing to be more patient and willing to take what the defense is giving him. 

[AMPHAR]

If I remember correctly early 2022 there was bunch of talk about Cover 2 issues.   Then about the Ravens game on the road he started tossing it underneath they had to punt a couple times but then Hurst, Perine and company started converting.   The offense started ramping up from there.

Last year aside from the fumbles.  Joe not taking easy dump offs for maybe conversions or more swung that game into a game flow situation the Pats needed to pull the upset. 

He could probably benefit from live reps not controlled by practice even if against Colt back ups and throwing to back ups. 

 

 

[ArmyBengal]

I agree with that thought process as well.

Will see what Zac decides to do this go round.

[glasgowbengal]

That’s me booked for Thursday night vs. Shitsburgh in October.

Will need to practice drinking between now and then

[ArmyBengal]

2 minutes ago, glasgowbengal said:

Will need to practice drinking between now and then

It's like riding a bike.  Something tells me you will slide right back into it !!
I'm getting older so now I have to stretch before drinking...