★★★Official 2013 Cincy Bengals Inseason Thread (2 Viewers)

[QuizGuy66]

Figured it's time to finally turn the page on the 2012 thread.

Should be an interesting draft. We have the picks to address the critical needs, namely and in no particular order at RB, Safety, LB, and possibly DE and C. We have a boat load of Cap Room, but of course that is generally pretty meaningless in Mikey World. The biggest thing is will we be able to keep both MJ93 and Andre and can we get guys like Geno extended?

Who Dey!



-QG

*Sigh* no more subtitles, which were fun to update during the year. Guess I'll have to have fun with tags instead.

 

[doowain]

Extending Geno is priority one IMO.We have to get a RB in the draft. Expecting something in FA is always fruitless. There were options last year and they snag BJGE. Some good names out there (SJax, Bush, Mendenhall). None of them will be franchise cornerstones. Of the three, I'd rather them go after Mendenhall. Should be the cheapest and is the youngest. I've seen a lot of mocks projecting them to get Gio Bernard with that OAK pick. I'd take that.Do we spend on a WR? Also some big names (and expensive) ones out there.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

★★★

 

[bengalbuck]

I think the top priority is retaining Michael Johnson and Andre Smith. If they can get a deal in place with one of the two, they can franchise the other. It would be nice to extend Geno but not only does he have a year left on his deal, but the franchise tag is pretty inexpensive for DTs. He isn't going anywhere anytime soon.After Johnson and Smith, my next priority would actually be Adam Jones. He played very well last season and his off field concerns should make him more affordable. If they can sign him to a 3 year deal, they will have what could be a very good trio of CBs with Hall, Kirkpatrick and Jones.I think they can approach FA conservatively, trying to simply resign their own. In addition to the 3 mentioned above, I would also make some effort to bring back Robert Geathers, Wallace Gilberry, Thomas Howard and Terrence Newman. I don't see any of them being particularly expensive. If they make a run at any outside FAs, I would expect it to be a Safety. Someone like Dashon Goldson, Kenny Phillips, etc.In the draft, I think they will be looking at RB, WR and LB early. Safety too if they can't get a quality one in FA. I'd like to see their first 4 picks go something like this:1. Keenan Allen2a. Khaseem Greene2b. Gio Bernard3. Baccari RamboI know many Bengals fans don't like the idea of WR early, but the offense is the problem in big games. They are going to live or die with Dalton at QB. If Big Andre is brought back the OL looks pretty good. That leaves just WR and RB as areas that can be addressed to improve the O. With the extra 2nd, I think they will be able to address both positions and also take a defender early.

 

[jurb26]

Could R. Bush fix the running game?

 

[QuizGuy66]

Could R. Bush fix the running game?

I think he's definitely somebody they would look at. Got a funny feeling we'll get priced out on him.-QG

 

[bengalbuck]

Could R. Bush fix the running game?

I think he's definitely somebody they would look at. Got a funny feeling we'll get priced out on him.-QG

I think the Bengals want a long term solution from the draft, so I don't think they will get Bush. But I highly doubt anyone gets priced out on Bush. He is not going to have a big market for his services at all. I think he ends up with a 2 year deal for a total of 5 million or so. I actually kind of like him but 28 year old RBs just do not get paid in today's NFL.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

IMO if Lacy falls to the Bengals spot they should jump on him. But I think the Jets, Steelers or Rams will likely grab him first.

 

[WampusCat43]

IMO if Lacy falls to the Bengals spot they should jump on him. But I think the Jets, Steelers or Rams will likely grab him first.

Agreed. That kid looks like he was made to play in the NFL.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Some interesting FAs out there already. Do you guys think we could possibly in play for an LB like Boley? Priority one is obviously our own guys but it'd be nice if we could get some non-draft upgrades as well.-QG

 

[doowain]

Some interesting FAs out there already. Do you guys think we could possibly in play for an LB like Boley? Priority one is obviously our own guys but it'd be nice if we could get some non-draft upgrades as well.-QG

Depends on the price I'd think. Seems that we are much more interested in low cost/high reward options. Reclamation projects. Boley really doesn't fit that bill. I'd assume he'll get paid by someone.Btw...latest mock I saw has us going Alec Ogletree in the 1st and Lacy with the Raiders pick in the 2nd. I like that. A lot. Although I think Lacy is gone at that pick. We'll most likely have to "settle" on Gio.

 

[QuizGuy66]

MJ93 gets the franchise tag.Not a huge surprise given that there seem to be more RT options out there if we lose Andre. I still hope it leads to a long-term deal for MJ.-QG

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I know that they expect Dre Kirkpatrick back and healthy next year, but can someone remind me who the other potential impact guys in the 'redshirt class' are?Really seems like if they draft well with the first three picks this year they could be deep with talent.Still think Dalton limits their ultimate upside unless the D evolves into a truly elite unit, but they've done an awful lot right in the last five years.

 

[Drop]

The defensive line is going to make plays, they are the best overall unit on the team. The problem with the defense is that other playoff teams will attack the weak links in pass coverage. LB/S spots need to be upgraded with coverage ability in mind for the Bengals to take the next step in the playoffs.

 

[notdarkyet]

Good move. Smith worries me that he will revert to out of shape lazy guy once he gets paid. Not that I am against re-signing him, but I think there are better FA options to replace him than there are for MJ.I've seen some mocks have Lacy dropping to the Bengals in the 2nd. I would be surprised if he made it that far, but it would be a fortunate fall if it happened.

 

[Raider Nation]

I think y'all just might be the AFC North favorites, by attrition in the division if nothing else.

 

[domvin]

I think y'all just might be the AFC North favorites, by attrition in the division if nothing else.

Key word is might, and attrition by other teams.i'm a cincy guy, so I like to see them do well, but year after year, they sit on their hands and don't make any moves.I could understand if you needed to reserve some money for dalton or AJ and lock them up, but they can't do that this offseason.Goldson was the one guy I thought they could pony up a little for and overpay-and the roster could absorb it since the secondary needs so much help.They had the 2nd or third most money after the Johnson signing....Improve yourself. Make some bold moves. SHow the fans you're ready to advance in the playoffs. Or, sit on your money, and hope other teams don't get better. Thanks Mike!

 

[Faust]

Marvin Lewis sees star potential in Mohamed Sanu

By Dan Hanzus

Around the League Writer

If you want to get on Marvin Lewis' bad side, marginalize the potential of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.

That's what a local columnist did Sunday in a story that criticized the Bengals' quiet start in free agency and asked why the team hadn't pursued Anquan Boldin or gone after another veteran wideout to complement A.J. Green.

Lewis' response was an eye-opener: He indicated that Sanu is ahead of where former Bengals wideout Chad Johnson was entering his second season in 2002.

"I'll go on record saying that," Lewis said at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "That's the uneducated putting dumb thoughts in people's minds. It's why you have an opportunity to go after these guys and go get these guys. So you continue to make your team better. (It's) not a positive in making your team better when you keep adding old guys.

"What did Randy Moss do for (the 49ers) last year? He did nothing. He got in the way of a younger player performing."

A third-round pick in last year's draft, Sanu showed some promise before a stress fracture ended his rookie season after nine games. Johnson began his ascent to star status in his second season, finishing with 69 catches for 1,166 yards receiving and five touchdowns.

The Bengals will be pinching themselves if they get that out of Sanu in 2013. Meanwhile, feel free to cross off Who Dey as a potential Randy Moss landing spot.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Mostly fine with what they've doing this offseason. They are working to lock up their own and I'm fine with it. The Smith situation should play out now since Long has finally signed somewhere.

The Bengals resigned Maualuga today. If they play him at SAM, I'm fine with the move. If they keep him as the Mike it is a stupendously awful terrible bad disastrophe of a move.

-QG

 

[domvin]

Mostly fine with what they've doing this offseason. They are working to lock up their own and I'm fine with it. The Smith situation should play out now since Long has finally signed somewhere.The Bengals resigned Maualuga today. If they play him at SAM, I'm fine with the move. If they keep him as the Mike it is a stupendously awful terrible bad disastrophe of a move.-QG

Always love your optimism QG, but mualuaga just sucks. 2 years, 6 million is a lot to give to a guy whose confidence is just shot. And he plays himself out of position majority of the time. When he is in position to make the play he misses the tackle. At this point, id rather them sign Eric Winston at RT. Then sign Bernard Pollard to get a body rockin safety in the secondary. One can dream.....

 

[QuizGuy66]

Mostly fine with what they've doing this offseason. They are working to lock up their own and I'm fine with it. The Smith situation should play out now since Long has finally signed somewhere.The Bengals resigned Maualuga today. If they play him at SAM, I'm fine with the move. If they keep him as the Mike it is a stupendously awful terrible bad disastrophe of a move.-QG

Always love your optimism QG, but mualuaga just sucks. 2 years, 6 million is a lot to give to a guy whose confidence is just shot. And he plays himself out of position majority of the time. When he is in position to make the play he misses the tackle. At this point, id rather them sign Eric Winston at RT. Then sign Bernard Pollard to get a body rockin safety in the secondary. One can dream.....

I was optimistic at SAM. He played fine there. It was the move to MIKE that got him into overpursuing and bad angles and missed tackles.That said, all optimism is gone as Marvin says he plans to keep him at MIKE .FBG needs a "toast" icon for such situations btw.-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

It's impossible to overstate the pessimism I now have with Maualuga staying at MLB :(

I hope by some miracle we draft one, but I'm deeply deeply pessimistic.

Takes all the steam out of the optimism I had for this offseason.

-QG

 

[domvin]

It's impossible to overstate the pessimism I now have with Maualuga staying at MLB :(I hope by some miracle we draft one, but I'm deeply deeply pessimistic.Takes all the steam out of the optimism I had for this offseason.-QG

Maybe Marvin is just trying to build up his confidence. LolIn the interviews i Have heard since the playoff loss, he sounds despondent..... Like an absolute trainwreck.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The 2013 AFC North Champions

 

[Faust]

from Rotoworld:

West Virginia WR Tavon Austin will have a private workout with the Cincinnati Bengals.Austin would be a great fit for the Bengals because he could take advantage of the space created by perimeter wide receiver A.J. Green much like Wes Welker did with Randy Moss when they were in New England. Austin has great lateral agility and is arguably the top playmaker in the draft.Source: WVU Pros

 

[jurb26]

from Rotoworld:

West Virginia WR Tavon Austin will have a private workout with the Cincinnati Bengals.Austin would be a great fit for the Bengals because he could take advantage of the space created by perimeter wide receiver A.J. Green much like Wes Welker did with Randy Moss when they were in New England. Austin has great lateral agility and is arguably the top playmaker in the draft.Source: WVU Pros

That offense would be terrifying with a guy like Austin in the mix, for the reasons they stated above. On top of that, Dalton's strength is in those short quick passes IMO. He's mind numbingly frustrating on his deep passes to Green.

 

[QuizGuy66]

So Andre doesn't like what the Bengals are offering him and nobody else in the NFL is interested. I bet he's putting on weight by the day.

-QG

 

[Danish Bengal]

So Andre doesn't like what the Bengals are offering him and nobody else in the NFL is interested. I bet he's putting on weight by the day. -QG

Until recently I considered him an important signing but I'm not so sure anymore. Bad sign that nobody want's him

 

[QuizGuy66]

I don't really think it's a bad sign that nobody else wants him - I'm more concerned about his attitude. The Bengals know him best and would like him back at the right price. If this drags on I fear he'll regress back to where he was as a rookie.

Side note, while I miss the subtitles I love the potential that tags bring

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

*sigh* and now tags are gone. Part of the fun of the old board was updating the subtitles

-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

Will be really interesting to see what happens with Andre. My impression is that he's getting some very bad advice. His best possible pay-day is going to be with the Bengals. It just won't be anywhere near his ridiculous demands. If the Bengals draft a RT early in the draft and move on then that option is gone for Andre and he'll make even less.

I can see the Bengals giving him in the neighborhood of $6.5M/Year.

If the Bengals pass on him, this guy is gonna end up signing a 1 year "Prove-it" contract for like $5m with somebody.

-QG

 

[bengalbuck]

Will be really interesting to see what happens with Andre. My impression is that he's getting some very bad advice. His best possible pay-day is going to be with the Bengals. It just won't be anywhere near his ridiculous demands. If the Bengals draft a RT early in the draft and move on then that option is gone for Andre and he'll make even less. I can see the Bengals giving him in the neighborhood of $6.5M/Year. If the Bengals pass on him, this guy is gonna end up signing a 1 year "Prove-it" contract for like $5m with somebody. -QG

I have become convinced that the PFF player ratings are pretty far away from how NFL pro player personnel grade players. If you ignore the PFF grades, both the interest from multiple teams in Rey Maualuga and the lack of interest in Andre make a lot more sense. Andre struggled pretty badly against good pash rushers and had some penalties. I don't really buy that he is the best RT in the league...

 

[QuizGuy66]

It's interesting how PFF is viewed or basically ignored. Perhaps at some point there will be a moneyball-type owner/gm who will come along and live and die more with their projections (or a similar such system). I supposed some of it is the difference in systems that are used and how players are used within them.

-QG

 

[domvin]

Just sign Eric Winston already and move on from Flapjacks.

 

[bengalbuck]

It's interesting how PFF is viewed or basically ignored. Perhaps at some point there will be a moneyball-type owner/gm who will come along and live and die more with their projections (or a similar such system). I supposed some of it is the difference in systems that are used and how players are used within them. -QG

I think every team in the league has pro personnel scouts who grade every single guy in the league and rank them. The was a great article recently by a former front office guy who explained how teams do this. He said basically each scout is responsible for grading every single guy, practice squad included, for about 10 teams. When it comes time for FA, then they go back and have very member of the pro personnel department grade the guys they think hey may be interested in and then compare the grades they came up with and then hash out their differences.We will obviously never have access to these grades, but I guess what I am saying is that my guess is that in a lot of cases, these team generated grades are very different from those PFF comes up with. Marvin Lewis in a recent press conference went off about this exact thing, basically saying the PFF grades were complete crap.Andre Smith is probably a good example. I think that NFL front offices likely did not have him graded as the best RT in the NFL last season like PFF did. My guess is that Andre is generally much more highly regarded by us fans due to his PFF grade than the regard NFL teams have for him.

 

[bengalbuck]

Just sign Eric Winston already and move on from Flapjacks.

Sounds like he is only a fit for zone blocking teams. Bengals run a power scheme and need a big straight ahead type of mauler at RT, not a finesse guy like Winston.

 

[QuizGuy66]

It's interesting how PFF is viewed or basically ignored. Perhaps at some point there will be a moneyball-type owner/gm who will come along and live and die more with their projections (or a similar such system). I supposed some of it is the difference in systems that are used and how players are used within them. -QG

I think every team in the league has pro personnel scouts who grade every single guy in the league and rank them. The was a great article recently by a former front office guy who explained how teams do this. He said basically each scout is responsible for grading every single guy, practice squad included, for about 10 teams. When it comes time for FA, then they go back and have very member of the pro personnel department grade the guys they think hey may be interested in and then compare the grades they came up with and then hash out their differences.We will obviously never have access to these grades, but I guess what I am saying is that my guess is that in a lot of cases, these team generated grades are very different from those PFF comes up with. Marvin Lewis in a recent press conference went off about this exact thing, basically saying the PFF grades were complete crap.Andre Smith is probably a good example. I think that NFL front offices likely did not have him graded as the best RT in the NFL last season like PFF did. My guess is that Andre is generally much more highly regarded by us fans due to his PFF grade than the regard NFL teams have for him.

Yup, I figure that's exactly it. The thing is that these scouting ratings are based more on the subjective eye-test critieria you have to figure. If a team turned toward a more PFF-style analysis it would interesting to see if that improved their team or proved a total fiasco.

I remember how Davey Johnson was regarded as a bit of a crank by some when he'd use match-up data from the computer back with the mid-80s Mets as opposed to going by 'feel'. I'm not saying a PFF-style analysis would succeed, but it would be fun if a team tried.

-QG

 

[cheese]

The problem with relying on data in any sport is that you're inherently basing your values on past production, rather than anticipated future production. I think this distinction is key with regard to Andre. I do buy in that he had a tremendous 2012. Do I think he'll have a great 2013 and beyond? Cloudy. Maybe that's the consensus?

 

[bengalbuck]

It's interesting how PFF is viewed or basically ignored. Perhaps at some point there will be a moneyball-type owner/gm who will come along and live and die more with their projections (or a similar such system). I supposed some of it is the difference in systems that are used and how players are used within them. -QG

I think every team in the league has pro personnel scouts who grade every single guy in the league and rank them. The was a great article recently by a former front office guy who explained how teams do this. He said basically each scout is responsible for grading every single guy, practice squad included, for about 10 teams. When it comes time for FA, then they go back and have very member of the pro personnel department grade the guys they think hey may be interested in and then compare the grades they came up with and then hash out their differences.We will obviously never have access to these grades, but I guess what I am saying is that my guess is that in a lot of cases, these team generated grades are very different from those PFF comes up with. Marvin Lewis in a recent press conference went off about this exact thing, basically saying the PFF grades were complete crap.Andre Smith is probably a good example. I think that NFL front offices likely did not have him graded as the best RT in the NFL last season like PFF did. My guess is that Andre is generally much more highly regarded by us fans due to his PFF grade than the regard NFL teams have for him.

Yup, I figure that's exactly it. The thing is that these scouting ratings are based more on the subjective eye-test critieria you have to figure. If a team turned toward a more PFF-style analysis it would interesting to see if that improved their team or proved a total fiasco.

I remember how Davey Johnson was regarded as a bit of a crank by some when he'd use match-up data from the computer back with the mid-80s Mets as opposed to going by 'feel'. I'm not saying a PFF-style analysis would succeed, but it would be fun if a team tried.

-QG

It will definitely be interesting to see how teams are able to use more statistics and data to help them make better decisions.

I do think it will be much tougher in the NFL than in MLB. It is pretty easy to put numerical values on the outcome of an at bat. But how do you do it for a blocker. I mean there is a difference between a guy who usually pushes his guy a yard back on a run blocking play and a guy who pushes him back 2 yards. But how does PFF or anyone else grade that? It seems like they generally just give a player a good or bad grade on each play and go from there. But there is so much gray area. Plus, without knowing the play call, how do you really know if a guy did or didn't do his job?

 

[Kleck]

Was reading the Bengals brought in Felix Jones for a visit. Didn't hear anything about contract talks. Don't think the Bengals would have to jump soon on him. Could probably wait and see what happens in the draft first.

 

[domvin]

Bengals and Harrison supposedly closing in on a deal. I hope every week is pittsburgh week

 

[Danish Bengal]

Nice schedule. Opening away again is not what he had hoped for but otherwise the schedule is pretty optimal in my eyes:

We play all four 2012 play-off teams at PBS

We finish at home against BAL

We have a late bye

What do you guys think?

 

[msommer]

I hope they sign Dansby. Huge upgrade at MLB

 

[domvin]

Bengals and Harrison supposedly closing in on a deal. I hope every week is pittsburgh week

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000161899/article/james-harrison-cincinnati-bengals-agree-to-contract

 

[WampusCat43]

Two-year deal for Harrison. Can't wait for MNF week 2.

 

[QuizGuy66]

What do you guys think? I like the Eilert pick - gives us another weapon and gives us a chance to employ some of things New England likes to do. Plays to Dalton's strength. Don't love that we've gone first round twice in the last 4 years for TE, but we can afford to go BPA. It's also looking very good for us to address S or RB with our early 2nd rounder (I'd be ecstatic if Cyprien makes it to us at 37).

-QG

 

[Nucker101]

What do you guys think? I like the Eilert pick - gives us another weapon and gives us a chance to employ some of things New England likes to do. Plays to Dalton's strength. Don't love that we've gone first round twice in the last 4 years for TE, but we can afford to go BPA. It's also looking very good for us to address S or RB with our early 2nd rounder (I'd be ecstatic if Cyprien makes it to us at 37).

-QG

Great value pick. He's more talented than Gresham and having two solid TE's is a nice advantage in today's NFL. Always a big fan of BPA picks as long as the player isn't a horrible fit for the team.

 

[werdnoynek]

BPA. He can help them immediately.

 

[Kirby]

Heard some inside info yesterday that it was Reid>Vaccaro>Eiffert. Would have been happy with any of them. Look for S, RB, or T with the 2nds.

 

[Sugar Huddle]

My guess is that Gresham won't be resigned when his contract expires. He really took a step back in 2012. Eifert will end up being more valuable by mid-way through this season and will probably end up with more snaps than Gresham. And Orsen Charles will be TE #2 when Gresham is gone. A good pick overall as Gresham is just an average pass catcher while Eifert has tremendous hands, route running and in the air ball skills.