15 thoughts - Bengals game

[Gandhi]

D'Anthony Batiste was perhaps the single worst tackle I have ever watched in my 30ish years of watching NFL football.

Dear God, I had forgot all about how they threw him out there. Man, he was bad.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I'm not sure about the bolded part Krang. I'm not an expert on offensive line play, but Hump seems right now to be middling in terms of LTs, and Shipley appears to me to be just okay at center.

Pugh? Having a decent season, right? Playing a little dinged up gets him some respect. Haven't seen him called for many penalties, and I think he's above average in pass protection. He's 29, and in the 2nd year of a five year deal.

Sweezy has been a good addition though. He's 30, and on a two year deal, so not sure what his long term future is with the team.

So if we put in a good RT, we have Hump, Pugh, Ship, Sweezy and "good RT".

hmmm... Let's say Hump continues to progress, and we keep the same five starting for ten or fifteen games through the 2020 season. I think in that case they might be an above-average unit. If we could upgrade the center position, then I would be more likely to buy in.

Wow Shipely is old. 33. And it looks like his deal expires this year. So it will be Cole, or new center next year probably.

Humphries is an above average LT. His injuries have clouded most observers view of him, but he is a good run blocker and decent pass blocker.

Pugh is overpaid, but he is a respectable starting LG.

Shipley is probably the second weakest lineman, but he's at least an average starting C in the NFL.

Sweezy has been a real pleasant surprise; he has been beaten a few times on stunts and such, but he has been a mauler in the run game and is probably the second best lineman on the team.

RT? Has given up lots of pressure, but I think Murray DOES have a chance to develop by the end of the year. He hasn't been a total embarrassment, which is a mild surprise.

The sum of the whole is greater than the parts with this group. Murray has likely been responsible for at least half the sacks by either running without a plan and not stepping up in the pocket. DJ has been responsible for probably 2-3 himself, and at least a half dozen pressures from what I've seen, which is pretty crappy since he's really only charged with holding a block for a second or two.

What I would do next year is move Cole into the starting C spot, but bring in a mid tier veteran to compete with him. Franchise or sign Hump to a long term, middle tier LT deal ($12-13 million). Draft a young, big athletic RT, or find a mid career Bobby Massie-type and sign him to a reasonable contract. Draft Jeudy and this offense is ready to rock and roll. Keeping Hump, Pugh, Sweezy in place ensures a bit of continuity.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Dear God, I had forgot all about how they threw him out there. Man, he was bad.

I remember when the Cardinals beat the Patriots in Foxboro, he was beaten by Chandler Jones on nearly every play. I was shocked at how bad he was, but also fell in love with Chandler Jones' game.