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So What's Wrong In Cincy??
Posted 09-19-2008 at 10:26 PM by Miller
Got into a good discussion with RC on the SO main forum today on what the real issues with the Bengals are. Figured this was a great topic to put in here and break down. Many feel the need to toss Ocho under the bus as the Cancer on this team and the core reason for their failure. Others want to toss the blame on Marvin for a lack of control, which usually leads them back to the first reason of Ocho.
These are issues, but still not the core issue. The core issue on Offense and the free fall we have seen in this department is the play calling. Watch a game (or don't if you want to preserve your sanity) and you will see a complete disaster when it comes to the offensive game plan.
IMO, too much is tossed on Ocho b/c he's the convenient lightning rod. Those who don't pay close attention to the team toss the blame on him b/c it's the "easy target" and it makes them sound smart. The Media is very guilty of this. It's a good story, the real reasons for the downfall are mush less interesting to talk about. The reality is that I can name a laundry list of issues that are of graver concern or of great cause to putting the Bengals in the situation they are in now than COC:
1. Offensive Play Calling
2. No consistency on Defense
3. Incompetence of the front office
4. Lack of consistent leadership
5. Play of the offensive line
6. Lack of a pass rush
7. Lack of maturity as a whole, Chad is part of this, but far from alone.
The downfall of the offense is centered around #1 & #5. The organization dropped the ball two years ago when they made the decision to ink Willie to a long term deal and not take care of Steinbeck. Once they did that, they compounded the issue by applying the FT to Justin Smith and not Steiny. That set the OL into a tailspin. Which only highlights the complete incompetence of Bob Bratkowski. Without the solid OL he had in 2005, his lack of creativity is blowing this offense up. It's stale and predictable.
I'd say Marvin deserved the chance this year to try to right his wrongs. Something he is clearly not doing. After all this is a guy who made a horrible organization relevant again. Is it time for him to go? I'd say yes unless a miracle occurs this year. IMO he should have shit canned Bratkowski last year and may have been able to save his this year, but he didn't, so both should now go. But I have had no issues with them keeping Marvin around to this point. Hind sight is 20/20, and it's easy to say he should have been fired this past offseason. I won't, but I will this year. It's time for a change, especially on offense. I would be absolutely livid if Marvin woudl go after this season and they kept Bratkowski. They both need to go, and IMO, Bratkowski is the more urgent move that needs to be made. In fact, I would applaud the move right now.
Those are some of the core issues that surround this team. If you would fix them, I feel the lightning rod that is COC would be seen as fun and enjoyable just like everyone saw him as in 2005. He's the scapegoat. He allows himself to be this, and defiantly has his flaws. However, to try to blame the offensive and team collapse on him is overlooking the real issues this team has.
These are issues, but still not the core issue. The core issue on Offense and the free fall we have seen in this department is the play calling. Watch a game (or don't if you want to preserve your sanity) and you will see a complete disaster when it comes to the offensive game plan.
IMO, too much is tossed on Ocho b/c he's the convenient lightning rod. Those who don't pay close attention to the team toss the blame on him b/c it's the "easy target" and it makes them sound smart. The Media is very guilty of this. It's a good story, the real reasons for the downfall are mush less interesting to talk about. The reality is that I can name a laundry list of issues that are of graver concern or of great cause to putting the Bengals in the situation they are in now than COC:
1. Offensive Play Calling
2. No consistency on Defense
3. Incompetence of the front office
4. Lack of consistent leadership
5. Play of the offensive line
6. Lack of a pass rush
7. Lack of maturity as a whole, Chad is part of this, but far from alone.
The downfall of the offense is centered around #1 & #5. The organization dropped the ball two years ago when they made the decision to ink Willie to a long term deal and not take care of Steinbeck. Once they did that, they compounded the issue by applying the FT to Justin Smith and not Steiny. That set the OL into a tailspin. Which only highlights the complete incompetence of Bob Bratkowski. Without the solid OL he had in 2005, his lack of creativity is blowing this offense up. It's stale and predictable.
I'd say Marvin deserved the chance this year to try to right his wrongs. Something he is clearly not doing. After all this is a guy who made a horrible organization relevant again. Is it time for him to go? I'd say yes unless a miracle occurs this year. IMO he should have shit canned Bratkowski last year and may have been able to save his this year, but he didn't, so both should now go. But I have had no issues with them keeping Marvin around to this point. Hind sight is 20/20, and it's easy to say he should have been fired this past offseason. I won't, but I will this year. It's time for a change, especially on offense. I would be absolutely livid if Marvin woudl go after this season and they kept Bratkowski. They both need to go, and IMO, Bratkowski is the more urgent move that needs to be made. In fact, I would applaud the move right now.
Those are some of the core issues that surround this team. If you would fix them, I feel the lightning rod that is COC would be seen as fun and enjoyable just like everyone saw him as in 2005. He's the scapegoat. He allows himself to be this, and defiantly has his flaws. However, to try to blame the offensive and team collapse on him is overlooking the real issues this team has.
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