September 10, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety Taylor Mays (26) is called for a helmet to helmet hit penalty against Baltimore Ravens tight end Ed Dickson (84) at M
Everyone watched the game this past Monday night, millions of people saw us show up, lay down, and get manhandled on national TV. Embarrassing; but in reality, we all know we’re better than that. Imagine how embarrassing it was for our Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, and most of all, our defensive players.
One player that everyone knows had a terrible game was Strong Safety Taylor Mays. He had some definite missed assignments that caused big plays, he also had a personal foul penalty in which he clearly hit a defenseless receiver. He didn’t miss any big tackles; in fact he had a possible touchdown saving tackle on Ray Rice before half-time.
At half-time Mays was pulled for Safety Jeromy Miles, who honestly didn’t look too much better. So the question I ask is should Bengals Head coach sit Taylor Mays on the bench?
My answer: No, at least not yet.
Reasons for my answer: I do not give up on people easily, I honestly think Mays can turn it around. He may not be clutch and he may mess up in big situations, but one big/terrible game shouldn’t have us giving up him too soon. This was his first game as a starter, and it was against a great Ravens offense in Baltimore! We shouldn’t consider him a rookie, but with his known raw skill when we acquired him, we should consider him a first year player in my opinion.
Every defensive player had a bad game, Leon Hall and Manny Lawson especially. Thomas Howard and Terence Newman miss key turnovers, and Our Line couldn’t get an ounce of penetration. Maybe i’m too forgiving, but i’m not saying he did well by a long shot.
He played terribly, but I’m not ready to take his starting role after one bad game, even if it was that bad. Now, I could be wrong about Mays, he may not be able to play in the NFL, but he believes he can, and for now, so do I. Please don’t prove me wrong Taylor, I believe in you.
Let’s go Bengals and get ready for Cleveland!
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