Marvin Lewis does a 180-degree turn on his status. Bill Lazor feels the frustration of an offense that has underwhelmed fans.
The Cincinnati Bengals got blown out by the Minnesota Vikings, on Sunday. If nothing else is absolute, that one statistic rings true. But, the bottom line is always hazy when it comes to Marvin Lewis. The news that had Lewis trending on Twitter and other social media venues was nothing new. Yet, it was a temporary bit of closure for Bengals fans. According to ESPN, 2017 was supposed to be the swan song for Cincinnati’s coach. Suddenly, that’s not the whole deal.
Lewis went into damage control to get some semblance of order in the locker room again.
"“It’s the same report you guys have been reporting on all season. Nothing’s changed since August. It’s just a speculation people keep throwing out there.”"
Whether it’s speculation or Mike Brown giving a little hint of what he’s thinking, things have to change. Lewis has been the skipper of a ship that seems to be going nowhere fast. When he took over as head coach, the Bengals had a mere five playoff wins. Close to his departure, the same is true.
Back in 2003, Marvin Lewis took over a Bengals team that had only 5 playoff wins in franchise history.
— Elite Andy says Who Dat? (@EvilAndyDalton) December 17, 2017
In 2017, after 15 years, Marvin Lewis will leave a Bengals team that has only 5 playoff wins in franchise history.
When Lewis took over as the HC in 2003, there was a renewed sense of hope. Going 8-8 felt like winning the Super Bowl. The Bengals were winning and there was a pride that came with coming out of the Dark Age. But, 15 years later, things are no better. In fact, the Bengals seem to be moving in reverse. Lewis says the team hasn’t checked out on him. But, after the carnage of three straight losses, it’s hard not to feel any other way.
Lewis may not want to admit it, but his time is up. Actually, it was overdue from 2015.
Where’s the O?
When Bill Lazor replaced Ken Zampese as Bengals’ offensive coordinator, it was supposed to generate fireworks. The offense looked like it had made a turn for the better. But, once more Andy Dalton and his supporting cast look as mediocre as ever.
To be fair, there have been some setbacks that weren’t expected. You know, the usual suspects. Players have been hurt, dropped passes and miscommunication. But, that still shouldn’t be the excuse for a horrendous offense that’s worst in the league.
After the Week 14 beat down from the Bears, there should have been a desire to get the offense going again. Yet, the same results came in Minnesota. In the 10 quarters since the second half against Pittsburgh, the Bengals offense has managed…two TDs. Yeah. Chew on that. To make things worse, the Bengals are dead last in total offense.
What’s the deal? Lazor thinks it’s a pile of frustration boiling over.
"“I thought after two weeks into the season, when Coach Lewis made the change to the coaching staff–that for a reason I could not understand–there was a confidence issue. And for whatever reason, I guess it’s because of the frustrations of our last two games, I felt more of that.”"
Welcome to the world of countless Bengals fans, Mr. Lazor. We’re all frustrated.