As the season comes to an end, the rumors begin to fly. Suddenly, there seems to be the possibility of Jay Gruden returning to the Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals fans are not going to be happy. Well, just being a Bengals fan can cause that kind of situation. It’s hard to stand behind a franchise that keeps making the same moves (mistakes) over and over. Now, there’s word that Cincy is interested in the services of Jay Gruden as head coach. Really? Hasn’t this been the problem that keeps occurring within the framework of this organization? At some point, it has to stop.
Gruden has been the head coach of the Washington Redskins since the 2014 season. Yes, we all remember him as Andy Dalton’s first offensive coordinator. He was able to get some nice things happening with the Ginger. But, that doesn’t mean bring him back as head coach. Frankly, that’s just mounting another retread on the Bengals’ wobbly bus.
Outside of getting rid of Robert Griffin III and getting Kirk Cousins to believe in himself, what has Gruden done in Washington? True, he led the Redskins to the playoffs in his second year. But, he’s been just as mediocre as Marvin Lewis. He lost the postseason duel with the Green Bay Packers and his record is 27-34-1. Doesn’t that sound like the same scenario the Bengals are trying to escape?
Put in some work
I’m sorry, but this sounds like a nasty little rumor combined with the inept dealings of Mike Brown. I may sound like a snooty, snobbish fan…but ya gotta put in some research work. Choosing a head coach isn’t like buying a pair of jeans that don’t fit. You can just take them back to the store and exchange them for the right size. Paying a few million to a knucklehead that ultimately causes a franchise train wreck is totally different.
Before I get called out for labeling Gruden an idiot, I wasn’t referring to him. My issue is with Brown ushering in any warm body just to calm the situation. That’s one of the most dangerous moves he could make.
Contrary to what most may feel, Gruden isn’t a good hire for the Bengals. Yes, they need to get an offensive minded coach who’ll get in tune with Dalton (he’s gonna be here…get used to it). But, making someone the head coach for that specific reason is absurd.
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Looking at the track record
Since Gruden has been overseeing things in Washington, they haven’t been coming on like gangbusters. The offense has been decent but there’s more to a team that putting points on the scoreboard. In the NFL, it’s about consistency. Jay hasn’t proven that with the Redskins.
This year, Gruden’s gang is ranked 19th in the league for total offense and a tad higher for points scored. That’s all well and good. But, the bottom line is W’s. The Redskins are only a game better (6-8) than the Bengals (5-9). If that’s the only prerequisite needed to become Bengals head coach, I’m available. My Madden record is impeccable.
And, speaking of records, Hue Jackson should be a no-no of vast proportions. Like Lewis, he’s a great guy. His offensive coordinator skills are fantastic. But, once again, his proven track record leaves much to be desired. In his stint with the Oakland Raiders, he was 8-8. With the disaster of Cleveland, his record stands at 9-37. Not a good look for a possible Bengals head coach candidate. But, he’s a swell guy.
As the season comes to an end, look for more wild choices to float to the top of the barrel. But, remember. Anything is possible with Brown as the man behind the curtain.