Who Dey notes: Bengals look for the formula, A.J. Green nixes Pro Bowl
By Emile Pierce
The Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason agenda is producing some interesting moves. A.J. Green puts a damper on Pro Bowl selection.
The 2018 offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals is underway and things are starting to take shape. Of course, the biggest shocker to most fans was the re-signing of head coach Marvin Lewis to a deal that keeps him around through 2019. Hopefully, that has a few stipulations woven into the fine print. Maybe Mike Brown has the option of pulling the plug if things go terribly wrong. But, we’re talkin’ Mikey Boy. That ain’t gonna happen.
Essentially, it seems the Bengals are trying to get that old magic back. Cincinnati’s brain trust is going all out to make a stark separation between the last two seasons and what’s going to be a pivotal year. Lewis has to win, unless he’s working on an extended plan. But, that’s not going to be good enough for diehard fans. Winning the regular season is…good. Yet, it’s time the Bengals went farther than a day into the postseason.
Familiar names have popped up on the Bengals coaching list. Jon Kitna is being considered as the next QB tutor for Andy Dalton. Yeah. That had me scratching my head too. Is it familiarity with the franchise, his desire to win or more laziness? His best year with the Bengals was Marvin’s first year (8-8). True, he was instrumental in getting Carson Palmer groomed for the NFL ready to play for Cincy. But, does that translate to a better, calmer Dalton?
Jim McNally has been mentioned as a candidate to get the O-line humming again. McNally has overseen the Super Bowl lines of the 80s and mentored one of the Bengals greats in Anthony Munoz. But, is he the answer?
Austin city limits
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"“I can promise you we’ll be multiple and I like our guys to play disciplined. I don’t want to beat ourselves, I think more games are lost in this league than are won. Games are lost because guys make mistakes at inopportune times.”"
Those are the words of Bengals DC Teryl Austin. He’ll definitely be part of the new formula. As the team embarks on a journey to recapture the fire of the playoffs, he’ll be getting the best out of his players.
Bengals fans should be overjoyed to hear the word “discipline” being thrown around. After two years of losing games after halftime or in the final moments, his philosophy is a breath of fresh air.
"“I’m looking at the opportunity to work with Marvin and try to lead this defense and get back to the playoffs.”"
Um, and that’s what the fans want too. But, Bengals faithful like results over words.
Greener pastures
There’s nothing like being voted to play in the Pro Bowl. It shows fan appreciation and is truly a humbling experience.
But, for A.J. Green, it’s not going to be on his to-do list. Green has decided to opt out of the annual rite and avoid a meaningless game.
There are rumors Green is staying out of the 2018 Pro Bowl because of an injury. Yet, Bengals Nation is probably leaning towards the bad mojo surrounding Tyler Eifert. The talented tight end came back from the iconic game with an injury that sidelined him for most of the 2016 season.
At this point in his career, Green’s focus is rightfully on his health and getting ready for the 2018 campaign. A trip to Florida isn’t worth sacrificing the season. Green will be replaced by T.Y. Hilton of the Indianapolis Colts.