Helping Hobson

We've all wanted to do it at some point--answer questions posed to Geoff Hobson of bengals.com--well, now we here at WDR have a platform to do so.  In a new section called "Helping Hobson," we will take direct aim at some of the questions keeping Bengals fans up at night.  It should be noted that this is in no way meant to disparage Mr. Hobson, who we feel is one of the best (if not most productive) team writers out there.  Generally, we here at WDR feel that he is very fair when it comes to assessing the Bengals' strengths and weaknesses, even going so far as criticizing the organization (albeit mildly) on occasion.  However, I'm sure Geoff Hobson knows who pays his checks, which might lead him to be a little softer in his critique of the team than, say, our friend Ray, who is the biggest Bengals Hater (slash fan) of all time.  The WDR staff gets no money from the Brown family (although we are totally willing to sell out), so for now we will not pull any punches.

To avoid any legal ramifications, we are crediting this to www.bengals.com.  And our response comes from Biff Gobson, a dude who we know.  He lives in Canada--met him at Niagara Falls one year.

The first question we'd like to respond to comes from Dave C. of Cincy, OH: "Am I crazy for being excited about the coming season? I like how the defense is shaping up in terms of personnel and coaching. I see the offense, with or without 85 and 84, ready to wake up and be a dissecting offense with the re-growth of Rudi, with Perry back in the mix, as well as Utecht. The schedule is tough, but I find it difficult to swallow the thought that we cannot beat Baltimore, Tennessee, the Giants and Browns to start the year. If not, two or three of them."

Dave, you are not crazy, just delusional.  It's something that affects many, many Bengals fans.  Usually it peaks closer to last pre-season game, but it's not unusual for it to linger from pre-Draft days until the Bengals are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.  Hobson was very diplomatic in answering this question--which is to say, he didn't really answer it.  But if you look at the Bengals' history under Mike Brown, in 17 years they have yet to win a single playoff game.  I'd say that does not bode well for the upcoming season, nor does our extremely difficult schedule. 

In our previous preview of the AFC North, we have the Bengals finishing 3rd in the division for the second straight year.  Now, sure, it's possible that they will get off to a fast start and possibly even make the playoffs.  But, the best predictor of future success is generally past performance, so I'd say there is little to indicate that we should be optimistic following an 8-8 and 7-9 finishes in the last two years.  To me, the most glaring defficiencies for this team were an inability to effectively run the ball (Rudi J. at 2.9 yards per carry) and an inability to get to the opponents' QB (DEAD LAST in the NFL in sacks).  I don't think we have addressed either problem very well in the offseason.

I hope I am wrong--I really do.  On the plus side, perhaps a healthy offensive line and a healthy Chris Perry will augment our stifled running game.  Maybe Antwan Odom and Robert Geathers will form great bookends, and Ahmad Brooks will be a great outside rush LB, and Sims, Peko, and Shirley will generate pressure inside.  It's all possible, just not very likely from where I'm sitting. 

Comments

[Jonathan Smith]

Hobson may need to think about a career change...

[Nick]

"To me, the most glaring defficiencies for this team were an inability to effectively run the ball (Rudi J. at 2.9 yards per carry) and an inability to get to the opponents' QB (DEAD LAST in the NFL in sacks). I don't think we have addressed either problem very well in the offseason."

Rudi Johnson is HEALTHY this year, as well as Chris Perry. Last time both were healthy the bengals went to the playoffs. The bengals didnt need to address the running back spot, they just needed to get healthy. Why do people not seem to get that? Justin Smith had, i think, 2 sacks last year. Odom had 8. They moved Brooks to SAM to get a better pass rush. I think the bengals did a great job improving their weakness without limiting their improvements in other spots (drafting 3 WRs and not spending those high picks on DE's)

[Mike]

Nick, I'm worried about your optimism. Rudi Johnson is healthy this year but he also struggled in 2006 when he was healthy. 3.8 yards a carry ain't that great either. Also, it is by no means set in stone that Chris Perry will be healthy this year as well. In fact, I'd put the odds at 50/50 based on nothing but feel. Odom had two sacks last year but played next to Albert Haynseworth who is a freaking monster. That's a big difference from John Thornton.

I agree with you...if everyone works out and returns to form when they were most productive, then we will be very good. But that's the mentality we took last year and it got us 7-9.

[Nick]

I agree Ive always thought Rudi was not as great as hes made out to be. You can always count on him to have a few break out games especially against the browns. I think we can both agree that his loss last year cost us 1 or 2 games atleast. and thats the difference between a winning and losing season. (doesnt mean much unless you make the playoffs though imo.) I would of been disapointed if the bengals had taken a running back early in the draft. Perry usually does get hurt at some point in his previous seasons, but hes healthy now, and you have to give him better odds than 50/50. No man who makes it to the NFL is that fragile... I think.
I think our dline is much better off than last year, but all of that rides on the potential of odom and sims. maybe even shirley. I really like brooks on the edge though. I think that should help a lot with a pass rush. He was a force blitzing up the middle against balt last season before he got hurt.