After being defeated in the playoffs by the San Diego Chargers, the Cincinnati Bengals are looking forward to Draft Day of 2014. Questions surmount the team concerning their starting quarterback, Andy Dalton and his future as a Bengal. Dalton was selected by the Bengals in 2011 to replace Carson Palmer. That was also the year that Cam Newton was selected by the Carolina Panthers. Although Mike Brown loved the idea of Colin Kaepernick, Jay Gruden decided to go with Andy Dalton. (Maybe Gruden is kicking himself for that one, but not too much since taking the head coaching job in Washington.) Anybody could tell you that Kaepernick is better than Dalton in more ways than one. Dont believe me? Look at the numbers Kaepernick put up versus the numbers Dalton put up. It is clear that the Bengals are not looking for a quarterback, but I believe that they need one to replace Dalton. I dont believe he is a leader and has the attributes that great quarterbacks possess in this game such as Aaron Rodgers, Alex Smith, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Russell Wilson, etc. Dalton is simply not a playoff caliber quarterback that can lead the Bengals into a playoff run and more possibly, a Super Bowl. Mike Smith needs to realize that with Andy Dalton, and Marvin Lewis, he will most likely have a winning record for the season, but nothing to show for it. This will repeat itself year after year after year.
Okay, I give it to you, Marvin Lewis is a great head coach, but its no secret that he cant win big games such as playoff games. In his entire tenure as head coach with the Bengals after signing with them in 2003, he has gone 90-85, basically almost at the .500 mark. Since 2003, the Bengals have had 5 playoff appearances and has lost each and every one of its AFC playoff Wild Card games. Is he the Don Nelson of the NFL? It appears so. You have many coaches that know how to win, but cant win major games...like playoff games.
A mock draft a few days ago selected Derek Carr from Fresno State to go to the Cincinnati Bengals. That MAY solve the quarterback situation, and Derek Carr just may be the right man.
If I were Mike Smith, I would not allow Marvin Lewis to come back next year. Bengals fans, I am not sorry, but if you want to get to the playoffs, rid yourselves of whats holding you back.
Andy Dalton, and Marvin Lewis.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: WIDE RECEIVER
The Baltimore Ravens finished 8-8 this season and missed the playoffs. Last year, this team made it to the Super Bowl and won against the San Francisco 49ers. This year, the Ravens did not look as though they were the Champions a year ago. By mid season, almost everybody could tell that the wouldn't make a bid for another appearance. The Ravens could not win games when they mattered the most. Some games they won by the skin of their teeth. What must general manager, Ozzie Newsome do to get this team back on track?
Newsome traded the fourth and fifth round draft picks to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Eugene Monroe. The seventh pick, according to bleacherreport.com goes to the Indianapolis Colts when the Ravens aquired A.Q. Shipley.
The Ravens need someone that can catch the ball and make plays for them. A play maker. One that can outrun any cornerback set to defend him. They need, in my opinion, Marqise Lee of USC. The Eagles are also targeting the young 22 year old. Lee is one of the most outstanding players in college football and it shows in every game that he plays. If Newsome does choose to go with Lee, he will not regret it.
The Inglewood, California native went for 57 receptions and 791 yards which gives him about 13.8 yards per catch this season. When it comes to 3rd and 5, Lee would be the go to guy for me. In his career, he has 248 receptions with 3,655 yards and 29 touchdowns. Career average of yards per catch would be 14.7 yards. Despite a sore knee this season, he is bound to get better.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: A BETTER DEFENSE! A RUNNING BACK.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Rooney family missed the playoffs this year by a field goal that sent the San Diego Chargers to Cincinnati for the AFC Wild Card game. All year long, the Steelers have struggled in their defense. This year they started 0-4 and then went 8-4 the rest of the year. Had their defense been in line, they could have easily beat out the overrated Cincinnati Bengals. The defense was 28th in the league in turnovers! Awful. They could not defend the rush and was 21st in the league. Last but not least, they were ranked 13th in the league with giving up points per game. This is not the Steel Curtain that was so excellent in defense. Mike Tomlin needs to get it together.
The Steelers' running game is horrid as well as its defense. They were 29th in rushing yards. Le'Veon Bell had 240 rushes for 860 yards. That has to be at least 3 yards per rush. Ben Roethlisberger cannot win games by himself. He needs help. It also would not hurt if they invested in a wide receiver. They need some young talent.
Hopefully, they can turn things around this year.
*For the Cleveland Browns, read article on their draft need.
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