We're absolutely spoiled by Belichick. I wouldn't put Marvin Lewis in the top 5 coaches in the league or anything, but he's certainly top half. He's got chunks of morons like Hue Jackson in his stool.
2018 Bengals: All Mediocre Things Must Come to an End
- Thread starter Rudy's Curve
- Start date
The Lost Decade was as bad as it gets, but this descent into apathy is getting up there - I'd imagine there are going to be 35k max for the Denver and Oakland games. They built up a very good core from the 2009-13 drafts, but they refused to supplement it with FAs (you think Denver regrets signing Talib, Ware and Ward even if they stayed a year too long?) and let most of that talent go. Add that to absolutely bombing the 2014 and 15 drafts and the last two-plus years are what you get.
I've defended Marvin many times, but it's time to go. His previous OC hire was a total failure that everyone saw coming, the current one isn't looking much better and his DC hire lasted nine games with one of the worst defenses ever. He also has way too much control in personnel - no other team in the league would've brought back Michael Johnson (expiration date: 2015) while Marvin made it happen and then appointed him and Shawn Williams (another huge liability) captains. If they didn't move on last year though when his contract expired, are they going to now when Mike would have to pay him for another year? His tactical deficiencies kill them in close games and now they've just resorted to getting boat raced every other week.
They need to move on from him and Dalton and start over. Unfortunately, they're going to be the least desirable job with bad ownership and without a franchise QB in place. It's looking like there's going to be at least six openings (NYJ BAL CLE DEN GB TB) along with the possibility of JAC WAS DAL and NYG. I hope they look to the college ranks and take a shot on someone like Lincoln Riley or Matt Campbell - they need a young offensive mind to bring along with the next QB.
Oh yeah it definitely isn't Hue that has made the Bengals bad, but for them to bring him in to help the defense against a team that he should know every player incredibly well, the vast majority of the playbook, most if not all of the verbage, and then have a not that good offense stomp you is just a testament to his incompetence. The idea of watching him be the worst coach in the league 3 years running, bring him in to help out, and in a situation where he should have every advantage he completely shits the bed, and then considering firing you mediocre coach to promote him should be grounds for a psych eval and the league stepping in and selling the team.
Marvin certainly overstayed his welcome and had way too much power in personnel by the end, but he was a big part of wrestling control away from ownership and turning the franchise around. Unfortunately, his two best teams were both derailed by QB injuries at the worst time and one had long-term consequences. He could still be a DC, but I also wouldn't be surprised if he retired as he's 60.
As for what's next, they really need to hire a (preferably young) offensive mind that's going to groom the next QB. Dalton seems to have a lifetime contract though and this year's class doesn't look too promising, plus it would be very out of character for them to trade up. They need to find somebody sooner rather than later with Mayfield and Jackson in the division.
As for what's next, they really need to hire a (preferably young) offensive mind that's going to groom the next QB. Dalton seems to have a lifetime contract though and this year's class doesn't look too promising, plus it would be very out of character for them to trade up. They need to find somebody sooner rather than later with Mayfield and Jackson in the division.
I would hope even Mike is smart enough not to hire from the Marvin tree. There's no place to hit him harder than the wallet and he can look forward to another season of 30k crowds if he does.