LIVE GAME DAY CHAT Around 1 pm Eastern
The good news is that DeVante Parker is also out. Reshad Jones is back, and that can only help.
We are skating on really thin ice with all these injuries and with a scheme that is not built for the “next man up” mentality. First-round bust Charles Harris gets the start today, and I’m going to be positive and optimistic. But if he under-performs again, expect a less-nice report after the game.
The Bangals are formidable, but not elite. Believe it or not, here in Week 5, the Dolphins are their easiest opponent. They are 3-1 against quality teams, and we’re 3-1 against only one good team. We are really really due for something good. They are due for a poor week.
To me, it comes down to Adam Gase helping the offense. You do NOT help your team by asking your 3rd-string offensive linemen to block the Bengals’ pro-bowl D-linemen all day. YOU don’t ask them to do it, and you don’t get mad at them later for failing to do so. They are not good enough. Period. Instead, you innovate and improvise. For the love of God, snap the ball on 2 at some point. Roll your QB out away from the pocket. Pitch the ball to your RBs instead of making them run into nonexistent holes. Use your team’s speed for an advantage.
THAT is how you beat other teams when you lack the fundamental personnel to do it otherwise.
LIVE GAME DAY CHAT Around 1 pm Eastern
You hit it on the head. But I’ll have to switch from the Man City-Liverpool match at game time.