LA Rams vs. Bengals Round II: Who dey? What dey saying?

Bengals bulk up via NFL free agency

Ramblin Fan II: Much fuss was made about young QB Joe Burrow. Is this year a ‘third time’s a charm?’ season, or do you anticipate a bit of a plateau, or even slight regression, over last season?

Stripe Hype: Burrow was ridiculously efficient last season.  He completed over 70 percent of his passes and was one of the most effective deep-ball passers in the league.  Are those numbers likely to regress?  Maybe.  But the major change on offense from last year is that they *finally* have some protection up front.

Cincinnati shelled out big money in free agency to sign center Ted Karras, right guard Alex Cappa, and right tackle La’El Collins.  That should give Burrow even more time to dissect a defense, and he’s got the weapons to continue to put up fireworks: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Joe Mixon.  No matter what kind of defense you play, Cincinnati has the horses to attack you.

Ramblin Fan III: The Bengals’ offensive line was the focus of a lot of criticism a year ago. Is the unit any better this year? If so, which additions have toughened the offensive line?

Stripe Hype: Should it be better?  Yes.  Will it be better?  We’ll see.  As noted, they spent a lot of money on the offensive line, but Cappa and Collins have dealt with injuries throughout camp, so this unit hasn’t played together very much.  Also, an offensive line is a lot like a secondary; you’re only as good as your weakest link.

Our weakest link is and has been, the left guard spot. (Remember when y’all won the Super Bowl on a sack given up by the left guard?)  The plan was for last year’s second-rounder, Jackson Carman, to earn that spot, but he’s been downright dreadful this preseason.  As of right now, it looks like fourth-round rookie Cordell Volson (who is that?) is the primary candidate to win the left guard spot.  He’s an adequate run blocker but very shaky so far in pass protection.  For now, he is essentially winning this job by default.  They have no one else.  Unless a free agent signing is made, the left side will continue to be a problem area for the Bengals.