At this point, it ain't about what they have left. Can't expect an all-pro to be available in mid-September.
This is about best player available. No idea if Hunt is the best available... but he's had some pretty good years. And he just turned 29 last month. He's 5'11" 216lb... pretty much a carbon-copy of Pacheco except Pacheco's a bit faster.
He might be a good second option after Steele. Or 3rd once CEH returns.
TBH I think this could help CEH's recovery from some of his issues. He's needed by the team and needs something to focus on.
These coaches aren't stupid. They left him alone for a reason. I think it's because they have confidence in him, and because they wanted to see how he would do all alone on an island vs one of the best DEs in the league.
He'll improve.
I seem to remember a slew of holding penalties that killed drives. Also remember a clear DPI that wasn't called, that killed a drive. Anyone whining about the refs in this game has their head up their ass.
That shouldn't worry you... he's a rookie in game 2 vs one of the best DEs in the AFC. He'll get better.
I'm pissed we made their OL look like All Pros.
Andy saw weakness in their run defense. Zac saw weakness in our ability to cover TEs. Both had solid gameplans.
Our OL never seems to hold up against cincy, for whatever reason.
Every great play we had on offense was called back due to OL penalty. That's bad luck and bad timing. We will improve.
Spags really was holding back... all day. I think they were willing to take the L so they could have something new to show if we meet them again in the playoffs. Thankfully he turned Connor loose on that 3rd down play.
Patrick's 2 INTs were horrible and uncharacteristic. He's good for 1 or 2 of those type games per season. Nobody is perfect. One thing that surprised me was his unwillingness to run the ball. He does so well when he's out of the pocket... today he stayed in the pocket until it collapsed. It seems like he wasn't quite himself because he never really attempted to scramble and run the ball.
Overall a disappointing performance, lucky to come out with the W but it will go a long way to help us in the post-season. Our DL was a little disappointing today too... seemed like Burrow had a little too much time. We need Omenihu back.
I have confidence our receivers will improve. We have a solid group and an amazing QB. One or two plays going the other way and we win comfortably. Steele's fumble... Patrick's second INT... both stopped good drives.
Lots to work on, lots to be positive about.
The hard part is finding a team willing to give up a Hill package. Not sure the Phins are thinking it was worth it right about now. Yeah, Hill is producing for them... no doubt about that. But at what cost?
J Chase is unhappy... talks have stalled... he's locked in for this year and next. He's looking at their offer of 90 million in guaranteed (Jefferson is 110 million) and apparently Cincy wants to stretch it out to 2027 but with stipulations that could allow them to bail before the guaranteed sum fully takes effect. It's good to see other teams having to work out the same issues we have had over the years. Clark needs to give Veach a raise.