At center, the Bengals should

[sixxfan26]

All that needs to be done is a depth chart switch; TR is a starter, move Cook to back up. Done.

[Go Cards]

Originally Posted by PantheraTigrisTigris

J.C. Tretter Cornell Big Red!!

He is in my mock

[Luvnit2]

Originally Posted by BengalRugby

Lots of opinions about what the Bengals should do for tge center position. Keep Cook, roll with Robinson, draft a back up, etc..


I like Robinson as the starter with Cook as a back up. Robinson showed good strength, playing well, and seemed to improve overall line play down the stretch. Plus he is young and will only get better, stronger, over the next few seasons.

Our poll is based on remembering how an injured Cook played at the end of the year.

Why do we panick? Robinson is a rookie and should get stronger and gained some valuable expereince. He looked good against weak defenses. Cook is solid when healthy.

Let these two battle it out for the starting job. Add Boling into the battle in case Wharton beats out Boling for starting LG position.

Our pressing needs are:

1. #2 receiver (experience needed)
2. LB - both middle and outside
3. Safety
4. Running back (speed guy durable enough to play all 3 downs) - will be hard to find

I hope these are our prioroities in free agency and then the draft early.

[Luvnit2]

Originally Posted by bengalfan74

I wasn't sure about Cook the season before last, now I'm pretty sure he's not the answer ! Draft Jones or Frederick and let Robinson and whomever battle it out.

We can't have the pocket getting shoved back in Andy's face on every pass play.

I save all the Bengals games. In the past week, I have watched them all again.

Rarely in non passing situations did our OL not perform well. Rarely, did I see the pocket pushed back into Andy.

This is what I did see. Andy became a statue in the pocket. He went to a spot and stood there versus moving back, up, or side to side a step or so. He made himself an easy target.

[OSUfan]

Originally Posted by McC

Are you changing your opinion on this issue?

Not sure what you mean? I do not hate Cook like many others but I also believe in competition. If Frederick came in and won the job then I am all for it.

[OSUfan]

Originally Posted by Luvnit2

Our poll is based on remembering how an injured Cook played at the end of the year.

Why do we panick? Robinson is a rookie and should get stronger and gained some valuable expereince. He looked good against weak defenses. Cook is solid when healthy.

Let these two battle it out for the starting job. Add Boling into the battle in case Wharton beats out Boling for starting LG position.

Our pressing needs are:

1. #2 receiver (experience needed)
2. LB - both middle and outside
3. Safety
4. Running back (speed guy durable enough to play all 3 downs) - will be hard to find

I hope these are our prioroities in free agency and then the draft early.

We have a MLB. His name is Vontaze Burfict.

[Luvnit2]

Originally Posted by OSUfan

We have a MLB. His name is Vontaze Burfict.

We said the same thing about Rey M. when he played outside backer until Jones left.

How did that work out?

[OSUfan]

Originally Posted by Luvnit2

We said the same thing about Rey M. when he played outside backer until Jones left.

How did that work out?

Burfict would have never sniffed the WLB position if Howard had not been injured so no sense in acting like it was the plan. Not too mention, Rey played as bad at SLB as he played in the middle which is why many used the "natural" position argument when people started getting down on the play of Rey.

Now just the absolute opposite Burfict played very well as a fill in WLB. The comparison is pointless.

[McC]

Originally Posted by Luvnit2

We said the same thing about Rey M. when he played outside backer until Jones left.

How did that work out?

If Rey had played as well on the outside as Burfict, you argument might be valid. I seem to remember it being maybe he'll be better when he moves inside.

[OSUfan]

Originally Posted by McC

If Rey had played as well on the outside as Burfict, you argument might be valid. I seem to remember it being maybe he'll be better when he moves inside.

Exactly!

[BengalBuckeye]

Originally Posted by OSUfan

Burfict would have never sniffed the WLB position if Howard had not been injured so no sense in acting like it was the plan. Not too mention, Rey played as bad at SLB as he played in the middle which is why many used the "natural" position argument when people started getting down on the play of Rey.

Now just the absolute opposite Burfict played very well as a fill in WLB. The comparison is pointless.

I think Rey played worse when he moved inside if that was possible.

[BengalBuckeye]

Originally Posted by Luvnit2

Our poll is based on remembering how an injured Cook played at the end of the year.

Why do we panick? Robinson is a rookie and should get stronger and gained some valuable expereince. He looked good against weak defenses. Cook is solid when healthy.

Let these two battle it out for the starting job. Add Boling into the battle in case Wharton beats out Boling for starting LG position.

Our pressing needs are:

1. #2 receiver (experience needed)
2. LB - both middle and outside
3. Safety
4. Running back (speed guy durable enough to play all 3 downs) - will be hard to find

I hope these are our prioroities in free agency and then the draft early.

I'm fed up with people saying we need a number 2 receiver in the first.The Saints,Broncos,Patriots Niner's ,Texans all win without a #2 star wr.It takes a couple of years for receivers to get settled in except on rare occasions.This team hasn't had 2 good safeties in a long time and we need to take a top tier one and not another average one.I say pick 1 and 2a and 2b should be lb , s , c .Then in 3 and 4 go rb and receiver or another lb.

[Luvnit2]

Originally Posted by OSUfan

Exactly!

I hope you guys are correct. I like Burfict and did from day one. I just happen to believe Zimmer's scheme calls for a bigger and slower type MLB creating issues in coverage for guys like Rey and Burfict. Believe me, I hope I am wrong and Burfict does not become the new whipping boy on defense in 2013.

[Luvnit2]

Originally Posted by BengalBuckeye

I'm fed up with people saying we need a number 2 receiver in the first.The Saints,Broncos,Patriots Niner's ,Texans all win without a #2 star wr.It takes a couple of years for receivers to get settled in except on rare occasions.This team hasn't had 2 good safeties in a long time and we need to take a top tier one and not another average one.I say pick 1 and 2a and 2b should be lb , s , c .Then in 3 and 4 go rb and receiver or another lb.

I said experienced receiver needed and not a rookie. I want a FA vet receiver. Read my post again before going off on me.

[cphilz85]

When healthy Cook played well. He earned the contract that was given. If he can show up at training camp back to his 2011 form, he will be the starter. If not then it's an open competition.

[OSUfan]

Originally Posted by Luvnit2

I hope you guys are correct. I like Burfict and did from day one. I just happen to believe Zimmer's scheme calls for a bigger and slower type MLB creating issues in coverage for guys like Rey and Burfict. Believe me, I hope I am wrong and Burfict does not become the new whipping boy on defense in 2013.

I don't think any coach wants a big slow MLB.

[Bengal4ever68]

We should draft Barrett Jones. I'm with Gruden when he said there isn't really a huge difference between Robinson & Cook. Jones shows he can block well & shows awareness of where to block.

[BengalTrucker]

Originally Posted by cphilz85

When healthy Cook played well. He earned the contract that was given. If he can show up at training camp back to his 2011 form, he will be the starter. If not then it's an open competition.

Cook did not look good. The Guards next to him just looked even worse.
Several of us on this board complained about Cook being pushed back and collapsing the pocket against big 3-4 NT. Cook was said to be the strongest guy on the team, but has always looked to be weak at the point of attack.

This was his year to prove he could be good, with two good Guards next to him. Then Cook stunk when he got playing time. It was the same Cook, being lost when calling protections, not picking up the late blitzers, and looking weak at the point of attack.

Robinson looked good for a UDF rookie. He did not appear to have enough strength, but used good technique even against bigger stronger NT. Robinson outplayed Cook, and the entire O line looked better with Robinson at Center.

That said I still want to draft a top notch Center, but I want him, Cook, and Robinson to battle it out in camp. If it is close give it to the best younger player as they will improve with time, and Cook is at his max. If Robinson and the Rookie look better than Cook, cut him, or trade him.

I don't see Cook out playing Robinson, let alone a top notch rookie.

[hacker]

If they could get Travis ? from Wisocnsin in the mid to later rounds, he would be a nice versative addition that could eventually start at C or G IMO. I want to see if Cook can really beat out Robinson in preseason.

[SunsetBengal]

Originally Posted by hacker

If they could get Travis ? from Wisocnsin in the mid to later rounds, he would be a nice versative addition that could eventually start at C or G IMO. I want to see if Cook can really beat out Robinson in preseason.

You do realize that Travis Frederick is the #2 rated Center prospect, and has a 2nd round grade, right?

Highly unlikely that he will be available in the mid to later rounds.

If the Bengals like him, 2A may be their best chance. If he's there at 2B, it's a no-brainer.

[brooksob53]

Wouldn't mind drafting Jonathan Cooper out of UNC. He played guard at UNC but it's widely believed he would excel at both guard or center. Scouts have said he's the most athletic guard in this years draft. Not sure I would want to use our 1st on him but if he's there at 37 I would welcome him with open arms.

[Bengal4ever68]

Originally Posted by SunsetBengal

You do realize that Travis Frederick is the #2 rated Center prospect, and has a 2nd round grade, right?

Highly unlikely that he will be available in the mid to later rounds.

If the Bengals like him, 2A may be their best chance. If he's there at 2B, it's a no-brainer.

Travis Fredrick is not very good. Barrett Jones on the other hand is going to be an above average center. We could get Jones with our 2A or possibly our 2B pick.

[OSUfan]

Originally Posted by Bengal4ever68

Travis Fredrick is not very good. Barrett Jones on the other hand is going to be an above average center. We could get Jones with our 2A or possibly our 2B pick.

So please explain how Frederick is "not very good".

[fortyyearfan]

Originally Posted by SunsetBengal

You do realize that Travis Frederick is the #2 rated Center prospect, and has a 2nd round grade, right?

Highly unlikely that he will be available in the mid to later rounds.

If the Bengals like him, 2A may be their best chance. If he's there at 2B, it's a no-brainer.

Go get SOMEBODY in this draft and allow all of them to battle for the starting position.Its a problem that needs addressed.Cook struggled and had major problems with pass rushes. I do not want to see our line get man-handled again this upcoming season.Without a solid line to block and handle the running game, we are going nowhere. Its a big problem that MUST BE ADDRESSED.

[goalpost]

Originally Posted by sixxfan26

All that needs to be done is a depth chart switch; TR is a starter, move Cook to back up. Done.

That all sounds well and good, but we are paying Cook starters money through 2015.