NGT- Revisiting the O-line vs WR debate

[MightyGiants]

A few years back, the Bengals drafted WR Chase, and the Lions drafted Sewell (there was much debate about which of them should be drafted first).   The Bengals went to the Super Bowl (and lost) that season, and it seemed pretty solid that the WR was the right pick.

Yet a few years later, the Bengals are struggling while the Lions are a team on the rise.  So with the benefit of more time, I don't think taking Chase over Sewell was the slam dunk it initially appeared.

[T200]

There are so many moving parts and pieces to build a championship team. Years ago, wide receiver was nothing more than a "shiny hood ornament" and an afterthought. My how things have changed.

I think too many times we try and distill success and winning to a single item. It's not. Wide receiver, in today's league, is a necessity, not a luxury. Offensive line will ALWAYS be a priority. Sewell is working out for Detroit. Chase is working out for Cincy.

[Philosophers]

Their successes were due to many things not just Chase vs Sewell.  I wish we had Sewell.

[MrGap92]

Bengals problem is moreso defense. 5th worst defense in points allowed.

They have the 5th highest scoring offense too, yay for symmetry I suppose.

[kingm56]

Bengals problem is moreso defense. 5th worst defense in points allowed.

They have the 5th highest scoring offense too, yay for symmetry I suppose.

The Bengals were missing a lot of star power on defense due to injuries; they got healthy a few weeks ago and now 3 - 1 in their last 4 games. 

[AYM]

A few years back, the Bengals drafted WR Chase, and the Lions drafted Sewell (there was much debate about which of them should be drafted first).   The Bengals went to the Super Bowl (and lost) that season, and it seemed pretty solid that the WR was the right pick.

Yet a few years later, the Bengals are struggling while the Lions are a team on the rise.  So with the benefit of more time, I don't think taking Chase over Sewell was the slam dunk it initially appeared.

I think 9 times out of 10 you pick Sewell. Chase had to literally break records and most WRs won't do that their rookie year (look at Marvin Harrison Jr who was "generational".)

[jgrangers2]

If you look at recent history, it is very hard to find a top tier OT outside of the first round, and even the top 10, of the NFL Draft while top tier talent at the WR position has been found throughout. If you need both, and have a choice between a blue chip WR or OT, you should probably take the OT.

[Hadron]

Cincinnati is starting to round into form. After a rough start that included some close losses (including games against Baltimore, New England, etc), they've started generating the offense we've come to expect.

Defensively, they had a lot of talent out early in the season that is now playing at a pretty damn good level.

[MrGap92]

The Bengals were missing a lot of star power on defense due to injuries; they got healthy a few weeks ago and now 3 - 1 in their last 4 games. 

Agreed, I feel that reinforces my post since OP mentioned they are struggling, now a bit healthier things are turning around for them.

[AZGiantFan]

Cincinnati is starting to round into form. After a rough start that included some close losses (including games against Baltimore, New England, etc), they've started generating the offense we've come to expect.

Defensively, they had a lot of talent out early in the season that is now playing at a pretty damn good level.

Actually their YTD points yielded is 25.2 and their last three games points yielded is 25.  What is strange about the Bengals is that they give up more than 30 PPG at home and less than 18 PPG on the road.

[Hadron]

Actually their YTD points yielded is 25.2 and their last three games points yielded is 25.  What is strange about the Bengals is that they give up more than 30 PPG at home and less than 18 PPG on the road.

That's interesting. That awful game against Philadelphia skews the stat line a bit.