Inquiries on Jonathan India’s future and Zac Taylor’s utilization of Joe Burrow in Williams’ email
Too much predictability in the play calling is another problem. In the NFL, it’s impossible to be predictable, aside from personnel difficulties. When the opposition understands that you are running up the gut on every first down and that you will immediately drop back after, even the strongest offensive lines have difficulties.
In the end, everything comes down to a basic lack of toughness. Despite having what seems to be an entirely subpar squad, the Steelers are still in the postseason. Mike Tomlin gives the squad a toughness that the Bengals do not. That is really significant. In the NFL, coaching is ultimately what matters most, so sure, let’s strengthen the roster.
Answer: You raise some important issues, yet when a team doesn’t perform up to par, it’s simple to blame the coach. The same individuals who praised Taylor as “Coach of the Year” in 2021 and 2022 are now primarily interested in highlighting his shortcomings.
It’s reasonable to wonder how Taylor handled Burrow early in the season when he missed training camp due to a sore calf, since we’re in a what-went-wrong mood. The first two games aren’t Burrow’s to have. It helped the team get out to another 0–2 start, but this time it destroyed the Bengals.
Let’s not blame Taylor alone, though. The Bengals let experienced quarterback Brandon Allen go in the summer, so they were without a reliable backup quarterback at the moment. Recall that Jake Browning had just finished a terrible preseason and was untested at the time.
Questioning Burrow’s and the ownership’s involvement in the decision to have the franchise quarterback play injured is also reasonable. Give Taylor a little leeway on this one; we don’t know the solution.
on your assertion on the Bengals’ lack of toughness, I don’t think it’s true. It sounds like you’re pointing out Taylor’s carefree attitude throughout training camp. On the other side are the Steelers. Tomlin has discussed how crucial training camp is to enabling them to overcome hardships throughout the season. They put in a lot of work there. This season, the Steelers made a lot of progress. They may have made the playoffs in part because of their intense training camp performance.
Last but not least, I value the considerate email that made sense. “Fire Taylor!” is what many of the emails I’ve gotten from individuals say. It’s understandable that some fans are upset and want to let it out. Though such kinds of communications won’t be emphasized here, I’m okay with it.
I’m searching for emails that pose insightful questions and/or present well-reasoned arguments, and I’ve received far more than I can discuss in this little space.
Subject: Cincinnati Reds star Jonathan India’s future, “Are you of the opinion that they ought to trade India?”
Rebuttal: I don’t, sorry. In a previous Wittenmyer & Williams essay, I outlined why the Reds require India’s leadership, particularly in light of Joey Votto’s departure. And it’s not just about India being represented in the clubhouse.
India’s bat must start for the Reds. Despite being an only three seasons into his career, the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year is among the few players on the club with a great deal of experience.
Yes, India had trouble with the bat last season. However, review the remarks made by Manager David Bell and other squad members in the locker room after India suffered a setback in late July, which led to a six-match losing streak in early August. You may argue that this stretch lost them a postseason berth in retrospect.
Bell described him as being “just in the middle of everything.” “Midway through the field, midway through the order, midway through our clubhouse.” He’s been missed.