FatNate

14-9. CC. 3-min left. 1Q.

Duel violins from Highlands did a fine job with the Anthem. Making player introductions now.

Lower bowl pretty full. Nice crowd. 2-minutes to tip.

What lifts are used to get the combined weight total?

I am no expert. Not even close. I am most hopeful they sign Chenal today. Then start targeting solid pros with some upside or situational experts to add depth on the defensive line, particularly on the inside. It would be nice to be able to take the best available guy at 10 and not forced to take a specific position.

I hope the Bengals target Chenal at linebacker. Also think guys like Bosa and Chaisson on the edge should be considered. Wouldn’t hurt to consider Woolen or Wright at corner. Several safeties left. Unfortunately, doesn’t appear to be any real help on the interior of the line. Bengals needed to sign JFM. Please don’t respond with they were in the running. Of course they were; anyone with Madden experience saw that need. The job isn’t about trying, it’s about getting it done! Cue the fans calling for the team to bring back Reader. Interior line will have to be drafted.

Just like a Steeler fan — only wanting to talk about the past. Bengals moved on from Bates and so have the fans.

Most experts have said this group of free agents isn’t great and most teams are over paying. I like both signings. I believe they address immediatel needs. I like the story of Cook and he has produced for a proven winner. He is a no brainer plug and play. I think Mafe fits the athletic model the Bengals like, and will be used as a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher. He is a Super Bowl champ and will be given opportunity to perform. I am concerned the Bengals paid for upside here and that doesn’t always work out. Ultimately, if this team is going to compete for a division championship and Super Bowl, these signings aren’t enough and a lot more work needs to be done today. Finding contributing pieces that are further down the free agency lists will be key to the success next fall. What do they say in golf — you don’t win the tournament on day one, but sure can lose it. Bengals didn’t lose it yesterday, even if I only like the signings and wanted more done yesterday, they still have plenty of opportunities to build improved team.

it is only day one. A little disappointed with the start. I was expecting more from the day. Team wasn’t as aggressive as I had hoped.

Nice combo. But the QB position will be below average, as usual, which really lowers their ceiling.

It appears the Bengals are not interested in paying defensive linemen $20M per year. Oweh signed with the Commanders. JFM signed with the Titans.

Three year deal for Mafe confirmed.

Now they need to go get Oweh and Mafe!

Much needed. Really like the move.

Safety. Cook. Coming home.

Slowing the game down when that isn’t necessarily your style and/or may not fit makeup of the team is a challenge. Especially when the opponent plays solid pressure defense and wants to run. Slowing the pace of play is easy for a fat old dude on his couch to make an observation about, but is much tougher to actually coach and execute.

I think Cov Cath wins big, 25-pt big. I believe the only chance Ryle has to play a form of stall ball (can’t wait for the shot clock era). Run their sets over and over and over. Milk the clock. Only score when you have a premium look. It would take exceptional ball handling and guard play to pull it off, along with serious discipline. On defense, constantly switch and change giving new looks every other trip down the court. At the end of the day I just don’t think Ryle’s talent can keep it close.

All three games yesterday were ugly. Scoreboard watcher only here. No idea how any of these games actually played out. Average 38-pt margin of victory yesterday in the three games.

Totally random…any idea if the legends would come back? Miller or Lofton.

I like Styles but don’t think he will be there at 10. I know the Bengals need defense but it’s hard to project until after we see what holes get filled through free agency. I like Crosby but I don’t think they can afford the draft capital it would take to get him. Also, have the Bengals ever made splash trade like that?

I believe Cov Cath is an incredible program in the region, as well as in the state. I also think most seasons the 9th region is very competitive and the winner always has a chance to make some noise at Rupp. I looked at the 9th region champs going back to 2005 and below are the results. Cov Cath 6 (2 state titles) Holmes 5 (1 state title) Newport 3 Cooper 2 Dixie 1 Boone 1 NCC 1 Highlands 1 (1 state title)

Reports coming out that Hunter Greene is dealing with a right elbow ‘situation.’ Reporting is kind of weird on this one. Seems like it has been issue going back to last year, but not certain if it was reported to the team until today. I am sure more to come on this one, but seems pretty unrealistic that he will be the opening day starter.

This isn’t hard. And it’s definitely baiting. Seems simple to me. Great history. Great academics. Great administration support. Great community support. Great feeder/development programs. Great coaching. Those things would make most schools winners.

Besides the 15th, which I believe uses a hybrid model, all regional basketball tournaments are made up of four district winners and four district runner ups.

At a closer look, I think we need an after combine mock draft to comment on. No way Bain goes two or Styles goes 15. Probably more realistic if you swapped the two.