A Significant issue has dismiss today and Cincinnati Bengals face a serious problem, why now?

admin | December 4, 2023 | Cincinnati Bengals | No Comments

Bengals have uneasy issues with Jonah Williams and Joe Mixon.

Among the Cincinnati Bengals’ current problems are high-paid but underperforming notables.

At the top of the list are Jonah Williams and Joe Mixon.

During Monday’s loss to the Browns, Mixon, the star running back on a $48 million contract, was a liability in pass protection almost every time on the field.

With just 432 yards and two touchdowns through eight games, his 3.3 average ranks him about 50th in the NFL, right behind players like Najee Harris.

Of course, one aspect of the issue is without a doubt the struggles of the offensive line. However, whether or not the holes exist, it goes far further than that when he is unable to create.

Joe Goodberry’s advanced metrics sum it all up nicely:

Even in his sixth season as a pro, a top running back shouldn’t have to leave the game in crucial moments because he still struggles to keep the quarterback clean. That will likely mean that the team closely monitors his $12.85 million salary cap hit in 2023, which may prove difficult to sell to the fans, who adore him so much.

Perhaps even more worrisome is Jonah Williams.

On Monday night, the 2019 11th pick appeared lost as he was once again outclassed by superior edge rushers.According to PFF, he has already been exposed to eight sacks in as many games — more than he was exposed to during the whole of the previous season with over 1,044 snaps.

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Williams appears to be regressing, not even staying flat, despite the upgrades to the other four spots on the line, which makes the performance particularly worrisome. Halfway through the season, we can only give the blame for how long it took to play next to a new rookie at guard. Even with chip support, he’s losing and/or not picking up very frequently.

Week 8 provided a great example of how awful the tackles have generally been, as demonstrated by Willie Lutz:

However, the Bengals have already selected Williams’ fifth-year option, which carries a $12.6 million cap hit, for the upcoming campaign. As a result, they will have to decide whether to extend Williams or try to select another tackle in the draft.

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Consider this to be a half-season trial for both players at this point, where nothing, not even another Super Bowl appearance, will make them feel any less uncertain. It doesn’t have to happen at left tackle; Williams’ fifth season is 100% guaranteed, so he will be on the books regardless of what happens. A major issue is a sudden need for an offensive tackle when the team would much rather be using its resources at cornerback or other positions. Don’t underestimate the importance of running back Chris Evans, either, as the team doesn’t seem to believe in him despite Evans having one of the night’s biggest plays.

Aside: veteran punter Kevin Huber has had a terrible season and finds himself in a similar situation. At any time, Drue Chrisman, at the very least, could step up and replace the practice squad in the position.

With Williams and Mixon, things aren’t nearly as straightforward either now or in the future. Furthermore, it negatively compounds other issues because, in a perfect world, the two would be at least level pieces that don’t raise any red flags; instead, they are completely headed in the wrong directions.