March 19 4&Out: Bengals, Rodgers and rules, OH MY!
1st Down: Bengals go all in on offense
Everyone said it couldn’t be done.
With two star receivers, just entering their respective primes, any one with an platform in the NFL said that extending both Tee Higgins and Jamar Chase was as likely as a unicorn winning the Kentucky Derby.
Well, prepare yourself for mysticism: Cincinnati did the unthinkable and extended both of their premier wideouts, placating their franchise quarterback. Chase signed the richest non-QB deal in NFL history (for now) and Higgins wasn’t too far behind.
Props to the Bengals, a notoriously frugal team, for writing the big-time checks. Also, credit to Joe Burrow for speaking out to support his two main weapons. Bengals fans know all too well what can happen if a franchise quarterback becomes… disenfranchised (Carson Palmer “retiring” anyone?)
The talking heads are now singing the praises of the striped ones, while visions of deep connections dance through Cincinnati fans heads.
For now, anyway.
The new deals are acting as a masking agent, because as we all can recall, the offense wasn’t the issue in 2024. Joe Burrow and the Bengal offense had little problem scoring points. The problem is, opposing offenses didn’t find much resistance either.
The Cincinnati defense was horrendous, and that was with sack master Trey Hendrickson. Let’s just assume they can continue to miracles and keep Hendrickson, how has the defense improved? It hasn’t. If Cinci loses Hendrickson, they are considerably worse.
By pouring so much money into three players on offense, the Bengals have effectively said, we will simply outscore you. With the number of elite quarterbacks in the conference, plus two matchups apiece against the Ravens and improved Steeler offense, the outlook for the underpaid side of the ball isn’t too bright.
This doesn’t even bring up the offense’s main weakness: the offensive line. Burrow was sacked 48 times last season and, much like the defense, nothing significant was done to improve that.
So go ahead Bengal nation, enjoy the signings. It may the biggest win you get in all of 2025.
2nd Down: Rodgers drama continues
Some people just like the spotlight.
Taylor Swift at Chiefs games. Any Hochuli calling a game.
Aaron Rodgers takes it to another level. The man loves having his name in headlines and trending on social media. He doesn’t care what is said, so long as his name is out there.
Free agency is well into wave 2 and there is seemingly no end in sight to the “Rodgers Watch 2025.” The aloof one is in no hurry and, for the teams awaiting his decision, they need to draw a line in the sand. If I am the Giants or Steelers, I set a deadline for a decision and if Rodgers goes all darkness retreat on you, so be it. Be thankful you dodged that bullet.
I won’t say Rodgers is washed up. Statistically, he had a pretty good year in 2024. That is the problem, however. The man only cares about his stats and getting his. Quarterbacks are judged by winning, until they aren’t. Rodgers hasn’t done much winning the past three years (two with the Jets, one with the Packers).
Rodgers could continue the no losing season streak for Tomlin and the Steelers. Heck, with DK Metcalf, George Pickens and the Fry Guy, he could probably put up 30-plus TDs.
Is that worth everything else though? Is it work the constant headlines each week following his appearance on the Pat McAfee show? Is it worth the poor body language and the stare downs when things go wrong? To me, the answer is a resounding no. He was a cancer in two locker rooms. What makes a team think it will be any different?
Be smart, New York and Pittsburgh. Steer clear of Rodgers and his baggage.
3rd Down: Thoughts on rule proposals
With the annual NFL owner’s meeting coming up, there are a few rule changes that will be discussed, as there is every year.
One of the most intriguing ones, was proposed by Detroit. The Lions put forth the idea of eliminating automatic first downs for defensive holding and illegal contact penalties. It was little surprise they were the ones who put this forward, considering over the past two years they have been flagged for those penalties a combined 26 times, three more than the next closest team.
That aside, I like the proposal. The defense is already at the short end of the rulebook and eliminating a first down on a cheesy penalty is OK with me. I would modify the rule to make holding a 10-yard penalty, like it is on offense. That would still allow the rule to have teeth, without bailing out offenses.
Another rule that will be discussed is the Eagles proposal to ban the tush push. The wording was very specific, about eliminating the ability to push the player who directly takes the snap. I have discussed this at length in previous columns and on our podcast. The play is inherently safe, and similar plays are instantly blown dead in rugby because of the potential for neck injuries. The NFL should take its cue from rugby and outlaw it before a player gets seriously hurt.
4th Down: Mock drafts incoming
Free agency brings excitement, for about a week, during the NFL “offseason.” The real fun in the offseason, however, comes from mock drafts and all of the discussion surrounding the draft.
Here at 4&Out, I will be doing a mock draft within the next 10 days, so be on the lookout for that.
