We are all experiencing loss fatigue. 

 

A 5-11 season followed by 2-14, followed by an 0-8 start and a 4-12 finish, followed by an 0-6 start and our current 1-8 record is enough to sap the morale of even the heartiest fans.

 

However, in the ashes of these losses, we are seeing something very important.

 

Player development.

 

I know we aren't seeing the wins, so it's hard to see and harder to justify.  But the young nucleus of this team is getting better.

 

Let's start with last year's draft class.

 

Luke Joeckel, while not Boselli level dominant, is playing better than he did pre injury last year, and even better than he played early in the year.

 

Dwayne Gratz got benched a few weeks back, but since his return he has performed better than he has before.

 

Denard Robinson was an ultra raw rookie transitioning from a college option QB with nerve damage in his hand.  Now he has rushed for over 300 yards in the last three games and he is an explosive threat at RB.  Had he not tripped, he'd have a lot more yardage.

 

Demetrius McCray was a late round draft pick who is now starting at a decent level-I'd say at least higher than Dave Thomas.

 

This year?

 

Most see the potential greatness in Bortles, and understand he will go through his lumps.  Yeah he threw two pick 6's against Miami last week.  Guess what?  Phillip freaking Rivers threw three picks against Miami this week.

 

Allen Robinson is on pace for 76 catches, which is certainly a respectable number.

 

Brandon Linder is a quality guard right now, and given good health, will be a good G for us for many years.

 

Telvin Smith had his ups and downs yesterday, but has proven able to do great things, as evidenced by his AFC Defensive player of the week award against Cleveland.

 

Luke Bowanko has exceeded expectations and is part of a once dormant, now productive running game. He may be our C of the future.

 

Allen Hurns has scored 5 TDs and is averaging 16.1 ypc.  He's on pace for 52 catches.

 

Are there some "disappointments?"  Yes.  Are there players that still need more time to develop?  Of course.  I hate including him here, but Cyprien continues to miss some run fits. Marqise Lee hasn't seemed to put it together enough to have the confidence of the coaches/Bortles yet.

Injury has precluded Aaron Colvin from contributing to date, but his time may be coming very soon.

Storm Johnson was inactive.

 

Now go back to Gene Smith's picks.

 

Did we get anywhere near the productivity out of his guys?  Blackmon showed flashes of brilliance, but he could never stay on the field because of substance issues.  Gabbert?  Alualu?  Cox? He had his moments but could never stay healthy.  Maybe Terrence Knighton would have fit in with the classes here in terms of immediate productivity.

 

But maybe I'm being a homer and seeing things through teal colored glasses.

 

Here is a quote from a Bengals fan from PFT.

 

Quote: 

stoneydog1000 says: Nov 2, 2014 5:10 PM

as a Bengals fan, i liked the fight in the Jags. They are young with lots of talent. They are going to get better and better. Jag fans have alot to look forward to. and, as a long suffering Bengals fan I salute you.

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/201.../#comments

 

Just hold on, guys and gals.

 

It's getting there.

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