This is an excellent analysis and as usual very insightful. By far Charlie is the best writer following the Bengals…no way they trade him because that is who they are as an organization..they need a rest on defense both in talent and approach. Now would be the time.
You didnt mention his comments during the preseason about holding out. What’s he like in the locker room?
Verdict: Hendrickson was incredible, but not perfect. He could sometimes get taken out of the game.
But here's what's missing: How does he compare to other elite pass rushers? Are we holding Trey to a reasonable standard? (In some ways, it reminds me of what we hear from Burrow's critics: "He isn't perfect 100% of the time.")
I remember hearing some stats showing that TJ Watt "disappeared" in the final weeks of the season, but is that really true?
What does a "bad Myles Garrett game" look like? (Garrett had 0 sacks in half his games this year; Trey had at least half a sack in 10 of 17).
How do the other elite pass rushers do against elite offensive linemen?
And how much of Hendrickson's deficiencies were the result of having a dented trash can lined up at LDE, and Some (Lawrence) Guy at DT?
Last Q: What sort of extension would Hendrickson want/command?
Without knowing these answers, I don't think we can fairly evaluate Hendrickson's worth to the Bengals or the next steps.
Great analysis - easily the best on Hendrickson I have read.
He is a tremendous pass rusher. However his strengths and weaknesses remind me a bit of "Mark Gastineau". Lots of sacks but less than average in run defense.. And yes 4th quarter sacks when up by more than a touchdown aren't the same. The opposition is going to throw and the QB is going to take greater risks and stay in the pocket longer than normal to try to throw downfield. He mopped up in garbage time. Not that there is nothing wrong with that but those sacks can't be given the same weight as tight game situations.
This is a thorough article, one problem with this is the Andrew Thomas data point. He got hurt DURING the game against the Bengals… Trey was winning his matchups to start that game.
You can certainly make a reasonable argument for trading him. The capital gained providing a strong boost in rebuilding the defense.
That said, hard to make the argument about performance against certain players and/or teams when you consider the simple fact that, as everyone knows, the man is an island. When you’ve got no help on the other end of the line, you’re going to have games during the season that don’t show well from a statistical perspective. The same goes for the likes of MG and TJW. In games where the competition is inferior it makes sense that production spiked since TH is just that much better than the guy across from him. Since the talent on the entire line for the other team is lacking, production across the line overall will improve making it easier for someone at the level of TH to get home. It’s common sense.
Bottom line, sure, you can nit pick games or plays where Hendrickson didn’t perform the way you would have liked. You are correct, he wasn’t perfect. He’s human, that’s life. All pash rushing measureables considered as part of an individual players analysis is the way to accurately assess. Hendrickson was DPOY worthy based on those measurables and worth every penny.
HIs lack of production in the clutch and against elite tackles makes me think he is the football equivalent of a "two out, single to left" baseball player, i.e. Hal Morris for us older Reds fans. Sign Tee
This is an excellent analysis and as usual very insightful. By far Charlie is the best writer following the Bengals…no way they trade him because that is who they are as an organization..they need a rest on defense both in talent and approach. Now would be the time.
You didnt mention his comments during the preseason about holding out. What’s he like in the locker room?
This is great analysis, and matches the eye test.
Verdict: Hendrickson was incredible, but not perfect. He could sometimes get taken out of the game.
But here's what's missing: How does he compare to other elite pass rushers? Are we holding Trey to a reasonable standard? (In some ways, it reminds me of what we hear from Burrow's critics: "He isn't perfect 100% of the time.")
I remember hearing some stats showing that TJ Watt "disappeared" in the final weeks of the season, but is that really true?
What does a "bad Myles Garrett game" look like? (Garrett had 0 sacks in half his games this year; Trey had at least half a sack in 10 of 17).
How do the other elite pass rushers do against elite offensive linemen?
And how much of Hendrickson's deficiencies were the result of having a dented trash can lined up at LDE, and Some (Lawrence) Guy at DT?
Last Q: What sort of extension would Hendrickson want/command?
Without knowing these answers, I don't think we can fairly evaluate Hendrickson's worth to the Bengals or the next steps.
Great analysis - easily the best on Hendrickson I have read.
He is a tremendous pass rusher. However his strengths and weaknesses remind me a bit of "Mark Gastineau". Lots of sacks but less than average in run defense.. And yes 4th quarter sacks when up by more than a touchdown aren't the same. The opposition is going to throw and the QB is going to take greater risks and stay in the pocket longer than normal to try to throw downfield. He mopped up in garbage time. Not that there is nothing wrong with that but those sacks can't be given the same weight as tight game situations.
This is a thorough article, one problem with this is the Andrew Thomas data point. He got hurt DURING the game against the Bengals… Trey was winning his matchups to start that game.
You can certainly make a reasonable argument for trading him. The capital gained providing a strong boost in rebuilding the defense.
That said, hard to make the argument about performance against certain players and/or teams when you consider the simple fact that, as everyone knows, the man is an island. When you’ve got no help on the other end of the line, you’re going to have games during the season that don’t show well from a statistical perspective. The same goes for the likes of MG and TJW. In games where the competition is inferior it makes sense that production spiked since TH is just that much better than the guy across from him. Since the talent on the entire line for the other team is lacking, production across the line overall will improve making it easier for someone at the level of TH to get home. It’s common sense.
Bottom line, sure, you can nit pick games or plays where Hendrickson didn’t perform the way you would have liked. You are correct, he wasn’t perfect. He’s human, that’s life. All pash rushing measureables considered as part of an individual players analysis is the way to accurately assess. Hendrickson was DPOY worthy based on those measurables and worth every penny.
HIs lack of production in the clutch and against elite tackles makes me think he is the football equivalent of a "two out, single to left" baseball player, i.e. Hal Morris for us older Reds fans. Sign Tee