2025 Cincinnati Bengals Part 3: Can the Defense Get a Stop?

[WVRed]

New thread since the other is almost to 1,000.

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[Sea Ray]

New thread since the other is almost to 1,000.

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Yep and the team isn't about Jake Browning anymore

[CTA513]

it was announced before the last thread closed, but Bengals traded Logan Wilson to the Cowboys for a 7th round pick.


Bengals announce trade of Logan Wilson for a seventh-round pick

The Bengals, though, saw his role diminished in Week 6 when he played 12 defensive snaps. The Bengals benched him in Week 8, and he was inactive for Sunday’s game against the Bears ahead of the trade to Dallas.

In his final three games with the team, he played 59 special teams snaps and 58 on defense.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bengals-announce-trade-of-logan-wilson-for-a-seventh-round-pick

[CTA513]

what watching the Bengals defense from the sidelines does to someone:

https://x.com/NFL/status/1985756913091453231

[Sea Ray]

it was announced before the last thread closed, but Bengals traded Logan Wilson to the Cowboys for a 7th round pick.

Ian Rapoport describes him as a standout LB:


The #Bengals are dealing standout LB Logan Wilson to the #Cowboys, sources say, providing immediate defensive help.

https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1985683333188370527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1985683333188370527%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

Someone's not accurate here. He hasn't looked standout since his injury last year. Most of the NFL must not consider him a standout since a 7th rd was all we could get for him

[WVRed]

According to Mike Florio, Duke Tobin could be fired during the bye week.

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[RiverRat13]

According to Mike Florio, Duke Tobin could be fired during the bye week.

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I believe nothing Florio reports when it comes to the Bengals.

I could see them tagging Trey again. If they are serious about winning they won't, but we know that's not the main priority.

[traderumor]

I get frustration, but you don't pay Burrow, Chase, and Higgins and then get charged with "not trying to win." That's just disingenuous.

[MWM]

I believe Mike Brown genuinely doesn't care much if they win or not. I'm sure all things being equal, he'd prefer winning, but I don't think it drives him at all.

I think Katie and Duke both really want to. But want and ability are 2 very different concepts.

And I would be shocked if the Browns fire Tobin in the middle of the season. He's too close to them and that would be a slap in the face. And there's no real benefit to firing him mid-season. I'd be surprised if they fire him at all as long as Mike Brown is still around. He's been with them since the 90s I believe and they do not like to fire people they like. Besides, the only ones who would have any insight on that are the Browns themselves, and I can see them sharing that with anyone.

[Redsfaithful]

I think they vaguely try, they're not the Titans.

I do think it's fair to say in a more abstract sense that letting Duke Tobin hang around for 18 years isn't showing a commitment to winning.

[Redsfaithful]

I believe Mike Brown genuinely doesn't care much if they win or not. I'm sure all things being equal, he'd prefer winning, but I don't think it drives him at all.

Agree. Truly, his enjoyment has always come from negotiating contracts, with the players, with the county. It wouldn't shock me at all if back in the day he was involved in the lowest levels of negotiations. If you told me he was personally lowballing the toilet paper supplier for Riverfront/PBS I'd think yeah, that fits.

The guy is a loser. Total zero. Would have been nothing without his dad.

And I agree on Tobin, this front office has never leaked, Florio can't have insight because nobody has insight. They don't talk to anybody.

[WVRed]

I watched a podcast earlier this week, not sure who it was, but it showed a Reddit of Bengals season ticket holders calling in saying they were not renewing.

When asked why the person brought up how the Bengals have no scouting department, have failed to produce a defense or offensive line, and raised ticket prices in the process.

You would think the person on the other end was Mike Brown himself with how defensive they were. Saying things like "Well this scouting department brought you Joe Burrow and Jamarr Chase, and the ticket price increase is the price we have to pay to keep them".

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[MWM]

If you told me he was personally lowballing the toilet paper supplier for Riverfront/PBS I'd think yeah, that fits.

I probably shouldn't post this here, but I know first hand that Mike Brown used to bring coupons into the optical he used to buy and repair his glasses...yes, he would have them repaired. It's in his DNA. Yes, total loser.

[JBChance]

I probably shouldn't post this here, but I know first hand that Mike Brown used to bring coupons into the optical he used to buy and repair his glasses...yes, he would have them repaired. It's in his DNA. Yes, total loser.

A cheap SOB with money is still a cheap SOB. I was hoping his kids were going to break that in the next generation, but alas, it’s not meant to be.


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[WVRed]

Adam Schefter is stoking the fire of the Bengals trading Burrow.

The Jets have been mentioned as the other team.

I would imagine if Mike Brown wouldn't take the treasure trove the Saints offered for Ricky Williams he wouldn't take all the first round picks the Jets currently possess.

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[UKFlounder]

Schefter seems not to like the Bengals. I wonder if they just dont talk to him or give him any leaks.

I think he’s just stirring spit to create controversy or a conversation topic.

[okpanda]

There's no way they trade Burrow after the extensions for the receivers. Joe should get the whole coaching staff fired instead.

[WVRed]

Schefter seems not to like the Bengals. I wonder if they just dont talk to him or give him any leaks.

I think he’s just stirring spit to create controversy or a conversation topic.Considering the comments about Mike Florio in the other thread id say the Brown family likely isn't giving leaks to anybody.

Honestly if Burrow ever did demand a trade the Jets would be the team to send him to. As many injuries that have happened at MetLife, be careful what you wish for.

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[KoryMac5]

Schefter seems not to like the Bengals. I wonder if they just dont talk to him or give him any leaks.

I think he’s just stirring spit to create controversy or a conversation topic.

This is part of it certain teams have relationships with Rap/Schefter etc…Bengals leak info to Jordan Schultz which burns up Schefter so he drags the Bengals every chance he gets.

Burrow isn’t going anywhere.

- - - Updated - - -

Richard Skinner reports that they requested to speak with Tobin this week, he declined that request stating he was unavailable.

[KoryMac5]

Rap reports highest offer on Trey was a 4th

[Redhook]

Rap reports highest offer on Trey was a 4th

Wow, that's kind of hard to believe and I question whether that's true. He's been off and on injured this year, but he's still a stud when he's on the field when healthy. I think he was worth a 2nd or a 3rd and 5th or something like that.

[JBChance]

Just watching the 1st half of the Browns and Bears games is truly eye opening. In comparison to the Bengals giving up over 500 yds to each game in their last two games, both offenses are struggling vs actual defenses. The Jets have 5 passing yds and less than 100 yds total only creating 3pts (both their tds were on runbacks). The Bears faring slightly better but still ineffective.

I can’t believe that Taylor had the gall to say he thinks the defense can be high caliber. Clearly, it’s a lost cause with the personnel we have. Without garnering a ton of picks and hitting on some, it’s just not going to work.

It has to be obvious to the owners and importantly, the players, especially on offense. How long until they give up as well? It’s their job and they are paid to work hard and win, but that only goes so far.


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[Sea Ray]

Adam Schefter is stoking the fire of the Bengals trading Burrow.

The Jets have been mentioned as the other team.

I would imagine if Mike Brown wouldn't take the treasure trove the Saints offered for Ricky Williams he wouldn't take all the first round picks the Jets currently possess.

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No way that's happenin'. No way

[Sea Ray]

Rap reports highest offer on Trey was a 4th

I think that sounds about right. Only get him for half the season. Don't know how healthy he is. Bengals were right not to trade him. Even if he leaves they can get a comp pick better than a 4th

[Redhook]

I think that sounds about right. Only get him for half the season. Don't know how healthy he is. Bengals were right not to trade him. Even if he leaves they can get a comp pick better than a 4th

Besides being cheap and saving money, why would the Bengals accept a 4th for him when they can get a better comp pick? It doesn't make any sense. He should've been able to bring a 2nd at the least, but I don't think the Bengals would've traded him for a 2nd pick alone, especially after seeing the Jets receiving hauls for their players.

[UKFlounder]

They wont’ get a comp pick if they tag him; even if they let him leave, they can lose the comp pick if they make their occasional free agent splash (like when they signed Trey and others). maybe this year’s horrid defense convinces them they need help, and the FA compensation formula is based in teams losing more in free agency than they gain.


Letting Trey walk but thrn signing several 2nd tier free agents thst cost thf a pick is not beyond the realm of imagination.

[RiverRat13]

They eing get a comp pick if they tag him; even if they let him leave, they can lose the comp pick if they make their occasional free agent splash (like when they signed Trey and others). maybe this year’s horrid defense convinces them they need help, and the FA compensation formula is based in teams losing more in free agency than they gain.


Letting Trey walk but thrn signing several 2nd tier free agents thst cost thf a pick is not beyond the realm of imagination.

I'd rather they actually spend some money in free agency instead of trying to protect that 2027 3rd round comp for Trey. I still think there's a chance they tag him.

[RiverRat13]

How about Jesse Minter as head coach and keeping Dan Pitcher as OC? I could see the Bengals insisting that the new coach keeps Pitcher (like they made Marvin keep Bratkowski) with how well the offense is playing.

[Sea Ray]

Joe Burrow is returning to practice with the Cincinnati Bengals

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2025/11/10/joe-burrow-is-returning-to-practice-with-the-bengals-what-to-know/87197888007/


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[KoryMac5]

How about Jesse Minter as head coach and keeping Dan Pitcher as OC? I could see the Bengals insisting that the new coach keeps Pitcher (like they made Marvin keep Bratkowski) with how well the offense is playing.

Don’t hate it you could bring in the Callahan clan to help with the offense as well.

[RiverRat13]

Joe Burrow is returning to practice with the Cincinnati Bengals

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2025/11/10/joe-burrow-is-returning-to-practice-with-the-bengals-what-to-know/87197888007/


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If I'm reading it correctly, if he's not activated after the 21 days, he's done for the year. So I guess his hope is to play on Thanksgiving (which he's said he's always wanted to do) but could wait until 12/1 to be activated, which would be for the game against Buffalo.

[Sea Ray]

Don’t hate it you could bring in the Callahan clan to help with the offense as well.

The offense could not be doing better. It's scoring upper 30s/lower 40s in points per game with a backup QB. You can't ask for anything more than that. The problem is that the defense is historically bad

- - - Updated - - -


If I'm reading it correctly, if he's not activated after the 21 days, he's done for the year. So I guess his hope is to play on Thanksgiving (which he's said he's always wanted to do) but could wait until 12/1 to be activated, which would be for the game against Buffalo.

He must "be getting close." He must feel that he's w/i 3 weeks of being ready. If he does experience hiccups in his recovery, he could be activated but not start. A lot of possibilities

[Sea Ray]

Last week Joe Burrow told me he’s returning wayyyy sooner than was expected and gave me the timeline of “Thanksgiving-ish.” Now will start practicing on a limited basis. Absolutely unreal...

https://x.com/JayGlazer/status/1987953793720303738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1987948188435968409%7Ctwgr% 5E05746c756cd568a9f04b00d66847d0b64ffbca32%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.go-bengals.com%2Findex.php%3Fapp%3Dcoremodule%3Dsyste mcontroller%3Dembedurl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FJay Glazer%2Fstatus%2F1987948188435968409%3Ft%3DP3b2fz q5NpJtAbspPBnIww26s%3D19

[bucksfan2]

How about Jesse Minter as head coach and keeping Dan Pitcher as OC? I could see the Bengals insisting that the new coach keeps Pitcher (like they made Marvin keep Bratkowski) with how well the offense is playing.

Honest question, I know Taylor deserves to be on the hot seat, and when you are the HC of an underperforming team, you deserve to be. But the guys offenses really begin to click mid to late season. I mean don't look now but the OLine is playing well together.

The defense is an abject failure, and that is on Taylor as well, he is the man who hired the DC. I do wonder how much sway Taylor has in the drafting of the defensive players. Tobin has clearly been bad at his job over the past 5 drafts of so.

I don't mean to absolve Taylor from what has happened over the past 3 years, but its like, your defense is bad, here is Shemar Stewart and Miles Murphy, and two LB's who can't tackle, you should be good now! I mean the defense is so bad that the Bengals are scoring 40 points and losing, more than once!

As for Mike Brown, I do believe he wants to win, just wants to win his way. I also don't think he has much say so in the day to day decisions of the organization. I tend to think as long as he is around, the front office will operate the way Brown did. I really don't think that will change until he is mentally or physically out of the picture.

[Redhook]

Honest question, I know Taylor deserves to be on the hot seat, and when you are the HC of an underperforming team, you deserve to be. But the guys offenses really begin to click mid to late season. I mean don't look now but the OLine is playing well together.

The defense is an abject failure, and that is on Taylor as well, he is the man who hired the DC. I do wonder how much sway Taylor has in the drafting of the defensive players. Tobin has clearly been bad at his job over the past 5 drafts of so.

I don't mean to absolve Taylor from what has happened over the past 3 years, but its like, your defense is bad, here is Shemar Stewart and Miles Murphy, and two LB's who can't tackle, you should be good now! I mean the defense is so bad that the Bengals are scoring 40 points and losing, more than once!


Taylor is in a weird situation with the moronic obtuse front office, but he hasn't made the team better over the last few years. If anything, compared to an average coach, he's making it worse. I actually like Taylor as a person and I think he's done some really good things over the years, but he's underprepared and outcoached most weeks. Additionally, he has overseen one of the worst defenses in the history of the NFL that last 2 years. He has to take some of the blame.


As for Mike Brown, I do believe he wants to win, just wants to win his way. I also don't think he has much say so in the day to day decisions of the organization. I tend to think as long as he is around, the front office will operate the way Brown did. I really don't think that will change until he is mentally or physically out of the picture.

I'll never believe Mike Brown truly wants to win. It'd be nice if it happened, but he's not a true competitor where it means everything to them. Losing doesn't seem to affect him like it affects most athletes and true champions. The best of the best are driven and don't settle for mediocrity. Brown is the definition of mediocrity.

I do agree that this front office will rinse and repeat as long as Brown is around. I hope things will change when he's physically out of the picture, but I'm not holding my breath. This family isn't very sharp when it comes to running this business. They could easily make a lot more money if they had common sense, better business acumen and a better sense of the civic duty they owe the fans in the city of Cincinnati.

[RiverRat13]

Honest question, I know Taylor deserves to be on the hot seat, and when you are the HC of an underperforming team, you deserve to be. But the guys offenses really begin to click mid to late season. I mean don't look now but the OLine is playing well together.

The defense is an abject failure, and that is on Taylor as well, he is the man who hired the DC. I do wonder how much sway Taylor has in the drafting of the defensive players. Tobin has clearly been bad at his job over the past 5 drafts of so.

I don't mean to absolve Taylor from what has happened over the past 3 years, but its like, your defense is bad, here is Shemar Stewart and Miles Murphy, and two LB's who can't tackle, you should be good now! I mean the defense is so bad that the Bengals are scoring 40 points and losing, more than once!

As for Mike Brown, I do believe he wants to win, just wants to win his way. I also don't think he has much say so in the day to day decisions of the organization. I tend to think as long as he is around, the front office will operate the way Brown did. I really don't think that will change until he is mentally or physically out of the picture.

Being the head coach of the Bengals is like being the PoBO of the Reds - being pretty good at your job isn't enough to overcome the structural limitations imposed by ownership. So as fans, wanting to stick with "pretty good" people in those positions is basically rooting for mediocrity. I think both Zac and Krall could go to different organizations who had better owners and do just fine. But it's going to take an elite tier coach to get the Bengals back to being a true contender now that they've paid their QB. What makes it harder is that no established elite tier coach is going to come to Cincinnati, so they'll have to hope they strike lightning with their next hire.

[bucksfan2]

Taylor is in a weird situation with the moronic obtuse front office, but he hasn't made the team better over the last few years. If anything, compared to an average coach, he's making it worse. I actually like Taylor as a person and I think he's done some really good things over the years, but he's underprepared and outcoached most weeks. Additionally, he has overseen one of the worst defenses in the history of the NFL that last 2 years. He has to take some of the blame.

Without knowing the inner workings of the FO (and with the Bengals the HC coach is pretty important to that FO) and who is making the decisions, I don't know who to place the blame on. Taylor is going to get it because he is the HC, and he is the one who hired Golden. But at the same time, a pretty respected DC was fired last offseason (and rightfully so) because his defense was bad. Now there is a lot to put in there, the defense had been poor, the drafting had been abysmal, they haven't really developed anybody. If we are talking about player accumulation, how much of that falls on Taylor, especially if he remains the play caller?

I don't meant to come out and absolve Taylor of all this, but the guy had done some pretty impressive things with Burrow, Browning and now Flacco at QB. It takes him a few games to get going, but when he does, the offense becomes dominant.




I'll never believe Mike Brown truly wants to win. It'd be nice if it happened, but he's not a true competitor where it means everything to them. Losing doesn't seem to affect him like it affects most athletes and true champions. The best of the best are driven and don't settle for mediocrity. Brown is the definition of mediocrity.

I do agree that this front office will rinse and repeat as long as Brown is around. I hope things will change when he's physically out of the picture, but I'm not holding my breath. This family isn't very sharp when it comes to running this business. They could easily make a lot more money if they had common sense, better business acumen and a better sense of the civic duty they owe the fans in the city of Cincinnati.

I am sure psychologist would have their day if they were ever able to analyze Brown. I truly believe he does want to win, but he wants to win the way his family did it. He wants to win the way his dad did. Small, family owned and operated, everything kept within a small circle. Its what you see up and down the street with successful multi-generation small businesses. I don't think Brown is all that abnormal, he just lucked into what became a billion dollar business that millions of people care about. Normally it takes a new generation to change the way things are operated. Remember Paul Brown was kind a fledgling coach who came to Cincinnati to start an new AFL franchise. He was more right place right time than anything else. What he was able to capture for a small dollar amount now would cost multiple billions. One thing to consider, Mike Brown never had to do anything to get the Bengals, he just assumed the role. Had he had to pay 1 billion things may be different.

FWIW I do think there has been some change brought in by the next generation. I think they have began to recognize the fans more. I think they have started to do the simple things that fans like and appreciate. Will there ever be a full time GM, probably, just not as soon as we want it. I don't think there will be any full sale changes until Brown is gone, but when he is, I think things will change. I think Blackburn has been around it long enough to know what needs to be done.... she just doesn't want to do it while her dad has is capacities.

[Roy Tucker]

I get that Burrow is uber competitive, but him coming back early from his injury seems like an unwise move to me.

[Redsfaithful]

I'm just going to try to enjoy the ride with Burrow. Nothing is guaranteed either way. Nothing in Cincinnati sports has a happy ending.

It's wild that if they don't blow the last two games they'd be in first place right now, even with as bad as the defense has been. Literally just a couple of defensive stops is the difference.

[Kingspoint]

Bengals elevated 2 LB's from the practice squad.

[bucksfan2]

I am reading Dane Brugler's updated top 50 list and tell me this snit bit isn't the Bengals to a tee

"My top-ranked prospect entering the season, Woods hasn’t lived up to that high bar. However, he is a nimble big man with the agility and physicality to be disruptive.

Clemson’s defense has been pretty disappointing in 2025, but scouts are eager to see how Woods — and the rest of the NFL talent on that roster — finishes the season."

Its Peter Woods and I am calling the Bengals draft him today.

[JBChance]

Bengals elevated 2 LB's from the practice squad.

Championship! [emoji471]



Seriously, though - it probably couldn’t be any worse.


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[Kingspoint]

If it wasn't for the NFL system of gifting teams that suck the worst with the #1 pick, along with the Brown family being uncapable of making trades for or from 1st Rd picks, the Bungles would have 35 years in a row of losing. They were gifted Palmer and Burrow, two franchise QB's capable of getting them into the playoffs despite the short-comings that surround the franchise.

Paul Brown never should have left the team to his Son.

[Redhook]

If it wasn't for the NFL system of gifting teams that suck the worst with the #1 pick, along with the Brown family being uncapable of making trades for or from 1st Rd picks, the Bungles would have 35 years in a row of losing. They were gifted Palmer and Burrow, two franchise QB's capable of getting them into the playoffs despite the short-comings that surround the franchise.

Paul Brown never should have left the team to his Son.

That's a fact Jack

[Redhook]

Well, Shemar Stewart, the only player most of us were praying that the Bengals wouldn't draft, is out again with a different injury. Not only did he have major red flags a prospect, he then held out too long which hurt his development (not that the Bengals coaching would've helped him anyway).

From Fran Duffy (NFL), his lack of production vs. the run might be worse than his sack rate which is saying something. Shemar has "21 career 'Run Stops' on 575 run defensive snaps = a run stop rate of 3.7%. That would rank 203rd out of 204 charted EDGEs drafted in the last decade". Let that sink in for a second.

Here's another fun-filled stat. Jamaar Chase has 3 more solo tackles than Shemar Stewart this year.

While it's his first year, it'd be a Christmas miracle if he wasn't a major bust. Sadly, I think 100% of Redszone knew this before the draft.

[bucksfan2]

If it wasn't for the NFL system of gifting teams that suck the worst with the #1 pick, along with the Brown family being uncapable of making trades for or from 1st Rd picks, the Bungles would have 35 years in a row of losing. They were gifted Palmer and Burrow, two franchise QB's capable of getting them into the playoffs despite the short-comings that surround the franchise.

Paul Brown never should have left the team to his Son.

I don't know, the Bengals had a pretty successful stint with a second round QB leading the way.

There are a lot of ills that Bengals have, but pointing a finger at the Bengals and say, you suck unless you get the #1 overall pick and nail the QB in the draft, is kinda out there!

[Kingspoint]

I don't know, the Bengals had a pretty successful stint with a second round QB leading the way.

There are a lot of ills that Bengals have, but pointing a finger at the Bengals and say, you suck unless you get the #1 overall pick and nail the QB in the draft, is kinda out there!

They never won a playoff game with Dalton. I wouldn't call that successful. Maybe by Bengals' standards, but not by anyone else's.

[Danny Serafini]

Boomer Esiason was a 2nd round pick

[Redsfaithful]

Well, Shemar Stewart, the only player most of us were praying that the Bengals wouldn't draft, is out again with a different injury. Not only did he have major red flags a prospect, he then held out too long which hurt his development (not that the Bengals coaching would've helped him anyway).

From Fran Duffy (NFL), his lack of production vs. the run might be worse than his sack rate which is saying something. Shemar has "21 career 'Run Stops' on 575 run defensive snaps = a run stop rate of 3.7%. That would rank 203rd out of 204 charted EDGEs drafted in the last decade". Let that sink in for a second.

Here's another fun-filled stat. Jamaar Chase has 3 more solo tackles than Shemar Stewart this year.

While it's his first year, it'd be a Christmas miracle if he wasn't a major bust. Sadly, I think 100% of Redszone knew this before the draft.

Right now they're better off without him playing.

I hope it's because he's been injured all year, but I genuinely don't think he gives full effort on every snap. He looks like he's making a business decision not to get injured, over and over. I have thought the same thing about Miles Murphy. They take extremely wide high school-style angles to ball carriers and they don't put their bodies on the line to make plays.

I realize that all sounds crazy, but I've actually never seen anything like it.

[Kingspoint]

Boomer Esiason was a 2nd round pick

What's that got to do with the last 35 years? Boomer's teammates were all products of Paul Brown, as was the way the franchise was run. It had a lot to be proud of then.

[UKFlounder]

Shemar Stewart going on the IR with a knee injury

Not that it wasn’t already, but this is officially a disastrous season for him and those who picked him.

[Redhook]

Shemar Stewart going on the IR with a knee injury

Not that it wasn’t already, but this is officially a disastrous season for him and those who picked him.

Bummer. Yep, this first season couldn't have gone worse. The holdout, the injuries and his expected poor play are the quite the trifecta.

While this delays his progress and lessens his chances at becoming a quality player, it actually could help the Bengals this year since he's so bad at everything. Not that the other guys are world beaters or even close to league average, but they're probably a little better than Stewart.

[KoryMac5]

Rap reports Burrow targeting Buffalo for his return and Hendrickson has a sports hernia

[JBChance]

Rap reports Burrow targeting Buffalo for his return and Hendrickson has a sports hernia

Well that’s it for Trey. Completely terrible how his season has gone. With his absence and this defense, that is probably the last straw, Burrow or no. Unless Burrow goes ballistic and they score 40+ every game, it’s a lost cause.


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[KoryMac5]

How many points will the D give up today...I am thinking Pitts goes for 35 and 480 total yds...

[UKFlounder]

Steelers with an easy first drive.

Same old defense

[JBChance]

Steelers with an easy first drive.

Same old defense

Missed tackles all over the place.

Hill should have had Gainwell on the TD


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[Redsfaithful]

Tough not to think about sports gambling when you see the Steelers get a first down on 4th and 1 and the guy was clearly down and the play ruled dead well short of the line.

[JBChance]

That 4th down was BS certainly. Wasn’t close but, miraculously, it was called a first down and then they couldn’t “overturn it”


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[JBChance]

Opportunity lost on that drive. When our defense gets the rare stop, you have to get points. Period.


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[JBChance]

Three stops in a row. Coverage looks better?

One thing for sure - Barrett Carter is not an open field tackle guy.


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[JBChance]

Barrett Carter lol - we chose him over Logan Wilson


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[KoryMac5]

Oren Burks replace Knight in the line up today...

Does anyone on this team cover the TE

[Ky Fried Redleg]

These are two bad football teams.

[Redsfaithful]

Barrett Carter lol - we chose him over Logan Wilson


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Whoever made this decision should probably lose their job.

[JBChance]

Defense gifts 3 points with 3 big penalties. To be fair 2 of those questionable.

Offense has not taken advantage of the defense actually playing at least passable.

Need a good drive to start the second half and it’s a ballgame.


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[Ky Fried Redleg]

I have no idea why I am watching this. I have cats whose litter needs changed. That would be more fun than this.

[KoryMac5]

Anybody is better than Geno Stone right now….

[JBChance]

Anybody is better than Geno Stone right now….

So terrible - get Anthony out there if he’s healthly

Our safeties are beyond awful

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[JBChance]

Flacco not sharp today - wind and pass rush a factor but that pick was squarely on him


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[Redsfaithful]

Jalen Ramsey deserves a few weeks off.

[Kingspoint]

Anybody is better than Geno Stone right now….

Anybody is better than Geno Stone every day he wears the stripes.

[CTA513]

Can't wait for the day this team finally moves on from Taylor

[JBChance]

Can't wait for the day this team finally moves on from Taylor

Never seen a team waste so many timeouts not getting the play in. The timeout on 4th down was stupid, as well.


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[CTA513]

Down 2 scores and give up a fumble returned for a TD on what would have been about a 4 yard gain.

[JBChance]

Time to tank - we need some draft picks


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[CTA513]

Watching the steelers hit late and do stuff after plays is why I didn't have a problem with Burfit being dirty when needed.

[RiverRat13]

2024's draft narrative was that it was a terrible year for defensive tackles. What do the Bengals do? Take two defensive tackles.

2025's draft narrative was that it was a terrible year for linebackers. What do the Bengals do? Take two linebackers.

Just a brilliant strategy.

[Kingspoint]

:barf:

- - - Updated - - -


Time to tank - we need some draft picks


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I don't think we have to "try" to tank.

[WVRed]

According to Jalen Ramsey the reason he reacted because Chase spit on him.

Knowing the NFL, Chase will probably be suspended next week.

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[CTA513]

According to Jalen Ramsey the reason he reacted because Chase spit on him.

Knowing the NFL, Chase will probably be suspended next week.

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Just saw the video and it does look like he spit on him or at the very least at him. Probably a big fine, though this is the same guy who AJ Green fight so he probably did or said something leading up to it.

[WVRed]

Just saw the video and it does look like he spit on him or at the very least at him. Probably a big fine, though this is the same guy who AJ Green fight so he probably did or said something leading up to it.Jalen Carter essentially missed the opening game for spitting on Dak Prescott so the precedent is there.

Id say Chase will be gone next week against the Patriots.

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[Redhook]

When experiences are recent, as humans we tend over exaggerate them, but I honestly think Stone is the worst safety the Bengals have ever had. It's mind boggling how bad he is at football. And, Battle could be the second worst safety they've ever had. It's comical watching them run in circles and try to tackle opposing players.

[WVRed]

When experiences are recent, as humans we tend over exaggerate them, but I honestly think Stone is the worst safety the Bengals have ever had. It's mind boggling how bad he is at football. And, Battle could be the second worst safety they've ever had. It's comical watching them run in circles and try to tackle opposing players.The stats speak for themselves.

We have three of the top players in the league in missed tackles. And they are on pace to shatter the record.

While you can blame the players, coaching plays a bigger role. Was Jordan Battle this bad in college under Nick Saban? I doubt it. Geno Stone played for the Ravens and had 7 picks before the Bengals signed him.

We either have coaches who dont know how to use the players or they dont teach fundamentals.



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[Sea Ray]

They really need to blow this thing up, starting with the front office. Get a better personnel guy in there, regardless of whether you call him a GM. Double the scouting staff. Go big on rebuilding the defense. Can they get Matt Patricia to lead it? I'm ambivalent on Zac and the offense. It is kind of stale but it's also pretty productive.

They have the hardest piece to get, a franchise QB. If this offense had a 25th ranked defense they'd be in first place in the AFC North

[bucksfan2]

The stats speak for themselves.

We have three of the top players in the league in missed tackles. And they are on pace to shatter the record.

While you can blame the players, coaching plays a bigger role. Was Jordan Battle this bad in college under Nick Saban? I doubt it. Geno Stone played for the Ravens and had 7 picks before the Bengals signed him.

We either have coaches who dont know how to use the players or they dont teach fundamentals.



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My biggest question is whether or not its coaches, scheme, or players?

Would the defense be better if Trey were on the field?

Is the secondary just bad in general?

Are the LB's bad because of the DLine, inexperience, or just bad?

I am not a ball knower so I can't really answer a lot of schematic questions. But I know missed tackles are bad, but are you missing tackles because the OLine is getting to the second level without much resistance making the tackle more difficult? Or are they missed because of inexperience? Or are missed because you are taking poor angles and are bad?

[Sea Ray]

I wonder if the Bengals regret giving Trey that extra $10mill? They didn't have to and they gained very little by doing so. The reason they didn't want to give in to his demands on a long term contract was because they feared injury now that he's in his 30s. They've been proven to be right about that. It appears that this is a chronic injury with no end in sight

[bucksfan2]

I wonder if the Bengals regret giving Trey that extra $10mill? They didn't have to and they gained very little by doing so. The reason they didn't want to give in to his demands on a long term contract was because they feared injury now that he's in his 30s. They've been proven to be right about that. It appears that this is a chronic injury with no end in sight

The ironic thing is they gave Trey an extra $10M that wasn't going to be spent elsewhere. In a vacuum it would either be the Bengals pocketing that money or Trey getting that money, so I side with the player on that.

The bigger issue was they waited to long during his saga. They could have used that $10M in FA. They could have traded him prior to the draft, got a pick, and then used that extra $30M to make the team better.

FWIW I am beginning to think the plan all along was to get slightly better on D, Burrow could lead them to the playoffs, and then they could get a comp pick for Trey.

That plan was an abject failure, especially with Stewart's holdout and the ensuing Burrow injury.

[Sea Ray]

The ironic thing is they gave Trey an extra $10M that wasn't going to be spent elsewhere. In a vacuum it would either be the Bengals pocketing that money or Trey getting that money, so I side with the player on that.

The bigger issue was they waited to long during his saga. They could have used that $10M in FA. They could have traded him prior to the draft, got a pick, and then used that extra $30M to make the team better.

FWIW I am beginning to think the plan all along was to get slightly better on D, Burrow could lead them to the playoffs, and then they could get a comp pick for Trey.

That plan was an abject failure, especially with Stewart's holdout and the ensuing Burrow injury.

I don't care who got the $10mil. It was never going to me. My point is that the Brown family should've cared. They got nothing to show for it. Owners with a tightwad reputation don't part with that kind of money without getting value in return

[okpanda]

When experiences are recent, as humans we tend over exaggerate them, but I honestly think Stone is the worst safety the Bengals have ever had. It's mind boggling how bad he is at football. And, Battle could be the second worst safety they've ever had. It's comical watching them run in circles and try to tackle opposing players.

I literally lol'd at his attempted "tackle" on Washington on that big reception. Like, he didn't even try to make it look like he was trying to hit him.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/4374739742804327

[WVRed]

My biggest question is whether or not its coaches, scheme, or players?

Would the defense be better if Trey were on the field?

Is the secondary just bad in general?

Are the LB's bad because of the DLine, inexperience, or just bad?

I am not a ball knower so I can't really answer a lot of schematic questions. But I know missed tackles are bad, but are you missing tackles because the OLine is getting to the second level without much resistance making the tackle more difficult? Or are they missed because of inexperience? Or are missed because you are taking poor angles and are bad?I think Demetrius Knight was a wasted pick.

A 25 year old rookie who was taken at least a round earlier than he should've been and with his age is essentially a low ceiling prospect.

Its up there with the Bengals taking Jackson Carman. A move where they try to outsmart the rest of the league and look like idiots in the process.

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[WVRed]

Chase officially suspended by the NFL.

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[Sea Ray]

Chase officially suspended by the NFL.

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How long? Not that it matters

[WVRed]

How long? Not that it mattersOne game. Against the Patriots

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[CTA513]

Chase officially suspended by the NFL.

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Not surprised after seeing the video.
Bad look for him especially with him being a team captain.

*edit* I can see why he did it as Ramsey was taking shots at players from the start, but still a bad look.

[WVRed]

Not surprised after seeing the video.
Bad look for him especially with him being a team captain.

*edit* I can see why he did it as Ramsey was taking shots at players from the start, but still a bad look.Ramsey has always had the reputation. Still think back to him and AJ Green when he played in Jacksonville.

That said, what Chase did was wrong but its sickening watching the Steelers play victim. Sad to say but I kinda miss Vontaze Burfict in more ways than one.

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[Redhook]

Sad to say but I kinda miss Vontaze Burfict in more ways than one.


Me too. He was a great linebacker, but more importantly, he changed the entire narrative/culture when the Bengals play against the Steelers. Instead of the Steelers getting all the calls, breaking jaws, knocking players out of the game by late hits, etc., Burfict came in and lead the charge at fighting back. Since he's left, the Bengals can still hang with the Steelers bs and I think Burfict is a big reason for that. Screw the Steelers from those years and it was awesome watching Burfict giving them a taste of their own medicine.

[CTA513]

Burrow was a full participant at practice today

[WVRed]

Bills game has been moved to 1:00. Bears and Packers move to the 4:25 slot.

Figure Miami will be flexed too.

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[RiverRat13]

No thank you to Joe Brady.

[KoryMac5]

Playing Burrow this week if it happens is further indictment of this franchise. Bengals will be in shotgun the entire game and every defender will pin their ears back and rush. Hopefully they step in and protect him from himself.

[Tony Cloninger]

Who made the decisions to sign Trey. Hilton. The other players that was considered the most or was the most they spent in FA? That worked. Even if the cap hits on the big 3 were a lot smaller they could have signed at least 2 more vets to help this defense. To go all in on this many rookies and unproven players. Even if Turner and Hill have looked better. The lack of effort which shows in the tackling. That would not be accepted by players like Hilton.

[KoryMac5]

Burrow officially questionable according to Taylor no qb named starter for Sunday

[Kingspoint]

Burrow officially questionable according to Taylor no qb named starter for Sunday

Taylor thinks he's being secretive.

[Roy Tucker]

About last nights St X-Elder state playoff game.

Classic quote by St. X 's radio announcer at Paycor Stadium ..."It's amazing, you enter this stadium and neither team can play defense."��

[CTA513]

No Burrow this week


Bengals won’t activate Joe Burrow from IR for Sunday’s game against the Patriots

Via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, the Bengals won’t activate Burrow from injured reserve before Saturday’s 4:00 p.m. ET deadline for making pre-game roster moves.

Currently, Burrow seems to be on track to play on Thursday night, when the Bengals visit the Ravens to cap the trio of Thanksgiving games.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bengals-wont-activate-joe-burrow-from-ir-for-sundays-game-against-the-patriots

[RiverRat13]

The Bengals logic is here is pretty sound - if you start Burrow today, you've got to start him again on a short week. If you wait until Thanksgiving, he gets a longer week after his first start back to see how the toe responds.

[Kingspoint]

Who's this Geno Stone guy?

He's making tackles, producing Pick-6's.

Just shows you how important the Free Safety is and what we lost with Bates.

Just make tackles, Geno. The picks are gravy.

[Kingspoint]

What a horrible throw by Maye on that pick?!

How are they 9-2?

[Roy Tucker]

I guess you could say that was a blown coverage on the NE TD. Somebody goofed.

[JBChance]

Knight with the blown coverage.

They do seem like they are getting some pressure. Myles Murphy close on the TD throw, but you can’t leave someone that wide open.


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[Kingspoint]

Flacco is really taking advantage of Gesicki.

[JBChance]

Bengals offense is self-destruct mode


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[JBChance]

Barrett Carter is just terrible


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[Kingspoint]

So, we've got 1 FG on Offense so far.

Nice.

[JBChance]

So, we've got 1 FG on Offense so far.

Nice.

2nd week in a row for the offense to be ineffective.

I do think Chase being out is huge for this game. That’s on him.

Big chance here as the defense actually steps up.


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[JBChance]

Good start but fizzled with mistakes - is it wrong that I wished that Burrow did start? I know it was the right decision for the future, but I think Flacco is showing his limitations.


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[Redsfaithful]

If Burrow is good enough to play in four days, then I believe he should have been good enough to play today. Broadcast said he wanted to play but not up to him.

[KoryMac5]

If Burrow is good enough to play in four days, then I believe he should have been good enough to play today. Broadcast said he wanted to play but not up to him.

I think the worry was the short turnaround and how the toe would respond…personally if they lose today I would sit him the rest of the way.

[Redsfaithful]

That's kind of what I'm saying, converse would be if he can't do a short turnaround then probably shouldn't play either game.

Tee Higgins just got seriously injured I think, this is another season from hell.

[Roy Tucker]

Tinsley is a ballplayer.

[KoryMac5]

That's kind of what I'm saying, converse would be if he can't do a short turnaround then probably shouldn't play either game.

Tee Higgins just got seriously injured I think, this is another season from hell.

Head bounced hard off the turf…

[WVRed]

That's kind of what I'm saying, converse would be if he can't do a short turnaround then probably shouldn't play either game.

Tee Higgins just got seriously injured I think, this is another season from hell.Yoshi got hurt too right before that.

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[Redsfaithful]

If the defense had looked like that all year they'd be 5-6, at minimum, it's a shame.

[pedro]

If the defense had looked like that all year they'd be 5-6, at minimum, it's a shame.

I have this weird feeling the Bengals are going to end up 9-8 and miss the playoffs

[RedTeamGo!]

I have this weird feeling the Bengals are going to end up 9-8 and miss the playoffs

I think that’s indigestion

[Redhook]

I have this weird feeling the Bengals are going to end up 9-8 and miss the playoffs

That was last year :p

They'll win a few more games this year, but I don't see how they win the last 6 games with the schedule. And, Tee could be out for a while if not the entire season which hurts their firepower. I think 6-11 is about right for their final record.

[RedTeamGo!]

Bengals need to just keep tanking.

Frowns for Downs, Cease for Reese, or Pain for Bain

[Redsfan6272]

Bengals need to just keep tanking.

Frowns for Downs, Cease for Reese, or Pain for Bain

I want Zac gone along with his bad coaches that have no idea how to prepare a team to play 4 quarters!!

[RiverRat13]

Bengals running the ball much better this year than last despite similar shotgun/under center splits:

https://x.com/joegoodberry/status/1992949096932598172?s=46&t=wL7LgJH8agKJkhUxTq_R9g

[Sea Ray]

It's pretty obvious that Joe B is back this week. So are we thinking that they'll cut Jake Browning in order to fit Joe on the roster?

[Boss-Hog]

It's pretty obvious that Joe B is back this week. So are we thinking that they'll cut Jake Browning in order to fit Joe on the roster?They'll likely just carry three QBs for the last six weeks by putting someone who's hurt on IR or cutting someone from another position. I think Clifford is actually on the 53 at the moment from when Flacco got hurt, and if so, that makes this easy.

[Sea Ray]

They'll likely just carry three QBs for the last six weeks by putting someone who's hurt on IR or cutting someone from another position. I think Clifford is actually on the 53 at the moment from when Flacco got hurt, and if so, that makes this easy.

I didn't realize that they were already carrying 3 QBs. I'm sure they won't carry 4. Clifford will be sent back to PS

[Kingspoint]

I have this weird feeling the Bengals are going to end up 9-8 and miss the playoffs

No way.

:laugh:

[texasdave]

Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson both out on Thanksgiving. Joe Burrow is likely.

[Sea Ray]

Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson both out on Thanksgiving. Joe Burrow is likely.

Re: Trey...Whenever we receive fuzzy, conflicting information, I'm skeptical. We're getting reports that it's his hip...his back...sports hernia. I don't know what to believe so I don't believe any of it. I'm not expecting him to play for the Bengals again

[Sea Ray]

I guess they didn't think Clifford was even worth a PS spot

https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-sean-clifford-waived-st-xavier/69535916

[WVRed]

I have this weird feeling the Bengals are going to end up 9-8 and miss the playoffsI think a more likely scenario is Burrow suffers a more serious injury on the national stage Thursday night and the Bengals handling of it is a talking point through the whole weekend.

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[RiverRat13]

They've got three tough games and then three very winnable games left on the schedule. I predict they go 3-3. They'll find a win between the two Baltimore games and the Buffalo game and then go 2-1 during that more manageable stretch.

6-11 probably puts them picking around the 10-12 range this season (other seasons have seen 6-11 be a top 10 pick). That should still be within the Downs range.

[WVRed]

They've got three tough games and then three very winnable games left on the schedule. I predict they go 3-3. They'll find a win between the two Baltimore games and the Buffalo game and then go 2-1 during that more manageable stretch.

6-11 probably puts them picking around the 10-12 range this season (other seasons have seen 6-11 be a top 10 pick). That should still be within the Downs range.

Unless someone blows up at the combine i can see Downs being picked 5-10.

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[Boss-Hog]

I guess they didn't think Clifford was even worth a PS spot

https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-sean-clifford-waived-st-xavier/69535916You have to cut a player before moving them to the practice squad. You can't be moved from the active roster to the practice squad without first being cut, so if they want him on the practice squad, this had to happen.

[RiverRat13]

Unless someone blows up at the combine i can see Downs being picked 5-10.

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He absolutely should be drafted 5-10. Recent history suggests that he won't. Jamal Adams in 2017 was the last top 10 safety. I think Downs is incredible but I'm not sure if he's thought to be that much better than a Kyle Hamilton in the NFL's eyes. If he is, then yeah, I could see him going in that 5-10 range.

[MWM]

I think Downs is worth more than just his ability as a safety for the right team. Wouldn't bother me at all if the Bengals "reached" for him. His IQ and intangibles is off the charts and the bengals are desperate for smarts and leadership on that side of the ball. The Bengals secondary has been bad since Bates left. I know they haven't had great players, but I think he was the type of leader that's been missing. I'm not generally an intangibles guy, but Downs is unique in that regard, IMO. I'd love to see him in orange and black, although I kinda don't wish it on him for his sake.

[Roy Tucker]

23273

[bucksfan2]

I think Downs is worth more than just his ability as a safety for the right team. Wouldn't bother me at all if the Bengals "reached" for him. His IQ and intangibles is off the charts and the bengals are desperate for smarts and leadership on that side of the ball. The Bengals secondary has been bad since Bates left. I know they haven't had great players, but I think he was the type of leader that's been missing. I'm not generally an intangibles guy, but Downs is unique in that regard, IMO. I'd love to see him in orange and black, although I kinda don't wish it on him for his sake.

I think if Downs is there you have to grab him. He is basically a jack of all trades, can play deep safety, can play in the box, can cover at the slot corner, can blitz, etc. He solidifies the entire back end of OSU's defense, and has allowed the DC's to get variable with him in the game. He is also one of the smartest players in college football.

He won't test off the charts at the combine, and I don't think he is like a Troy Polamolu or Ed Reed type of dynamic playmaker. But he is that guy who makes the entire defense better. I don't know who I would compare him to, but he is a guy who will be an impact player in the league for a decade. Is that worth a top 5 pick? Safety's are like OG's, they don't get drafted high, but when you find a good one, man are they important.

[MWM]

I think if Downs is there you have to grab him. He is basically a jack of all trades, can play deep safety, can play in the box, can cover at the slot corner, can blitz, etc. He solidifies the entire back end of OSU's defense, and has allowed the DC's to get variable with him in the game. He is also one of the smartest players in college football.

He won't test off the charts at the combine, and I don't think he is like a Troy Polamolu or Ed Reed type of dynamic playmaker. But he is that guy who makes the entire defense better. I don't know who I would compare him to, but he is a guy who will be an impact player in the league for a decade. Is that worth a top 5 pick? Safety's are like OG's, they don't get drafted high, but when you find a good one, man are they important.

Brian Dawkins may be a good comp. Downs may not have the chaos creation or Polamalu or the ball hawking skills of Ed Reed, but he's got the insticts they had and is effective in the pass and run game. I think he's a guy who makes the players around him better as well.

[bucksfan2]

Brian Dawkins may be a good comp. Downs may not have the chaos creation or Polamalu or the ball hawking skills of Ed Reed, but he's got the insticts they had and is effective in the pass and run game. I think he's a guy who makes the players around him better as well.

Its funny because OSU had an All America safety that I thought was going to be next in the line of Polamalu and Reed, that being Malik Hooker, but he never really panned out and has bounced around the league. Maybe an Eric Berry type? If he has a Bryan Dawkins career that would be fantastic.

For us OSU fans who watch Downs, he just is that jack of all trades, a guy who can line up in multiple formations, and gives the rest of the defense stability. He also had a quite memorable punt return for a TD against IU last season! The play that sticks out to me the most with Downs is the 2nd down play on the goal line against Texas. He diagnosed the play, knifed through the line and killed the play before it got started. He didn't make the tackle, but caused the play to lose 5 or 6 yards.

The NFL draft is weird in that you are going to have some player run some crazy 40 time and emerge as a top 10 pick. You will have QB's jump to the top of the board, Mendoza and Moore seem to fit that bill. But those football players, the guys who are always in the right spot, always make the play, but don't wow you in tights, seem to stay the same or fall. Arvell Reece will probably go higher than Downs, well because disruptive edge rushers are the most coveted thing on defense, but if I were a betting man, I would pick Downs as the guy to have the better career.

[UKFlounder]

Does he compare to Jesse Bates at all?

[MWM]

I think he's definitely a better prospect than Bates, who was a 2nd round pick and wound up being a good player. Bates probably reached his max potential, but he still had some gaps in his game. Downs has much more upside, IMO. If he reaches his potential, he should be one the best safeties in the NFL for years. Similar performance to Bates feels like his floor to me if he stays healthy.

[UKFlounder]

That sounds good

Thanks

[Kingspoint]

I think he's definitely a better prospect than Bates, who was a 2nd round pick and wound up being a good player. Bates probably reached his max potential, but he still had some gaps in his game. Downs has much more upside, IMO. If he reaches his potential, he should be one the best safeties in the NFL for years. Similar performance to Bates feels like his floor to me if he stays healthy.

Are the Bengals willing to pay a 2nd contract to a Safety that was a 1st Rd pick and is good? If not, then it would be a wasted pick. I'm not sure the Bengals value Safety as a position worthy of Top-5 Dollars.

[Playadlc]

For once, please draft on production over potential.

[bucksfan2]

Are the Bengals willing to pay a 2nd contract to a Safety that was a 1st Rd pick and is good? If not, then it would be a wasted pick. I'm not sure the Bengals value Safety as a position worthy of Top-5 Dollars.

Its a good question. Would they have paid Troy or Ed Reed? Would they have paid Brian Dawkins?

I could be wrong, but I think they would be willing to pay impact players, regardless of where they are on the field. But you are correct in that they prioritize certain positions.

[Redsfaithful]

Given the Bengals are what they are, I would really like to see them bring in a defensive head coach for the rest of Burrow's career. Marvin Lewis being in the draft room I believe helped avoid their defenses being this bad and we need something similar. It's clear the people involved today have no clue on that side of the ball, so I believe the difference back then must have been Marvin, since Tobin is a constant.

This is assuming they won't fire Tobin (and I don't think they will until Mike Brown is dead, if ever).

I would very much like Caleb Downs if he's available, along with a real investment in free agency on that side of the ball, which they can afford. If they don't come back next year with like 6-7 new starters on defense they're already going to be cooked on that side of the ball before they even start.

[MWM]

This is assuming they won't fire Tobin (and I don't think they will until Mike Brown is dead, if ever).


I've said this exact same thing to people many times. He's been with them since the 90s. The Browns consider him part of the family and there's no way Mike Brown will ever let them fire him. I also don't buy the narrative that Mikey isn't still involved in the decision making. There are way too many things that wreak of his influence to think he's not still wielding considerable influence.

[RiverRat13]

Wow.

https://x.com/draftvogel/status/1993489851380060668?s=46&t=wL7LgJH8agKJkhUxTq_R9g

[moewan]

Wow.

https://x.com/draftvogel/status/1993489851380060668?s=46&t=wL7LgJH8agKJkhUxTq_R9g

??? what does that mean please

[Fil3232]

Given the Bengals are what they are, I would really like to see them bring in a defensive head coach for the rest of Burrow's career. Marvin Lewis being in the draft room I believe helped avoid their defenses being this bad and we need something similar. It's clear the people involved today have no clue on that side of the ball, so I believe the difference back then must have been Marvin, since Tobin is a constant.

This is assuming they won't fire Tobin (and I don't think they will until Mike Brown is dead, if ever).

Brian Flores is a name I’d be quite interested in if they move on from Zac Taylor.

[RiverRat13]

??? what does that mean please

The Bengals' "scouts" have collectively been to nine whole college football games in person this year, two of which were UC games.

[Redhook]

The Bengals' "scouts" have collectively been to nine whole college football games in person this year, two of which were UC games.

9>0 :D

I don't think any of us are surprised by this. Traveling to 7 games is a big expensive deal :laugh:

We all know they have the smallest scouting dept in the NFL and it's probably by a wide margin. Does anyone know the exact number of scouts they have? 4, 5? The question I have is what are these scouts doing all season long if they're on the payroll? Are they part-time scouts/employees so the Bengals don't have to pay full-time benefits? Who knows, but no amount of cheapness from Mike Brown would surprise me.

[Kingspoint]

The Bengals' Defense is so historically bad that there isn't anything they could possibly do that can prevent it from being a Bottom-5 Defense in the NFL next season.

They could fire Tobin, Taylor, the ex Notre Dame HC who's a D.C. by title only, spend $80M in Free Agency, nail all their draft picks, and they'd still be Bottom-5 next season.

Of course, they'll never do these things, all of which should happen. They'll put a few Dollar Store bandages on it and call it good.

Joe Burrow, we hardly got to know ya. Another quality player whose career was ruined by the Bengals.

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Brian Flores is a name I’d be quite interested in if they move on from Zac Taylor.

That will never happen and I'm glad.

[WVRed]

Zac needs to have play calling stripped after getting the ball at the 2 and not getting it in in four tries.

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[RiverRat13]

Not getting a touchdown on the first series or on the first and goal is going to make it very difficult to win this game. This looks like the typical early season Burrow so far tonight. Needed to get touchdowns on the scripted first drive and after the turnover because I don't think they score a whole lot tonight.

[RiverRat13]

Could we maybe get a run on 1st and goal?

[RiverRat13]

I would expect a lot of Henry runs to the perimeter in the second half for Baltimore.

[WVRed]

Hudson!

That might be enough.

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[KoryMac5]

What a catch…

[WVRed]

So much for that. Baltimore is running down our throat.

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[RiverRat13]

My assumption is that the Ravens will score on every drive the rest of the way.

[RiverRat13]

So nice having Perine back. Great job picking up the outside blitzer.

[WVRed]

My assumption is that the Ravens will score on every drive the rest of the way.As long as the Bengals match.

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[RiverRat13]

I understand it's hard to be a rookie linebacker but no serious team could allow either of these guys go into next season as a starter. Just embarrassing.

[RiverRat13]

Lamar has been bad against pressure this year and Al finally dialed up two straight blitzes to force the interception.

[KoryMac5]

I understand it's hard to be a rookie linebacker but no serious team could allow either of these guys go into next season as a starter. Just embarrassing.

Carter and Knight both take terrible angles when they are in space…they have a lot to clean up.

[RiverRat13]

Didn't love the third down call.

Money Mac appears to be back.

[Ky Fried Redleg]

McPherson back to being Money Mac this season.

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Didn't love the third down call.

Money Mac appears to be back.

Terrible call. But what's new. Get that guy(Taylor) outta here.

[Redsfaithful]

The Bengals' Defense is so historically bad that there isn't anything they could possibly do that can prevent it from being a Bottom-5 Defense in the NFL next season.

They could fire Tobin, Taylor, the ex Notre Dame HC who's a D.C. by title only, spend $80M in Free Agency, nail all their draft picks, and they'd still be Bottom-5 next season.

Of course, they'll never do these things, all of which should happen. They'll put a few Dollar Store bandages on it and call it good.

Joe Burrow, we hardly got to know ya. Another quality player whose career was ruined by the Bengals.

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That will never happen and I'm glad.

You gotta post this negatively before every game now, I'm sorry but we can't change anything just in case.

[RiverRat13]

They could have taken a knee there on 3rd down and the game is over. No team would actually do that, but they should consider it there.

Now there's a sliver of hope for Baltimore.

[JBChance]

Been behind the game most of the time because I started late but I am encouraged by the defense, mostly the pass rush.

Burrow looked kinda not sharp early, but he definitely got it going.

Jackson has looked terrible most of the game


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[WVRed]

Ok, who had the Ravens turning the ball over five times on their bingo card?

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[Kingspoint]

Impressive.

[KoryMac5]

Impressive.

Agreed complete game on both sides…offensive and defensive lines were stout all game.

[UKFlounder]

Surreal.

Hopefully not a fluke.

[Kingspoint]

You gotta post this negatively before every game now, I'm sorry but we can't change anything just in case.

Yes and no.

Do you have to be negative about other people's posts?

As far as the timing, it was ESPN that posted an article today about how historically bad their Defense is for as long as DVOA goes back to 1978. The '81 Ravens and the '78 Bucs were the only other two almost as bad. But, since you insisted on bringing it up, it was the ESPN article that mentioned that no team that had the worst DVOA's historically, including teams that had Defenses not as bad as this, all failed to get out of the bottom-10 the next season.

So, the timing had nothing to do with the game, but more to do with me having the time off and an ESPN article posted today. Why don't you email ESPN about the timing?

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Never gets old beating the Ravens.

[Kingspoint]

Any doubt that Burrow is the leader of the team, both on Offense and Defense, can be put to rest.

[Sea Ray]

Impressive.

We don’t suck


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[Stray]

Burrow comes back and all of a sudden our defense is adequate. Not going to think any deeper than that. Let's just win out.

[Kingspoint]

We don’t suck


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A lot more than that. Burrow has a lot of influence on the Defense.

Gets a heck of a lot tougher @Buffalo. Burrow and the Offense are good in any weather.

[Redsfaithful]

Yes and no.

Do you have to be negative about other people's posts?

Just a little joke, guess it didn't land but no worries.

[Sea Ray]

Buffalo is no world beaters this year

Awfully impressive performance sans Tee and Hendrickson


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[Assembly Hall]

Well done Bengals

[goreds2]

As a Steelers fan, I am very impressed with your win. Always great to see the Ravens lose!

[bucksfan2]

Burrow coming back is probably too little too late, just think had the defense been competent enough to beat the Bears and Jets.

For all the hate Zac gets, he sure gets the offense humming as the season goes along. Getting stopped at the 2 early on was bad, but those things are going to happen.

The Ravens are a mess right now. If Lamar isn't healthy, and he isn't, and isn't a threat to run, they are easier to defend. Every team in the league would willingly give up a few 10 yard scrambles to Lamar if he isn't dangerous in the called run game. He isn't a pocket passer if there isn't the threat of him pulling the ball down and taking off for 25 yards.

The defense is getting better, the young LB's are still making mistakes that need to be cleaned up. The Henry screen pass was awful, Carter taking a terrible angle, can that be changed. That was probably Murphy's best game in stripes, and Ossai played well.

[KoryMac5]

That NASCAR package of Ossai, Murphy, and Johnson has been fun to watch. Murphy has been really good last few weeks for the Defense, still only 24. Great hustle running down Henry. Hoping to see more development vs Josh Allen in Buffalo.

[Kingspoint]

Buffalo is no world beaters this year

Awfully impressive performance sans Tee and Hendrickson


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They are undefeated at home. (or one loss...I can't remember).

[Kingspoint]

That NASCAR package of Ossai, Murphy, and Johnson has been fun to watch. Murphy has been really good last few weeks for the Defense, still only 24. Great hustle running down Henry. Hoping to see more development vs Josh Allen in Buffalo.

"The NASCAR package". I like that. Their motors were revving, yesterday.

I loved the run package where "82" motioned inside from the right to line up behind the TE and RT. It, of course, lets Burrow see what the Defense is in, in case he wants to audible, but it produced several runs where it took the 3rd level to help stop the Run, blowing past the 1st level and making the 2nd level chase.

Also impressive was how well they did against the #1 Safety in the NFL, Hamilton. Tinsley needs to work on his timing with Burrow. I don't think he'll slow on a route again after missing short a perfectly thrown bomb by Burrow yesterday.

Iosivas nearly blew that TD throw, letting it hit him in the chest instead of catching it with his hands.

Tinsley is showing to be a good blocker.

[RiverfrontRed]

As a Steelers fan, I am very impressed with your win. Always great to see the Ravens lose!

I second this. I've always believed that a great QB can even elevate a defense and that was true last night. LJ looked like trash, which doesn't surprise me. 9-8 might win the North.

[Redsfaithful]

Murphy has been really good last few weeks for the Defense, still only 24.

You know what's nuts? I was reminded of this last night - Joseph Ossai is just 25 until next April.

[Redsfaithful]

I second this. I've always believed that a great QB can even elevate a defense and that was true last night. LJ looked like trash, which doesn't surprise me. 9-8 might win the North.

Pittsburgh and Baltimore could both even finish with 8 wins. Unlikely, maybe, especially since they have at least two wins remaining collectively just from playing each other, but pretty tough schedules remaining for both.

Pittsburgh:

Ravens x2
Bills & Dolphins at home
Lions & Browns away

Baltimore:

Steelers x2
Patriots at home
Bengals & Packers away

Of course I post that and then see the Bills will be down both starting tackles on Sunday lol - https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47128710/bills-starting-tackles-dawkins-brown-vs-steelers

[Redsfaithful]

Bengals are 22-7 in December/January games since 2021.

https://xcancel.com/JoeGoodberry/status/1994458607077691896#m


Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy each have 17 total pressures over the last 4 games.

That's a pace of 72 total pressures for a season.

That would've only been behind Hendrickson, Garrett, Verse and Greenard last season.

So, yeah. It's very good.

Maybe Hendrickson comes back to the rotation and they have a very legit pass rush the rest of the season? Crazy to even be a possibility given how this year has gone.

[RiverRat13]

The thought of the Bengal linebackers trying to tackle Cook and Allen next week...

[Kingspoint]

Steelers lose.

[Redsfaithful]

Bengals are +6.5 this week against the Bills.

This line surprised me a little bit: Baltimore is -6.5 vs. Pittsburgh.

[Kingspoint]

James Cook fumbles the ball.

3 times in the last 5 games. 4 times on the season. 10 times in his career.

With what the Defense did against BAL regarding knocking the ball loose, I imagine they're going after Cook.

[Kingspoint]

Bills defensive end Joey Bosa is expected to miss time with a hamstring injury, according to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe.

Bosa went down in Buffalo’s Week 13 victory over the Steelers. The team hopes he only misses a game or two, but an extended absence is possible. It seems likely that Bosa will miss the Bills’ next game against the Bengals after he was a non-participant in Wednesday’s practice. He is also dealing with a wrist injury, per the team’s official injury report.

[RiverRat13]

Death, taxes, and a Bosa(s) missing extended time.

[KoryMac5]

Burton did not travel with the team to Buffalo as he is officially suspended. That will cost him 59k…
The only reason he is still on the team is Mike Brown loves a redemption story.


Also snow expected to continue through today’s game.

[pedro]

Burton did not travel with the team to Buffalo as he is officially suspended. That will cost him 59k…
The only reason he is still on the team is Mike Brown loves a redemption story.


Also snow expected to continue through today’s game.


What a total waste of a 3rd round pick.

[KoryMac5]

Another long reception by the tight end…

[KoryMac5]

Defense holds thanks to the snow tackling Ty Johnson

[The Operator]

Tee!!!!!

[KoryMac5]

Turner almost had the pick...Buffalo is going on 4th

[KoryMac5]

Knight turn around...

[Playadlc]

How is that roughing the passer?

[LiferJim]

Looked like Ohio State defenders a few times last night, not playing the ball


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[MWM]

I don't think Demetrius Knight even belongs on a practice squad.

[LiferJim]

How is that roughing the passer?

That was an extremely weak call


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[The Operator]

Tee might be hurt after landing hard on a contested catch attempt.

Ugh.

[RiverRat13]

Dag. Was really concerned about throwing jump balls to Tee coming off of the concussion and that's why.

[Redsfaithful]

I don't think Demetrius Knight even belongs on a practice squad.

Same with Carter. I don't know how they watch this every week and just keep giving them infinite opportunities.

Really unreal they had average/below average linebackers in Pratt and Logan Wilson and just let them leave in favor of these two.

[MWM]

Why is he challenging this? So dumb

Worked out but I think it was too risky. It could have been ruled incomplete.

[The Operator]

Nice challenge, Zac

TD Bengals

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Why is he challenging this? So dumb

I thought he was crazy to challenge having the ball at the 1 but thankfully it worked.

[The Operator]

Really need a stop here. Can’t let them double up.

[The Operator]

Turnover on downs!

Get a TD here

[MWM]

What has gotten into Myles Murphy? He is getting serious pressure almost every play.

[The Operator]

Well, they didn’t score. But not letting the Bills score going into the half is still huge.


Get another stop to start the 3rd quarter.

[KoryMac5]

Snow should start slowing down from what the radar says but it's Orchard Park so you never know.

[The Operator]

Pretty weak DPI call imo

[LiferJim]

That’s on Murphy there. Hold the edge


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[MWM]

Well, Murphy with a bonehead play there

[RiverRat13]

The linebackers are sooo bad.

[MWM]

The linebackers are sooo bad.

Was coming here to type this exact thing.

The defense is so much better recently except for the linebackers.

[LiferJim]

The linebackers are sooo bad.

Yep. Kinda dumb to let Wilson go in favor of these clowns


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[The Operator]

Not being able to cover tight ends has been a problem my entire adult life.

[RiverRat13]

Well, Murphy with a bonehead play there

It was so bad that you have to think it was supposed to be a stunt and someone else screwed up. Bengals twitter is claiming it was Ossai and he got held so he couldn't get there.

[KoryMac5]

Gotta catch that Tee...

[The Operator]

Well. It was fun while it lasted.

Something is wrong still with Tee.

[MWM]

The linebackers are sooo bad.

Was coming here to type this exact thing.

The defense is so much better recently except for the linebackers.

[The Operator]

Oh that’s a touchback.

Please please please

[The Operator]

Eh oh well

[KoryMac5]

Another super soft call...

[The Operator]

Another super soft call...

This flag brought to you by DraftKings.

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Holy crap! They get the fumble in the end zone anyway!

[KoryMac5]

Cook is a bit of a fumbler for sure these last few weeks...

Now we need to march down and get a TD

[The Operator]

Possibly a game deciding drive right here. Have to go down the field and get 6.


On to the 4th quarter.

[The Operator]

Tee Higgins is absolutely playing with a concussion.

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Gesicki!!!

The 2 score lead is back!

[KoryMac5]

Someone needs to grab Tee's helmet...

Great pressure pick ups that drive

[KoryMac5]

Watching Joe process defensive formations is unreal

[The Operator]

Well that was fast

[MWM]

That's embarassing

[Playadlc]

Still easily the worst defense in the league.