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Charlie Goldsmith Cincinnati Enquirer When Cincinnati Bengals left guard Cordell Volson looked like a weak spot on the offensive line during the first half of the season, head coach Zac Taylor often provided a reminder of who Volson was matching up against. He blocked two perennial All-Pro defensive tackles in Aaron Donald and Jeffery Simmons. He faced a Cleveland Browns team that has the best defensive line in football and a Baltimore Ravens front that leads the NFL in sacks. He struggled against standout defensive tackle Jarran Reed, who the Bengals recruited during free agency in 2022, and a Seattle Seahawks front that was playing as well as anyone at the time. Entering the Bengals’ bye week, Volson’s second season in the NFL looked like it would be a step back. Instead, Volson used those tough matchups to fuel a turnaround during the second half of the season. Over the last two months, Volson has been as consistent as anyone on the Bengals’ offensive line. “The sky is the limit for what he can become as a player,” Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. said. “What you’re seeing is a product of everything he has put in. It’s about how consistent he has been with his work even when things may not have been great on Sundays. That’s the type of player he is. He’s a big-time player.” With an improved offensive line in 2023, the Bengals are using game plans that rely more on their pass blockers. That was especially the case during the first month of the season when a limited Joe Burrow couldn’t line up under center or run on play-action passes. During that stretch, Volson gave up some sacks and some big hits. “You’re constantly learning,” Volson said. “I’m realizing you can’t just rely on some natural ability. You have to be really locked in on all the technical aspects and use those to your advantage. That just takes time. Now we’re playing really good football. The five of us up front are executing really well together. That’s the biggest thing.” As Volson reflected on his slow start to the season, the coaching staff recognized that his technique needed to be better. Volson’s size has always given him an advantage, and the coaches have been impressed with his physicality since he got drafted by the team in 2022. But early in the year, Volson’s technique wasn’t consistent. His footwork wasn’t what it needed to be on a snap-to-snap basis, which was a big problem for a Bengals offense that didn’t have much of a margin for error at the time. “There has been so much less of that over the last several weeks,” Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan said. “He has really played effective football for us in pass protection and in the run game. To see his ascension after an early up-and-down has been really, really helpful for our offense in general. And for him personally, it’s been good to see him make that next jump and play at that next level.” Volson’s run of success has come against another standout group of defensive tackles. He won his matchups against Ed Oliver and Cam Heyward, played well in a rematch against the Ravens and handled a blitz-heavy Minnesota Vikings front that had been rushing the passer as well as any team in the NFL. Volson’s development has implications that go well beyond this season. Right tackle Jonah Williams will be a free agent at the end of this season, and center Ted Karras’ contract expires at the end of the 2024 season. The Bengals won’t be able to spend as aggressively in free agency across the offensive line in the future because of Burrow’s extension, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s projected extension and Brown’s four-year deal. The Bengals have been waiting for a young offensive lineman to break through as a piece of the long-term core. In Volson, the Bengals have a big, physical and tough guard who can also run 17 mph. “I compare him to Steve Hutchinson,” Brown said, referencing the Hall of Fame left guard who played between 2001 and 2012. He has the bigger body type and a tackle-like body with the ability to win with leverage. That’s a very rare combination. It’s very hard for me to do that. He does a great job winning with leverage. He’s very strong, and he wins a lot of reps with his feet as well. When you’ve got height, length, strength and size, you’re a hard guy to beat.” https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2023/12/20/bengals-left-guard-cordell-volson-is-making-the-leap/71987090007/

Execpt Duke Tobin has stated he will not trade Tee becuase he does not want to make other teams better.

Yep has shown no improvement or promise. Definitely a career backup. Stupid Bengals.

The glue of the Oline. Hope he wins the award. Good human being.

He's interviewed the last two cycles and will interview with the Raiders this year when it opens. This will actually be his 3rd time interviewing with the Raiders. Usually that means something big. https://x.com/KuhnTristen/status/1736927375022027229?s=20

God may punish me for this but I hope Freight Train Volson knocks his silly ass right back into it in our first offensive series.

because we are always conditioned to fear the worst? The idea that Volson, at his size and ability to move, might be legitimately improving should not be a crazy thought. Other teams develop plus interior linemen from those same kind of draft spots. This team decades ago used to, as well. I see no reason to fear the worst with Volson at this point.

Cause we're Bengals fans and history has conditioned us to feel this way even if there is no proof it's going to be that way. Bengal PTSD is real.

Seeing that Bengals-Stealers is basically the only Saturday game (BUF-LAC is the other)…at 4:30 and nationally shown…what are the odds that the NFL will take the opportunity to “enhance” the narrative of “here are the proud comeback Pittsburgh Stealers..fighting with all they have to stay in the playoff race…”? Of course, we already know how the league uses its “enhancements”

Found this gem from last summer.

Eleven years ago today, December 21, 2012, on Facebook: "The Stripes can clinch a playoff spot, and kill the Stealers' season, with a win in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Go Bengals ... Who Dey!" (To the tune of "The Devil Went Down To Georgia): Mike Tomlin welcomed the Bengals, he was looking for a game to steal He was in a bind, he was way behind, he was willing to make a deal When he came across a tall coach running a team who was playing hot Tomlin jumped on a hickory stump and said, "boy, let me tell you what" "I'll bet you didn't know it but I'm a football coach, too And if you'd care to take a dare I'll make a bet with you. Now you coach pretty good football, boy, but give The Tomlin his due I'll bet a playoff berth of gold against your soul 'cause I think I'm better than you" The coach said, "My name's Marvin, and it might be a sin But I'll take your bet, you're gonna regret cause my team's the best it's ever been" Marvin you ready up your team and play those Stealers hard 'Cause hell's broke loose in Pittsburgh and The Tomlin deals the cards And if you win you'll get this shiny playoff spot of gold But if you lose The Tomlin gets your soul! (fiddle music bridge) The Tomlin called the coin toss and he said, "I'll start this show" And fire flew from his coaching whistle as he told his Stealers to go As the Roethlisberger touched the ball it made an evil hiss And a band of demons joined in and it sounded something like this: (raucous evil music, with lyrics that translate loosely as...) "we-play-for-the-tomlin-here-in-pittsburgh-pennsylvania- where-the-men-who-all-lead-football-teams-want-to-rape- young-boys-in-showers-or-have-forced-sex-with-young-coeds- down-in-georgia-back-bar-bathrooms-and-we're-cheered-on- by-pedophile-approving-fans-from-all-across-the-nation-all-of whom-have-fifteen-bucks-and-can-buy-a-jersey-from-their- neighborhood-k-mart-even-though-they've-never-set-foot-in- southwestern-pennsylvania-because-none-of-them-have-a- soul-and-only-root-for-popular-teams-they-see-on-basic-tv- or-because-the-local-goodwill-was-out-of-yankee-jerseeeeeeeeys!" When the Tomlin finished, Marvin said: "You're pretty good ol' son. But sit down on that bench right there and let me show you how its done." Hand the ball to Law Firm, run boy run! The Tomlin's in the house with our Red Rifle gun! Dunlap in the backfield, haulin' in sacks! Another score for AJ, breakin' their backs! (fiddle music bridge) The Tomlin bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat. He laid that playoff berth on the ground at Marvin's feet. Marvin said: "Tomlin just come on back if you ever want to try again. cause I told you once, you son of a gun, my team's the best they've ever been!" Hand the ball to Law Firm, run boy run! The Tomlin's in the house with our Red Rifle gun! Dunlap in the backfield, haulin' in sacks! Another score for AJ, breakin' their backs!

Still expect Tee to be tagged and traded before the draft. He's talented and still young, can provide the most return in draft capital. Once the free agent period opens, some team will offer Jonah more than the Bengals and he will accept. We've seen that movie before.

Honestly don't know who the better choice is but to retain Pitcher he would have to be OC, he will have OC opportunities this offseason again. He and Walter both interviewed last summer for OC jobs. I think Tampa for Pitcher and Houston for Walters. I think strategically you can get Kubiak and Pitcher only if you go that route. But I honestly don't know.

We do kind of fear the worst..... The Reader injury certaintly opens up the window in terms of what order and whom to try and re-sign in terms of free agents. If Tee and DJ were tops, maybe it is now Tee and Jonah? No team, including us, can commit to DJ until his health is known. The injury is very unfortunate for him but it creates more intrigue for the team going forward.

Chris Roling Tue, Dec 19, 2023, 6:37 PM CST·1 min read Don’t look now, but the Cincinnati Bengals have a mini-breakout going on at the tight end position as the season nears its conclusion. Tanner Hudson has been a revelation for the team this season after fighting his way onto the 53-man roster and eventually eating up snaps that were previously reserved for names like Irv Smith. And according to Pro Football Focus, Hudson has been on a tear lately, registering the best grade amongst all tight ends since Week 13 (88.6). While Hudson only has 33 catches for 298 yards and one score on the season over nine games, the overall grade speaks to his ability in other important areas, such as blocking. A veteran at the age of 29 years old, it feels like Hudson has found his role as the borderline No. 1 tight end in the offense and will be somebody the team looks to bring back next summer in free agency. https://sports.yahoo.com/tanner-hudson-continues-steady-breakout-003717669.html

Myles Murphy will make fans eat crow for denouncing his abilities.

With what has happened with Jake Browning over the last month, Dan Pitcher figures to become an OC somewhere next year. Almost happened this past offseason. He has a ton of buzz at the moment.

You know one day we are going to win the Superbowl and all this "it's fixed, it's scripted" stuff will have folks scrambling to change their narrative. On that day I will be petty as hell.

Just some thoughts on coaching front office Bengals front office Trey Brown might get a GM job. If so that's 2 first round picks I think Callahan will be in the mix for a head coaching job. What we did with Browning has to have the league taken notice. If he gets a head job I think that Pitcher is our next OC. Then I think Klint Kubiak is QBs coach. He was in Taylor's wedding or vice versa. He might be a great fit having been with the 49ers for a year.

Hmmm. There are 4 teams ahead of us that we've beaten. NFC teams like Sea and Rams are severely overrated this year due to the patsies they get to beat up on.

Kevin Adams?

Does the defense have anyone other than Reader that's played the run well this year? I've always thought Wilson was better in coverage than against the run, but I don't either LB as played as well as they did last year. The run defense is on pace to allow more division rushing yards than any team in AFC North history. The only returning defensive starters that have played as well or better than last year are Reader, Hendrickson, BJ Hill and Taylor Britt (before going on IRR). The others have taken a step back.

Logan Wilson has 3 interceptions and Germain Pratt has 2 plus a pick 6 taken away by a blown offsides call against Hendrickson. Agree about ADG being underwhelming. Fryermouth is going to be a warm up for Mr Taylor Swift on New Years Eve who I whole heartedly hope gets the living dog shit kicked out of him so bad he goes to sleep in 2023 and wakes up in 2024. Concerned about the run game without Reader... what shakey at times with him in there. But it does come down to how brightly Rudolph's nose is shining after Trey Hendrickson plants it into the cow pasture turf a few times. Want so see Chase Brown put on a show and I hope Tanner Hudson looks so good Taylor Swift wears a number 87 Bengals jersey next week with Mrs Mahomely. Love to see Freight Train Volson pancake Watt a few times, too, opening holes or leading Mixon or Brown.

I feel pretty confident in saying that we’ll never see Irv Smith in a Bengals uniform again once this season ends. 100%

Seems like a RAW DT who we get the chance to develop at the position. We will have 3 years until he is a FA. https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2023/4/29/23704891/2023-nfl-draft-chicago-bears-travis-bell-film-study-scouting-report-defensive-tackle

We have 2 backers that play the run well. Neither is a coverage type. ADG was to fill that role but he's been totally underwhelming. The need for a coverage backer is a priority among other things.

Bengals defense should thrive against this pitiful inbred offense. Jake and Co will slice them up gradually to destroy what little will they have. Bengals win ..

I'll counter that the NFL is trying to give the impression they are cleaning up the game by making examples of individual worst offenders. Meanwhile teams like Pittsburgh are still lauded for a dirty style of play, cheap shots are routinely ignored, and the worst are often turned into highlights that get replayed over and over. Penalizing a team 15 yards and fining a millionaire player $20k is a small price to pay for sending a rival's star playmaker to IR for the season. The NFL want to avoid liability for a lawsuit while keeping all the violence that people enjoy watching. That's all it is.

Bengals will certainly offer him a new contract but someone else might offer more. We have the worst TE group in the league and should use at least a midround draft pick on a decent TE instead of recycling other team's scraps.

You would think so, wouldn’t you. However, I have seen very little evidence over the last few seasons that we pay ANY attention to the TEs. 🦗

Possible translation: Yes, he will not play on Saturday. However, we don’t want Pissturd to know that until the last possible minute, so that they have to utilize practice time preparing for Ja’Marr being on the field.

I just want to add that as much as I love Hilton running along the sidelines with Boyd, he was beyond the zone that players are restricted to, and was actually in the way of an official. If he does that again this weekend in Pissturd, you can bet he’ll get flagged for it. i LOVE the enthusiasm, but you gotta be smart about it. 🦗

Chris Hedges: The Death of Israel

If you're on the Twitters, every post with this in it counts as a vote. #WPMOYChallenge   Karras

He's definitely the man !

He's been dominating on the field lately too ...

I just voted for him multiple times he deserves it

Actually... I prefer it on Saturday, late afternoon and away. Sunday would mean interfering with Christmas Eve and holiday olans and all the forced fa-la-la-la-la for-de-rol which I dislike immensely to begin with. New Years Eve plans now altered drastically because of the Taylor Swift fuckery. New Years Eve is now Bengals football with laptop and pizza. Actually preferable to a lot of other more traditional stuff but still.

He might be done for the year, a shoulder injury takes time. I injured mine in January and it took months to get it back to a normal range of motion but it still has some lasting effects. Now obviously Ja'Marr is an elite athlete but still, he will be out for a few weeks at the very least. This is a great opportunity for everyone if you think about it because they all have something to prove. Higgins and Boyd are upcoming free agents that have struggled with injuries and drops so this is a great opportunity to prove they can step up and be the guys to drive this pass-centric offense. Irwin and the rookies are playing to show that they can be reliable targets is Higgins and Boyd leave via FA. Yes, the Bengals will miss Ja'Marr but they have other weapons who are more than capable of winning out the remainder of games.

😀 👍

If there is a silver lining (and I may be reaching here), we get a chance to see what Yoshi and Charlie Jones can do on a more consistent basis.

Jones in his recent agreement with the Cheifs got them to agree to not being allowed to tag him again. He will be a UFA because they wont pay him what he is looking for. Neither will we.