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Arkansas Bengal

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  1. Chris Roling January 10, 2024 3:55 pm ET Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase sure knows how to keep the rivalry with the Kansas City Chiefs alive and well. Chase’s recent spat with the Chiefs near the end of the season made big waves, of course. But now that it’s the offseason for the Bengals, Chase made an appearance in the media and had to field a question about this year’s Super Bowl. During an interview with “SportsCenter” on Wednesday, Chase had a simple answer to who he would like to see hoist a Lombardi Trophy this year: “Anybody but the Chiefs.” Not much needs said on this topic at this point, right? Here’s the clip, courtesy of Fox 19’s Jeremy Rauch: https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/2024/01/10/bengals-jamarr-chase-super-bowl-anybody-but-the-chiefs/
  2. Updated Jan. 8, 2024 5:30 p.m. ET SHARE FACEBOOKXREDDITLINK Associated Press CINCINNATI (AP) — After Joe Burrow was lost for the season with a wrist injury in November, coach Zac Taylor insisted the Bengals had been built to win even without their franchise quarterback. Well, yes and no. Backup Jake Browning exceeded expectations by winning three of his first four starts, helping Cincinnati get into the heat of the playoff race the week before Christmas. But then Browning threw three interceptions at Pittsburgh, and the Stealers — behind third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph — shredded Cincinnati 34-11. The chaos of the AFC playoff race gave the Bengals another chance to stay in it by beating Kansas City. The Chiefs relied on six field goals to win 25-17. Browning, a former practice squad quarterback, showed he can play in the NFL, but the Bengals had too many other weaknesses to win consistently without the creative Burrow there to rescue his team from dire situations. The Bengals had trouble running the ball. Receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins played through injuries. The defense struggled to stop the run. Communication problems among young defensive backs led to receivers running open. Cincinnati (9-8) was 1-5 against AFC North opponents, finally beating Cleveland in the season finale with the Browns resting most their starters for the playoffs. The Bengals missed the postseason for the first time in three years. The previous two seasons, they reached the Super Bowl and the AFC championship game. “Their character cannot be questioned. What they went through and what they gave us this year, I’m so proud of them for continuing to stay together,” Taylor said. “You never saw anyone point fingers." In the early games of 2023, Burrow's mobility was affected by a calf injury. With Burrow improving, the Bengals finally started to surge, winning four of five before playing at Baltimore on Nov. 16. Burrow tore a ligament in his right wrist in the first half against the Ravens, ending his season. “Going in Baltimore, I felt really good about where we were,” Burrow said Monday. “Obviously, it didn't play out the way we wanted it to. It was a weird year. Never felt like we really reached our potential to what we were. And then obviously, the injury happened right where we usually start to take that jump in the year, where we had in years past, so it was a tough year.” BURROW TIMELINE Burrow, who had surgery to repair the torn ligament, said it will be a couple months before he can start throwing again. "I think I should be good by OTAs (in May and June)," he said. “We’ll see, (it's) pretty early.” DECISIONS, DECISIONS Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension before the season. Chase, one of the best wideouts in the league, is eligible for an extension, and the Bengals want to lock him down, too. That leaves the team with decisions to make about its other unrestricted free agents. Topping that list are receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, nose tackle D.J. Reader, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and tackle Jonah Williams. Browning is also a free agent and likely will be looking for more money from the Bengals or another team. “I think that I’ve established that I’m capable of being a starter in the NFL,” the 27-year-old Browning said. “Obviously, a weird situation where I feel like I’m one of the top 32 quarterbacks in the world, and I just so happen to be on a roster with a guy who’s proven that he’s a top five quarterback in the world. So, what that looks like going forward, I have no idea.” MIXON'S FUTURE Veteran running back Joe Mixon restructured his contract with a pay cut to stay with the Bengals in 2023. With fleet rookie Chase Brown flashing talent that should earn him more playing time in the future, Cincinnati will have to decide whether to keep the 27-year-old Mixon. He rushed for over 1,000 yards for the fourth time in his career, but his only 100-yard game came Sunday against Cleveland's backups. The Bengals' run game was the second worst in the NFL. https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nfl/bengals-get-to-brink-of-playoffs-without-burrow-but-now-face-decisions-on-many-free-agents
  3. Chris Roling Tue, Jan 9, 2024, 7:26 PM CST·1 min read 2 The Cincinnati Bengals enter a critical offseason with plenty of cap space to work on the roster. After landing at 9-8 in one of the toughest divisions ever and making a first wave of offseason moves, the Bengals have roughly $60 million in free cap space entering the offseason, per the numbers at Spotrac. That’s good for the sixth-highest mark in the NFL right now, with the top spot sitting on $85 million (Washington). Of course, the catch when looking at this number is that the Bengals have a massive list of free agents, including names like Tee Higgins, DJ Reader, Jonah Williams and Tyler Boyd, to name a few. On top of that, the Bengals will need to pay up on another draft class, and outside free agents and potential extensions for now-eligible guys like Ja’Marr Chase. For now, though, the Bengals appear to have plenty of flexibility before making any other moves that might free up even more cap space. https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-cap-space-season-ends-012658910.html
  4. By Myles Simmons Published January 9, 2024 12:11 PM Joe Burrow’s 2023 season was marred by injury. He first suffered through a calf issue that sidelined him for training camp and clearly impacted the first few weeks of the year. Then in November, he sustained a torn ligament in his wrist that took him out for the rest of the year. In a Monday press conference, Burrow said his wrist is getting better every day, though he’s not exactly sure when he’ll be able to begin throwing again. “We’ll have to see,” Burrow said. “I think I should be good by OTAs. But, we’ll see. Pretty early on to really tell yet.” While Burrow’s throwing will come in time, he said he feels good about where he’ll be physically based on what he can do in the weight room now. He likely won’t be able to lift anything with his injured wrist or grip a football until “a couple months from now.” “Lifting, legs, doing a lot of core, doing the upper body where we can — tough without being able to grab or do anything like that,” Burrow said. “But we’re modifying in ways that keeps me in good physical shape and just going to keep getting better as the wrist gets better, too.” Burrow finished his 2023 season having completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 2,309 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He said watching the last month and a half of the season was tough after being used to playing and making a difference. “You try to find ways to make a difference where you could, but obviously, it’s not the same,” Burrow said. “So, I was just focused on getting myself better every day and doing what I could for Jake ... giving him nuggets here and there. But, he’s a smart guy, he didn’t need too much.” https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/joe-burrow-i-think-i-should-be-good-by-otas-but-well-see
  5. Updated: 4:40 PM EST Jan 8, 2024 Infinite Scroll Enabled Matthew Dietz CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals announced a series of roster moves on the first day of the offseason, signing nine players to reserve/future contracts. Players who are signed to a reserve/future contract will not count against the team's 53-man roster, but will count on the 90-man roster beginning on Feb. 12, the Monday after the Super Bowl. Below are the nine players signed on Monday by the Bengals: DT Domenique Davis CB Allan George C Nate Gilliam DE Jeff Gunter LB Shaka Heyward WR Shedrick Jackson G Jaxson Kirkland WR Kwamie Lassiter II WR Kendric Pryor Eight of the players finished the season on the Bengals' Practice Squad, while one, Kirkland, finished on the Practice Squad/Injured list. Of the above players, only two suited up for a game this season for the Bengals, Jackson and Lassiter. The former Auburn Tiger Jackson appeared in five games during the 2023 season for Cincinnati and was targeted once. As for Lassiter, the former Kansas Jayhawk hauled in his only target of the season for a two-yard reception. This year marks the first time since the 2020 season that the Bengals aren't playoff bound, meaning they'll slide up the NFL Draft board this year. For the 2024 draft, the Bengals will have the No. 18 overall pick. The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, this year from April 25-27. https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-reserve-future-contracts/46319105
  6. Broncos waste no time replacing Russell Wilson with one of four QBs taken in Round 1 Five wide receivers are taken in Round 1 as part of a strong class at the position By Josh Edwards Jan 7, 2024 at 11:47 am ET•1 min read The NFL is entering the final week of its regular season. The majority of teams will know where they are picking after this weekend's games. Monday's College Football Playoff title game could also play a part in where Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., among others, could be drafted as well. In today's thought exercise, we explore the ever-changing draft order and how quarterback-needy teams may need to make a trade if they want to position themselves to add one of a handful worthy of first-round consideration. The draft order below was determined using Tankathon ahead of Week 18 games, which uses records and strength of schedule as a tiebreaker. Without further ado, let's kick this off! NFL MOCK DRAFT Round 1 From Carolina Panthers Round 1 - Pick 1 Marvin Harrison Jr. WR OHIO STATE • JR • 6'4" / 205 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Chicago PROSPECT RNK 1st POSITION RNK 1st If Chicago is not taking a quarterback, then they would trade the pick in reality, but we are waiting until the draft order is set post-regular season before doing trades. Justin Fields is making their choice very difficult so this is more acknowledgement that there is a chance they do not take a quarterback. Round 1 - Pick 2 Caleb Williams QB USC • JR • 6'1" / 215 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Washington PROSPECT RNK 2nd POSITION RNK 1st Washington would have been in a position to take a quarterback regardless but Chicago's decision to stick with Justin Fields opens them up to their choice of the litter. Caleb Williams is a D.C. native and is brought home to lead the franchise. Round 1 - Pick 3 Drake Maye QB NORTH CAROLINA • SOPH • 6'4" / 230 LBS PROJECTED TEAM New England PROSPECT RNK 6th POSITION RNK 2nd Chicago's decision to keep Justin Fields is New England's gain as they are now able to take a quarterback and replace Mac Jones. Drake Maye's decision-making needs to improve but he has significant athletic potential. Round 1 - Pick 4 Olumuyiwa Fashanu OT PENN STATE • JR • 6'6" / 317 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Arizona PROSPECT RNK 3rd POSITION RNK 1st Arizona's offensive line has not been good this season. If they are going to keep Kyler Murray, then upgrading his protection should be a point of emphasis. Moving on from D.J. Humphries next league year would save the franchise $9 million. Round 1 - Pick 5 Malik Nabers WR LSU • JR • 6'0" / 200 LBS PROJECTED TEAM N.Y. Giants PROSPECT RNK 11th POSITION RNK 2nd Malik Nabers has No. 1 wide receiver ability. They may have to run it back with Daniel Jones but at least the team is making progress with a wide receiver room of Jalin Hyatt, Wan'Dale Robinson and Nabers. Round 1 - Pick 6 Brock Bowers TE GEORGIA • JR • 6'4" / 240 LBS PROJECTED TEAM L.A. Chargers PROSPECT RNK 4th POSITION RNK 1st It will be an interesting offseason for Los Angeles as they embrace a new change in leadership. The Chargers have gone all in over the past few years making significant investments, but those did not pay off. Do they tear it down entirely? The selection of Brock Bowers is a good start to renovating. Round 1 - Pick 7 Joe Alt OT NOTRE DAME • JR • 6'7" / 322 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Tennessee PROSPECT RNK 5th POSITION RNK 2nd Tennessee receives a late Christmas gift as Joe Alt tumbles a bit to No. 7 overall. Will Levis' protection was putrid this season and the consecutive first-round selections of Peter Skoronski and Alt change that outlook for the better. Round 1 - Pick 8 JC Latham OT ALABAMA • JR • 6'6" / 360 LBS PROJECTED TEAM N.Y. Jets PROSPECT RNK 7th POSITION RNK 3rd New York may need to replace both starting offensive tackles. J.C. Latham and the entire Alabama offensive line struggled against Michigan's pass rush plan but there is still a lot to like about the massive right tackle. Round 1 - Pick 9 Jayden Daniels QB LSU • SR • 6'4" / 210 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Atlanta PROSPECT RNK 14th POSITION RNK 3rd The Desmond Ridder experiment comes to an end as Atlanta makes a big move in the first round landing LSU dual-threat quarterback Jayden Daniels. Round 1 - Pick 10 Dallas Turner EDGE ALABAMA • JR • 6'4" / 252 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Chicago PROSPECT RNK 10th POSITION RNK 3rd Montez Sweat was a worthwhile investment for Chicago but they supercharge their pass rush with the addition of Dallas Turner. Round 1 - Pick 11 Nate Wiggins CB CLEMSON • JR • 6'2" / 185 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Las Vegas PROSPECT RNK 16th POSITION RNK 2nd Jack Jones has been a good find in a short period of time. Nate Wiggins upgrades the potential of that group but the team may be afraid to go back to the Clemson well. Round 1 - Pick 12 Laiatu Latu EDGE UCLA • SR • 6'5" / 265 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Minnesota PROSPECT RNK 8th POSITION RNK 1st Marcus Davenport and Danielle Hunter are both free agents at season's end. If Minnesota does not retain both, then they may need Laiatu Latu to provide some immediate pass-rush production. Round 1 - Pick 13 Rome Odunze WR WASHINGTON • JR • 6'3" / 215 LBS PROJECTED TEAM New Orleans PROSPECT RNK POSITION RNK New Orleans realistically can not do anything with Derek Carr this offseason because of his contract. They can give him and whichever quarterback ends up taking over another weapon though. Round 1 - Pick 14 Michael Penix Jr. QB WASHINGTON • SR • 6'3" / 213 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Denver PROSPECT RNK 56th POSITION RNK 8th In the wake of the Russell Wilson news, it is rather clear that Denver will be pursuing other options at quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. is a leader who can come in and provide some hope. Round 1 - Pick 15 Jer'Zhan Newton DL ILLINOIS • JR • 6'2" / 295 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Seattle PROSPECT RNK 28th POSITION RNK 1st Seattle has thrown a lot of resources at the defensive line over the past two years and that trend continues with the high motor Jer'Zhan Newton in the middle of the first round. Round 1 - Pick 16 Amarius Mims OT GEORGIA • JR • 6'7" / 340 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Cincinnati PROSPECT RNK 13th POSITION RNK 4th Jonah Williams is scheduled to hit free agency after the season. His play has not exactly warranted jumping into a bidding war. Cincinnati would be upgrading at right tackle. From Houston Texans Round 1 - Pick 17 Kool-Aid McKinstry CB ALABAMA • JR • 6'1" / 195 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Arizona PROSPECT RNK 12th POSITION RNK 1st Cornerback is the path to least resistance to a starting job in Arizona. Jonathan Gannon's team overcame expectations this season but needs players like Kool-Aid McKinstry to take it to the next level. Round 1 - Pick 18 Taliese Fuaga OT OREGON STATE • JR • 6'6" / 334 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Pittsburgh PROSPECT RNK 18th POSITION RNK 5th Pittsburgh picks an offensive tackle for the second consecutive year as Taliese Fuaga slots into the right side and Broderick Jones flips to the left side. Round 1 - Pick 19 Terrion Arnold CB ALABAMA • SOPH • 6'0" / 196 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Green Bay PROSPECT RNK 66th POSITION RNK 11th The situation with Jaire Alexander last week was a bit confusing and would cast some doubt on his future with the organization if not for his contract. Terrion Arnold gives the Packers some depth. Round 1 - Pick 20 Cooper DeJean CB IOWA • JR • 6'1" / 207 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Tampa Bay PROSPECT RNK 19th POSITION RNK 4th Cooper DeJean offers versatility in the secondary as well as return ability. Tampa Bay is in a good position to compete within a weak NFC South for years to come but they need to infuse more young talent on the roster. Round 1 - Pick 21 Jared Verse EDGE FLORIDA STATE • JR • 6'4" / 260 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Indianapolis PROSPECT RNK 9th POSITION RNK 2nd Indianapolis is building out its pass rush with the addition of Jared Verse. Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo and Verse give them a lot of power to rush the passer. Round 1 - Pick 22 Keon Coleman WR FLORIDA STATE • JR • 6'4" / 215 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Jacksonville PROSPECT RNK 15th POSITION RNK 3rd Jacksonville is rebuilding its wide receiver room with Keon Coleman and Calvin Ridley. Trevor Lawrence has to find another gear next season but there will be no shortage in skill talent allowing him to do so. Round 1 - Pick 23 Denzel Burke CB OHIO STATE • JR • 6'1" / 190 LBS PROJECTED TEAM L.A. Rams PROSPECT RNK 31st POSITION RNK 6th Los Angeles has done a good job of identifying good young talent to rebuild their defense. Denzel Burke offers a higher ceiling at the position. Round 1 - Pick 24 Chop Robinson EDGE PENN STATE • JR • 6'3" / 254 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Buffalo PROSPECT RNK 23rd POSITION RNK 5th Buffalo is looking at some turnover on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. The addition of Chop Robinson allows them to address a premium position while getting more more inexpensive. Round 1 - Pick 25 Emeka Egbuka WR OHIO STATE • JR • 6'1" / 206 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Kansas City PROSPECT RNK 20th POSITION RNK 4th One thing that can be said about Ohio State's wide receivers is that they are well-coached and prepared to transition to the NFL. Kansas City needs a player who can be counted on to be in the right place at the right time. Round 1 - Pick 26 Kingsley Suamataia OT BYU • SOPH • 6'6" / 325 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Philadelphia PROSPECT RNK 48th POSITION RNK 9th Philadelphia gets a mammoth offensive lineman who can eventually take over for Lane Johnson on the right side. Kingsley Suamataia has played left and right tackle over the past two years. Round 1 - Pick 27 Troy Fautanu IOL WASHINGTON • JR • 6'4" / 317 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Detroit PROSPECT RNK 44th POSITION RNK 1st Detroit has a few interior offensive linemen scheduled to hit free agency. The addition of Troy Fautanu allows them to absorb some of that potential loss. From Houston Texans Round 1 - Pick 28 Quinyon Mitchell CB TOLEDO • JR • 6'0" / 196 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Arizona PROSPECT RNK 25th POSITION RNK 5th Arizona needs to identify some foundational pieces to its franchise. Quinyon Mitchell is a tough, accountable player who helps set the tone for the rest of that secondary. Round 1 - Pick 29 Bralen Trice EDGE WASHINGTON • JR • 6'4" / 274 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Miami PROSPECT RNK 24th POSITION RNK 6th Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb will both be coming off injuries next season. Emmanuel Ogbah's contract likely leads to the organization moving on from him this offseason. If they can rely on Andrew Van Ginkel, then perhaps they go in another direction but Bralen Trice gives them quality depth coming off a fantastic College Football Playoff semifinal performance against Texas. Round 1 - Pick 30 Tyler Nubin S MINNESOTA • SR • 6'2" / 210 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Dallas PROSPECT RNK 45th POSITION RNK 3rd Tyler Nubin has been a popular choice for Dallas. They need to upgrade that spot and the team is well-equipped at most other positions. Nubin is another ball hawk capable of capitalizing on opponents' bad choices. Round 1 - Pick 31 Jordan Morgan OT ARIZONA • SR • 6'5" / 325 LBS PROJECTED TEAM San Francisco PROSPECT RNK 43rd POSITION RNK 7th Jordan Morgan has started at left tackle but projects inside at the next level. San Francisco needs to upgrade its offensive line this offseason and Morgan allows them some flexibility. Round 1 - Pick 32 JT Tuimoloau EDGE OHIO STATE • JR • 6'4" / 270 LBS PROJECTED TEAM Baltimore PROSPECT RNK 22nd POSITION RNK 4th Jadeveon Clowney is playing out his contract with Baltimore. With as well as he has played this season, it would not be a surprise if the organization brought him back for another season but given recent history with Clowney, that decision may not happen until the summer. The 2024 NFL Draft will take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly updated draft order and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2024-nfl-mock-draft-broncos-waste-no-time-replacing-russell-wilson-with-one-of-four-qbs-taken-in-round-1/
  7. Stephanie Niles was in the box supporting Browning and the Bengals By Ryan Gaydos Fox News Published January 7, 2024 2:57pm EST Stephanie Niles, the girlfriend of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, went viral on Sunday as the team pounced on the Cleveland Browns during their final matchup of the 2023 season. Niles was in the suite at Paycor Stadium in an all-white outfit with an orange hat as she cheered on Browning. As the cameras panned to her in the suite celebrating Browning’s first touchdown pass, Niles was looking for a high five but was iced out. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning speaks after the Chiefs game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) She appeared to catch the eye of social media during the game. "Jake Browning’s Girlfriend is about to be trending," podcaster Dave Heilman wrote on X. VIEW THE MOMENT ON X. "Jake Browning playing with extra motivation today," Barstool Sports’ "Pardon My Take" podcast wrote on X. "Jake Browning indeed has a dog in him," Gavin McHugh added. Ben Domenech added: "In Week 18, the part of Taylor Swift will be played by backup Stephanie Niles." The Bengals had a 24-0 lead at the break. Browning was 12-for-16 with 108 passing yards and two touchdown passes at the break. Bengals defenders Logan Wilson and Jordan Battle each had an interception. Bengals quarterback Jake Browning throws before the Cleveland Browns game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Cleveland had already wrapped up a playoff spot. Browning was thrust into the starting role for the Bengals once Joe Burrow went down with a season-ending injury. Entering Sunday’s game against Cleveland, he was hoping to finish the year above .500. Jake Browning of the Bengals directs his team during the Cleveland Browns game at Paycor Stadium on Jan. 7, 2024, in Cincinnati. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images) He was 1,780 passing yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions in eight games for the Bengals heading into Week 18. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/girlfriend-bengals-jake-browning-goes-viral-she-cheers-qb-vs-browns
  8. Cincinnati.com | The Enquirer Williams: Why Joe Burrow's expected 2024 return won't solve Cincinnati Bengals' problems Jason Williams, Cincinnati Enquirer Sun, Jan 7, 2024 at 6:57 PM CST·4 min read Zac Taylor reiterated the Cincinnati Bengals’ annual goals minutes after a disappointing season ended. “Win the division and win the Super Bowl,” the coach said in the wake of Cincinnati's 31-14 dismantling of the playoff-bound Cleveland Browns’ backups in the regular-season finale at cold and dreary Paycor Stadium. It’s important to note Taylor said “win the Super Bowl.” He didn’t say “get there” or “get close.” Perhaps it’s most important the front office take note of Taylor’s words. Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor walks off the field at the conclusion of a Week 18 NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.More The Bengals brass simply can’t chalk up this season to losing Joe Burrow to an injury in mid-November. They might have still made the playoffs with Burrow, but they almost certainly weren’t going to win it all. They weren’t built to win the Lombardi Trophy, even with a fully healthy franchise quarterback. Burrow’s injury unmasked and exposed all the Bengals’ flaws. It should be a wake-up call to ownership and the player personnel folks to step up and do much better than they did last offseason. Do better at evaluating potential free agents and prospective draft picks. Do better at who they bring back and let walk away. A starting point to fixing the roster: The Bengals cannot live by the belief most of their problems will be solved when Burrow returns. Burrow fixes a lot, no doubt. But can he stay healthy? The Bengals should operate as if he may not after two of his four NFL seasons have been cut short by major injuries. Burrow has also missed most of training camp the last two seasons because of other health-related issues. Next: Focus on fixing the trenches. The offensive and defensive lines just aren’t good enough, particularly the interior of both. The Bengals couldn’t run the ball and they couldn’t stop the run. Blame some of it on the Bengals’ ongoing struggles in recent drafts with both position groups. And the Bengals almost certainly will lose two of their more productive players in the trenches from the 2023 season to free agency in offensive tackle Jonah Williams and defensive tackle DJ Reader. Injuries to veteran players were also part of the problem on the defensive line. Reader missed the last three games with a torn quad. Defensive end Sam Hubbard, who just finished his sixth season, is showing a lot of wear and tear. The injuries forced the Bengals to rely on younger defensive linemen to step up. Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy, both early round draft picks in recent years, weren’t up to the task. It's critical the Bengals make these fixes when looking around the league. For all the hype about the NFL being quarterback-driven, the run game still matters on both sides of the ball. Go look at the playoff-bound teams. Most of them are good at running the ball and stopping the run. The No. 1 seeds Baltimore and San Francisco entered Sunday ranked first and third in the league in rushing. Ten of the top 14 teams in run offense after the Sunday afternoon games are headed to the playoffs. Eight of the top 12 teams in run defense are heading to the postseason. Seven of the top nine teams in sacks are playing on. You get the drift. With Burrow, a drastically improved team in the trenches is a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Without Burrow, a drastically improved team in the trenches is at least likely heading to the playoffs. Let the Browns, who had the luxury of resting most of their starters on Sunday, serve as a shining example. They lost their starting quarterback and running back to season-ending injuries. They’re still heading to the playoffs because they are strong in the trenches. They can run the ball. They can stop the run. Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) breaks away on a deep run in the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.More The Bengals’ running-game woes aren’t just on the offensive line. They must part ways with aging running back Joe Mixon this offseason, something they should’ve done last year. The Bengals entered Sunday ranked last in the NFL in rushing. They finished 29th last season. It’s fair to say the Bengals lacked a plan for how to move on from Mixon. They let everyone know that when they restructured Mixon’s contract in the summer, giving Cincinnati an out in his deal after this season. Here’s hoping the front office doesn’t get too enamored by Mixon running all over the Browns’ second- and third-stringers on Sunday, when he went for a season-high 111 rushing yards and accounted for two touchdowns. Change has always been hard for the Bengals. They’re probably not going to magically start drafting better in the trenches. They’re going to continue to spend under the salary cap. But something has to meet Taylor’s Super Bowl goal. Burrow can’t block and tackle, too. https://sports.yahoo.com/williams-why-joe-burrows-expected-005709643.html
  9. Way to go, Zac! We are running the ball down their throats, so what do you decide to do? Three straight passes. goddamn moron let someone else call the plays next year!
  10. Jacksonville should’ve hired Dr. Heimlich as offensive coordinator.
  11. Typical shit play calling from Zac. We are running the ball down their throat, so he decides to start passing. Friggin idiot!
  12. By Charean Williams Published January 5, 2024 09:10 PM Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase becomes eligible for a contract extension this offseason. He has one year left on his rookie deal, and it’s certain the Bengals will exercise his fifth-year option, putting him under team control through 2025. But Chase hopes for a new deal with the Bengals sooner than later. “Lord knows, I want to do that. I mean, but we’ll see what happens,” Chase said Thursday, via Callie Lawson-Freeman of SI.com. Bengals president Mike Brown has been open about the challenge of trying to keep Chase and receiver Tee Higgins after the five-year, $275 million deal that quarterback Joe Burrow signed in September. Higgins, who is doubtful for Sunday with a hamstring injury, likely has played his final game for the Bengals. Higgins is scheduled to become a free agent in March. Chase was asked this week if he would take less to keep Higgins. “That’s a good question,” Chase said. “Who knows? It depends on how much I’m taking. It depends at the end of the day, because then I might not really be taking a cut. It might come from somewhere else.” Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb said earlier this week that he wants to become the highest-paid receiver in the game. Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill currently is the highest-paid at the position, with a $30 million average in new money. It’s likely that Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson resets the market at the position whenever he signs an extension, and Chase knows that. Chase answered “hell, yeah,” laughing, when asked if Jefferson getting a deal done is a prerequisite for signing an extension. That’s what Burrow did in following Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s five-year, $262 million deal. Chase said he will prioritize “upfront” money in negotiations. Burrow’s contract includes guaranteed money in the second year of the deal, and Chase declined to get that specific about what he wants. “I don’t know. You’re going a little too far now, buddy,” Chase said. “Gave you a little spice. Don’t take all of it.” Chase has made his third consecutive Pro Bowl with 96 receptions for 1,197 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He will play Sunday in the Bengals’ final game despite a shoulder injury in hopes of getting 100 catches for the season. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/cincinnati-bengals
  13. Paul Dehner Jr. @pauldehnerjr · 22m #Bengals inactives include Tee Higgins (hamstring) and Chidobe Awuzie (shoulder/calf). Both free agents at the end of the season. WR Tee Higgins CB Chidobe Awuzie RB Chris Evans OL Trey Hill OL D’Ante Smith TE Irv Smith DT Travis Bell
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