Arkansas Bengal

QB Deshaun Watson among 5 captains picked by Browns players Jake Trotter, ESPN Staff WriterAug 31, 2023, 01:55 PM ET CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Browns have named quarterback Deshaun Watson one of their five captains. Watson is entering his first full season as Cleveland's starter. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the players voted on the captains. "Deshaun, it's very, very natural for him to lead," Stefanski said. "And I think he's comfortable leading from out in front. I think he's comfortable from leading and letting his teammates get credit. That's just something he's always done his whole life. And just the way he's integrated himself into this football team is impressive to watch." Watson was suspended 11 games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy after he was accused by more than two dozen women of sexual assault and sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Before the start of last season, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called Watson's behavior "predatory" and "egregious." Watson has settled 23 civil lawsuits against him. Two lawsuits remain active. After the suspension, Watson returned for Cleveland's final six games last season. The Browns traded for Watson in March 2022. They sent the Houston Texans three first-round picks in the blockbuster deal, then gave Watson a new five-year contract worth an NFL-record $230 million fully guaranteed. "From the moment he got here until now," Stefanski said of Watson, "just seeing how he's gotten to know everybody on his team, how he pushes them, how he motivates them, I think you're seeing a lot of examples of high-quality leadership from Deshaun in particular." All-Pro guard Joel Bitonio, linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett and deep snapper Charley Hughlett were named Cleveland's other captains. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38299666/qb-deshaun-watson-5-captains-voted-browns-players

By Michael David Smith Published August 31, 2023 05:18 AM When Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a calf injury in training camp, his close friend and teammate Ja’Marr Chase said he thought Burrow should take his time and heal up, even if it means missing the start of the regular season. Burrow returned to practice on Wednesday, so it looks like missing the start of the season won’t be necessary. Chase still says that Burrow getting healthy and staying healthy is the Bengals’ top priority, but he says that from what he could tell on the practice field, Burrow is ready to play. “He looked good. I didn’t see hobbling, I didn’t see much. He doesn’t look like he’s having any problems,” Chase said. “When Joe’s out there, it’s a little more dialed in. He’s stayed positive about the whole situation. It’s all about the health and how he feels. That’s the most important thing this year. We want to get him back, make sure he’s healthy, 100 percent healthy.” From all indications, Burrow will be on the field when the Bengals start the season in Cleveland on September 10. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jamarr-chase-joe-burrow-looks-good-having-him-healthy-is-the-most-important-thing

Charlie Goldsmith, Cincinnati Enquirer Wed, Aug 30, 2023, 5:19 PM CDT·4 min read Cincinnati Bengals rookie defensive end Myles Murphy is a 6-foot-6, 275-pound first round pick who can run a 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds. For his whole life, he has been bigger, stronger and faster than his competition. In college at Clemson, Murphy was a freshman All-American. After the Bengals drafted him this year, Murphy expected a similar transition where he’d hit the ground running and wreak havoc in the backfield.Instead, he was one of the quietest players on the field during training camp and the preseason. The 21-year-old has faced a learning curve in the NFL. “It’s frustrating to not go in and dominate the way I know that I can,” Murphy said. “This experience is different. It’s definitely a humbling experience. I’ve just got to learn from it. I just have to work on my craft. The stats will come. I just have to be disruptive whenever I can.” Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy is set to play a more important role because Joseph Ossai is out with an ankle injury. When Murphy struggled early in training camp, the expectation was that the Bengals were going to be able to ease Murphy into a role on the active roster. The Bengals could give him a few snaps per game as a situational pass rusher, or they could even keep him inactive at the start of the season and give him a chance to develop behind the scenes. That changed when defensive end Joseph Ossai, the player ahead of Murphy on the depth chart, sprained his ankle in the preseason finale. Ossai told The Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway that he’d be out for the Bengals' season-opener and could miss up to 4 weeks. Now, the Bengals will need Murphy to play a significant role right away on the Bengals’ defense. “It’s all about going full speed,” Murphy said. “Really attacking the guys in front of me.” Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy had a quiet preseason, but now the Bengals need him to step up and fill a Week 1 role. Before Ossai got hurt, Murphy was the fifth defensive end on the Bengals’ depth chart. Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard are entrenched as the starters. Cam Sample is a run stopping specialist who plays 25-to-40% of the defense’s snaps in most games, and he was one of the Bengals’ most improved players during training camp. Ossai was a breakout player on the Bengals’ defense during the second half of last season. He started translating his athleticism into creating pressure in the backfield, and Ossai is still on track to play 30-to-50% of the defense's snaps when he’s healthy. Initially, Murphy looked like he’d spend his rookie year waiting for an opportunity as well as a chance to prove himself. “It’s all about staying patient and always being ready,” said Bengals safety Dax Hill, who went through the same experience at his position last season. “That’s what I had to deal with last year. You always have to make the most out of whatever is your opportunity. Then when you get it, you have to seize the moment.” Behind the scenes, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy is working on new techniques that can help him make an impact as a pass rusher. Murphy is getting his chance right away. If he takes advantage of it, then Murphy could cement a role for the rest of the season. The Bengals would find ways to get him onto the field if he’s creating pressure, even when Ossai is back in the mix.Murphy is still figuring out the details that can turn him into the player he wants to be. After Murphy’s preseason debut, Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said that Murphy had to figure out how to “shift into a different gear” when he was in games. Murphy knew that he had to hone in small aspects of his game for his athleticism to lead to production. “It’s about having a pass rush plan and committing to it,” Murphy said. “There’s small technique stuff with my hand placement and striking at the point of attack. It’s a bunch of small details.” Even though Murphy is still adjusting to playing the defensive line in the NFL, he’s the Bengals’ most promising pass rusher on the second team defensive line. The Bengals’ coaching staff wants to manage Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard’s snap counts throughout the season to keep them fresher and more productive when they’re on the field. Murphy’s growth early in the season will shape whether Hubbard and Hendrickson play 70% of the defense’s snaps or 90% like they had to at times last season. “It does take some of the pressure off of me knowing we have Sam and Trey,” Murphy said. “But anyone who knows me knows that I’m going to keep putting pressure on myself. This is what I’ve got to be. I go home every day and think about what I want to do tomorrow.” https://sports.yahoo.com/opportunity-arrives-bengals-first-round-221955903.html?src=rss

Dave Clark, Cincinnati Enquirer Wed, Aug 30, 2023, 1:43 AM CDT·4 min read Bengals running back Trayveon Williams One question many Cincinnati Bengals fans had before the team announced its 53-man roster Tuesday was whether Trayveon Williams would be among the team's running backs despite missing most of training camp after suffering an ankle injury Aug. 1. The former sixth-round pick, who turns 26 in October, is one of four Bengals running backs on the roster, along with Joe Mixon, Chase Brown and Chris Evans. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he expects Williams to return to practice this week, and Williams, who Cincinnati re-signed to a one-year contract in March, could be a candidate for third-down carries as soon as Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns. Williams suggested in April that he's ready to assume the role Samaje Perine had before leaving for the Denver Broncos in free agency. Here are five things to know about Williams, who's entering his fifth season with the Bengals: Williams was the Bengals' sixth-round pick (182nd overall) in 2019. The Bengals' 2019 draft class included Jonah Williams, Drew Sample, Germaine Pratt, Ryan Finley, Renell Wren, Michael Jordan, Trayveon Williams, Deshaun Davis, Rodney Anderson and Jordan Brown. Jonah Williams, Sample, Pratt and Trayveon Williams remain with the Bengals. Wren is on the Pittsburgh Stealers' roster. Jordan was released Tuesday by the Carolina Panthers. Another notable sixth-round pick in 2019? Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew II was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars four picks before Trayveon went to the Bengals. At 5-foot-8, Williams, born and raised in Houston, Texas, is the shortest player on the Bengals' roster. Orlando Brown Jr., listed as 6-foot-8, is a foot taller than Williams. Williams took over as the Bengals' primary kick returner in Week 10 of the 2022 season. Evans returned kicks for Cincinnati until he suffered a right knee (PCL) injury against Carolina. When Williams replaced Evans, Williams had never returned a kickoff or punt in the NFL. Williams had five kick returns for 82 yards (16.4 average) as a freshman at Texas A&M, and six returns for 183 yards (30.5 average) as a sophomore for the Aggies. Williams returned 20 kickoffs for 449 yards (22.5 average) in 10 games, including the playoffs. He had been inactive for eight of Cincinnati's first nine games of the season. In four NFL seasons, Williams has 47 carries for 238 yards, along with eight catches for 64 yards. He hasn't scored a touchdown as a professional. Williams led the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards (1,760) and rushing touchdowns (18) in 13 games as a junior in 2018. Williams broke Darren Lewis' single-season rushing record at Texas A&M. He added 278 receiving yards on 27 catches with a receiving touchdown, boosting his yardage total to 2,038 and his TD total to 19. He was first-team all-SEC and second-team All-American. Williams' rushing average as a freshman, 6.8 yards per carry, was the best of his three seasons in College Station. Williams had 1,057 yards on the ground in 2016, his first season at A&M. Williams and Joe Burrow starred in a legendary LSU-Texas A&M game in 2018, won 74-72 by the Aggies. Burrow's LSU team was ranked No. 8 when it met Williams and No. 25 Texas A&M at Kyle Field on Nov. 24. After seven overtimes, the Aggies prevailed. Burrow was 25-for-38 with 270 passing yards and three touchdowns, without an interception. He added 100 rushing yards on 29 carries, with three TDs on the ground. Williams had 198 rushing yards on 35 carries with two TDs. Williams also impressed in his final game for the Aggies. Williams and Texas A&M took on Finley (later drafted two rounds ahead of him by the Bengals) and North Carolina State in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 31, 2018. Williams rushed for a Gator Bowl-record 236 yards on 19 carries (12.4 average) with three touchdowns, leading the Aggies to a 52-13 rout of the Wolfpack in Jacksonville. Four days later, Williams announced he would forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2019 draft. https://sports.yahoo.com/trayveon-williams-one-four-running-064313365.html?src=rss

Greg Wilson Sun, Aug 27, 2023, 10:30 PM CDT·1 min read The Cincinnati Bengals offense is known to be the strong point of the team, but Larry Holder of The Athletic thinks the Bengals defense can carry the momentum they got going in 2022 into the upcoming season. The Bengals might have lost a few key pieces from their secondary, but there are good, young players ready to step in and keep the defense at the level it was with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo at the helm. Here’s what Holder had to say about the Bengals defense: The Bengals maintained continuity along the defensive line and at linebacker. The secondary will present a different look with Dax Hill and Nick Scott sliding into the safety spots following the departures of Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell. But Cincinnati made Hill a 2022 first-round pick knowing it would lose a safety and signed Scott after his first season as a starter with the Rams last season. Cincinnati also used its first three 2023 draft picks on defenders: edge rusher Myles Murphy, cornerback D.J. Turner and safety Jordan Battle. The Bengals aren’t just building an offense in Cincinnati. Not only have the Bengals added pieces, but they have retained some important players like Germaine Pratt, Sam Hubbard and even signed Logan Wilson to a four-year extension. Whether Cincinnati’s defense will be able to keep up the pace will be something to watch this season. https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-defense-chosen-repeat-success-033030399.html?src=rss

Colts release Kenyan Drake

Jake Browning shows he should be the Bengals' backup QB in the preseason finale Charlie Goldsmith, Cincinnati Enquirer Sat, Aug 26, 2023, 9:40 PM CDT·6 min read HYATTSVILLE, Maryland –– The last time Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning was in the position he was in on Saturday, he played so poorly he thought he’d never get another shot to play in the NFL. Browning’s last opportunity in a backup quarterback competition took place with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. He worked in the background for three years on their practice squad to make it a position battle, and Browning looked so shaky he didn’t think he’d get a call from another NFL team after the Vikings cut him. But Bengals head coach Zac Taylor liked what he saw on Browning’s college film, so Taylor offered him a chance to be on the Bengals’ practice squad. Two years later, Browning was perfect in the preseason finale in a 21-19 loss to the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field. "(Veteran safety Mike Thomas) said it before the game, this (preseason) is your resume. You want to put out good tape for the other teams to see and really shown when it's time to roll and you're live, you can play well. I feel like I did. I feel good about it." Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL preseason week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in Landover, M.D., on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. Browning likely locked down the Bengals’ backup quarterback job for 2023. He was 6-for-6 for 42 yards with a touchdown drive, and he was on his way to leading another before a facemask penalty by offensive lineman Trey Hill ruined Browning’s second and final drive.Browning has shown his flaws during training camp and in the preseason, but he clearly outperformed Trevor Siemian. While Siemian entered the year as the experienced veteran with a leg up in the competition, Browning was much more accurate, decisive, athletic and in command of the Bengals’ offense. "Jake is one of those guys that needed NFL game experience," Taylor said. "That's what he has gotten over the last couple of years. Sometimes, you just need reps." Browning still doesn’t have a strong arm, he can be too aggressive when he scrambles outside of the pocket and he doesn’t target the middle of the field as much as he should. But Browning has shown that he can execute the offense, and that should land him on an active NFL roster for the first time in his five-year professional career. On the Bengals’ opening drive, Browning identified standout rookie wide receiver Andrei Iosivas in one-on-one coverage down the right sideline. He anticipated how Iosivas was going to cut back on a back shoulder throw and placed a ball perfectly to set up a 25-yard reception. Five plays later, Browning stood tall in the pocket, made smooth reads through his progressions and found Iosivas cutting across the back line of the end zone for a touchdown. "Iosivas continued his terrific summer with another big day. The Bengals’ backup quarterbacks have shown confidence in him throughout training camp and the preseason, and Iosivas is a proven playmaker on back shoulder throws down the sideline. His technique has improved significantly, and Iosivas’ athleticism has been on display. "Jake is always on point," Iosivas said. "He can extend plays. He makes the right reads. When he trusts you, he throws it in places where you can get it. He knows the game, and he trusts his receivers." Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas (80) catches a pass in the first quarter of the NFL preseason week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in Landover, M.D., on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. Browning’s best throw took place on a play that didn’t count. He showed great awareness under pressure on third down, saw tight end Tanner Hudson separating across the middle and threw a strike into tight coverage as Browning took a massive hit. Hill’s penalty called off the play, but Browning showed the confidence and aggressiveness that should clinch him the backup quarterback job. Siemian again struggled with accuracy and decision making. He placed a few strong throws over the middle of the field, but other throws were well off-target. In the final minute of the first half, Siemian forced a throw to Iosivas in double coverage that was easily picked off at the goal line. Later in the game, Siemian lost control of the ball on his third down throw and spiked the ball into the dirt to end the drive. The Bengals’ defense didn’t play any of its starters and also sat most of its best backups, except for defensive end Joseph Ossai. In a development that could have an impact on the Bengals’ 53-man roster, Ossai left the game with an ankle injury. Even without Ossai, the Bengals’ defensive line was dominant. Defensive end Raymond Johnson III ended a drive with a tipped pass, defensive end Owen Carney ended a drive with a sack and defensive tackle Domenique Davis continued creating pressure up the middle. The Bengals’ toughest decisions on the 53-man will take place on the defensive line, and it’s unclear if there’s room for any of those three players on the roster. Second-year defensive end Jeff Gunter is a promising athlete who played a role on the 2022 Bengals, and he’s also on the roster bubble. Washington Commanders wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (86) and Washington Commanders tight end Curtis Hodges (80) celebrate after Washington Commanders wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (86) scored a touchdown in the second quarter of the NFL preseason week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in Landover, M.D., on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023. The Commanders took advantage of the lack of experience in the Bengals’ backup secondary for each of their first two touchdowns. Early in the second quarter, the Bengals had a lapse in coverage that left wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley wide open, and rookie safety Jordan Battle missed a tackle on the 39-yard touchdown.In the third quarter, the Commanders took a 14-10 lead. Bengals defensive back Allan George lost Tinsley in coverage as he caught a 38-yard deep ball. Tinsely’s catch got Washington to the 1-yard line, and the Commanders scored one play later when Battle gave tight end Brycen Tremayne too much space in coverage. The Commanders tacked on one more scoring drive against practice squad hopefuls in the fourth quarter to give Washington a 21-13 lead. Fourth string quarterback Reid Stinnett, signed during training camp to run the third-team offense after Joe Burrow got hurt, nearly led a game-tying drive in his first action of the preseason. He found training camp standout Shedrick Jackson open down the sideline against a blown coverage, but a game-tying two-point conversion throw to Hudson was knocked down. Johnson gave the Bengals offense one more shot to win it. He set up a sack for defensive end Jeff Gunter with a disruptive pressure up the middle that got the Commanders off the field on third down. But Stinnett didn't get past midfield as the Commanders clinched the win with a stop. The Bengals had a successful training camp and preseason in 2023. Burrow is expected to return soon from his calf injury, and the Bengals enter the regular season relatively healthy. They also have the deepest roster that they’ve had during Taylor’s tenure with the team, and the Bengals answered questions at key position battles like backup running back, backup receiver and backup cornerback. "These preseason games are extremely valuable," Taylor said. "I know we didn't play our starters a lot, but it's really valuable for the depth on your roster to get the experience that maybe they won't when the season begins." https://sports.yahoo.com/jake-browning-shows-bengals-backup-024028074.html?src=rss

ByAP Updated: Aug 26, 2023, 08:37 pm LANDOVER, Md. -- — Jake Browning knows it's not his job to name himself Joe Burrow's backup — or potentially the Week 1 starter if the Cincinnati Bengals' franchise quarterback is not ready Coach Zac Taylor won't do so yet either. But it's pretty clear Browning strengthened his case for the job with his play in Cincinnati's preseason finale, going 6 of 6 for 42 yards and a touchdown pass to Andre Iosivas in the first half of the Bengals' 21-19 loss at the Washington Commanders on Saturday night. “You’re never going to play perfect, but I feel pretty good about what I put on tape and all that and practices have been going well," Browning said. “We’ll see how this thing shakes out.” Journeyman Trevor Siemian, who has been competing with Browning for the No. 2 job behind Burrow, had a solid performance marred by an interception late in the first half. Siemian finished 14 of 23 for 133 yards, playing into the fourth quarter before Reid Sinnett took over. Burrow strained his right calf in practice in late July. Taylor has refused to answer questions about Burrow's progress other than to say the 26-year-old looks as good as he ever has. Browning's next regular-season NFL snap will be his first, but the Bengals (0-2-1) don't seem worried about that given his extensive exhibition and practice experience. "Sometimes guys just need game reps," Taylor said. "I think Jake’s one of those guys that he needed the NFL game experience. That’s what he’s gotten here the last couple years." There's no QB drama for the Commanders, who already announced Sam Howell as their starter, with veteran Jacoby Brissett set to back up. Brissett played the first three series, completing 10 of 15 passes for 96 yards with a 39-yard touchdown completion to Mitchell Tinsley, an undrafted free agent receiver who had three catches for 89 yards and may have earned a spot on Washington's 53-man roster. “I thought Tinsley really showed really well, and obviously he made a couple plays for us,” coach Ron Rivera said. Jake Fromm played the majority of the game and threw for 144 yards and two TDs to wrap up a 3-0 preseason for the Commanders. It's the first time Washington finished exhibition play undefeated since 2013. “Winning begets winning,” Rivera said. “It creates a good atmosphere, it creates a positive vibe and we’re going to grow from it. Does it mean we’re going to win in the regular season? Don’t know, but I hope it does. I hope it’s something that we can draw from, something we can relate to, something that can help us as we go forward.” Nearly every starter for either team sat out to avoid the risk of injuries. The Commanders already lost a top player to a preseason injury when Terry McLaurin sprained a toe on his right foot late in the first half Monday against Baltimore, and now the No. 1 receiver's status for Week 1 is uncertain. The only expected starters who got onto the field for Washington were interior linemen Saahdiq Charles, Nick Gates and Sam Cosmi. They played the opening drive before giving way to reserves. With Joe Mixon among the Bengals players not uniform, rookie Chase Brown got the start at running back. The fifth-round pick ran for 39 yards on 11 carries. “I like what we saw from Chase,” Taylor said. “When he got his hands on the ball in the run game, I thought he provided value there. He did a good job (getting) yards after contact. He gave us some ugly yards.” Among the highlights for Cincinnati, kicker Evan McPherson was good from 58 and 35 yards to improve to 8 of 8 on field goals this preseason. INJURIES Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai left the game in the first quarter with a right ankle injury and was declared out before halftime. Taylor said he wasn't sure how severe it might be, adding, “It could be a sprain.” Backup offensive tackle D’Ante Smith injured his left shoulder in the second quarter. UP NEXT Bengals: Open the regular season Sept. 10 at AFC North Division-rival Cleveland. https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401548623

Tyler Boyd: Ja’Marr Chase is more polished in how he goes about his work day By Myles Simmons Published August 25, 2023 11:56 AM While the Bengals haven’t had quarterback Joe Burrow available to practice since he suffered a calf injury on the second day of training camp, the team’s continuity in offensive personnel should help him make a seamless transition whenever he returns. But even as Burrow is out, his receivers are making strides. As Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd enter their third year as a trio, Boyd — the most experienced of the group — recently complimented Chase on his improvements throughout the spring and summer. “Ja’Marr is just more polished about how he goes about his work day,” Boyd said, via Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “He doesn’t miss treatment. He’s not worrying about the wrong things outside of football. He gets here, is locked in, and does what he has to do before he gets on the field. “Before, he used to just chill, sit around, and go play. Now, he takes things more seriously. He has become a vet. It’s the same thing with Tee.” If that’s the case, then Chase could be poised for a monster 2023 — not that he was a slouch in either of his first two seasons. He was the AP offensive rookie of the year in 2021 after catching 81 passes for 1,455 yards with 13 touchdowns. He played just 12 games due to injury last year, but still finished with 87 receptions for 1,046 yards with nine TDs. Higgins has caught exactly 74 passes for just over 1,000 yards in each of the last two years — 1,091 in 2021 and 1,029 in 2022. With Chase, Higgins, and Boyd, Cincinnati’s offense should be plenty explosive from a receiver standpoint in 2023. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/cincinnati-bengals

Cincinnati's rushing attack is expecting to be more physical this season. Elise Jesse 24 minutes ago In this story: Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals' run game struggled for most of last season, especially early in the year. Their success rate on running plays and point per attempt was in the bottom four of the league through the first five weeks. To be fair, the Bengals offense was forced to adjust after Cover 2 defenses kept them in check early and often through the start of 2022. Cincinnati refused to completely abandon the run, they kept working at it and the dam broke in Week 9 against Carolina when Joe Mixon and Joe Burrow combined for five rushing touchdowns. Fast forward to January, the Bengals were in Buffalo for the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs and they managed to rack up 172 rushing yards. Frank Pollack and Justin Hill worked closely to set up more powerful angles for the offensive line which created space for the backs and allowed the run game to flourish. “Justin Hill has been fantastic," Pollack said. “I’ll chime in with the backs out of practice. We do meet during the season on Wednesdays. Usually after practice we’ll watch practice and talk about what I expect the looks to be like, what I expect your cut, here’s the practice rep you got, here’s the exact look in the game that we’ve scripted for you. Sometimes the look was perfect, sometimes it wasn’t quite right, here’s what it should look like. Here’s how we are blocking it and here’s what you can expect from us.” Mixon has been studying the run schemes that coaches have installed. At this point in his career, he has the full understanding that being on the same page with his offensive line will help them get back to the Super Bowl. “Everybody is taking that initiative and that jump to really want to execute in the run game and the big guys up front, they’re loving it,” Mixon said. “They’re loving the run scheme right now and everybody is buying in. We are getting ready for the big year.” Pollack has noticed a new energy and approach from Mixon in training camp this year. In fact, he's been so pleased with what he’s been seeing from the run game in training camp that it gives him chills when he talks about it. “He’s been outstanding at understanding our angles of departure and what we are trying to do from blocking schemes up front to be able to attack where the holes are going to be even faster,” Pollack said. “It actually happens because we leave the first level or the second level fit, he’s already cutting off that second level block and it's been really good and exciting to see. In fact I was talking to Justin the other day and getting goosebumps talking about it. It’s been really well oiled so far in practice and we have to obviously carry that into the season when teams give us different looks.” Mixon and the offensive line held their own player meetings last year as they tried to get on the same page. Heading into the 2023 season the 27-year old has even stronger bonds with the big guys up front. “I’m a very big fan of Cordell Volson,” Mixon said. I just love everything about him. He filled in a big void last year and just since day one he’s been a pro. Since day one, he walked in and he always looks to get better. He’s always picking Ted (Karras) and Alex Cappa’s ear and just the relationship that me and him have together is a great thing.” Future Hall of Famer? “All praise to Cordell," Mixon continued. "He’s going to be around a long time and I believe that as long as he’s on the right track of doing what he’s doing he’s a potential Hall of Famer.” Pollack didn't dismiss the idea, he smiled upon hearing it. “He’s a hall-of-fame person, I know that,” Pollack said. “He’s got the right attitude for it. In his second year that’s a pretty big lofty statement. I wouldn’t be surprised though because that’s how he approaches the game. He’s got huge expectations for himself and that’s quite [a lot of] praise coming from his running back. I would not be surprised if at the end of his long career he were to end up there.” Volson played every snap at left guard last season after the Bengals took him in the fourth round (136th overall). The second-year lineman shook his head when he heard the Hall of Fame comments. “Obviously it’s a huge compliment from someone who has played a lot of football in this league,” Volson said. “I can’t worry about those things, just have to take it one day at a time and the results will take care of themselves and you know hopefully in 10-12 years I can look back and make Joe proud and prove him right but that’s not what I’m focused on right now.” Volson came into this year’s training camp with a noticeably different body than he had in his first season. At the start of training camp Volson was measured as the leanest player in the offensive line room. The 25-year old put on roughly 10 pounds of pure muscle, while boasting the lowest body fat percentage of any lineman on the roster. “That wasn’t necessarily my goal,” Volson said. “My goal was just to be in great shape and as strong as I could be and the body fat thing just kind of happened with it.” Pollack believes that Volson’s 2023 body composition will only elevate his play. “He came in pretty good his rookie year and he’s even gotten better in his second year," Pollack said. "It just shows you where his mind set is right now and where he wants to take his game.” Volson will be a big piece of Cincinnati’s success on the ground. The Bengals have been installing more RPO’s into their offense throughout camp. Pollack wants to also see more physicality when it comes to the ground game in 2023. "I want to see guys have more of a nastier finish mindset,” he said. “Obviously we don’t want to finish guys down to the ground in practice, but when we get the opportunity in games, we want to do that. Flipping that switch and finishing guys all the way down to the whistle and pushing these guys, keep pushing themselves and each other to do that. The run game at the end of the day a lot of it is want to and attitude and we just need to keep pushing that envelope so that’s the name of the game when you run the rock. That’s the fun stuff.” There’s been a lot of talk this offseason about Cincinnati having a chip on its shoulder, there have also been a lot of expectations placed on the team to go out and win the Super Bowl this year from Bengals greats like Ken Anderson and Cris Collinsworth. Pollack didn’t seem to agree with the idea that a Super Bowl ring is the biggest stimulus for this squad. “The greatest motivator you can have in pro football for anyone in the building is what I call peer pressure and not wanting to let the guy next to you down,” Pollack said. “We have that kind of organizational culture and obviously that starts with ownership and the head coach. When you’ve got that, that’s the ultimate motivation and you’ve got a chance to have some good success. I’m motivated by that. I don’t want to be that guy that lets my fellow coach down or any of the players down and I know they’ve got the same approach and mind set so that’s when you’ve got a chance. You’ve got something good when you’re motivated by that and we’ve got that kind of team.” https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/allbengals-insiders-plus/bengals-hoping-stronger-cordell-volson-propels-run-game-forward

Ben Baby, ESPN Staff WriterAug 24, 2023, 04:17 PM ET CINCINNATI -- The battle to be the Cincinnati Bengals' backup quarterback is still undecided heading into the preseason finale. Coach Zac Taylor said Thursday that the competition between Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian is ongoing as Cincinnati continues to evaluate its options behind Joe Burrow, who remains out with a strained right calf. Taylor called it a “tight race” as the team wrapped up its last official practice of training camp. “Those guys have both really worked on the things we’ve asked them to improve on. I do see them getting better every single day that passes,” Taylor said. “There’s more comfort in working with that group and making the checks and doing the things effectively that we want them to do.” Burrow has not practiced since July 27, when he suffered the calf injury. He did not make the trip to Atlanta for last week’s preseason game as he continued his rehab process in Cincinnati, a team source told ESPN. Taylor declined to say if Burrow will travel for Saturday’s game at the Washington Commanders. “There's a lot of guys we will leave behind,” Taylor said. Cincinnati’s fifth-year coach also didn’t specify if Browning or Siemian will start against the Commanders. Reserve Reid Sinnett, who was signed after Burrow was injured, is expected to see some playing time in the second half. Jake Browning is battling with Trevor Siemian for the Bengals' No. 2 job behind Joe Burrow. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Browning and Siemian have not had many highlights throughout the preseason games. Neither has thrown for a touchdown. Browning has completed 66.7% of his passes for 235 yards and two interceptions, while Siemian has a 52.4 completion percentage and one pick. Browning, however, orchestrated the lone offensive touchdown drive of the preseason. He led the team down the field at the end of last week’s game against the Falcons. Rookie running back Chase Brown scored on a 3-yard run in the final minute. The game ended in a 13-13 tie. Taylor has not ruled out the possibility of adding another quarterback before the start of the season but said incorporating a new addition at this stage is not simple. “I think anything’s feasible,” Taylor said. “But at the same time, there are a lot of nuances to our offense when you’re asking that guy to learn that quickly and be able to operate it in a game, it’s a challenge.” Taylor has not issued a timetable for Burrow to return to practice but joked that the starter needs only “one rep” to be ready for the Week 1 game Sept. 10 against the Cleveland Browns. “He looks great,” Taylor said Monday. “Physically just walking around he looks probably as good as he’s ever looked at this point. That’s a positive and we will just go from there.” https://www.espn.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/34558/how-joe-burrow-has-mastered-the-art-of-the-setback-and-why-bengals-hope-2023-is-no-different

Ben Baby, ESPN Staff WriterAug 25, 2023, 06:00 AM ET CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow flashed a grin and tapped the knuckles on his left hand on the surface in front of him. Knock on wood. It’s a phrase and action Bengals coaches love to repeat in hopes of warding away bad luck. After Cincinnati’s first practice of training camp, Burrow both tapped the table and said the phrase when he was asked about being healthy for the first time during a training camp. “Knock on wood,” Burrow said, “I feel great. This time last year, I was sitting in a hospital bed post-surgery. It’s good to be out there with the guys.” That optimism didn’t even last 24 hours. The next day, during practice, Burrow scrambled to his right and immediately went down. He was carted off the field and was promptly diagnosed with a strained right calf. Suddenly, the Bengals found themselves in a familiar position. In the buildup to his four NFL seasons, Burrow has had to overcome some sort of obstacle during training camp -- COVID-19 restrictions, left knee surgery, an emergency appendectomy and now a calf injury. But those setbacks have yet to stop Burrow from preparing for the season or missing any games. The current situation appears to be no different. Bengals coach Zac Taylor has not indicated that Burrow will miss the team’s Week 1 game against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 10. If anything, Burrow has mastered the art of overcoming a setback. Over the course of a season, he has become adept at managing the situation until he is back at 100% health. “He’s gotten himself to this spot for a reason,” Taylor said. “Over the last three years, he’s had to deal with similar circumstances. So he’s a veteran at this.” Burrow has grown accustomed to being sidelined during the preseason. AP Photo/Jeff Dean AS A RESULT of his early setbacks, Burrow has gotten off to slow starts. In 2021, coming off surgery for a torn left ACL and MCL suffered the previous year, Burrow said it took several weeks for him to feel confident in his mobility. In the first nine games of that season, he rushed for five first downs. In the final 11 games, including the playoffs, Burrow scampered for 15 first downs, including two touchdowns. “It’s night and day from the first half of the season,” Burrow said leading up to the Bengals’ appearance in Super Bowl LVI. “I wasn’t really able to do any of that in the first half. I’ve really started to come into my own in that sense, making plays, extending plays. That’s something I’ve always been able to do.” In 2022, just before the start of training camp, Burrow suffered a ruptured appendix that required emergency surgery and hospitalization. He began practicing during the preseason, but there were questions about whether he could play in Week 1. “It was kind of like, ‘Huh, like is this going to be all right?’” Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan recalled. Burrow began the season with a four-interception performance in an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Stealers in Week 1. But the more he was removed from the surgery, the better he played. From Week 6 until the end of the regular season, Burrow ranked fifth in Total QBR. Burrow also received votes for The Associated Press Most Valuable Player award for the first time. In early August, Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase joked with NFL Network that he wouldn’t mind if Burrow didn’t come back until Week 5 if that’s what it took for him to feel great. But in more serious tones a couple of days later, Chase said a healthy and effective Burrow at the end of the season is what matters most. “We’d be OK as long as he’s there for the end of the season,” Chase told reporters. “We’re worried about the bigger picture here, not the small picture. We’re trying to win.” Burrow has shaken off preseason obstacles to thrive throughout his career. The Bengals are hoping 2023 is no different. Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire WHEN BURROW IS locked in during a team meeting, his teammates know it. “He's not writing a single thing down, but he remembers everything,” Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning said. But while Burrow’s electronic tablet may not have a ton of notes, he has remained engaged as the Bengals prepare for the season opener. Instead of Browning watching Burrow’s tape and giving recommendations or making scheme suggestions, Burrow is the one offering input on other people’s film. “It's been funny kind of having the role reversal a little bit where he's saying stuff to me and then coming up with ideas,” Browning said. Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd said Burrow has done a great job of staying mentally locked in despite not being able to practice. And his presence in team meetings has helped Burrow stay in sync with his receivers. “Not having your starting quarterback, that s--t's hard, at the end of the day,” Boyd said. “But I think Joe does a great job of staying in his playbook, still going over the plays, still in the meetings and still knowing and going through the mental reps in his head.” Burrow’s physical recovery has been limited throughout training camp. Ahead of the preseason opener on Aug. 11, Burrow had an extended throwing session hours before Cincinnati faced the Green Bay Packers. Afterward, Taylor said Burrow was progressing. Still, the Bengals have remained cautious as he continued his rehab process. Burrow didn’t travel for the team’s second preseason game so he could maximize his recovery time, according to a team source. Another source said Burrow was not participating in team walkthroughs ahead of the team’s preseason finale against Washington, with the thinking that staying off the calf could maximize his health for Week 1. On Monday, Taylor said the team has had a return plan for Burrow established throughout his recovery process. And Burrow looks far better than he did a year ago coming off the appendectomy. “Physically just walking around, he looks probably as good as he’s ever looked at this point,” Taylor said. “That’s a positive and we will just go from there.” Teammates say Burrow has done a great job staying engaged at camp despite being unable to participate. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire WHILE THE BENGALS expect Burrow to start against Cleveland, that doesn’t guarantee he will be 100%. If that’s the case, the Bengals have experience tweaking the game plan to accommodate him. In 2021, when Burrow was coming off knee surgery, Callahan said the coaching staff was more conservative in what it asked of Burrow on game days. Depending on his calf, the Bengals may have to take a similar approach at the start of this season. “There is an adjustment there depending on how he feels,” Callahan told ESPN, “where you do have to change a little bit of what you ask him to do and how he plays. It's hard to get guys to come out of their natural play state. But sometimes you have to.” If Burrow is unavailable to go for the opener, backups Browning and Trevor Siemian could be the ones making the start. Each has spent all of training camp battling for the backup spot. Taylor said on Thursday that neither has yet to win the job heading into the Bengals' preseason finale. Taylor has also left the door open for potentially evaluating other quarterbacks if the current options don’t provide any clarity. Browning has been on the team’s practice squad since the start of the 2021 season and was elevated to the active roster for the final game of last season. Siemian, 31, has made 30 career NFL starts but has struggled this preseason, completing just 52.4% of his passes. Browning, who has been good and bad throughout camp, has a 66.7% completion percentage in preseason games. Browning earned praise from Taylor for his urgency in camp and how well he has commanded the offense. He has also blended in well in the locker room. “He’s approached it the right way,” Taylor said. “Very likable guy. That’s critical for backup quarterbacks, that they get along with everyone in the building and they fit in well with the quarterback room and the coaching staff.” The way Burrow ended 2022 put him in contention for his first Most Valuable Player award. He went from managing setbacks to putting the Bengals in the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year. Cincinnati is hoping for a similar story -- with a happier ending -- will play out in 2023. “There's only a handful [of teams] that I think are true contenders,” Callahan told ESPN. “Him playing at that level would solidify us as a legitimate contender to be a world champion. And that's what we're after.” https://www.espn.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/34558/how-joe-burrow-has-mastered-the-art-of-the-setback-and-why-bengals-hope-2023-is-no-different

Shelby Dermer, Cincinnati Enquirer Wed, Aug 23, 2023, 5:19 PM CDT·5 min read On the first play of 11-on-11 drills at Wednesday's practice, defensive back Chidobe Awuzie stepped in front of Ja'Marr Chase and intercepted Bengals quarterback Jake Browning. It's a play that sums up the near month since Joe Burrow's calf injury and the battle between Browning and veteran Trevor Siemian for the backup quarterback spot. Neither has seized any momentum for the roster spot, whether in practice or in two preseason games as both have been given a split share of reps with the first-team offense. Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) is 26-of-39 for 235 and two interceptions in two preseason games so far. Browning, entering his third season in Cincinnati, snapped a 20-drive streak without a touchdown on the final offensive possession in last Friday's 13-13 preseason tie against the Atlanta Falcons. Right before that 8-play, 80-yard march, though, he threw an ill-timed interception. Each quarterback got reps with both the first- and second-team offenses Wednesday with mixed results. While there was success on short, immediate routes, neither signal-caller was able to stretch the field, outside of a Siemian 40-yard touchdown to a wide-open Trent Taylor on a wheel route that fooled Allan George. Zac Taylor shared positive news surrounding Burrow's injury earlier this week, but also said the backup quarterback race "is not over yet." The Browning-Siemian struggle is one of the key battles to watch going into Saturday's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. How many receivers will the Bengals keep on the 53-man roster? Last August, the Bengals kept just five receivers on their 53-man roster and were able to stash Trenton Irwin on the practice squad after he cleared waivers. But there's a different feel to one of the league's top receiving units this summer after adding a pair of wideouts in the NFL draft. Along with the usual trio of Chase, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, rookies Charlie Jones and sixth-round pick Andrei Iosivas should make the 53-man roster. Iosivas has displayed his athleticism in the preseason, totaling nine catches for 94 yards on a team-high 20 targets. Jones, a fourth-round pick, has six catches for 47 yards. Bengals rookie Charlie Jones has six catches for 47 yards on 12 targets this preseason. Who is the odd man out? Irwin should slot in as the No. 6 receiver after an impressive final half of the regular season last year when Chase and Higgins were banged up. Stanley Morgan Jr. has five career catches in four seasons in Cincinnati but has been a special teams ace for Darrin Simmons. That could leave Trent Taylor on the chopping block if Jones serves as the primary punt returner. Speaking of pass-catchers, the Bengals will likely keep three tight ends. Drew Sample and Irv Smith Jr. seem like roster locks, leaving the third-string position up for grabs between Mitchell Wilcox and journeyman Tanner Hudson. With Wilcox coming off the PUP list on Monday, he seems to have the upper hand. Will offensive line versatility lead to cuts? The Bengals have their best offensive line in the Taylor era going into the 2023 season. Hitting on draft picks like Cordell Volson and offseason spending sprees (Orlando Brown Jr., La'el Collins, Ted Karras and Alex Cappa) have ensured that. There are still jobs to be filled in backup roles up front for Frank Pollack's unit. Last year, offensive line injuries hampered the Bengals down the stretch and into the playoffs. On the second-string unit, Max Scharping and Trey Hill are trying to be swing players, available at moment's notice to fill in at either center or guard. "See who can be really comfortable at both spots for us," Pollack said. Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Jackson Carman (79) and Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle D'Ante Smith (70) drink water while practicing in 91 degree weather at the Cincinnati Bengals NFL training camp practice in Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. It's the same scenario for Jackson Carman and Cody Ford, who are trying to add value at both tackle and guard and should see a lion's share of reps against the Commanders. The Bengals like what they've seen from third-year tackle D'Ante Smith. If the versatility movement allows the Bengals to keep just nine offensive linemen (compared to 10 last year), Hakeem Adeniji could be out. A lot could depend on Saturday's preseason finale, both in pass protection and in the run game. There's been little room for running backs to run in two games thus far as Chase Brown and Chris Evans have combined for just 94 yards on 31 attempts, which includes a 33-yard run by Evans against Green Bay. Bengals have a young, growing secondary With each rep, the Bengals young secondary − questioned as a weakness for Lou Anarumo after the departure of Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell − is gaining confidence. On Wednesday, seventh-round pick D.J. Ivey made another highlight-reel play with an athletic break-up of a back-shoulder fade from Siemian to Irwin. Ivey knocked it up and Akeem Davis-Gaither picked it off. "What made them grow early on is their ability to make plays early. That gave guys confidence. When you make plays early on against good players, they feel like they belong," Boyd said. Cincinnati Bengals safety Tycen Anderson (26) intercepts a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) in the second quarter during a Week 1 NFL preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and the Cincinnati Bengals,Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Bengals drafted Dax Hill in the first round a year ago and brought in fifth-year man Nick Scott to start alongside him at safety. They also drafted Jordan Battle in the third round and had 2022 fifth-rounder Tycen Anderson coming back from a season-long injury. Who is out? Likely it would be Michael Thomas, a locker room favorite and special teams weapon. At corner, Ivey has played himself into a likely spot on the 53-man roster to go with D.J. Turner II, Cam Taylor-Britt, Awuzie and Hilton. That leaves Jalen Davis, Allan George and Sidney Jones IV battling it out. https://sports.yahoo.com/position-battles-watch-cincinnati-bengals-221917057.html?src=rss

Chris Roling Tue, Aug 22, 2023, 10:45 PM CDT·3 min read The Cincinnati Bengals face the good problem of needing to make some brutally tough decisions in order to form a final 53-man roster. That won’t happen until after the team’s final preseason game next weekend. Still, some of the developments in training camp and exhibitions themselves have started to help make the final roster picture a little clearer. There are tough — but necessary — calls the team will have to make in both trenches and even on special teams. These players are the best who might miss the final 53-man roster, which would put them in a position to find work elsewhere if the Bengals can’t find another way to keep them in some capacity. WR Trent Taylor Syndication: The Enquirer Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd and rookies Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones. That’s five, plus it’s hard to imagine the team lets Trenton Irwin go. So unless they keep seven, Taylor — a capable player in the base offense and on returns — might lose out on the numbers game. OL Hakeem Adeniji (AP Photo/John McCoy) The rise of D’Ante Smith hurts Adeniji. So does the unknown presence of La’el Collins, who could start on the PUP or go to the active roster. Either way, the Bengals have Jackson Carman looking comfortable as a left tackle backup and the combo of Cody Ford and Max Scharping appear to have interior backup spots covered. RB Chris Evans Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports How many running backs do they keep? Joe Mixon, Trayveon Williams and rookie Chase Brown, surely. Evans has seemed to turn a corner, but do they opt to just call up a practice squad ‘back each week rather than roster four? DE Jeff Gunter (AP Photo/Aaron Doster) This one hurts because Gunter was such a fun late-round breakout roster member last year. He’s still ascending, but the team drafted Myles Murphy and names like Raymond Johnson and even Owen Carney have been making some plays. If Murphy is hardly projecting to crack the active roster on game day thanks to Cam Sample, does Gunter make it at all? DE Tarell Basham Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports Same story for Basham, who had the fun Ohio U. and Burrow connection when coming over in free agency. But that was before other moves and the team might opt for younger players they can stash. CB Sidney Jones Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports Jones has looked uncomfortable in the scheme at times at the same time second-rounder DJ Turner has surged and seventh-rounder DJ Ivey has far exceeded expectations. Jalen Davis is a lock behind Mike Hilton in the slot and the team has to keep five safeties, so Jones’ time in town might be brief. P Drue Chrisman Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports Unfortunately for Chrisman, this hasn’t felt like much of a competition. He had the absence due to a medical issue and rookie Brad Robbins has felt like the favorite regardless. https://sports.yahoo.com/best-players-could-miss-final-034510561.html?src=rss

FYI - Verizon also has free NFL Sunday Ticket: Here are a few ways you can quality for a free subscription: Become a new Verizon mobile customer, make an eligible phone purchase, and enroll in an Unlimited Plus plan. Be a current Verizon mobile customer, make an eligible phone upgrade, and upgrade to an Unlimited Plus plan or add a new line to your Unlimited Plus plan. Become a new Verizon Home Internet customer and sign up for a Fios 1 Gig, Fios 2 Gig, 5G Home Plus, or LTE Home Plus plan. https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/personal-finance/articles/heres-how-verizon-customers-can-get-nfl-sunday-ticket-for-free/

I switched from Direct TV to YouTube TV a couple of years ago when Direct TV started raising prices and no longer offering discounts. I'm very happy with the switch--even with YouTube TV's price increases, it saves me over $50/month. Plus, I can still watch TV when it rains! The channels are very similar--the only channel I miss is the History Channel. I signed up for NFL Sunday Ticket a couple of months ago when they had a $100 discount. Hopefully it will be the same quality as it was on Direct TV.

By Michael David Smith Published August 22, 2023 10:16 AM Jonah Williams has been the Bengals’ starting left tackle for every game of his NFL career, and he’s so identified with that spot that when the Bengals signed left tackle Orlando Brown this offseason, Williams asked for a trade. But now Williams has settled in as the Bengals’ starting right tackle, and he’s looking ready. Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan praised Williams for his approach to his new position, and for playing well there in the preseason. “He’s made a pretty seamless transition,” Callahan said, via Bengals.com. “Probably better than a lot of guys might have. And to his credit, I think he deserves a lot of credit for that, for his approach, for how well he’s played at training camp and in the preseason games. Very excited about where he’s at and very appreciative of how he’s handled that transition.” Williams is coming off a knee injury in last season’s playoffs, but he wanted to play in the preseason and the Bengals’ coaching staff wanted to see him get live action in his new spot on the right side. “Coming off an injury and playing on a new side, I think he wanted to get some live action. I think we were on the same page,” Callahan said. “Had we not said anything to him, he probably would have come and asked us to play, I would think. Just to get your feet underneath you in a stadium-game environment I think means something. But he looked very good doing it and he got his reps under his belt and feels good about it.” The Bengals feel good about where their offensive line is heading with Brown and Williams as their starting tackles. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/cincinnati-bengals

Court case complete, Bengals' Mixon focuses on being 'leader' Ben Baby, ESPN Staff WriterAug 21, 2023, 06:11 PM ET CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon conveyed a sense of gratitude at training camp Monday. In his first news conference since the end of last season, and since a judge ruled Mixon not guilty of aggravated menacing, Mixon said it was a "great thing" to have his contract situation and criminal case behind him. When asked if he had any regrets about making headlines off the field or what happened over the course of the offseason, Mixon said it's a "blessing" to be with the Bengals for another season. "At the end of the day, I'm going to keep it to football questions," Mixon said. "But it's a great thing for everything to be pretty much over with and to be able to hone in on being the best teammate that I can possibly be, being the leader and the captain that I am around the team." Mixon's comments came one day after he announced a boycott of certain reporters for coverage he deemed to be disrespectful. The seventh-year running back also detailed his restructured contract that allowed him to remain with the Bengals. After the front office repeatedly stressed uncertainty about Mixon's roster status for 2023, the Bengals and Mixon agreed to a new deal in which Mixon's salary cap charge was lowered from over $12 million to $8.5 million for this year, according to Roster Management System. On Monday, Mixon was asked about why it was important for him to restructure his deal. "We see the Super Bowl window," Mixon said. "As long as we keep everybody together, we're right there. Hopefully these guys get their deals done." The Bengals' 2020 draft class is eligible for contract extensions. Linebacker Logan Wilson received a four-year deal worth up to $37.25 million. Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Tee Higgins are the others who have been in discussions regarding a deal. In his opening comments, Mixon cited his relationship with team president Mike Brown since the Bengals took him in the second round of the 2017 draft. "I can't ask for a better relationship from owner to player standpoint," Mixon said. Mixon is looking to enjoy similar success that he had in 2021, when he reached his first Pro Bowl. In 2022, he averaged 58.1 yards per game after averaging 75.3 yards the previous season. On Friday, Bengals coach Zac Taylor was asked what will make the upcoming year a successful one for Mixon. Taylor said the primary concern is that the offense is among the best in the NFL. "How many rushing yards a game and how many passing yards a game we have does not matter to me," Taylor said. "We just want to be one of the top scoring teams in the league, do a great job possessing the ball when we need to and keep our defense off the field, controlling the game that way." Mixon, who is under contract through the end of the 2024 season, said he wants to finish his career in Cincinnati and wants to extend his time in the NFL for as long as possible. "I'm just going to try to do whatever I can to be what I am to my teammates and to the fans and try to do whatever I can to be that positive role model in this locker room," Mixon said. "Because that's what matters." https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38235326/court-case-complete-bengals-mixon-focuses-being-leader

Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati Enquirer Mon, Aug 21, 2023, 6:07 PM CDT·4 min read Scroll back up to restore default view. Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor provided the latest update on franchise quarterback Joe Burrow's calf injury during his Monday press conference. Burrow hasn’t practiced since suffering a calf strain on July 27. With the Week 1 regular season matchup nearing closer, the timeline for when Burrow will return is the biggest storyline surrounding the team. Everything appears to be going as planned, according to Taylor. “He looks great,” Taylor said. “Physically just walking around he looks probably as good as he’s ever looked at this point. That’s a positive and we will just go from there.” The Bengals haven't made any public comments on Burrow’s timeline for return and any details regarding his injury. Based on his pregame workout before the Bengals-Packers preseason game on Aug. 11 where he was seen running and throwing, it appears Burrow is trending in the right direction to return. Where do Joe Burrow's contract negotiations stand? In addition to questions about his return date, his ongoing contract negotiation process with the Bengals remains a major story. It's unclear if Burrow would return to practice without a new deal in place. When asked why it's important to Burrow to practice every day and not participate in a "hold in" he provided valuable insight into his thought process. "I don’t want to get out of camp wishing I had seven more days that I could have got better," Burrow said on July 27. "So that’s the reason I’m here. Maybe business comes first at some point but I need these days to be my best." It's worth noting that Burrow's agent, Brian Ayrault, has been known to hold his clients out of practice during tough negotiations. Both Nick and Joey Bosa, close friends of Burrow, are represented by Ayrault and have held out at some point in their careers. That's not to say Burrow will do that, though, especially after missing several practice days. There are just a lot of variables at play in this situation. He didn’t make the trip to Atlanta for Cincinnati’s second preseason game on Sunday and it’s unlikely Burrow won’t travel to Maryland when the team takes on the Washington Commanders on Saturday for the preseason finale. When will Joe Burrow return? Asked how much time Burrow would need to be ready to play in a game, Taylor responded in a joking matter and said “one rep.” It was different last year, though. Burrow lost a significant amount of weight and couldn’t throw because of the appendectomy he had before training camp last season. His calf injury doesn’t present some of the same issues he overcame last year, which is ideal for his recovery process. “It’s a different injury,” Taylor said. “I would imagine – I hate speaking for other people – but it’s an unknown, how will contact feel? How is it going to feel when I torque? There’s a lot of things with an internal injury that I can’t speak to. That’s a whole different mindset you have to have. Whereas this one, it’s in a calf.” It’s assumed because of the public workout ahead of the Packers game that Burrow is throwing and going through workouts of his own in private. Taylor wouldn’t confirm that is the case, but it would be hard to imagine a scenario in which he was able to do so a week ago and not this week unless he suffered a setback which doesn’t appear to have happened. Burrow has been seen in the Bengals’ locker room daily in good spirits. The Bengals set a plan for him from the beginning and it all seems to be going as they expected which is positive news. “We have had a plan throughout,” Taylor said. “That is something that daily since the day it happened that we go through and decide what’s going to be best for the next day.” Cincinnati begins the regular season on Sept. 10 in Cleveland for an AFC North showdown against the Browns. https://sports.yahoo.com/cincinnati-bengals-quarterback-joe-burrow-230740115.html?src=rss

Chris Roling Mon, Aug 21, 2023, 12:20 PM CDT·1 min read Not that Cincinnati Bengals fans should expect any different, but things continue to trend in the right direction for quarterback Joe Burrow. First, offensive coordinator Brian Callahan offered minor comments, per Russ Heltman of All Bengals: “To my eyes, he looks like he is progressing the way he’s supposed to. I don’t see him a lot doing things. I probably see him as much as you guys do. So I don’t go watch his rehab or anything like that, but I feel good about everything I’ve heard and seen so far.” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor met with the media on Monday and offered a bit more, per Fox 19’s Joe Danneman: Things continue to trend in an almost unconcerned manner for Burrow and the Bengals as his return for Week 1 looks all but confirmed, barring a setback. Somehow more concerning now is the shaky situation behind Burrow on the depth chart as the backup quarterbacks continue to struggle. https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-offer-small-encouraging-joe-172045206.html?src=rss

Dave Clark, Cincinnati Enquirer Mon, Aug 21, 2023, 2:14 AM CDT·3 min read Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas As Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd have watched from the sideline, the Cincinnati Bengals' leading receiver through two preseason games has been rookie Andrei Iosivas (pronounced yo-shee-vas). In the first preseason game against the Packers, Iosivas led the Bengals in targets with 10. He caught four passes for 50 yards, including a 14-yard catch in front of Green Bay's Corey Ballentine. In Atlanta against the Falcons, Iosivas got another 10 targets, finishing with five catches for 44 yards, including an 18-yard back-shoulder reception despite tight coverage from Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks. The Bengals have been impressed with the 6-foot-3 Iosivas, who is expected to be one of six or seven receivers to make the roster ahead of a Week 1 showdown against the Cleveland Browns. Here are five things to know about Iosivas: The Bengals drafted Iosivas in the sixth round with the 206th overall pick. Iosivas was one of two receivers the Bengals selected in the draft, along with fourth-rounder Charlie Jones of Purdue. Iosivas was the only 2023 draft pick from an Ivy League school. As a sixth-rounder, many considered Iosivas a project pick, but there's no denying his athleticism. In 2022, he was a first-team all-conference selection, leading the Tigers with 66 receptions for 943 yards (14.3) and seven scores in 10 starts. Iosivas finished his Princeton career ranked sixth all-time in receiving yards with 1,909, tied for 12th in receptions with 125 and tied for third in touchdown catches with 16. Iosivas' head coach at Princeton, Bob Surace, was an assistant offensive line coach for the Bengals from 2002 to 2009. Iosivas also starred in track for the Tigers. Iosivas was an All-American in the heptathlon at the NCAA Indoor Championships. He finished fourth in the heptathlon at the 2021 NCAA Championships, setting an Ivy League record with 6,069 points in the seven events. Iosivas' 40-yard dash time was 4.43. His athleticism score of 84 at the 2023 combine ranked fifth among receivers. Iosivas grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii. Iosivas was a three-sport athlete (football, track, basketball) at Punahou School. He traveled almost 5,000 miles from Hawaii to Princeton, New Jersey, for college. Iosivas didn't play special teams in high school or college, so he's been working hard as a gunner on the punt team and cover guy on kickoffs. "By my last gunner rep, both my legs were cramping, but that's part of the preseason life," said Iosivas, per Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson. "You're so anxious to make plays that you're rushing things. I've got to learn to let things develop. … I could have got better position on one kick. On those I have to learn to have them come to me a little bit." Iosivas' Pro Day generated some buzz. Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline reported that 31 teams were on hand for the workout at Princeton, including WR coaches from the Jets and Bengals. "He caught everything thrown his way, and his route running was better than expected," Pauline wrote. Draft Network's Jack McKessy wrote that Iosivas looked great in Senior Bowl workouts as well. Iosivas has impressed the Bengals' quarterbacks. "Iosivas is gaining more confidence each day and he showed as much under the bright lights at Paycor Stadium," The Enquirer's Kelsey Conway wrote after the preseason opener. "Rookie wide receiver Andrei Iosivas built upon his head-turning training camp and was the best player on the field for the Bengals offense," The Enquirer's Charlie Goldsmith added. "Andrei is big, he's tall, he's strong and he plays the ball well," Bengals QB Trevor Siemian said, per Goldsmith. "You want to give him some chances and let him make plays." "He's just going to continue to improve, grow and become a viable target here," Bengals QB Jake Browning said of Iosivas. "In the preseason, you want to see what you've got a little bit. I feel good throwing the ball up to him." https://sports.yahoo.com/andrei-iosivas-know-rookie-leading-071409436.html?src=rss

Aug 21, 2023, 06:30 AM ET In a little more than two weeks, the 2023 NFL season will be here. The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs open the season at home vs. the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Sept. 10. Much has happened since we last polled our experts in the weeks after the 2023 NFL draft: The Washington Commanders were sold, DeAndre Hopkins signed with the Titans, running backs Ezekiel Elliott (Patriots) and Dalvin Cook (Jets) found new homes, and Josh Jacobs still has yet to report to Raiders camp. Now that eyes are turning to the regular-season schedule, it makes us wonder. Who has the most at stake this season? Who is on the hot seat for each team in 2023? In addition to our preseason Power Rankings, our 32 NFL Nation reporters identified one player, coach or executive who has much to prove in 2023 -- some players are trying to hold on to their starting spot, while a few coaches/general managers are looking to stay employed. We did the same exercise in 2022, and out of the 32 names, 10 players are on different teams and four coaches have moved to different jobs. Who's on the list this year? 3. Cincinnati Bengals Post-draft ranking: 2 On the hot seat: OT Jackson Carman In training camp, Carman has played at right tackle to see how he might fare at the spot, if not for this season then in 2024, when he could be a potential replacement for Jonah Williams. But instead, Carman struggled with consistency and was promptly moved to left tackle after his showing in the team's preseason opener against Green Bay. The 2021 second-round pick has struggled to win starting jobs in Cincinnati despite being positioned for success. If that trend continues into his third season, it doesn't bode well for his long-term outlook with the Bengals. -- Ben Baby https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38209757/nfl-preseason-power-rankings-2023-teams-coaches

ByAP Updated: Aug 18, 2023, 10:56 pm ATLANTA -- — Desmond Ridder and all those young offensive weapons gave a glimpse of what they they can do for the Atlanta Falcons. A bunch of yellow flags slowed their progress. Ridder led an impressive but penalty-plagued drive in his preseason debut, and the Falcons settled for a field goal with 2 seconds left for a 13-13 tie with the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday night. After sitting the starters last week in a 19-3 victory at Miami, the Falcons (1-0-1) went with the No. 1s for their opening possession. That included their last three first-round picks: tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson. Ridder, heading into his first full season as the starting quarterback, got all of them involved. London hauled in two passes for 33 yards. Robinson carried four times for 20 yards and snared a 6-yard completion. Pitts, coming back from a knee injury, made a one-handed grab. “They've put playmakers around me,” Ridder said. “It's up to me to let them go play. I put the ball in their hands." Ridder completed 7 of 9 passes for 80 yards and also broke off a 7-yard run before the drive ended with an interception off a deflected pass. Cornerback Mike Hilton appeared to make contact with intended receiver Scotty Miller before the throw arrived, but no flag was thrown. The ball bounced into the air and was picked off by defensive end Joseph Ossai. “The ref didn't make the call,” Ridder said. “That's something I've got to live with.” There were plenty of other calls. The Falcons were flagged for holding on the opening kickoff return and four more penalties on the first possession, including two holding calls on guard Chris Lindstrom. “Up 10, back 5,” Ridder said. “That's not the most efficient way to the end zone. It's about cleaning that up.” Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor was pleased with his defense for stopping the Falcons when the first-teamers were on the field. Ridder and Co. played only that first series before calling it a night. “It was good for them in game-type conditions, against a starting offense, having their backs against the wall a little bit, and find a way to make a play," Taylor said. Despite the penalties and the pick, it was a promising start to 2023 for the young quarterback who carries Atlanta's hopes of breaking a streak of five straight losing seasons. Ridder started four games as a rookie at the end of last season, leading the Falcons to a 2-2 record and persuading coach Arthur Smith that he can handle the job. After a snoozer of a game, the final minute provided some dramatics in a largely empty stadium, with a bunch of backups and roster hopefuls on the field. Jake Browning guided an 80-yard drive to that put the Bengals (0-1-1) ahead 13-10 with 50 seconds remaining. He completed four passes for 42 yards and scrambled twice for another 33 yards, setting up Chase Brown's 1-yard touchdown run with 50 seconds remaining. But Atlanta third-stringer Logan Woodside connected on three straight passes for 53 yards before a third-down throw in the end zone was batted down. To a smattering of boos, the Falcons sent out Younghoe Koo for the tying 45-yard field goal with 2 seconds left. “Obviously, we're not playing for a tie," Smith said. “We wanted a TD there. But we were able to put Koo out there and he made a pressure kick.” The Bengals went with Trevor Siemian in the first half while franchise quarterback Joe Burrow continues his recovery from a calf injury. Burrow came up hobbling after scrambling at a training camp practice on July 27. Siemian was 7 of 14 for 62 yards, guiding the Bengals into position for Eva McPherson's 50-yard field goal on the final play of the first half that sent the teams to the locker room tied at 3. Taylor Heinicke, the former Washington starter who signed in free agency to back up Ridder, was 13 of 21 for 162 yards and hooked up with J.J. Arcega-Whiteside on a 28-yard completion that up the Falcons' only touchdown. Carlos Washington Jr. took it in from the 1. CHALLENGE WOES Taylor's challenge game is still working out the preseason kinks. The Bengals coach challenged two calls in the first half — only to lose a pair of timeouts when both rulings were upheld. London's 21-yard reception was allowed to stand for the Falcons, while a video review confirmed that Cincinnati's Kwamie Lassiter didn't get both feet down on a throw along the sideline. BALL HOG Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams, a seventh-round pick out of Alabama, had an interception for the second week in a row. “He shows up when the lights are on,” Smith said. “That's what he did at Alabama. He can find the football.” LOTS OF YELLOW The Falcons finished with 13 penalties for 102 yards, while the Bengals were flagged seven times for 55 yards. INJURY REPORT Atlanta WR KhaDarel Hodge went down in the first half with a left ankle injury and didn't return. ... Another Falcons receiver, Penny Hart, looked groggy after being sandwiched between two defenders attempting to make a fourth-down catch. UP NEXT Bengals: Head to Washington to face the Commanders in their final preseason game Aug. 26. https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401548625