Bengal Bites: Cincinnati Bengals News & Analysis

They wouldn't. They couldn't! They DID!? The Bengals traded away the 10th overall pick in the 2026 draft for Defensive Tackle Dexter Lawrence, who had requested a trade from the NY Giants. Only time will tell whether this was a wise decision, but for now, let's get excited! (And don't look at his stats from last year)

NFL Free Agency 2026 has Begun! The Bengals got off to their traditionally sluggish start, but they did eventually manage to overpay a couple of players to join the defense in 2026. While other teams were wheelin' and dealin', the Bengals seem content to maintain the status quo indefinitely. Trey Hendrickson will be back in Paycor Stadium, but wearing a purple Ravens jersey next season. Joseph Ossai left for the Jets. And the Bengals "replaced" them with Boye Mafe and his 2 sacks last season??? Bryan Cook should be much better than Geno Stone at safety, but we won't really know for 6 months when games are played. As Marvin Lewis said, "I see better than I hear". #nfl #bengals #whodey

The 2025-2026 NFL Season has concluded, the Seattle Seahawks are victorious. In this episode, we quickly recap the NFL playoffs, coaching changes around the league, and how the Bengals compare to the competition. So many teams are making changes, but the Bengals are sticking with status quo. Is there a good reason? Listen Now!

I'm still scratching my head about that Duke Tobin press conference. What was the point? I didn't hear any specific plans to improve next season beyond "working harder". The fans have reacted mostly negatively to this, so was it successful? I'm not sure. Zac Taylor is the lone remaining AFC North Head Coach. Is that an advantage? I'm not sure about that either.... Cancun on 3!

Another frustrating loss to a team the Bengals had no business losing to. The Bengals should have won this game by 25, but they found a way to lose to the hapless Browns and Shedeur Sanders, tripping over his own feet! I don't care what Zac Taylor says, he is a terrible head coach. Ja'Marr Chase doesn't have any confidence in him, why should I? But Mike Brown would like to maintain the status quo, including fans paying him money (Don't you remember that Super Bowl 4 years ago??). I think it's for the best that the season is over. I am not enjoying this anymore! #bengals #whodey #nfl

We reach the conclusion of this regular season. No playoffs this year. Another Battle of Ohio for nothing but intra-state pride. Hopefully nobody gets injured. It's probably going to look like a pre-season game, but maybe Chase Brown will get over 1,000 yards for the season. Joe Burrow is supposed to play, but maybe they will send Joe Flacco out and let Myles Garrett sack him a couple times for the record. #nfl #whodey #bengals

A win is always better than a loss. But this was about as boring as wins come. The Cardinals seemed to sleepwalk through most of this game, allowing the Bengals to do anything they wanted offensively. Joe Burrow racked up 2 TD passes to Ja'Marr Chase. Chase Brown ran in 2 more. Plus, the Bengals Defense was forcing punt after punt. It was everything you wanted the Bengals to be.... in Week 7. But don't drink the "Building Hope and Momentum for Next Season" Kool-Aid! That's how they get you!

There's really no way the Bengals should lose this game Sunday. The Cardinals are completely decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball. The Bengals have all their key offensive stars available to run the ball up and down the field against a depleted Cards D. Backup QB Jacoby Brissett doesn't scare most defenses. And yet, somehow this game feels like it will be close. #nfl #whodey #bengals

This was so typical for the Bengals. As SOON as they get eliminated from the playoffs, they have their best game of the season. They looked like the '85 Bears against the Dolphins in the 3rd Quarter. It wasn't perfect, but this was as good as the Bengals have played as a team all year. Everyone was feeling good and having fun in the warmth and sun, including Joe Burrow. Chase Brown made his case for a big contract extension soon. Tee Higgins returned in style. Now we'll hear about building "momentum" for next season. Like I said, Typical Bengals. Let's break this game down, while we still have games to talk about. #nfl #bengals #whodey

Hello Darkness, my old friend... It's that time of year. The days are short, the nights are long, and Joe Burrow is very emo. Zac Taylor has extreme confidence in every single living organism in Paycor Stadium. But after a frigid shutout loss at home to the Ravens, it's time to warm up in South Florida. Tua is benched, Quinn Ewers makes his first NFL start against one of the worst defenses in history. What could go wrong? Bengals are 4.5 point road favorites, but I don't think they're accounting for the most important thing: Bengals are 0-3 this season with Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta announcing.

What a miserable game. Bengals lose by 24 at home to the bitter rival Ravens. First shutout of Joe Burrow's NFL career. First Bengals shutout since 2017. Burrow had a pick-6 in the Red Zone. The Bengals defense gave up big play after big play. DJ Turner had balls bouncing off his facemask! It wasn't their day. And it wasn't your day if you attended this game in person, because the Bengals didn't bother clearing the snow off the seats in the stadium. This season ended with a whimper. It wasn't supposed to be like this!

Must Win Game. Defeat is not an option! Well, maybe defeat wouldn't be THAT bad, it would almost be a relief. It's a relief that Tee Higgins isn't playing after his 2nd concussion in 2 weeks. But Mike Gesicki, Ja'Marr Chase, and Chase Brown are more than capable of putting up points with a healthy Joe Burrow. The question is, can the Bengals defense repeat their Thanksgiving miracle performance and force 5 turnovers against the Ravens. It's going to be so cold. SO COLD. Tickets are selling for $15. That cold... #nfl #bengals #whodey

Another week of Joe Burrow magic ends in heartbreak as the Bengals discover new and amazing ways to lose football games. This time, in the steady snowfall of Orchard Park, NY to the Buffalo Bills. Everything was going so well, and then it all fell apart in a few minutes, late in the 4th quarter. Tee Higgins risks his long-term neurological health for "the team". Is it worth it? I'm not so sure, but we won't be seeing him, Trey Hendrickson, or Jermaine Burton on the field for a long time. Listen as we re-live this thrilling defeat! #nfl #bengals #whodey

Another tough opponent on the road, but we just saw the Bengals and Joe Burrow pull off the upset in Baltimore against the Ravens last week, so recency bias surely says the Bengals will keep their streak of wins (1) going. I'm not buying into this narrative about "4-8, just like last year." Doesn't anyone remember they missed the playoffs last year?! As Trent Reznor said, "I fear I'm the only one who thinks this way."

Bengals 32 - 14 Ravens. Thanksgiving Night was all Orange and Black. The Ravens and their Purple uniforms got squished like a bunch of grapes! Lamar Jackson played one of his worst games in years, committing 2 fumbles and 1 INT. Isiah Likely and Zay Flowers also lost fumbles to this suddenly tenacious Bengals Defense. Al Golden dialed up creative blitzes that left Lamar looking rattled and confused. Strange things happen on Thursday Night in the division. All the headlines will be about the return of Joe Burrow, but this was a team win. McPherson made 6 for 6 FGs. Shoutout to Dalton Risner, who has added a solid veteran presence on the interior OL. It's only 1 win, but it was a good 1. #whodey #nfl #bengals

Joe Burrow is officially coming back, and you're going to like it! He told us, He's a football player, he gets paid to play football, so he's going to be out there. Ja'Marr Chase('s Agent) released an apology statement that didn't seem to match the tone of his press conference. The Ravens are matching the tone of Purple everywhere with their Purple Rain color rush uniforms. Bengals (3-8) somehow won't be officially eliminated with a loss, so the dream/nightmare of 2025 season won't end Thursday either way. Derrick Henry, please have mercy on Barrett Carter and this Bengals Defense. #whodey #nfl #bengals

The Bengals (3-8) kept it respectable and close in the game against the visiting Patriots. But it wasn't meant to be, as the Bengals lost their 4th game in a row, and 8 out of the last 9 games, 26-20 was the final, to the Patriots (10-2). The game featured not one, but two Pick-6 TDs and a ton of injuries on that artificial turf. Somewhere, Mike Brown is counting his money and smiling... #whodey #nfl #bengals

This week has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Burrow was back, but then he wasn't. Ja'Marr is definitely suspended this week, so who will step up in his absence? Iosivas? Tinsley? Gesicki? (Who was just activated from Injured Reserve)If the Bengals hold the Patriots to less than 25 points, I'll be surprised. I'm surprised the Patriots are only favored by 7! They must have a lot of faith in Flacco and Tee to score enough points to keep pace with Drake Maye and his collection of receivers.Treyveon Henderson could have a huge day against this wretched Bengals defense, which is ranked last in almost every statistical category. Truly awful play by this Defense, so it doesn't matter if Burrow or Flacco plays; they're probably going to lose. But maybe it will be another fun one!#nfl #bengals #whodey

Disappointment is the only word that can describe this game. Not only did the team lose, they looked bad doing it. The Steelers were the more physically dominant team, pushing the Bengals around all day. And then, Ja'Marr Chase appeared to spit on Jalen Ramsey, which led to Ramsey's ejection, but also a likely suspension for Chase. After the game, Ja'Marr denied spitting, which seemed like a blatant lie... so that was disappointing too. Not to mention the Steelers 2 defensive TDs to really rub salt in the wounds. The Zac Taylor excuse machine was in overdrive after this one. Can they just fire this guy already?? #whodey #nfl #bengals

It's not how you start, it's how you finish. This Bengals team got off to their coveted "fast start" by going 2-0, but they're 1-6 since then. Currently teetering on the brink of irrelevancy, Joe Burrow isn't walking onto Acrisure Field to save the Bengals season. Zac Taylor's claim that all the answers are inside the building will be put to the test. How will either of these defenses stop the other offense? This could be another entertaining, high-scoring game. And Kevin Harlan will be there to narrate it all! #WhoDey #nfl #bengals

Alright, he's only returning to limited practice, but Joe Burrow is back on the field, throwing the football to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Even if he's not ready to play in a live game, the progress he's made returning from turf toe surgery has been astounding. Of course, it does nothing to help the defense, which REALLY needs some improvement, or it won't matter who's playing QB. #WhoDey #nfl #bengals

What the F&@K?! That's what Chase Brown and I thought after this game ended. Just when it looked like the Bengals pulled off a miraculous victory... they gave it all away. This game was crazy! (so don't leave early!) #WhoDey #NFL # Bengals

Week 9 begins with a troubling development... Joe Flacco is uncertain (50/50) to play against the Bears due to a sprain to the AC joint in his right throwing shoulder. Not ideal for the 40-year old quarterback. It's also not ideal to still have Jake Browning as the backup. How's Sean Clifford looking though? p.s. Joe Burrow isn't coming back this year, deal with it. #whodey #nfl

Things were going so well... until it all fell apart in the 4th quarter. This week, the New York team was on the winning end of a miraculous comeback, at the expense of the Cincinnati Bengals and their loyal fans. The Jets gained over 500 yards of offense, and a bit of respect around the league, by stunning the home crowd. Aaron Glenn showed he's not afraid to go for 2, down by 9, late in the game. That's how you win. And the Bengals didn't have an answer when it mattered the most... Zac Taylor said someone needs to "Step up and make a play" What does that even mean?! Why don't you make some better calls, coach!?

The New York Friggin' Jets (0-7) come in to Paycor Stadium Saturday at 1 pm to take on the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) who are riding a 1-game winning streak ;-) Can Joe Flacco keep it going? I don't believe in momentum, but if it exists, the Bengals will win this game. #WhoDey

The Bengals win in Primetime! Steelers record on Thursdays goes to 0-9. Maybe that talk about road division games being tough was legit. Joe Flacco was very legit, throwing 47 passes, half of them to Ja'Marr Chase, who ended with 16/161/1. Chase Brown went over 100 yards on only 11 carries, including a season-long of 37 yards. Aaron Rodgers was not happy, with anyone, especially the teammate who tackled him to the ground and made Rodgers fold up like an old card table. Jalen Ramsey was getting cooked all night; was their plan really to have him guard Ja'Marr in man coverage?? #WhoDey!

The Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) are a team in flux in many ways. Linebacker and Offensive Guard have seen new faces in recent weeks. Will we see some new receiving options? We've got a "new" quarterback in Joe Flacco, although, at 40-years old, he probably doesn't have that new quarterback smell. He probably smells like a grizzled old man. Just like his counterpart, Aaron Rodgers, who looks like Darth Vader in that Steelers (4-1) helmet. It's going to be another electric night for the White Bengal game at Paycor Stadium. WhoDey!Correction: Yes, Moses parted the Red Sea, not Noah, you know what I meant!

Bengals lose their 4th straight, 27-18, to the Packers. But Joe Flacco looked like a professional quarterback, which is more than we could say about Jake Browning the past 3 games. Ja'Marr Chase continues to be unstoppable. The defense forced a huge redzone turnover early. They kept it reasonably close! Now that's how you lose a football game! #WhoDey

The Bengals (2-3) had to do something at quarterback after 3 straight embarrassing performances by Jake Browning. But trading with the hated Browns for a 40-year old stop-gap, who will come in and start immediately in Green Bay... SEEMS a bit desperate if you ask me. And I know PLENTY about desperation, let me tell you. This is not good... This is SO not good. But I can't stop watching this horror of a season. WhoDey!

Another week, another crushing defeat for the Bengals. Jake Browning threw 3 mind-numbing interceptions to essentially eliminate any hope for the Bengals of pulling off the upset. A few scores in garbage time made it look respectable, but this one never felt remotely close.... But don't tell that to Zac Taylor! He still has 100% confidence in himself as a playcaller and coach and it's ALL going to be "better", somehow. As Zac Taylor himself said (quoting Marvin Lewis), "I SEE BETTER THAN I HEAR!" #WHODEY

It's time to Stripe the Jungle! Bengals face the Lions (3-1), who are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. Perhaps not the best matchup for a team (the Bengals) still licking its wounds from the previous 2 weeks of horrible, lackluster performances.According to Zac Taylor, he has 'unwavering' confidence in Jake Browning. But it seems like he has more confidence in his job security, because there doesn't seem to be any sense of urgency to implement changes. Everything's going according to plan, if you listen to Zac. (I don't recommend this)

Aaaargh... this team is becoming difficult to watch. Another extremely disappointing and frustrating loss this week. On national TV! The ABC announcers were calling out the team for a lack of effort. That's a reflection of the head coach (Zac Taylor) and his utter incompetence. This season is over. And yet... I can't stop watching. It's like that scene in A Clockwork Orange, I'm being forced to watch this inept head coach lead this team nowhere.

Monday Night Football has been when Bengals backup QBs shine, and Jake Browning is ready to prove all the naysayers and doubters wrong. But what about this offensive line? Are they ready to play with some physicality and aggression? (Why is that even a question?!) This is not the best matchup on paper for the Bengals. But no matchup is favorable without a running attack. Can Chase Brown find any room to run?This game can't come soon enough. Surely, they'll look better this week.... right??

Wow... that was truly a horrible game to watch. But I did it anyway, and I've got some thoughts to share with you, Bengals fans. Please join me to discuss everything that happened in this complete no-show from the Bengals in the first game without Joe Burrow at QB. Worst loss in franchise history. Why didn't CBS switch to another game and spare us the embarrassment??? This was so bad...

Battle of the Backups! Jake Browning gets his first start as Bengals QB in 2025. We discuss the upcoming game and how it feels to be a Bengals fan these days. WhoDey!

Week 2 RecapBengals Win! 31 - 27 Jacksonville came to Cincinnati awash in a sea of orange (but not too much orange) and let the Bengals hang around long enough to make them regret not taking advantage of multiple scoring opportunities. Bengals defense continued to intercept passes to keep the team alive. Oh.... I forgot to mention Joe Burrow had a season-ending turf toe injury. But you already knew that. WE already knew artificial turf is not beneficial for player's health and safety, but TWO critical Bengals players suffered injuries in this game, arguably due to the lack of natural grass on the playing surface. The season will continue as planned, no games are cancelled. We're watching this thing to the bitter end, whether it's Burrow to Chase or Browning to Tinsley. WhoDey!

It's time to kick of the home games at Paycor Stadium for 2025 in Orange. Turn down the contrast on your TVs or your retinas may suffer permanent damage from these uniforms, but that's just part of the plan to intimidate the opponents! These Jaguars are young and hungry, but the Bengals young players showed they're ready to step up. We cover all the important matchups, players to watch, and add more analysis from Week 1 after further film study. Listen to the end for my score prediction! #WhoDey

A gritty Battle of Ohio win to open 2025. In this recap we go drive-by-drive: Chase Brown’s opening TD march, tipped-ball INTs by Jordan Battle and DJ Turner II, and Evan McPherson’s go-ahead 35-yarder. We break down Joe Burrow’s quiet day (113 yards), how Myles Garrett wrecked the second half with a sack barrage, the flags that fueled Cleveland’s first TD, and key injuries (Lucas Patrick, Logan Wilson). Plus: why special teams decided it (missed PAT + 36-yd FG) and quick takeaways ahead of the Week 2 home opener vs. Jaguars.#nfl #bengals

Finally, football is back. And there's no better way to get things started than the Battle of Ohio Pt. 1, in Cleveland, where there is NO rain in the forecast. And NO more excuses are allowed. Everyone is healthy, everyone has a big contract to keep them happy, everything is setup for a Bengals W.... Just Do It!!! WhoDey! #nfl #cincinnatibengals

Football is almost back! Week 1 is set to begin and I'm excited for this season. All the stars are signed, healthy, and ready to go. Surely, nothing could derail this train from reaching the destination: Santa Clara, site of this year's Super Bowl. But before they reach that ultimate goal, there are a lot of other teams to dispatch. Let the Royal Rumble of the NFL begin again, at last! WhoDey! #nfl #cincinnatibengals

Finally the stalemate is over. Trey got a $14 million raise for this season and now the work towards another Super Bowl run begins. The Bengals made their initial 53-man roster announcement. How did I do? (91% accuracy) Plus, Dalton Risner joins the Bengals! All that and more, listen now!Questions? [email protected]

In this episode, let's talk about the preseason finale and what it means for the final remaining roster spots. It wasn't a great watch, with the Bengals losing 41-14 to the Colts. Even the score was deceptive, this never felt like the Bengals had a chance to win. Kind of like how I'm starting to feel about the Defense. But don't tell that to Zac Taylor! He feels really good about the team, really good about the coaches, really good about the plan... Zac feels "really good" about almost everything, including continuing to receive paychecks and missing the playoffs. Who-Dey! Who-Dey think gonna fire their Defensive Coordinator in Year 1?Bengals 53-Man Roster Prediction (2025)Quarterbacks (2)• Joe Burrow• Jake BrowningRunning Backs (4)• Chase Brown• Samaje Perine• Tahj Brooks• Kendall MiltonWide Receivers (6)• Ja’Marr Chase• Tee Higgins• Andrei Iosivas• Charlie Jones• Jermaine Burton (injury watch)• Mitchell TinsleyTight Ends (5)• Mike Gesicki• Noah Fant• Drew Sample• Tanner Hudson• Cam GrandyOffensive Line (9)• Orlando Brown Jr.• Amarius Mims• Jalen Rivers• Ted Karras• Dylan Fairchild• Cody Ford• Lucas Patrick• Matt Lee• Devin CochranDefensive Line (9)• Trey Hendrickson• Myles Murphy• Joseph Ossai• Cam Sample• Shemar Stewart• B.J. Hill• Kris Jenkins Jr.• McKinnley Jackson• T.J. Slaton Jr.Linebackers (5)• Logan Wilson• Oren Burks• Barrett Carter• Demetrius Knight Jr.• Maema NjongmetaCornerbacks (6)• Cam Taylor-Britt• DJ Turner II• Dax Hill• Marco Wilson• Josh Newton• Jalen DavisSafeties (4)• Geno Stone• Jordan Battle• Tycen Anderson• PJ Jules(Daijahn Anthony omitted — hamstring)Specialists (3)• K: Evan McPherson• P: Ryan Rehkow• LS: Cal Adomitis* If Burton goes on IR, I. Williams is WR6

Bengals 31 - Commanders 17. Yes! A win in the preseason is possible after all. We break down what looked legit, and what was utter s***. The Mitch Tinsley era has begun. WhoDey!

Joe Burrow looked like Joe Burrow (Chase 4/77/TD; Tanner Hudson 2 TDs) but the defense got gashed by Eagles backups and the pass rush sans Hendrickson was MIA. I break down the game, sloppy penalties and the run-game woes, then hit the big storylines since last episode: Mock Turtle Soup reactions (Mike Brown/Duke Tobin), Shemar Stewart’s deal, Hendrickson’s hold-in, the Noah Fant addition, Gesicki’s hamstring, and Geno Stone’s vague “soft-tissue” tag. What must change before Monday vs. Washington—no homer spin, just my honest takes. WhoDey!

Bengals football is (almost) back — and so is Bengal Bites with a vengeance. In this comeback episode, we cover everything the team and mainstream media have quietly tiptoed around since May.Training camp is starting, but Cincinnati’s top draft pick Shemar Stewart is nowhere to be seen. Why? The Bengals are playing hardball over contract language that even last year’s #17 pick didn’t have to swallow. Throw in Trey Hendrickson’s holdout and this team suddenly has real problems on the edge — both literally and figuratively.We break it all down:🔥 Joe Burrow on Netflix’s Quarterback – and why Episode 6 is must-watch TV🏆 The Ring of Honor gets two more names: Lamar Parrish (long overdue) and Dave Lapham (meh)⚖️ NFLPA Scandal – Lloyd Howell exposed as a puppet for the owners, JC Tretter resigns in disgrace🏟️ Bengals’ lease “deal” with Hamilton County — finally paying rent, but still sticking it to taxpayers🧨 AFC North shakeup – Steelers go full Madden Franchise Mode (Rodgers! Ramsey! Watt!), Browns tank again✍️ Key signings, PUP list surprises, and a farewell to roster filler like Logan Woodside😤 Zach Taylor's sideline silence while Burrow goes nuclear in NashvilleWho Dey!

In this episode, we dive deep into the Bengals' 2025 draft class and undrafted free agents — no blind optimism, just honest analysis. I break down each pick, from Shemar Stewart’s upside and red flags to the 2 new linebackers poised to challenge Germaine Pratt, and why the low draft grades from national media might turn out to be wrong. We also explore the Bengals’ continued aversion to trading, overlooked roster holes, and the team’s old-school approach to team-building. Plus: AFC North draft reactions, questionable off-field headlines, salary cuts, and a few Royal Rumble metaphors.

In Episode 084 of Bengal Bites, we dive deep into an eventful offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals! From Ja'Marr Chase's record-breaking contract extension to Tee Higgins' decision to stay loyal to Cincinnati, we discuss the team's moves that will shape their future. Hear detailed analysis on key re-signings like B.J. Hill, Cody Ford, and Samaje Perine, and explore what newcomers T.J. Slaton and Oren Burks bring to the roster. We also break down the implications of releasing veterans Sheldon Rankins and Alex Cappa, as well as the addition of Sean Desai to the coaching staff. Join us for fan-driven insights, independent perspectives, and thoughtful discussions as we gear up for another exciting Bengals season!

The playoffs and Super Bowl are in the rear-view mirror, now we can reflect on the season with the benefit of hindsight. Coaching changes, player interviews, eviction notices. So many things to talk about on this final episode of the season. #WhoDey

This season has finally reached the end. No Playoffs, No Super Bowl, drafting somewhere in the middle. Given the elite performances of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson, this season was an inexcusable disappointment. And changes will be made. Not for any reason, according to Zac Taylor, other than a general feeling that "a change was needed". We shall see how much change actually occurs this offseason when it comes to signing key players to contract extensions. Also, Russell Wilson looked old and slow. It might be time for the Steelers to go back to Justin Fields for the playoffs.

The final game of the regular season, and most likely the season as a whole for the Bengals. Yes, they have a small chance, but I don't expect the Broncos and Dolphins to both lose. This game is mostly about pride and beating a divisional foe. Zac Taylor has squandered an excellent season from Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson (Pro-Bowlers) and I don't want to hear anything about "building momentum for next season". There's no momentum between games or between seasons. Oh, and Jermaine Burton isn't playing because he got evicted from his apartment that is directly across the street from the stadium (how did he miss so many meetings??).