Cincinnati Bengals

Marvin Lewis on taking over struggling defense: ‘I’ve got it’

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Marvin Lewis’ first meeting as the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive coordinator earlier this week was telling of a coach who knows what he’s doing, the players said. His presentation was maybe just a little rusty, but Lewis’ demeanor and the way his players have responded to the 16th-year head coach taking over the defense leads one to believe there is a little more confidence...

Hue Jackson on return to Bengals: ‘Excited to join a team in playoff contention’

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Hue Jackson was hoping he could make his way back to the Cincinnati Bengals when the Cleveland Browns fired him as their head coach three weeks ago, but he said he has no regrets about leaving Cincinnati in the first place. The Bengals named Jackson a special assistant to the head coach Tuesday to help Marvin Lewis as he assumes the role of defensive coordinator on top of his regular duties managing...

Random thoughts: Ohio State’s mentality, the Bengals future, Reds optimism, Warriors troubles and more

by Marcus Hartman

It took 10 games, but Ohio State finally got a win it could purely feel good about. Remains to be seen if Michigan State ends up being a true quality win, but that’s secondary if you ask me. A shot of confidence is something the Buckeyes needed more than a resume-builder, but you can’t have one without the other I guess. Big week for Dwayne Haskins. The Ohio State quarterback is heading...

Marvin Lewis on adding Jackson to coaching staff: ‘I have a great comfort level with Hue’

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Cincinnati Bengals head coach and new defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis tipped his hand during Monday’s press conference that former offensive coordinator Hue Jackson might be returning in some fashion. When asked if he might need some help with some of the extra responsibilities that come with being both head coach and defensive coordinator, Lewis said with a smile, “Watch and see.&rdquo...

Hue Jackson back with Cincinnati: Browns fans amused, Bengals fans not so much

by John Boyle

The Bengals made it official Tuesday morning: former Browns head coach Hue Jackson is joining the coaching staff as a special assistant to head coach Marvin Lewis. Jackson will be making his third stop as an assistant with Lewis and the Bengals. Jackson was fired last month after two-plus seasons leading the Browns. He was 3-36-1 over that span. Browns fans were amused; Bengals fans, not so much. ...

Bengals announce former Browns head coach Hue Jackson joining coaching staff

by John Boyle, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals made it official this morning, announcing Hue Jackson as a special assistant to head coach Marvin Lewis. “I have a great comfort level with Hue and his ability to assist me with the day-to-day responsibilities on defense, including analyzing our opponents and helping me on game days with the players and defensive coaches,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in a release...

Marvin Lewis on firing defensive coordinator: ‘We had to make a change’

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The message was clear in the Cincinnati Bengals locker room on Monday: The way the defense is playing is unacceptable, and no one’s job is safe. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis fired defensive coordinator Teryl Austin following the team’s 51-14 loss to New Orleans on Sunday, which marked the third straight game opponents have managed 500 yards or more of offense against Cincinnati...

Bengals Report Card: Grading Sunday’s 51-14 loss to the Saints

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals were missing their best player on offense Sunday, and the defense just didn’t show up at all. The result was one of the worst losses in franchise history, as the Bengals fell 51-14 to the New Orleans Saints. »RELATED: Bengals reportedly fire defensive coordinator »RELATED: 5 takeaways from Bengals’ blowout loss »ARCHDEACON: Bengals are a team going...

Cincinnati Bengals: Head coach Marvin Lewis to take over team’s struggling defense

by John Boyle, Staff Writer

One day after an embarrassing defensive performance in a season full of them, the Bengals fired defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, a former defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, will take over the defense moving forward. “I appreciate the hard work that Coach Austin has put into our football team, but I felt it best to make a change at this point in...

Cincinnati Bengals: 5 takeaways from blowout loss to Saints

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Disappointing, frustrating, embarrassing — all words the Cincinnati Bengals used to describe Sunday’s loss. The New Orleans Saints scored on nine straight drives, racked up 509 yards of offense and handed the Bengals a 51-14 loss Sunday in front of 52,492 fans at Paul Brown Stadium in what was one of Cincinnati’s most lopsided defeats in franchise history. If Sunday’s...

Who Dat > Who Dey: Saints demolish Bengals

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Just when it seemed like things couldn’t get much worse for the Cincinnati Bengals defense, they did. The New Orleans Saints scored on nine straight drives, racked up 509 yards of offense and handed the Bengals a 51-14 loss Sunday in front of 52,492 fans at Paul Brown Stadium in what was one of Cincinnati’s most lopsided defeats in franchise history. Cincinnati (5-4), which has only twice...

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Bengals vs. Saints: 5 things you need to know about Sunday’s game

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals will find out how helpful the bye week was in refreshing, self-evaluating and preparing as they host one of the best teams in the NFL on Sunday. The New Orleans Saints (7-1) ride a seven-game win streak into Paul Brown Stadium, bringing with them the top-rated quarterback in the league and second-highest scoring offense. Drew Brees leads the NFL with a 120.6 passer rating and...

After missing six weeks due to injury, Bengals rookie eager to return

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis didn’t hesitate to say Billy Price would be sliding back in at center when he returns from his foot injury. That time has finally come. »RELATED: In wake of A.J. Green injury, who can Bengals count on in passing game? Offensive guard Trey Hopkins showed steady progress in Price’s six-game absence, but the rookie first-round draft pick out...

In wake of Green injury, who can Bengals count on in passing game?

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Going into the season, it looked like Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton was going to have his choice of weapons to throw to. Tyler Eifert was healthy, John Ross and Tyler Boyd were coming off an impressive preseason and of course there was always the reliable A.J. Green. Now, the Bengals (5-3) are trying to figure out who they can count on while Green is out with a toe injury suffered at...

Bengals brace for QB Brees and Saints

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals’ schedule gets tougher before it gets any easier. Coming off a bye that followed a narrow win over Tampa Bay, the Bengals (5-3) now set to face another one of the league’s top offenses as Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints come to Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday. The Saints are the sixth top 9 scoring offense the Bengals will face to this point, and Brees is the...

Lawson lost to ACL tear; Bengals confident Green OK

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis told reporters Monday after practice that A.J. Green does not need surgery on his injured toe. Green reportedly went to Green Bay on Monday to see a foot specialist, but Lewis said he was never really expecting bad news. The seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver thought he had just jammed his toe when he hurt it on his final catch against Tampa Bay in Week 8...

Random Thoughts: Interesting times in the Big Ten, Bengals expectations and more

by Marcus Hartman

We’re back with more observations and whatnot with week 11 of the college football season upon us. The Bengals didn’t play yesterday, but we have thoughts on them, too. I had a feeling Ohio State‘s offense would get well against Nebraska. Not only is Nebraska’s defense not very good, this edition of the Blackshirts is also not very aggressive. The Cornhuskers just kind...

ANALYSIS: 5 things we learned about the Bengals during first half of the season

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Plenty of teams would be happy to be in the Cincinnati Bengals’ position at the midway point of the season, but the Bengals waver between feeling fortunate and dissatisfied. At the bye, Cincinnati (5-3) remains right in the mix atop the AFC North, just percentage points behind the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2-1) for first place, despite a slew of injuries, a struggling defense and an inconsistent...

Cincinnati Bengals: Handing out our midseason awards

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals are halfway through the season, sitting at 5-3 and just behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North. Despite struggles on defense, some inconsistencies in the offense and a slew of injuries, there have been plenty of bright spots for a team trying to bounce back from a 7-9 finish last year. Below is a look at our midseason awards: Dalton is having arguably the best season of his career...

Bye week welcome relief for banged-up Bengals

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Wide receiver A.J. Green walked through the Cincinnati Bengals locker room Tuesday wearing a protective boot on his right foot. Linebacker Nick Vigil hobbled by on crutches with his knee still in a brace from an injury suffered three weeks ago. Tight end Tyler Kroft parked a scooter at his locker to help him prop his injured foot up and more easily get around. And those were just the players present...

Random Thoughts: Weirdness of Ohio State-Nebraska matchup, why the Bengals offense is boom-or-bust, Reds World Series odd and more

by Marcus Hartman

This Ohio State-Nebraska game might be one of the weirder situations I can think of over the past decade or so. While the sky seems to be falling in Columbus, Ohio State still has an opportunity to flip the switch with the calendar and finish 12-1, leaving memories of the loss at Purdue far behind (until the next time an average team blows out the Buckeyes of course). Meanwhile, the high of hiring...

Bengals looking for answers on defense after ‘disappointing’ effort

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis called Sunday’s game “disappointing,” despite the win, but take away the two long touchdowns his defense gave up and he probably would have been a little more satisfied with the result. The Bengals (5-3) have an extra week to figure out what went wrong in a game they led Tampa Bay by as many as 21 points but needed a last-second...

Bengals Report Card: Grading Sunday’s 37-34 win over Buccaneers

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals weren’t satisfied with the way they won Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they’ll take a win however it comes. Cincinnati (5-3) led by as many as 21 points in the first half but stalled offensively and watched as the Bucs rallied to tie the game with 1:05 left before Randy Bullock hit a last-second field goal to win it, 37-34. Now they...

Cincinnati Bengals: 5 takeaways from 37-34 win over Buccaneers

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Jameis Winston’s turnover troubles continued to derail the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and that was the only thing that allowed the Cincinnati Bengals to stay in the game as they rebounded from their worst loss of the season. The Bengals (5-3) picked off the Bucs’ starting quarterback four times but needed a 44-yard field goal from Randy Bullock as time expired to squeak out a 37-34 win...

Bengals lead Tampa Bay at halftime

by Andy Lyons, Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 28: Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paul Brown Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Bengals defeat Tampa Bay, 37-34

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Cincinnati Bengals: 5 storylines to watch in Sunday’s game vs. Buccaneers

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals head into their final game before the bye week looking to end a two-game skid, but there are a lot of corrections to make in order to bounce back from a dismal showing at Kansas City. The Bengals (4-3) played their worst game of the season in a 45-10 loss to the Chiefs and now face another threatening offense as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3) bring a high-yardage passing game...

Cincinnati Bengals: 5 things Buccaneers coach said about Sunday’s game

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter and his family used to host Marvin Lewis for Thanksgiving dinners when the two played together at Idaho State University. Now they will be competing against each other for the first time in their careers as NFL coaches as Lewis’ Cincinnati Bengals meet the Bucs on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium. »RELATED: A closer look at the Buccaneers Koetter talked...

Cincinnati Bengals: Secondary has something to prove vs. Buccaneers

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson said the defense has something to prove this week after an embarrassing performance against a talented Kansas City Chiefs offense. Another strong passing team comes to Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday when the Bengals (4-3) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3), but the secondary in particular sees this as an opportunity to right the ship before heading into...

Cincinnati Bengals: Carousel of tight ends limiting offense

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter called it “unfortunate” the Cincinnati Bengals have been hit so hard by injuries at the tight end position, but he doesn’t feel sorry for them. “Everyone in the NFL deals with injuries,” he said Wednesday in a conference call with the media in Cincinnati, ahead of Sunday’s matchup between the Bengals and the Bucs at Paul Brown...

Cincinnati Bengals make three roster moves

by John Boyle, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals signed tight end Jordan Franks off the practice squad today to replace Mason Schreck, who was placed on the reserve/injured list. »RELATED: First look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Franks, a rookie from Central Florida, signed with the team as a college free agent this year. He had two catches for 19 yards in the preseason. »RELATED: Lewis tackles Bengals’ problem...

Cincinnati Bengals: First look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The schedule isn’t making things any easier on a struggling Cincinnati Bengals defense. Cincinnati is coming off a 45-10 loss to Kansas City Chiefs , a game in which the NFL’s highest scoring team racked up 551 yards, and next, the league’s top yardage producer will be rolling into Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday. The Bengals (4-3) will host the Tampa Bay...

Lewis tackles Bengals’ problem areas: “It is a fixable issue”

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was hoping, after he went back and watched tape, he would find at least a few positives to take from the blowout loss at Kansas City on Sunday night. But he didn’t feel any better about it Monday than he did immediately after the game. It’s no consolation that the most glaring issue of missed tackles is a correctable problem that he can easily pinpoint...

Bengals Report Card: Grading Sunday’s 45-10 loss to the Chiefs

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals fell flat in prime time for a ninth straight appearance on Sunday Night Football, and the result was a disappointing blowout loss. Kansas City rolled to a 45-10 win Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, taking a three-score lead into halftime and quickly putting the game out of reach early in the third quarter with a first-drive touchdown and interception return for another score on...

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis on blowout loss: ‘It’s on everybody’

Associated Press

The Cincinnati Bengals knew that with a banged-up defense facing the NFL’s highest-scoring offense, there was a good chance they’d have to simply outscore the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. They barely outscored the Chiefs’ defense. Andy Dalton was held to 148 yards passing with a touchdown and a pick-6, Joe Mixon managed 50 yards on the ground and the Cincinnati offense struggled...

Bengals embarrassed by Chiefs, fall out of first in AFC North

by John Boyle, Staff Writer

A fast start to the season has come to a screeching halt for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals were demolished by the Kansas City Chiefs 45-10 on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium. Ite was the second straight loss for the Bengals, who fell to 4-3 into a tie for second place with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. Pittsburgh, which had a bye this week, is atop the division at 3-2-1. »PHOTOS...

PHOTOS: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs

by John Boyle

Bengals at Chiefs: 5 storylines to watch in Sunday night’s game

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals weren’t able to break a losing streak in the series against Pittsburgh last week, but now they have a chance to try to end another drought. Cincinnati (4-2) will battle the prime-time beast as it looks to bounce back from a seventh consecutive loss to the Steelers. The Bengals, who gave up the game-winning touchdown with seven seconds left, face the Kansas City Chiefs...

Bengals’ speedy receiver still ‘confident,’ but wants to show more ‘consistency’

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross has been keen to get back on the field since he was sidelined with a groin injury during a Week 4 win at Atlanta. Now he appears on track to return at an important time, as Cincinnati prepares for a showdown of two of the NFL’s highest-scoring offenses. The Bengals (4-2) travel to play the Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) on Sunday Night Football, and they&rsquo...

Matchup against Mahomes, Chiefs ‘great opportunity’ for Bengals defense

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals were concerned with how they would bring down “Big Ben” Roethlisberger last week, but as it turned out they couldn’t even get to him to try. Now, they face what should be an even greater challenge going up against the league’s highest scoring offenses and a Kansas City Chiefs team that has given up an NFL-low six sacks on first-year starting quarterback...

Cincinnati Bengals Week 7: First look at the Kansas City Chiefs

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

If Patrick Mahomes wasn’t already turning heads while leading the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense through a 5-0 start, he gained even more attention going toe-to-toe with Tom Brady on Sunday Night Football. The Chiefs’ first-year starting quarterback threw for a career-high 356 yards and four touchdowns to rally Kansas City (5-1) in Foxborough, Mass., before the Patriots pulled ahead...

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis: No time ‘to whine’ about Steelers loss with Chiefs up next

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals were about a minute away from being 5-1 and creating some distance in the AFC North standings. Instead, they find themselves trying to bounce back from a disappointing loss as they head into a Sunday Night Football matchup on the road against a Kansas City Chiefs team that until this week was considered to be the best in the league. Cincinnati (4-2) took a one-point lead over...

Bengals linebacker to miss extended time due to knee injury

by John Boyle

Bengals linebacker Nick Vigil is expected to miss several games with a sprained MCL, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Vigil, a third-year player, was injured on a cut block during Sunday’s 28-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hardy Nickerson and Jordan Evans likely will see more playing time in Vigil’s absence.

Random thoughts: Ohio State perspective, Bengals-Steelers reaction, baseball not dying, etc.

by Marcus Hartman

Let’s start with a little Ohio State football therapy: Worries about the Buckeyes right now are certainly valid, but it’s not time to panic. Ohio State will probably be on extreme nationwide upset alert this week at Purdue, but with two major conferences practically out of the playoff race I’m not sure it even matters if the Buckeyes win Saturday night (Maybe keep it within...

5 takeaways from Bengals seventh straight loss to Steelers

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t hold on to a late lead against the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers – again – and they lost their seventh in a row in the series in familiar fashion. Joe Mixon’s 4-yard touchdown run put the Bengals up by one with 1:18 left, but the defense couldn’t make it hold, as Pittsburgh answered on Ben Roethlisberger’s 31-yard touchdown...

Steelers continue dominance over Bengals

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

History repeated itself once again as the Cincinnati Bengals gave up a late lead and fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a seventh straight time. Joe Mixon’s 4-yard touchdown put the Bengals up by one with 1:18 left, but the defense couldn’t make it hold. The AFC North rival Steelers answered on Ben Roethlisberger’s 31-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown with 10 seconds left for...

ANALYSIS: 5 things to watch in Sunday’s Bengals-Steelers game

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals are a 2.5-point favorite over the Pittsburgh Steelers when the AFC North rivals meet Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium, but the Bengals have to get out of their own way to match the betting line. Cincinnati has lost six straight to Pittsburgh, including fourth-quarter meltdowns in the last three, and the Bengals are 2-15 against the Steelers under Marvin Lewis at Paul Brown Stadium...

Tailgating, Cincy-style cheesesteak and a beercycle! Bengals fans are in for a new game day experience

by Sarah Franks

There’s something stirring in the jungle in Cincinnati. Bengals fans will discover many new aspects to their game day experience at the team’s first home game on Thursday, September 13. A few of the biggest additions to the 2018 season include a new “Jungle Zone pregame tailgate party,” a new food lineup, new mobile ticketing options and an express entry lane for...

Cincinnati Bengals: 5 takeaways from preseason finale vs. Colts

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Many of the players who played big roles during the Cincinnati Bengals’ 27-26 loss to Indianapolis in the preseason finale won’t be on the roster two days later, but a few of them might have earned a spot because of their performance Thursday. Jeff Driskel, battling for the backup quarterback job, led Cincinnati to a 20-7 halftime advantage before exiting, and the Bengals’ defense...

Bengals on the bubble: Preseason finale could decide final roster cuts

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Some of the last spots up for grabs on the Cincinnati Bengals’ 53-man roster could come down to who stands out in the preseason finale Thursday against Indianapolis. The majority of the starters will sit, as backups from both teams battle to prove they belong. Cincinnati (3-0) is coming off a 26-13 win over Buffalo, thanks to a 20-0 halftime lead produced by the first-team units, and the Colts...

Bengals sign Atkins, Dunlap to contract extensions

by John Boyle

The Cincinnati Bengals locked up two of of their best defensive players on Tuesday. The team has agreed to contract extensions with defensive tackle Geno Atkins and defensive end Carlos Dunlap. The deals are reportedly four years for Atkins, 30, and three years for Dunlap, 29. Both players’ exisiting deals were set to expire after this season. Atkins, 30, is a six-time Pro Bowler set to begin...

Cincinnati Bengals: 5 things to know about Sunday’s game vs. Bills

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals are unbeaten through two games this preseason but the most telling outing will be Sunday when they play at Buffalo. This “dress rehearsal” is treated most like a regular-season game before teams turn to their backups in the preseason finale to get a last look at players who might be on the bubble for roster spots. Cincinnati is 2-0 with wins against the Chicago Bears...

Kirkpatrick on veteran Iloka’s release: ‘It was a real shocker’

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Dre Kirkpatrick said he was shocked when he found out Sunday the Cincinnati Bengals were releasing veteran safety George Iloka. A seventh-year player, Iloka appeared in 83 regular-season games with 76 starts for the Bengals over the past six seasons, and there had been no indication the Bengals were thinking of letting him go. “I was very surprised,” Kirkpatrick said. “This...

Bengals release veteran safety Iloka

by Mike Hartsock

It was a Sunday surprise out of the Bengals training camp as Cincinnati announced the club is parting ways with veteran safety George Iloka. The 28-year old was a fifth-round draft pick in 2012 and hasn’t missed a start since the 2013 season. Iloka was set to earn $6.2 millon this season and he had three years left on his contract. The job will likely go to rookie Jessie Bates. The second-round...

Nothing settled on Bengals O-line after first preseason game

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

If Cincinnati Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack saw anything in the first preseason game that will alter the starting lineup moving forward, he isn’t saying. Then again, he doesn’t have to. The starting unit Thursday’s night – left tackle Cordy Glenn, left guard Clint Boling, center Billy Price, right guard Trey Hopkins and right tackle Bobby Hart – remained...

Bengals first preseason game: So far, so good and other takeaways

by Marcus Hartman

The Cincinnati Bengals opened the preseason in fine fashion Thursday night. Not only did they get a win over the Bears (30-27), they also provided a lot to get excited about. Here are some takeaways from a review of the game: 1. The offensive line looks better. Of course it is just one game, but the No. 1 offensive line had a very solid night. Billy Price handled snapping like...

5 things to watch in Bengals preseason opener vs. Bears

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals will play their first preseason game Thursday night against a Chicago Bears team hitting the field for the second time after falling to the Baltimore Ravens 17-16 in last week’s Hall of Fame game. Look for the majority of the Bengals starters to play one series, maybe two if the first is a three and out. Head coach Marvin Lewis confirmed Tuesday that linebacker Vontaze...

Bengals players react to LaFell’s release and youth movement it signals

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Several Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers said they were surprised the team terminated the contract of veteran Brandon LaFell on Thursday, but the only thing that should have been unforeseen was the timing of the transaction. The emergence of third-year receiver Tyler Boyd and the promise shown by youngsters John Ross, Josh Malone, Alex Erickson and rookie Auden Tate reduced by the day the likelihood...

Lewis fumes, Boyd soars and other observations from Bengals Training Camp Day 6

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals returned to the practice field Wednesday after their first off day of camp, although it looked as though some of them were still on break. Here are some observations from Day 6 of camp, which drew a crowd of 875 fans: Tyler Boyd had the play of the day and, arguably, the play of camp. During an 11-on-11 drill in the red zone with 20 minutes left in what had been a lethargic...

Bengals running back Bernard makes life-changing gesture

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

After the first days of grinding through training camp, Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard used his first off day Tuesday not to take a break, but to give one. Bernard, along with his fiancée Chloe and her mother Anita, spent a few hours at Mercedes Benz of Fort Mitchell (Ky.), where they donated the Honda Odyssey minivan Bernard used to drive as a rookie – the one made famous...

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert on his return to practice: ‘Good to be back in the pads’

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Ninety-seven minutes into his first padded practice in more than 10 months on Monday, Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert got taken to the ground by safety George Iloka. Two plays later, Eifert was on the ground again, this time in the end zone after beating safety Shawn Williams and lunging for a touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Barkley. Eifert said he felt something on the second one:...

Observations from Day 3 of Cincinnati Bengals camp

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

A crowd of 1,500 showed up for the third day of Cincinnati Bengals training camp as the players donned pads for the first time. Many in attendance were starting their evening with the practice before moving on to either the Reds-Phillies game at Great American Ball Park of the Cincinnati Music Festival inside Paul Brown Stadium. Here are some observations from Day 3 of training camp: Pads popping...

Cincinnati Bengals: Jackson-Green battles highlighting training camp

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick said on Wednesday that the locker room is a lot quieter this year without Adam Jones. The same goes for the practice field. Jones’ absence, coupled with William Jackson’s ascension, has resulted in some wildly entertaining yet mildly verbal battles with Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green through the first few practices of training camp. &ldquo...

Bengals weigh how much to use suspended Burfict in camp

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Vontaze Burfict and the rest of the Cincinnati Bengals reported for training camp Wednesday, but it remains to be seen how often the linebacker will be on the field during the next six weeks. For the third year in a row, Burfict will be suspended for the beginning of the regular season. This year it’s a four-game ban for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances...

Cincinnati Bengals: Heart ailment behind him, Fisher excited for a minicamp without restrictions

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The first day of minicamp marked a fresh start for Cincinnati Bengals tackle Jake Fisher, who was cleared to participate in 11-on-11 drills for the first time since a heart ailment ended his 2017 season in November. “I was able to get out there and put my best foot forward and just keep getting better, knock some rust off,” Fisher said. “I’ve been trying to get back, so it&rsquo...

Cincinnati Bengals: Dunlap talks about decision to skip voluntary OTAs

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

While his teammates were voluntarily sweating it out during OTA practices and his agent was trying to negotiate a new contract, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap spent the last few weeks surfing the black-sand beaches of Costa Rica, riding four-wheelers in the rain forest, buying a house in Miami, taking the speed train to Milan and touring Army and Air Force bases in Italy and Germany...

Cincinnati Bengals: 5 things to watch for at minicamp

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals will hold their minicamp Tuesday through Thursday, which marks the beginning of the end for the offseason program. When the minicamp ends Thursday afternoon, players will scatter across the country to enjoy a six-week break before reporting to training camp July 25. The only difference between the minicamp and the OTA practices the team has been conducting the last three weeks...

Bengals A.J. Green says he’s healthy, good to go for minicamp

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green said he expects to return to 11-on-11 drills next week for the team’s mandatory minicamp after injuring his quadricep May 29 during an OTA practice. “I’ll be back,” Green said Friday morning during a break from his youth camp at Sycamore High School. Green participated in position drills Tuesday in the first practice open to the media...

Cincinnati Bengals: 5 observations from rookie camp

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals held their rookie camp over the weekend, and it resulted in three tryout players performing well enough to earn contracts . Here are five other observations from the weekend: Price participates First-round pick Billy Price not only was in uniform for the rookie camp, he was able to run a few drills despite recovering from a surgically repaired pectoral...

Cincinnati Bengals: Defensive rookies eager to learn from veterans

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Cincinnati Bengals’ rookie minicamp was a little more difficult than safety Jessie Bates expected. The second-round draft pick out of Wake Forest said practice surprisingly went a little more smoothly Monday when the rookies joined the veterans at the team’s voluntary workout program for the first time. The Bengals draft picks and college free agent signees participated in a three-day...

Rookie quarterback’s dream of playing for Bengals off to positive start

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Two weeks have passed since the Cincinnati Bengals picked Logan Woodside in the seventh round, but the Frankfort, Ky. native sounded just as excited for his first rookie camp practice as he did on draft night when his favorite team growing up took a chance on him. “That’s something I always wanted was to be drafted by the Bengals, and them taking me in the seventh round means they believe...

5 things to know about the Cincinnati Bengals draft

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

One year after drafting one of the least productive first-round picks in franchise history, the Cincinnati Bengals will be back on the clock Thursday night when the NFL Draft gets underway in Dallas. Last year’s first-found pick, wide receiver John Ross, was injured most of the year and ended up playing 17 snaps with no catches, one rush and one lost fumble as the Bengals posted a second-consecutive...

Breaking down the Bengals schedule game by game

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals will play three of their first four games and three of their final four on the road, and they have just one primetime game. The last time they played three of their first four on the road was 2012. The last time they played three of final four on the road was 2009. The last time they did both? Never. This season also will be the first time since 2011 they aren’t scheduled...

5 predictions for the Bengals 2018 schedule

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals will find out who they open the 2018 season against — and where — at 8 p.m. Thursday when the NFL announces its regular-season schedule. The Bengals already know who their 16 opponents will be. They will face Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Denver, Oakland, New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Miami at home, and Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Carolina, Atlanta...

Tobin: “All options on table” when it comes to Bengals’ QB situation

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Heading into the 2017 NFL Draft, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said the only position the team would not consider with the No. 9 overall pick was quarterback. That will not be the case when the Bengals pick 12th this year. “All options are on the table,” director of player personnel Duke Tobin said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. But regardless of whether...

New details on arrest of former NFL player, local coach

by Richard Wilson

Court and police records obtained by this news organization provide more details about what happened on Statehouse Court in Sugarcreek Twp. the night former NFL player and current Centerville High School football coach P.K. Sam II was arrested. The records obtained from Xenia Municipal Court allege that the 34-year-old ex-wide receiver broke into his own home after returning from a night in downtown...

5 things new Bengals defensive coordinator needs to address

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

New Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Teryl Austin takes over a group that has a solid foundation but is in need of some upgrades. With elite players at each level with defensive tackle Geno Atkins, linebacker Vontaze Burfict and emerging star cornerback William Jackson, Austin inherits a more talented group than he left behind in Detroit, where he was the defensive...

COMMENTARY: Cincinnati Bengals bringing back Marvin Lewis boggles the mind

by Marcus Hartman

The Cincinnati Bengals announced late Tuesday afternoon they don’t care about winning or selling tickets. The second part is a lot more surprising than the first (to be honest). OK, these things weren’t spelled out specifically in the press release confirming Marvin Lewis will be back as the team’s coach next fall, but they didn’t have to be. While Lewis...

6 things to know about Bengals win against Ravens

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals pulled off one of the most stunning wins of the Marvin Lewis era on Sunday when Andy Dalton converted on fourth and 12 by hitting Tyler Boyd for a 49-yard touchdown with 44 seconds left against Baltimore. The improbable score lifted the Bengals to a 31-27 victory and eliminated the Ravens from playoff contention. Here are 6 things to know about the...

Cincinnati Bengals: Jackson excelling after lost rookie season

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

A rough season for the Cincinnati Bengals has produced at least one bright spot. Bouncing back from a lost rookie campaign, cornerback William Jackson III has proven worthy of the team’s 2016 first-round draft pick. Jackson missed all of last season with a torn pectoral muscle suffered in training camp and hasn’t lost a step despite the long layoff from competition. Not only did he gradually...

5 things to watch for in Bengals game vs. Lions

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Cincinnati Bengals fans will be hoping for a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past on Sunday when the team plays host to the Detroit Lions at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals are 3-1 when playing at home on Christmas eve. And they are 14-4 in their last 18 home finales, including 8-0 when they don’t have any playoff hopes on the line. That will be the case again as the Bengals sit...

Possible coaching replacements if Cincinnati Bengals move on from Marvin Lewis

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Whether Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was being honest or simply doing damage control when he said in postgame press conference Sunday that he has not made a decision regarding his future, the reality is that the choice is not his alone to make. Bengals owner and president Mike Brown and the other key decision makers, namely executive vice president Katie Blackburn and vice president...

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis on future: ‘I have not made any decisions’

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Following Sunday’s 34-7 loss at Minnesota, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis denied a report that said he will leave the team at the end of the season. Asked if the report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter was accurate, Lewis said, “No.” “It’s the same report you guys have been reporting on all season,” he added. “There’s nothing changed since...

Marvin Lewis and the Cincinnati Bengals: It’s complicated

by Marcus Hartman

The Cincinnati Bengals’ winningest head coach reportedly isn’t coming back next season, and nobody seems surprised or unhappy about it. What a world, huh? In case you missed it, ESPN reported Sunday morning Marvin Lewis has decided not to make any effort to return as head coach of the Bengals next season. His contract is up, and he isn’t going to seek...

Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals: 5 things to watch

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

While mathematically still alive for the playoffs, the reality of the situation is that today’s game against the Chicago Bears will be more of a test of will and pride than X’s and O’s for the Cincinnati Bengals. And more often than not, the Bengals have passed those types of tests when they’ve been presented with them under head coach Marvin Lewis. In the previous 10 seasons...

Bengals-Steelers: Injuries, ‘dirty’ hits pile up in latest edition of heated rivalry

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster’s fourth-quarter takedown of Vontaze Burfict drew mixed reactions among Cincinnati Bengals players after Monday night’s 23-20 loss at Paul Brown Stadium. While some called it a “dirty hit,” others were quick to write it off as an unfortunate football injury typical of a heated rivalry. Smith-Schuster was flagged for unnecessary...

Bengals legend Boomer Esiason on Marvin Lewis’ lame-duck status: ‘I’ve never really seen anything like this’

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason said his former team needs an infusion of energy, seemingly hinting it might be time for a coaching change. However, when asked specifically if he thought this should be Marvin Lewis’ last year, Esiason backed off his previous statement. Esiason, who led Cincinnati to the Super Bowl in 1988, was one of 20 “Bengals Legends” to be...

Battle of Ohio: 5 things Browns coach Hue Jackson said about the Bengals, his former team

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Cleveland Browns coach and former Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson spoke with reporters in Cincinnati on a conference call this week. Here are five takeaways from what he said about his team and the one that used to employ him, as his Browns set to play the Bengals on Sunday in the 89th Battle of Ohio: Jackson speaks with the Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis every week – except when...

This week in Bengals history: Nov. 26

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals have played six times on Nov. 26, and they are 3-3 in those contests. Here is a look at each game: Nov. 26, 2006 – Cincinnati Bengals 30, Cleveland Browns 0 at Cleveland Browns Stadium Carson Palmer threw two touchdown passes to Chris Henry and one to T.J. Houshmandzadeh as the Bengals improved to 6-5. Following the first TD pass to Henry, Shayne Graham kicked his 158th...

Predicting Bengals-Browns and all Week 12 games

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Jay Morrison offers his predictions for Week 12 of NFL games. Minnesota Vikings (8-2) at Detroit Lions (6-4) Never pick against the Lions on Thanksgiving. Pick: Lions 27, Vikings 24 Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) at Dallas Cowboys (5-5) Never pick against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Pick: Cowboys 31, Chargers 24 Follow Jay Morrison on Twitter New York Giants (2-8) at Washington...

Cincinnati Bengals: Former first-round pick could be in line for more action with Pacman concussed

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones missed his second consecutive practice Thursday due to the concussion he suffered Sunday in the 24-20 loss at Tennessee, which means it’s unlikely he will play Sunday at Denver. That could create an opportunity for William Jackson to make his second NFL start if he is able to recover from the toe injury that forced him out of the Titans game in the...

Predicting Bengals-Titans and all Week 10 games

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Jay Morrison offers his predictions for Week 10 of NFL games. Green Bay Packers (4-4) at Chicago Bears (3-5) The Packers have won 12 of 14 vs. the Bears, but those were with Aaron Rodgers. Pick: Bears 17, Packers 16 Cleveland Browns (0-8) at Detroit Lions (4-4) This is the week … that looks like all other weeks. Pick: Lions 34, Browns 10 ›› Nov....

Bengals AJ McCarron able to laugh about trade that wasn’t

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Hearing that his trade to Cleveland had fallen apart when the Browns failed to submit paperwork in time was not the most disappointing thing Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback AJ McCarron had to deal with on Halloween. “What I’m more upset about is we got all that candy and nobody showed up to the house,” McCarron joked with reporters who had flocked to his locker Wednesday afternoon...

5 things to know about Bengals win vs. Colts

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The win means the Cincinnati Bengals are still in the hunt for a playoff berth. The way they went about it might suggest otherwise. The Bengals had their hands full with a reeling Indianapolis Colts team Sunday night afternoon and appeared headed toward a long week of uncomfortable conversations before defensive end Carlos Dunlap rescued them. Dunlap’s 16-yard interception return for a touchdown...

5 things to know about Bengals win vs. Bills

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

Just like that, the 0-3 start is a distant memory after the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Buffalo Bills 20-16 Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium. The win moves the Bengals to 2-3 heading into their bye week, while the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers lost at home to Jacksonville to fall to 3-2. »RELATED: Bengals rally to beat Bills; move one game behind Steelers Here are...

Archdeacon: Bengals players weigh in on recent anthem protests

by Tom Archdeacon, Columnist

Regardless of the way some people try to twist their message, they say they are not anti-American. They’re not against the national anthem, the flag or the military. And they’re certainly not SOBs. Late Sunday afternoon – following their 31-7 blowout of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium – a trio of Cincinnati Bengals players showed themselves to be passionate,...

5 things to know about Bengals win vs. Browns

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals took their first step toward rescuing a lost season Sunday at Cleveland in a battle of winless teams. The Bengals shook off a sluggish start and dominated the Browns for the final three quarters of a 31-7 triumph at FirstEnergy Stadium. The win moved Cincinnati to 1-3 with a home game against Buffalo (3-1) looming next Sunday ahead of the bye week. The Browns fell to 0-4...

6 things to know about Bengals loss to Packers

by Jay Morrison, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals got the Bill Lazor era off to a fast start Sunday at Green Bay before eventually wilting in the rare September heat and even rarer talent that is Aaron Rodgers. The Packers quarterback rallied his team from a 14-point deficit with a pair of second-half touchdown passes, including a 3-yarder to Jordy Nelson with 17 seconds left in the fourth quarter to force overtime. The Bengals...