Bleav in Cincy

On this episode: Some final thoughts on Trey Hendrickson and how the Ravens handled that situation. Any truth to the Maxx Crosby trade rumors linking the Bengals? How do we feel about the Allen signing and Brown’s extension? What may be next for the team in free agency A little bit about draft buzz with workouts underway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It was a slow start to free agency for the Bengals, but noon turned into afternoon, the Bengals made their moves Seriously, they made both of their moves, and it's been radio silence for two days. I mean what is that about? But I digress. The team made two pick signings. They signed Bryan Cook who was widely seen as the top safety in free agency. Finally, they did something to solidify that position in a meaningful way. The former Cincinnati Bearcat comes home. Tears in his eyes, I suppose. This was a great move for the Bengals, but it was not enough. Should we do one more? Let's do one more. Okay, one more it is. People have asked, "Who is this year's Trey Hendrikson." Well, it might just be Boye Mafe. They gave the young edge rusher a huge contract betting more on his future than his past. Like Hendrickson he might be right on the fringe of his breakout The excitement from these moves slowly decreased then to turned largely into rage as we got into Wednesday night and there was still no third move. It's coming. I'm telling you, it's coming. They have the money. The Bengals were also involved in the John Franklin-Myers sweepstake, but despite an initial report from a phony Twitter account, Ed McMahon did not come knocking on their door. Logan Hall was the other name to consider in this unimpressive lineup of interior rushers, but he went to Houston on the cheap, so it appears the Bengals were not in on that deal. Which is wired because it would have made a lot of sense. I am not totally confident in Hall, but he has the versatility to play the run on the edge, which would at least give them some value if he didn't pan out as an interior rusher. Speaking of making sense, let's talk Leo Chenel. He would have made a lot of sense for this defense. He is a linebacker who has some crazy athletic traits, is young, and has that oh so important ability to line up on the edge. He would have been an excellent complement to Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight, but alas, it was not meant to be. He wound up in Washington on a very reasonable deal. There was lots of talk from the fan base about Devin Lloyd, but apparently they were never involved even though everybody and their brother has been reporting that they have been interested in him. Perhaps it is Ezekiel Elliott all over again. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode: -The Bengals brought Bryan Cook back home to Cincinnati and he fills a major defensive need. -Cincinnati also agreed to terms to defensive lineman Boye Mafe from the Seahawks. -Which players may be next on the docket for them? -A few former Bengals signed elsewhere on Monday, as well. -And more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode: At last, some finality with the Trey Hendrickson situation. Dalton Risner is back with the Bengals and it's an early, positive key to the team's free agency period. What are the biggest needs for the Bengals heading into free agency at the draft? Who are the players we'd most want in free agency at defensive line, linebacker and safety? Our Pre-Combine Three-Round mock draft! And more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode: -Dissecting the recent quotes from Duke Tobin, Zac Taylor, Al Golden and Dan Pitcher. -Who are the known prospects with whom the Bengals have had visits thus far? -What's the latest Combine buzz around certain players? -Sonny Styles is a dynamic linebacker and could be in play for Cincinnati at No. 10. -And more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode: More updates on Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals re-signed some key young depth pieces ahead of free agency. Some thoughts from NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah and his media conference call. Might an intriguing slot receiver be in play for the Bengals at No. 41 overall? A versatile, but older defensive lineman could provide help along Cincinnati's defensive line. And more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Matt and Willie Know Ball, your favorite ball-knowers discuss the idea of a Trey Hendrickson tag and trade. Tagging a player does not mean you are on the hook for that money. Quite the contrary. You can rescind the tag at any time before it is signed, and Hendrickson will be in no hurry to sign it. He wants out. He wants more than a one-year deal. Hendrickson has no intention of playing another down for the Bengals, but they should not let him walk out the door for nothing. Yes, he is in his 30s. Yes, he is coming off an injury. Yes, whoever acquires him is going to have to pay him a hefty fee. It doesn't matter. He is still the top free agent. He is still a year removed from leading the league in sacks. He is still a guy who had 35 sacks in two years. No, they aren't going to get what the Dallas Cowboys got for Micah Parsons. Parsons is 6 years younger and wasn't coming off a season ending injury. They can however get something. It starts with a third. That should be the asking price, a third round pick in 2026. If a few teams are interested in him for that, maybe it becomes a little more. Maybe a day three pick or a player is added. Maybe the third even becomes a second. Or maybe it goes the other way and you only get a fifth round pick. Who cares? It is something! The idea that it could be Kenny Clark occurred to me until I saw his contract. If I have a choice between Trey for $30 million or Clark for $20 million, the Treys have it. But maybe the next unappreciated B.J. Hill type is out there somewhere waiting for his moment to shine. Like a peacock, you gotta let him fly. We also talk about the Jalen Davis extension. Not only is it crat news, it was the next thing that needed to happen before we get to Dalton Risner. Both Davis and Risner stepped in and solidified the team this season. They should both be very reasonably priced compared to what their contribution to the team is. These are guys you've got to sign. There is no reason to create a need on your roster. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode: The Trey Hendrickson saga continues... It's obvious that the Bengals defense needs help--what's the best avenue? A former Chiefs linebacker could bring a versatile skill set to greatly aid the Bengals. Peter Woods is a polarizing, but talented interior defensive lineman in this year's draft. And more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hot take alert! I (Matt) like Caleb Downs but find the prospect of drafting him at 10 rather uninspiring. I feel like I'm going out on a limb saying this. The consensus appears to be very high on Downs. There is, of course, the fact that he is a safety and safeties rarely go on the top 10. Honestly. I don't really care about that. It's not about position value. It is the lack of special traits. Downs is a good player who I would love to have on the Bengals defense, but I don't know if there is anything about him that is special. I know. You hate me, right? Not only is it a controversial take, but about a Buckeye no less. For shame. Can Willie talk him out of it? He's pretty high on Downs. Not only that, he's a true Ohio State guy. Surely Willie can talk some sense into me. Right? There is only one way to find out. Tune in to hear why I haven't bought in on Downs and see if Willie can bring me back into the light. Then we randomly veered off into a long conversation about pass rushers and money ball. What do the Bengals need to do to fix their pass rush? Is it on the inside? Is it on the outside? Is it in house? Is it in free agency? Is it in the draft? Maybe it's Maxx Crosby. Maybe it's Jeffery Simmons. Sorry, it's not Trey Hendrickson at this point. Matt and Willie discuss how to replace Giambi, I mean Henderickson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on Matt and Willie Know Ball, the duo dips their toes into the waters of what is to come.  The Bengals need help. We all know that it’s true. The good news is that they have money to spend and draft picks to select. So who should be the targets? Defense is the obvious need, which is a pretty broad statement and yet quite true. The defense was so bad in 2024, that it got Lou Anarumo fired and it was arguably worse in 2025. That puts Al Golden in a very awkward position and he looks to lead his unit on a massive turnaround next season.  Whether it was the volume knob or the AM/PM, last year, the Bengals  slept through most of free agency. In de facto general manager Duke Tobin historic post season press conference he proclaimed his affection for pass rushers and his deep desire to address that dire need, But to equate head coach Zac Taylor “I hear better than I see.” Will Duke put his money where his mouth is, or the Brown family’s money where his mouth is to be more accurate? He had better.  Matt and Willie each share one of their favorite Bengals targets in both free agency and the draft. Not surprisingly, all four players are on defense.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode: Chase Brown talks about the Offensive Line improvement last year. Tee Higgins and Chase Brown talk about the Bengals' mindset heading into 2026. the duo gives their thoughts about Dan Pitcher's abilities as an OC. And much more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some coaching dominoes are starting to fall, as the Conference Championship Games are this weekend. John and Anthony also look at a couple of intriguing prospects from out West that could intrigue the Bengals. Presented by FanDuel: https://www.fanduel.com/ Presented by FOCO: https://www.foco.com/collections/Cinc... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason and Alex are back to discuss the Bengals' last two losses to the Bills and Ravens. They talk about being eliminated from the playoffs for the third consecutive year, and the fact there will likely be no coaching changes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Darkness.  As I examined the rest of the Bengals schedule after their most recent loss, I realized that they might now win another game.  There are the Dolphins, who they have a history of blowing it against, the Cardinals, who have tight end Trey McBride who is likely to put up insane numbers against these safeties.and the Browns, who just seem to have the Bengals number inexplicably.  Honestly, then I listened to some other podcasts and heard what the downers have to say and said to myself “snap out of it! Stop being such a quitter and figure out how they can get better.” So that is where I am at now.  The next few weeks will be rough, but I see progress. Zac Taylor will be the coach next year. Al Golden will be the defensive coordinator. Duke Tobin will be the general manager. We are fooling ourselves if we say any different.  Some of us love to claim that Taylor has lost the locker room every time they lose a game, but it isn’t true. They love him.  Golden’s development of players has been slower than we would have wanted, but guys are starting to come along. Lou Anarumo’s defense wasn’t any good when he didn’t have the dudes either.  Duke is Duke. We don’t need to rehash it. He has had some success in the draft, but the big difference from other teams is that when the Bengals flub up the draft, they don’t buy their way out with free agents. They are disciplined to a fault. That’s not Duke. That’s ownership. They are who they are too. On this week’s episode of Matt and Willie Know Ball, Willie and I reexamine the life choices that led tom us hosting a Bengals podcast, then we say FIDO and get back to work. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason and Alex are back for another episode, brought to you by FanDuel. This time they react to the awesome win over the Ravens on the road on Thanksgiving, and their upcoming game against the Bills, as well as...... a possible path to the playoffs? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s almost Thanksgiving and Mattt and Willie have a cornucopia of thoughts on the state of the Bengals. Join us and follow on Bleav for all the latest Bengals news and takes.  Matt and Willie are thankful for a defense that is finally showing life. In this episode of Matt and Willie Know Ball, the ball-knowers tackle the defense.  Are the linebacker deep-fried turkey or a delicious turducken of talent with all the fixins? Just like when the parade is ending and pregame has begun, things seem to be trending in the right direction. Barrett Carter shook off his missed-tackle woes and had 16 total tackles this week. Carter has been calling the defensive shots and taking every single defensive snap since usurping Logan Wilson. Not unlike cranberry sauce in the shape of a can, he may be criminally underrated for what he has done as a rookie and the career trajectory he is currently projecting. Like a forgotten side dish, it’s better late than never for Myles Murphy. Over the last two weeks he has really flashed. With both Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart out, Murphy has seen a lot more action. He has taken advantage of this, looking good against both the run and the pass and producing a sack. I’ll take seconds of that. McKinnley Jackson has finally been promoted from the kiddie table and is making me wonder why he spent so much time on the inactive list. You can pass the masked potatoes, but you aren’t getting anything past Jackson in the run game. He anchors down like Uncle Ricky on the lazy boy and he isn’t going anywhere. Deep in the back of the refrigerator, the Bengals found some leftovers that still have some flavor. No, not the scalloped potatoes, Jalen Davis. Moving Davis up from the practice squad and rounded out the Bengals secondary menu very nicely. He played a large role and for the defense last week and showed no signs of spoilage. Tryptophan aside, people are sleeping on this Bengals run game. Chase Brown and more importantly this offensive line have really caught their stride. New offensive line coach Scott Peters is looking like a great hire.  Now can they keep it up as Joe Burrow looks to make his return on Thursday night? Burrow will have his work cut out for him if he hopes to get the Bengals season back on track. Black Friday may be coming up, but the Bengals win/loss record is so deep into the red, that it will take them until New Years to get them out.  Oh well, the Rose Bowl is a better parade anyway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason and Alex are back to discuss the fact Joe Burrow is practicing in full and all signs point to him making a return in 2025. They discuss whether or not he should. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode: Joe Burrow was a full participant at practice this week. Is he going to play sooner than expected? What are the expectations for Burrow and the Bengals upon his return at 3-7? What's the impetus behind Burrow's rushed return? The Bengals are in the headlines in the worst way after their loss to the Steelers. What challenges do the Patriots provide this Sunday? And more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Bengals are like a super-manipulative party who convinces you they are going to change just as you are about to give up on the relationship. They lost the must win game a week ago, and yet a glimmer of hop appears in Cartier glasses. Joe Burrow was a full participant at practice this week, which as we all know in light of the Lamar Jackson saga means he is not just practice but taking starter reps. With Joe, anything is possible. It is not likely, but all of the sudden running the table doesn't seem crazy. Infeasible, sure, but not crazy. Of course, the Bengals will be without Ja'Marr Chase, who gave Jalen Ramsey a Romanowski hello last weekend. Still, where there is Joe Burrow, there is hope. But does it even matter? This defense isn't getting any better. Al Golden told us after Week 1 that he didn't want to play Trey Hendrickson that much because it wasn't good for him, but that they had to in order to win. He nailed that take and he hasn't made a good call since (bada tish!). Seriously, Hendrickson was overworked and now he's hurt. The defense without him is... I don't even have a word. Whatever the opposite of "scrumtrulescent*" is. The rookies who needed to step up defensively, have stepped left and right and do-si-doed, but definitely not stepped up. In fact, as the weeks go on and on, this unit is looking more and more like a complete overhaul. Yeah, the defense is bad, so let's all just sit in the corner rocking back and former muttering to ourselves "Joe is coming, Joe is coming," like Bart Simpson at Kamp Krusty, *"Scrumtrulescent" is a made-up word from an old Will Ferrell Saturday Night Live Sketch in which he played James Lipton from Inside the Actors Studio Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason and Alex are refreshed after the bye week, but they're not overly confident the Cincinnati Bengals used that week off to make any improvements that will matter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.