The Stone Shields Show: Cincinnati Bengals, Reds, Bearcats Daily Sports Talk
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8 hours ago
8 hours ago
On today's show, we discuss what Joe Burrow had to say to Geoff Hobson regarding the Bengals offseason and schedule release. Plus, the Reds blew another late lead last night after Graham Ashcraft surrendered a home run to Bryson Stott in the 8th inning. Also, Brendan Sorsby files an injunction against the NCAA, and Aaron Rodgers officially returns to Pittsburgh.
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The Cincinnati Reds found another painful way to lose Monday night, coughing up a late lead in a 5-4 defeat to the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. For a team that looked poised to build momentum earlier this month, the latest collapse felt far too familiar. Cincinnati carried a 4-3 advantage into the bottom of the eighth inning after Spencer Steer delivered a clutch RBI double, only to watch the bullpen unravel again when Bryson Stott crushed a two-run homer with two outs.
That swing erased what had been a solid effort from much of the Reds roster. Nick Lodolo battled through traffic and kept Cincinnati in the game, while Sal Stewart continued his breakout season with a game-tying homer earlier in the night. The offense did enough to win on the road against a Phillies club that entered the series red hot, but once again the late innings became Cincinnati’s undoing.
The frustration surrounding the Reds is growing because these losses are beginning to pile up in identical fashion. The bullpen has been overworked, the defense has had shaky moments, and every narrow defeat seems to drain confidence from a talented young roster. Graham Ashcraft had been reliable for most of the season, but Stott’s decisive blast turned another winnable game into another gut punch.
At 20-11 earlier this month, the Reds looked like one of baseball’s surprise contenders. Now they are back at .500 and searching for answers. If Cincinnati wants to stay relevant in the National League playoff race, it has to figure out how to protect late leads before this rough stretch spirals into something much worse.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
2 days ago
2 days ago
On today's show, we break down the Bengals 2026 schedule. We discuss how this is another example of the offseason going well for Cincinnati, good primetime fortune, and the most pivotal stretch of the season. Plus, the Reds lose the series in Cleveland; they have now lost 12 of their last 16. Also, Aaron Rai rallies to win the PGA Championship.
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The biggest takeaway from the 2026 schedule for the Cincinnati Bengals is simple: the path back to the playoffs is there if they survive the opening month. Cincinnati opens against several dangerous opponents, including playoff-caliber teams like Tampa Bay, Houston, Pittsburgh, and Jacksonville. That stretch could define the season early, especially after the Bengals stumbled out of the gate in recent years.
After that, however, the schedule becomes much more manageable. Analysts have pointed out that the Bengals own one of the league’s easiest strength-of-schedule rankings entering 2026, thanks largely to games against the AFC South and NFC South. The middle and late portions of the schedule feature several rebuilding or inconsistent teams, giving Cincinnati a real chance to stack wins if Joe Burrow stays healthy.
Another major storyline is the favorable late-season setup. From Week 10 onward, the Bengals avoid many elite teams, and key games against rivals like Kansas City and Baltimore are scheduled at home. That could be huge in a crowded AFC playoff race where tiebreakers matter.
The international game in Madrid against the Atlanta Falcons also stands out. It gives Cincinnati added national exposure and another showcase for Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.
One quirky scheduling wrinkle: the Bengals do not get consecutive home games until Weeks 17 and 18, an unusual layout that could make sustaining momentum more difficult throughout the season.
Overall, the 2026 schedule feels like an opportunity. Cincinnati has enough star power and offseason upgrades — especially along the defensive line with Dexter Lawrence — to capitalize on a softer slate. If the Bengals avoid another slow start, this schedule sets up well for a return to postseason contention.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
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6 days ago
6 days ago
On today's show, we discuss the Reds' collapse against the Nationals after going up 5-0 in the first inning. Plus, Bengals schedule leaks before tonight's NFL schedule release, Colin Cowherd's comments on Joe Burrow and the Cavs defeating the Pistons in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
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The Cincinnati Reds somehow found a brand-new way to lose Wednesday night, coughing up a 5-0 first-inning lead and falling 8-7 in 10 innings to the Washington Nationals in a game that felt cursed from the second inning on. Tyler Stephenson’s grand slam should have been the start of an easy win at Great American Ball Park. Instead, it became the setup for another brutal collapse in a season suddenly drifting toward frustration and panic.
Nick Lodolo couldn’t hold the lead for more than a few minutes. Washington answered with four runs in the second inning and tied the game by the third, exposing a Reds pitching staff that has become wildly unreliable. The bullpen briefly stabilized things, but the offense repeatedly missed chances to put the Nationals away. Cincinnati stranded runners, failed to cash in on key late opportunities, and kept giving Washington life.
Then came the knockout punch. In the top of the 10th, Daylen Lile crushed a two-run homer off Tony Santillan into right-center field, stunning the crowd and putting the Reds behind for good. Santillan has struggled badly this season, and this latest meltdown only deepened concerns about Cincinnati’s relief corps.
The ending somehow became even more painful. Spencer Steer appeared to launch a dramatic game-tying homer in the bottom of the 10th, but fan interference turned it into a double after replay review. One run scored, but the Reds couldn’t finish the comeback, ending another miserable night with runners stranded and fans furious.
For a team trying to stay relevant in the NL Central race, this wasn’t just another loss. It felt like a warning siren.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
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7 days ago
7 days ago
On today's show, we discuss the news of the Cincinnati Bengals securing an international game in 2026 as they will be heading to Spain to play the Falcons. Plus, the Reds got dominated in game 1 vs. the Nationals, another Reds injury, and is it time to bench Ke'Bryan Hayes? Also, a PGA Championship preview before Round 1 begins tomorrow.
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The Cincinnati Bengals are heading overseas this season for one of the NFL’s biggest international matchups, as they prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain. The game will take place on Nov. 8 at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, and marks another major step in the NFL’s push to grow the sport globally.
For Cincinnati, the trip is more than just a regular-season game. It represents the franchise’s return to the international stage for the first time since London in 2019. Quarterback Joe Burrow has openly supported the idea of playing abroad and sees international games as an opportunity to expand football’s popularity worldwide. Burrow compared the NFL’s global ambitions to the NBA’s explosion in popularity during the Michael Jordan era, saying he hopes the Bengals can help lead football’s international growth.
The matchup itself should be entertaining. Cincinnati still features one of the league’s most explosive offenses, led by Burrow and star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, while Atlanta brings exciting talent of its own, including standout running back Bijan Robinson. The Falcons will technically serve as the home team for the game.
Madrid has quickly become an important destination for the NFL. After hosting its first regular-season game in 2025, the city earned another contest in 2026 as part of the league’s expanding international schedule. Spain is viewed as a growing football market, with millions of fans already following the sport.
For Bengals fans, this game offers a unique combination of football, travel, and global exposure. Whether watching from Ohio or from the stands in Spain, the orange and black will now have a chance to shine on one of the sport’s biggest international stages.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
Tuesday May 12, 2026
Tuesday May 12, 2026
On today's show, we break down all 11 Bengals UDFA signings as well as preview Thursday's NFL schedule release: Could the Bengals be playing a primetime game in Baltimore for the 5th straight year? Plus, should the NFL consider a draft lottery similar to the NBA? What's next for LeBron James?
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The 2026 schedule for the Cincinnati Bengals won’t officially drop until Thursday night, but the framework already hints at a fascinating season for Joe Burrow and company. Cincinnati appears set up for one of its more manageable schedules in recent years, at least on paper, thanks to matchups against the AFC South and NFC South outside the brutal AFC North rotation.
The biggest storyline will again be survival inside the division. Games against the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to determine whether Cincinnati can finally reclaim control of the AFC North. The Ravens remain the standard after another strong season, while Pittsburgh’s physical style always creates problems for Zac Taylor’s team. Even the rebuilding Cleveland Browns can never be overlooked in divisional games.
Outside the division, the Bengals should have opportunities to stack wins. Home matchups against the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers look favorable if Burrow stays healthy. Road trips to face the Houston Texans and Washington Commanders could become major measuring-stick games against rising contenders.
Prime-time games also feel inevitable. Burrow remains one of the league’s biggest television draws, and Cincinnati could easily land multiple night games, especially against Baltimore, Houston, or the Kansas City Chiefs. Some early projections even speculate about a Bengals-Chiefs holiday showcase or a Thursday night showdown in Houston.
The timing of the schedule may matter as much as the opponents themselves. A fast start has become critical for Cincinnati after several sluggish openings in recent seasons. If the Bengals avoid an early AFC North gauntlet, 2026 could finally be the season they return to serious Super Bowl contention.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
On today's show, we discuss the Reds finally snapping out of their slump to win the series against the Astros. Plus, the Bengals signed two players over the weekend, rookie minicamp takeaways and should the Bengals sign Clyde Edwards-Helaire?
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After an uneven start to the 2026 season, Andrew Abbott is beginning to look like the pitcher who earned All-Star recognition a year ago. The left-hander continued his resurgence Sunday against the Houston Astros, firing six scoreless innings in the Cincinnati Reds’ 5-0 win at Great American Ball Park. Abbott allowed only three hits, walked one, and struck out five, including multiple punchouts of Yordan Alvarez, while never allowing a Houston runner to reach scoring position.
The outing pushed Abbott’s scoreless innings streak to 16.2 innings, a dominant stretch that has completely changed the tone around his season. Just a couple weeks ago, his ERA sat north of five and questions lingered about whether he could rediscover the command and confidence that made him one of Cincinnati’s most dependable starters in 2025. Now, Abbott looks composed again, locating his fastball on the corners and mixing his breaking pitches effectively to keep hitters off balance.
What stands out most during this run is efficiency. Abbott needed only 85 pitches to complete six innings against Houston, and he retired nine consecutive batters during one stretch of the game. The Astros, despite featuring dangerous bats like Alvarez and Jose Altuve, never generated sustained pressure.
For the Reds, Abbott’s resurgence could not come at a better time. Cincinnati has battled inconsistency early this season, but strong starting pitching remains the club’s clearest path back into the National League Central race. If Abbott continues to resemble the pitcher who broke onto the scene with historic scoreless streaks as a rookie in 2023, the Reds rotation suddenly becomes a major strength again.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
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Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
On today's show, we discuss the Reds getting walked off by the Cubs for the third consecutive night after Brock Burke issued a bases-loaded walk to Michael Busch in the bottom of the 10th inning. Also, we break down the updated Cincinnati Bengals depth chart as rookie minicamp approaches.
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The Cincinnati Reds are finding new and increasingly painful ways to lose baseball games, and this week at Wrigley Field has turned into a full-blown nightmare. For the third straight night, the Reds were walked off by the rival Chicago Cubs, this time in a crushing 7-6 extra-innings loss that perfectly captured the frustration surrounding Cincinnati’s recent skid.
What makes this stretch so brutal is that the Reds have had chances to win every one of these games. On Wednesday night, Cincinnati actually carried a 6-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth after a late offensive rally sparked by Spencer Steer. Then came another bullpen collapse. Pete Crow-Armstrong launched a game-tying homer, the crowd erupted, and the Reds suddenly looked rattled again. In the 10th inning, after intentionally walking Seiya Suzuki to load the bases, Cincinnati pitcher Brock Burke lost Michael Busch on a 3-1 pitch that nearly hit him, forcing in the winning run with a walk-off walk.
That ending somehow felt even worse than the previous two nights. Monday’s defeat came on a Michael Conforto walk-off homer. Tuesday’s loss arrived on Busch’s RBI single in the 10th. By Wednesday, the Reds looked emotionally exhausted, and fans sounded the same way online, with many questioning the bullpen management and late-game execution.
The losing streak has now stretched to six games overall, and what once looked like a promising season is suddenly drifting sideways. The Reds still have talent, especially with young stars like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain, but their inability to close games is becoming impossible to ignore. For three straight nights, they got close enough to touch victory — and watched the Cubs celebrate instead.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
Wednesday May 06, 2026
Wednesday May 06, 2026
On today's show, we discuss the Reds losing their 5th straight game and second straight in walk-off fashion. Plus, Dax Hill says he wants to stay at outside cornerback in 2026 and Joe Burrow speaks with Vanity Fair on the Bengals' offseason.
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The Cincinnati Reds suffered a tough 3–2 extra-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field, a game that slipped away late despite a strong overall performance. It marked another frustrating chapter in a series where Cincinnati has struggled to close out tight contests.
Early on, the Reds looked in control. They jumped ahead with solo home runs from JJ Bleday in the first inning and Nathaniel Lowe in the sixth, giving them a 2–0 lead. Starter Andrew Abbott was sharp, holding the Cubs scoreless into the sixth inning and keeping their lineup largely quiet. His command and efficiency put Cincinnati in position to secure a much-needed win. However, the game began to turn in the later innings. The Cubs chipped away with a run in the seventh before Michael Busch tied it in the eighth with a solo home run. From that point on, momentum shifted clearly in Chicago’s favor.
A critical moment came in the ninth inning when Reds closer Emilio Pagán exited with a hamstring injury after throwing just one pitch. His sudden departure disrupted the bullpen plan and forced Cincinnati to improvise in a high-leverage situation. The game went to extra innings, where the Cubs completed the comeback. In the 10th, Busch delivered again with a walk-off RBI single, sealing the 3–2 victory and extending Chicago’s winning streak.
For the Reds, the loss highlighted recurring issues: missed opportunities, bullpen instability, and an inability to hold late leads. Despite solid pitching and timely early offense, they couldn’t finish the job. As the losing streak grows, Cincinnati will need to quickly regroup to avoid further slipping in the division race.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
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Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday May 05, 2026
On today's show, we discuss a devastating 5-4 Reds loss last night against the Cubs, where Emilio Pagan blew his third save of the season. Plus, are the Cardinals interested in Aaron Rodgers? Is it too early to crown Arch Manning as the #1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft?
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The Cincinnati Reds had nine innings to secure a win at Wrigley Field, and for most of the night, they looked capable of doing exactly that. They built an early lead, lost it, then fought back again—exactly the kind of gritty, back-and-forth game that defines a competitive club. But when the ball landed in Emilio Pagán’s hand in the ninth inning, everything unraveled in a way that has become painfully familiar.
Pagán entered in a save situation with a 4–3 lead, tasked with recording just three outs. Instead, he recorded only two. A leadoff triple—helped along by a misplay in center—immediately put pressure on him. That runner soon scored on a sacrifice fly, erasing the lead and shifting momentum entirely to the Cubs.
Even then, the damage could have been contained. A tie game on the road is survivable. But Pagán couldn’t stop the bleeding. After getting one out, he delivered a pitch that Chicago’s Michael Conforto crushed for a walk-off home run, ending the game instantly and sealing a 5–4 Reds loss.
Statistically, it goes down as a blown save and a loss: two runs allowed on two hits in just two-thirds of an inning. But numbers don’t fully capture the impact. This wasn’t just a bad outing—it was a gut punch in a game the Reds had every opportunity to win.
What makes it worse is the broader context. Cincinnati has struggled to close out tight games during this stretch, and this collapse marked another one-run defeat during a losing streak. In that sense, Pagán’s meltdown wasn’t isolated—it was emblematic of a bullpen that has been shaky when it matters most.
Closers live on a knife’s edge. When they succeed, the job looks routine; when they fail, it’s magnified. On this night, Pagán didn’t just miss—he turned a winnable game into a crushing loss, and that’s the kind of outing that lingers well beyond a single box score.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow
Monday May 04, 2026
Monday May 04, 2026
On today's show, we discuss the Reds getting swept by the Pirates in what was a series in which next to nothing went well for Cincinnati. Also, DeAndre Hopkins hinted at wanted to team up with Joe Burrow: Should the Bengals sign him? Plus, the 76ers come back from 3-1 to beat the Celtics, and Cam Young wins at Doral.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates put together a dominant and well-rounded performance over the weekend, sweeping the Cincinnati Reds with wins of 9–1, 17–7, and 1–0. The three-game set showcased just how versatile Pittsburgh can be, winning with both explosive offense and lockdown pitching.
The series opened with a convincing 9–1 victory, as the Pirates set the tone early. Their lineup applied steady pressure, stringing together hits and capitalizing on mistakes. Meanwhile, the pitching staff kept Cincinnati’s offense quiet, allowing little room for any comeback. It was a balanced effort that highlighted Pittsburgh’s ability to control a game from start to finish.
If Game 1 was controlled, Game 2 was a full-on offensive eruption. The Pirates exploded for 17 runs, overwhelming the Reds in nearly every inning. Hits came from throughout the lineup, with multiple players contributing big performances. Extra-base hits, timely swings, and relentless pressure turned the game into a rout. Cincinnati simply had no answer, as Pittsburgh took advantage of every opportunity and showed the depth of its offense.
The finale told a completely different story, but with the same result. In a tight 1–0 win, the Pirates relied on elite pitching and defensive execution. Every pitch mattered, and the staff delivered under pressure, shutting out the Reds and preserving the narrow lead. It was a testament to their ability to win in different ways—slugging when needed and grinding out close games when offense is scarce.
Outscoring Cincinnati 27–8 over the series, Pittsburgh demonstrated a clear edge in execution, consistency, and adaptability. Whether through power at the plate or precision on the mound, the Pirates dictated the terms all weekend, leaving the Reds searching for answers as the division race continues.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
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