The Stone Shields Show: Cincinnati Bengals, Reds, Bearcats Daily Sports Talk

Bengals Quit On Zac Taylor? Stone's Week 4 NFL Power Rankings, Reds Preview Before Showdown With Pirates, Jaxson Dart Time In NY?

On today's show we discuss if the Bengals quit on Zac Taylor, Bengals issues in the run game and lack of creativity on offense. Also, Stone provides his NFL power rankings going into Week 4 and previews Reds vs. Pirates.
Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!
Tonight, September 23, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds host the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a pivotal three-game series at Great American Ball Park, with everything on the line in the NL Wild Card race. Sitting at 79-76 after a gritty 6-3 win over the Cubs on Saturday—capped by Spencer Steer's scorching four-homer streak—the Reds have clawed into the third Wild Card spot, one game ahead of the surging New York Mets (78-77) and tied with the Giants for the final berth. Their magic number to clinch is 6: a combination of Reds wins and Mets losses that locks in postseason entry.
This isn't just survival; it's redemption for a franchise starved for October baseball since a 2020 Wild Card sweep. With six games left—all divisional, including this Pirates set and a road finale against the Brewers—the Reds control their destiny in the razor-thin NL Central scrum. A win tonight, behind probable starter Hunter Greene's electric heat, could drop that magic number to 5 and tilt momentum against a Pirates squad that's 72-83 but pesky at home. Lose, and the Mets' tiebreaker edge looms large, potentially dooming Cincinnati to another heartbreaking fade.
Young guns like Elly De La Cruz and Steer have ignited a late surge, but the bullpen's fragility and road woes against Milwaukee amplify the peril. Playoffs mean national stage validation for GM Nick Krall's rebuild; missing them risks fan apathy and another lost winter. At stake: legacy, pride, and a ticket to the expanded postseason starting September 30. Win, and Cincy dreams big. Falter, and it's back to the drawing board. 
On September 21, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals suffered a brutal 48-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, their worst defeat ever, dropping them to 0-3. With Joe Burrow out (wrist fracture), backup Jake Browning struggled, completing 12 of 25 passes for 98 yards and two interceptions. The defense collapsed, allowing 412 yards, as Carson Wentz carved them up in relief of rookie JJ McCarthy. Fans on X erupted, slamming the "effortless" performance and Zac Taylor's play-calling. Despite the rout, insiders argue it’s too early to call it quits, citing Taylor’s playoff pedigree. The Bengals face a critical rebound test.
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Bengals Suffer Worst Loss In Franchise History, Reds Leapfrog Mets For Final NL Wild Card Spot

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss the laundry list of things that went wrong for the Bengals in Minnesota as well as talk about the Reds sweeping the Cubs to overtake the Mets in the Wild Card race.
Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!
In a weekend that encapsulated the highs and lows of fandom, Cincinnati's sports landscape delivered gut-wrenching drama. The Bengals, already limping from a 0-2 start, suffered their most humiliating defeat in franchise history—a 45-7 evisceration at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon. What began as a hopeful redemption arc for Joe Burrow's squad devolved into a defensive masterclass for Minnesota, spearheaded by cornerback Byron Murphy II (formerly Josh Metellus in a bizarre naming glitch? No, wait—Byron Murphy? Actually, reports pinpointed Isaiah Rodgers as the nightmare). Rodgers etched his name in NFL lore with an 87-yard pick-six, a 66-yard fumble return touchdown off tight end Noah Fant, and two forced fumbles—one stripping Ja'Marr Chase. Carson Wentz, the Vikings' journeyman QB, diced Cincinnati's secondary for 173 yards and two scores, while Jordan Mason bulldozed for 116 rushing yards and a pair of TDs. The halftime dagger? A franchise-record 62-yard field goal as the clock expired, swelling Minnesota's lead to 31-3. Bengals fans, a sea of orange in U.S. Bank Stadium, streamed out early, their playoff dreams flickering like a faulty stadium light. For a team banking on Burrow's arm and Chase's speed, this 38-point rout exposed foundational cracks—coordination lapses, pass protection failures, and a secondary that might as well have been playing flag football. At 0-3, whispers of a lost season grow louder, with whispers of coaching scrutiny trailing Zac Taylor.
Yet, in the shadow of gridiron despair, the Reds ignited hope with a surgical 1-0 shutout over the Cubs, vaulting them into a tie with the Mets for the NL's third wild-card spot at 80-76. Elly De La Cruz's leadoff double in the first, followed by a sacrifice fly from Spencer Steer, stood as the lone run, backed by Nick Martinez's gem—seven innings of two-hit ball, fanning eight. This victory, paired with New York's feeble 3-2 stumble against the Nationals (outdueled by bargain-bin hurlers Jake Irvin and Mitchell Parker), flipped the script. The Mets, once soaring with Juan Soto's MVP-caliber bat, have cratered with an 8-game skid and a 35-52 nosedive since mid-June—their $765 million payroll yielding White Sox-level futility. Cincinnati now holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Mets, a razor-thin edge in a scrum with the Diamondbacks lurking one game back. With three against the Pirates (whom they've owned 6-4) and a Brewers finale, the Reds' fate dangles tantalizingly. For a city nursing NFL wounds, this baseball surge feels like a salve—a reminder that in Cincinnati, resilience is the real MVP. As October beckons, the Queen City's pulse quickens: Can the Reds clinch a dance while the Bengals lick their wounds? Only the final week will tell.
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Bengals Injury Report, Andrew Whitworth On Bengals OL Issues, Reason To Believe In Jake Browning, 2025 NFL Playoff Predictions

On The Stone Shields Show today we discuss injuries heading into Bengals vs. Vikings, Andrew Whitworth's comments on the Bengals OL issues, reason to believe in Jake Browning + Stone's 2025 NFL playoff predictions from before the season. 
Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!
The Cincinnati Reds secured a victory against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 17, 2025, clinching the series with a strong performance led by Spencer Steer, who drove in five runs. The Reds' offense was potent, capitalizing on key moments to outpace the Cardinals, whose record fell to 73-77. The game, played at Busch Stadium, showcased Cincinnati’s ability to exploit pitching mistakes, with Steer’s standout contribution highlighted in posts on X. Despite their 74-75 record, the Reds remain a competitive force in the NL Central, though playoff odds are slim at 12.9%. This win underscores their resilience under manager Terry Francona, with the team leaning on offensive firepower to stay relevant in a tight wild card race.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has emerged as a strength in 2025, particularly evident in their 17-16 Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns. Under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, the unit limited Cleveland to 296 yards before a late drive, with DJ Turner II securing his first career interception and Jordan Battle adding another. Trey Hendrickson’s sack on Joe Flacco forced a missed field goal, sealing the victory. The defense’s performance was a marked improvement over 2024, when it struggled, allowing Cincinnati to overcome an anemic offense that managed just 141 total yards. This defensive resurgence has fueled optimism, with the Bengals (2-0) atop the AFC North, showing they can win gritty games.
The Minnesota Vikings’ Week 3 injury report ahead of their game against the Cincinnati Bengals lists 12 players, with over 20% of the 53-man roster affected. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and center Ryan Kelly (concussion) did not practice and are likely out, with Carson Wentz expected to start. Left tackle Justin Skule (concussion) also missed practice. Limited participants include linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (concussion), safety Harrison Smith (illness), and others with minor injuries. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) and cornerback Jeff Okudah (concussion) were full participants, signaling potential returns. The Vikings face depth challenges but show encouraging signs
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Joe Burrow The Next Andrew Luck? Stone's Week 3 NFL Power Rankings, Joel Klatt's Top Peforming QB's In College Football

On The Stone Shields Show today Stone discusses if Joe Burrow is the next Andrew Luck, provides his NFL power rankings heading into Week 3 and reacts to Joe Klatt's top 10 performing QB's in CFB so far this season.
Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!
In a frustrating shutdown affair at Busch Stadium, the Cincinnati Reds suffered a 3-0 defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night, September 16, 2025, dimming their fading playoff aspirations. The loss marked the Reds' fourth in five games, dropping them three games behind the New York Mets for the final National League Wild Card spot with just 12 contests left in the regular season. Cincinnati's offense, once a high-octane force, went ice-cold, managing only three hits against a stingy Cardinals staff.
Rookie right-hander Michael McGreevy dominated for St. Louis, delivering seven sharp innings with just three hits, three walks, and six strikeouts on 91 pitches. His poise silenced the Reds' bats, setting the stage for Thomas Saggese's pivotal two-run homer in the third inning that provided all the offense the home team needed. Relievers closed out the three-hitter, with Riley O’Brien notching his fifth save in a crisp 1-2-3 ninth.
On the mound, Reds starter Andrew Abbott struggled through 4 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs on eight hits while fanning seven. The defeat underscored Cincinnati's mounting inconsistencies—stranded runners and untimely errors plagued a lineup desperate for momentum after Monday's dramatic 11-6 comeback win. Manager David Bell lamented the missed opportunities, noting, "We couldn't string anything together tonight. Credit to their pitcher, but we've got to find our fight."
Shifting gears to the gridiron, the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) face a pivotal road test against the Minnesota Vikings (1-1) on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET on CBS, with Minnesota favored by 3.5 points and a total of 42 points.
Cincinnati enters hot off a gritty 31-27 thriller over Jacksonville, where backup QB Jake Browning stepped up amid Joe Burrow's indefinite injury absence. Browning's poise—highlighted by clutch late-game heroics—fuels optimism, but the Bengals' secondary talent, like Ja'Marr Chase, will clash with Minnesota's star Justin Jefferson. Running back Chase Brown (47 yards last outing) must exploit a Vikings rush defense that allowed 139 yards against Jacksonville.
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Bengals Sign Mike White & Sean Clifford, Notre Dame Dead? + More Baker Mayfield Heroics

On The Stone Shields Show today we discuss the Bengals signing Mike White & Sean Clifford, why there are many truths when it comes to Joe Burrow's injuries, Notre Dame's crushing loss to Texas A&M and more!
Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!
The Cincinnati Bengals' 2-0 start hit a gut-wrenching snag when star quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury in their 31-27 thriller over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14. Burrow, who threw for 76 yards and a touchdown before exiting, underwent surgery and faces at least three months sidelined—potentially until mid-December. Backup Jake Browning stepped up admirably, completing 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards, two scores, and three picks, including a game-winning 1-yard sneak with 18 seconds left. With Burrow out, whispers of a veteran addition swirl. Analysts eye Atlanta's Kirk Cousins for his experience, though his $24.4 million salary looms large, or Tampa Bay's Jameis Winston for a low-cost cannon arm to sling to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. A Jimmy Garoppolo trade from the Rams could add Super Bowl savvy cheaply, but Cincinnati's confidence in Browning—fresh off a 4-3 stint in 2023—might keep them steady for now. 
Shifting to college gridiron glory, No. 16 Texas A&M stunned No. 8 Notre Dame 41-40 in a Saturday night heart-stopper at Notre Dame Stadium on September 13. Sophomore QB Marcel Reed dazzled with 360 passing yards, two TDs, and a crucial 11-yard strike to Nate Boerkircher with 13 seconds left, capping a 74-yard drive. The Aggies (3-0) overcame a botched extra point on ND's late score, avenging last year's 23-13 loss with a prolific air attack—unlike their prior ground-and-pound struggle. Notre Dame (1-2) squandered a 40-34 lead, their playoff dreams dimming after a national title game run last season; defensive lapses and a blocked punt return TD haunted the Irish. A&M's road ranked win, first since 2014, signals SEC contender status under Mike Elko. 
Monday Night Football capped Week 2 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers edging the Houston Texans 20-19 on September 15, moving to 2-0 via late-game magic. Baker Mayfield outdueled C.J. Stroud, engineering a final drive for Rachaad White's 2-yard TD plunge with six ticks left. Tampa's 169 rushing yards overwhelmed Houston's 84, with Bucky Irving (71) and White (65) pounding the rock; Emeka Egbuka's screen TD gave the Bucs their first lead. The Texans (0-2) faltered on red-zone stalls and special teams woes, including a blocked punt; Nick Chubb's 25-yard score off a return couldn't salvage it. Houston's AFC South title repeat now teeters, while Mayfield's heroics echo his Week 1 rally.
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Have The Bengals Failed Joe Burrow After Latest Major Injury? + Bengals Improve To 2-0 After Wild Win vs. Jacksonville

On Off The Bench and The Stone Shields Show today we discuss the Bengals improving to 2-0 but losing star QB Joe Burrow to a toe injury in the process.
Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!
In the electrifying chaos of Week 2's NFL showdown on September 14, 2025, at Paycor Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals clawed to a thrilling 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking their first 2-0 start under head coach Zac Taylor since 2018. But the triumph was bittersweet, overshadowed by a devastating injury to star quarterback Joe Burrow.
Burrow, the Bengals' franchise cornerstone and reigning Comeback Player of the Year after a stellar 2024 rebound from wrist surgery, dazzled early. He completed 7 of 13 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, including a sharp 4-yard slant to Ja'Marr Chase in the first quarter. The offense hummed, with Chase erupting for 14 receptions and 165 yards—his best outing since the prior season. Yet, midway through the second quarter, disaster struck. On a second-down sack by Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead, Burrow's left cleat caught the turf awkwardly, hyperextending his big toe. He crumpled, clutching his ankle initially, before trainers zeroed in on the foot. Helped off the field and into the medical tent, Burrow underwent an immediate MRI, emerging on a one-legged scooter, unable to bear weight.
Diagnosed with turf toe—potentially a severe Grade 3 tear involving ligaments—the injury could sideline him for multiple weeks, or worse, up to three months if surgery is required. Images were rushed to renowned foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson, with reports indicating non-surgical options are fading. Burrow was spotted postgame in a walking boot and on crutches, a gut punch for a QB whose career has been plagued by setbacks: a rookie-year ACL rupture in 2020, a 2023 wrist fracture, and nagging knee strains.
Enter backup Jake Browning, the steady veteran who went 4-3 in Burrow's 2023 absence. Thrust into the fray with Cincinnati trailing 17-10 at halftime, Browning shook off early jitters—throwing three interceptions, including two picks forced by Bengals defenders Jordan Battle and Dax Hill on Trevor Lawrence. Yet, he steadied, finishing 21-of-32 for 241 yards and two scores. The game-winner? A masterful 93-yard, 15-play drive capped by Browning's 1-yard sneak with 18 seconds left, aided by a pass-interference call on Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter. Lawrence, meanwhile, torched the secondary for 294 yards and three TDs but faltered with two costly picks, dropping Jacksonville to 1-1.
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Bengals vs. Jaguars Preview, Thursday Night Football Reaction, Georgia vs. Tennessee, Best Bets Of The Weekend

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss the top 10 players to watch in Bengals vs. Jaguars, react to Green Bay's dominant win over the Commanders on Thursday Night Football, preview Georgia vs. Tennessee and Stone gives his best bets of the weekend!
Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!
The Cincinnati Bengals host the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14, 2025, in a pivotal AFC matchup. Cincinnati's Joe Burrow, the 2021 No. 1 pick, seeks to exploit Jacksonville's secondary with precise deep balls to receivers like Noah Fant, the tight end who scored in his debut. Facing him is Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, the 2021 No. 2 pick, who's leaned on rookie sensation Travis Hunter—a two-way star drafted No. 2 overall in 2025—who dazzled with 42 offensive snaps in Week 1. Key trenches battle: Jaguars DT Arik Armstead (71 QB hits career) pressures Bengals RG Dalton Risner, a recent addition who allowed just one pressure in his debut. On the ground, Jacksonville's Travis Etienne (143 yards last game) tests Cincinnati LB Logan Wilson (495 career tackles), while Jaguars nickel CB Jourdan Lewis shadows Fant in seam routes. This veteran-laden clash could hinge on interior line dominance.
On September 11, 2025, the Green Bay Packers edged the Washington Commanders 27-18 in a Thursday Night Football thriller. Packers QB Jordan Love orchestrated two TD passes—to Romeo Doubs (5 yards) and Tucker Kraft (8 yards)—while RB Josh Jacobs added a 2-yard score, building a 17-3 halftime lead. K Brandon McManus sealed it with field goals of 22 and 56 yards. Washington mounted a late rally behind QB Jayden Daniels' two TD strikes—to Zach Ertz (20 yards) and Deebo Samuel (10 yards), plus a two-point conversion to Luke McCaffrey—but  inconsistencies doomed them to 1-1. Green Bay's balanced attack (242 pass, 98 rush yards) outshone Washington's 289 total yards, dropping the Commanders amid missed opportunities.
No. 6 Georgia (2-0) visits No. 15 Tennessee (2-0) on September 13, 2025, in Knoxville for an SEC showdown with CFP stakes. It's a QB duel: Georgia's Gunner Stockton debuts on the road after check-down reliance, backed by speedy WR Zac Branch (112 yards) and returning RT Earnest Greene. Tennessee's Joey Aguilar, filling for Nico Iamaleava, boasts precision (wins over Syracuse, ETSU) but faces Georgia's stifling D, which won the last four meetings 34-14 on average. Vols WR Chris Brazzell (187 yards, 2 TDs) threatens big plays, but injuries sideline key corners. Bulldogs are 3.5-point favorites; predictions split—Georgia 20-13 via defensive mastery or Tennessee 23-20 on home tempo. Kirby Smart's Bulldogs eye a statement before Alabama looms.
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Bengals Keys To Victory vs. Jaguars, TNF Preview, Reds Beat Padres, Kalen DeBoer On Hot Seat?

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss keys to a Cincinnati Bengals Week 2 victory vs. the Jaguars, a Commanders vs. Packers Thursday Night football preview, Kalen DeBoer on the hot seat at Alabama and more!
Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!
The Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) host the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) in a Week 2 AFC showdown at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, September 14, at 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Both teams escaped Week 1 with gritty wins: Cincinnati edged the Cleveland Browns 17-16 on the road, while Jacksonville dominated the Carolina Panthers 26-10 at home, showcasing a revamped defense under new head coach Liam Coen that forced three turnovers and allowed just 255 yards.
Joe Burrow, fresh off a Comeback Player of the Year campaign, threw for efficiency against Cleveland but will look to unleash Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (questionable, hamstring) more freely at home. The Bengals' defense, anchored by Trey Hendrickson, held the Browns to two touchdowns but must contain Jacksonville's explosive receiving duo: 2024 first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr. (87 catches, 1,282 yards as a rookie) and No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter, who dazzled in Week 1 with six receptions for 33 yards while playing both offense and defense. Trevor Lawrence managed 178 yards and a TD against Carolina without a sack, but he'll face a Bengals secondary eager to exploit Jacksonville's 26th-ranked scoring offense from 2024.
The series is tight—Jaguars lead 13-12 all-time—but Cincinnati has won the last two meetings, including a 34-31 OT thriller in 2023. Odds favor the Bengals by 3.5 points, with an over/under of 49.5, predicting a high-scoring affair (projected 27-22 Bengals win). Expect Burrow's precision to shine in the "Open in Orange" home opener, but Jacksonville's ground game (200 rushing yards in Week 1) could keep it close if Etienne exploits gaps.
Thursday Night Football lights up Lambeau Field as the Washington Commanders (1-0) visit the Green Bay Packers (1-0) on September 11 at 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Washington stifled the New York Giants 21-6 in Week 1, with rookie sensation Jayden Daniels (reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year) flashing mobility despite accuracy woes. Green Bay, meanwhile, dismantled the Detroit Lions 27-13, with Jordan Love carving up the secondary for 188 yards and two TDs, bolstered by new acquisition Micah Parsons' sack in his debut (limited to 30 snaps).
Daniels' dual-threat ability (891 rushing yards as a rookie) will test Green Bay's stout run defense (seventh in 2024), but the Packers' trenches—fifth in rushing offense last year—could dominate with Josh Jacobs pounding the rock. Washington's defense, which held the Giants scoreless in the red zone, faces a Packers offense averaging 370.8 yards per game in 2024. Key matchup: Parsons vs. Washington's rebuilt O-line, including rookie RT Josh Conerly Jr., as the ex-Cowboy has 4.5 sacks in two prior games against Washington.
Green Bay leads the all-time series 22-17-1 and has won the last three at home, but Dan Quinn's Commanders (12-5 in 2024) reached the NFC Championship last season. Odds list the Packers as 3.5-point favorites, with a total of 48.5 (projected 26-23 Packers). Short week favors the rested hosts, but Daniels' scrambling could spark an upset if Love's O-line (questionable injuries to Aaron Banks, Zach Tom) falters.
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Bengals Roster Moves + Why Week 2 vs. Jaguars Feels Massive, Concern For Caleb Williams In Chicago

The Cincinnati Bengals face a daunting 2025 NFL schedule, with seven games against 2024 playoff teams, including tough road matchups against the Vikings, Broncos, Packers, Ravens, and Bills. A particularly brutal stretch from Weeks 3-7 pits them against Minnesota, Denver, Detroit, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh, with three road games. Later, Weeks 13-16 include back-to-back Ravens games sandwiching a trip to Buffalo, testing their mettle in the AFC North gauntlet. With a 9-8 record in 2024 and no playoff appearance, navigating this schedule is critical for Joe Burrow and company to reclaim contender status. Their defense, which showed promise in a 17-16 Week 1 win over Cleveland, must hold up against elite offenses to avoid another postseason miss.
Beating the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 at home is pivotal. After a shaky offensive showing (141 passing yards), the Bengals need Burrow to sync with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins against a Jaguars defense that struggled against the run in Week 1. A win improves their early record to 2-0, crucial for momentum before their brutal midseason stretch. It also sets a tone against a non-playoff opponent, avoiding the slow starts that have plagued Cincinnati (1-7 in Weeks 1-2 since 2019). Losing could amplify doubts about their offensive line and run game, risking a slide against tougher foes.
On September 9, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds secured a crucial 4-2 victory over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, keeping their NL wild card hopes alive. Zack Littell pitched effectively, while the Reds' offense erupted for three home runs, including a clutch two-run shot by Tyler Stephenson in the ninth to seal the win. TJ Friedl and Austin Hays also went deep, powering Cincinnati to a 73-72 record, two games behind the Padres for the final wild card spot. Despite a strong outing from Padres’ starter Michael King, Robert Suarez’s ninth-inning collapse cost San Diego, now 79-66.
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Bengals Reaction To Lucas Patrick Injury, Isaiah Foskey Signing + Stone's First NFL Power Rankings After Week 1

In a gritty 17-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals leaned heavily on their defense to secure their first Week 1 win since 2021, despite a sluggish offensive showing. Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, the Bengals' first-round pick, made an immediate impact in his NFL debut, showcasing the athleticism that justified his high draft stock. Stewart helped generate a crucial red-zone sack by converging on Browns quarterback Joe Flacco alongside Trey Hendrickson, collapsing the pocket on a third-down play late in the fourth quarter to seal the win. His poise under pressure earned high praise, with Pro Football Focus awarding him a strong rookie grade for his disruptive presence, including a batted pass (later nullified by a flag). After overcoming a contentious holdout and fan skepticism during training camp—where he even accidentally clipped Burrow in practice—Stewart's performance flipped the narrative, proving his value on the edge.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, returning from injury concerns, struggled mightily, completing just 14 of 23 passes for a career-low 113 yards and one touchdown. The offense managed only 141 total yards, with a dismal seven yards in the second half, marred by three-and-outs and early-season rust typical of Zac Taylor's teams. Yet Burrow remained optimistic postgame, noting, "We found a way to win. We didn’t win any of these games last year, and so usually when you can win a game like this, that's a recipe for success." His leadership as a team captain alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins underscored the Bengals' resilience.
Head coach Zac Taylor, entering his seventh season with a historically poor 1-11 record in the first two weeks, celebrated the disciplined effort. "I’m proud of them. The best outcome of this game is 1-0. Forget about the stats," Taylor said, crediting new defensive coordinator Al Golden's unit for limiting Flacco to two interceptions and holding Cleveland to 16 points. Taylor highlighted the rookies' calmness, including Stewart, in a game that tested the team's depth amid injuries. This ugly win signals potential growth, blending Burrow's grit, Stewart's promise, and Taylor's steady hand for a playoff push.
In a heartbreaker at Petco Park, the Cincinnati Reds fell 4-3 to the San Diego Padres in 10 innings on September 8, 2025, dealing a blow to their fading wild-card hopes. The Reds jumped to a 3-0 lead against Yu Darvish, powered by TJ Friedl's leadoff homer, Elly De La Cruz's RBI single, and Austin Hays' solo shot. Starter Nick Lodolo delivered a strong outing, but Jackson Merrill's two-run triple in the sixth tied it.
The game stayed knotted until the 10th, where reliever Nick Martinez's throwing error on a bunt advanced automatic runner Jake Cronenworth to third. Fernando Tatis Jr. then lofted a sacrifice fly for the walk-off win, his seventh of the season. The loss drops Cincinnati to 72-72, while San Diego (79-65) clings to the NL's second wild-card spot, three games ahead of the Mets.
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