The Stone Shields Show | Daily Sports Talk

Bengals NOT Discussing A Contract Restructure With Joe Burrow, Reds vs. Cardinals Series Preview, Jerrod Calhoun Lands 5-Star

On today's show, we discuss the Bengals not going forward with a Joe Burrow contract restructure this offseason, a critical series for the Reds as they host the Cardinals this weekend, and Jerrod Calhoun landing a 5-star recruit from Princeton High School. 
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The rivalry always feels louder when the Cardinals come to town, and this weekend’s series at Great American Ball Park arrives at a pivotal moment for the Reds. Cincinnati returns home carrying some momentum after a much-needed series win in Philadelphia, where the pitching staff tightened up and the lineup rediscovered some late-inning punch.
From a Reds perspective, the formula is pretty clear: ride the energy of the home crowd, let the young stars create chaos, and pressure a Cardinals pitching staff that has been inconsistent despite St. Louis staying competitive in the NL Central race. Elly De La Cruz remains the centerpiece of everything Cincinnati does offensively. When he’s getting on base and forcing mistakes, the Reds become one of the league’s most dangerous transition offenses. Veterans like Spencer Steer and Tyler Stephenson also give Cincinnati needed balance against a Cardinals club that has leaned heavily on younger contributors this season.
The biggest encouraging sign for the Reds lately has been the rotation stabilizing. Andrew Abbott continues to look like the dependable anchor Cincinnati desperately needed, and the bullpen has shown signs of regaining form after a shaky stretch earlier this month. Terry Francona’s club knows these divisional games carry extra weight, especially against a Cardinals team that appears ahead of schedule in its youth movement.
The Cardinals will arrive confident, but this feels like an opportunity for the Reds to reestablish themselves in the division race. At home, with the weather warming up and the ball carrying at GABP, Cincinnati’s offense has the potential to turn this into an explosive weekend. If the Reds can grab Friday night’s opener and force St. Louis to play from behind, the atmosphere downtown could start feeling a lot like meaningful summer baseball again.
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Joe Burrow Opens Up On Bengals Offseason, Reds Take Series In Philadelphia, Aaron Rodgers Retirement Tour

On today's show, we discuss some takeaways from Joe Burrow's press conference yesterday, as it felt like there was a newfound energy and confidence for the Bengals' QB1. Plus, the Reds take the series against the Phillies after a nice outing from Andrew Abbott, and Aaron Rodgers announces 2026 will officially be his last season in the NFL.
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At his press conference on Wednesday, Joe Burrow sounded confident, energized, and more optimistic about the Cincinnati Bengals than he has in several years. The biggest headline from the session was his bold belief that the Bengals can win the Super Bowl this season. Burrow said the current roster is the most talented team he has played with since entering the NFL, pointing to the organization’s aggressive offseason moves as proof that the front office is fully committed to competing for a championship.
Burrow praised the Bengals for adding experienced defensive talent, including Dexter Lawrence II, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, Jonathan Allen, and Kyle Dugger. He explained that those additions give the team more toughness, leadership, and consistency on defense. According to Burrow, the team now has veteran players who understand how to maintain a high level of play every week, which he believes is critical for a deep playoff run.
He also discussed his own health and mindset after last season’s toe injury limited him to only part of the year. Burrow said he feels healthy again and appears motivated by the frustration of missing the playoffs for three straight seasons. He noted that there is noticeable excitement around the locker room and that players understand the urgency heading into 2026.
Another interesting moment came when Burrow addressed former teammate Trey Hendrickson joining the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow said he was not surprised by the move and acknowledged that he understands Hendrickson’s mentality and competitive nature. Even so, he made it clear that AFC North matchups against Baltimore will now carry even more intensity.
Overall, Burrow’s message was simple: the Bengals believe their championship window is open right now.
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Chase Burns An All-Star? Zac Taylor Disrespected In NFL Head Coach Rankings, Cavs Collapse vs. Knicks

On today's show, we discuss another brilliant performance from Chase Burns: should he represent the NL in the All-Star game? Plus, Zac Taylor gets disrespected in NFL head coaching rankings. Also, a catastrophic collapse at MSG for the Cavs, and Rashee Rice is going to jail.
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The Cincinnati Reds walked into Citizens Bank Park needing a spark, and rookie flamethrower Chase Burns delivered a masterpiece. In a 4-1 victory over the Phillies on Tuesday night, Burns looked every bit like the future ace Cincinnati believes he can become, overpowering one of baseball’s hottest lineups with poise, command, and electric stuff.
Burns was dominant from the opening inning, attacking hitters with a fastball that exploded through the zone and secondary pitches that consistently kept Philadelphia off balance. Over six innings, he allowed just one run on three hits while striking out nine and issuing no walks. Even more impressive, the Phillies failed to record a hit after the third inning as Burns completely settled into rhythm.
The only blemish on his night came on a solo homer from Trea Turner in the third inning. Burns responded like a veteran, retiring hitters efficiently and refusing to let the game speed up on him. Every time Philadelphia appeared ready to build momentum, Burns answered with another strikeout or weak contact. His command was razor sharp, and his confidence only grew as the night unfolded.
Cincinnati’s offense backed him with timely situational hitting. Sacrifice flies from JJ Bleday and Dane Myers helped the Reds erase an early deficit before adding insurance runs late. But this game belonged to Burns. Against a Phillies team that had won eight of its previous nine games, the young right-hander looked fearless.
At just 23 years old, Burns is rapidly becoming more than a promising rookie — he is evolving into the stopper Cincinnati desperately needs. Tuesday night wasn’t merely another strong outing. It felt like the arrival of a star.
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Joe Burrow Speaks On Bengals Offseason & Schedule, Reds Crushing Loss To Phillies, Brendan Sorsby Files Injunction

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.
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Bengals Schedule Breakdown & Takeaways, Reds Drop 12 Of 16, Aaron Rai Wins PGA Championship

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.
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Reds Meltdown vs. Nats, Bengals Schedule LEAKS, Colin Cowherd Comments On Joe Burrow

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.
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Bengals Headed To Madrid, Time For Reds To Bench Ke'Bryan Hayes? PGA Championship Preview

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.
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Bengals Schedule Release Preview & UDFA Tracker, NFL Lottery? What's Next For LeBron James?

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.
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Bengals Make 2 Signings, Rookie Minicamp Takeaways, Reds Snap Out Of Skid: Is Andrew Abbott Back? NBA Lottery

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. 
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Cincinnati Bengals Updated Depth Charts, Reds Walked Off For Third Straight Game

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.
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