The Stone Shields Show

Xavier Basketball Preview With Paul Fritschner, Bengals Roster Moves With Craig Sandlin, CFB Top 10, Buy Or Sell

On today's special 2 hour edition of The Stone Shields Show we talk Xavier hoops with Paul Fritschner, Bengals roster moves and news ahead of Bears game with Craig Sandlin, Stone's CFB Top 10 and Buy Or Sell with Casey McCollister.
In a pivotal shake-up ahead of their Week 9 clash with the Chicago Bears, the Cincinnati Bengals executed three significant roster transactions on Tuesday, October 28. Sitting at 3-5 and desperate to ignite a playoff push before the November 4 trade deadline, the team prioritized health management and depth optimization. 
The headline move was the release of veteran defensive tackle Mike Pennel. The 11th-year pro, who joined Cincinnati earlier this season, appeared in eight games, logging rotational snaps at nose tackle. However, his playing time dwindled after the initial weeks amid a crowded interior line featuring B.J. Hill, Sheldon Rankins, and rookies like McKinnley Jackson. Pennel, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs, reportedly requested his release and is already visiting Kansas City for a potential reunion. 
Compounding defensive woes, the Bengals placed linebacker Shaka Heyward on injured reserve with a fibula injury. The special teams ace, who provided depth behind Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson, will miss at least four weeks. Similarly, center Matt Lee landed on IR due to a knee issue, sidelining the depth piece behind Ted Karras and rookie Dylan Fairchild. 
These moves cleared three spots on the 53-man roster (down to 50 players), signaling aggressive intent from GM Duke Tobin. Speculation abounds: Could DE Cedric Johnson return from IR? Might they promote practice squad LB Joe Giles-Harris for special teams? Or, with the deadline looming, pursue a trade for defensive reinforcements like a disruptive DT or edge rusher to bolster a unit allowing 26.5 points per game? 
For a Bengals squad leaning on Joe Burrow's return and Joe Flacco's steady hand, these adjustments underscore urgency. A win over Chicago could vault them into wildcard contention, but roster tweaks are mission-critical. Who Dey Nation watches closely—expect more fireworks soon
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Bengals Defense Holds Player Only Meeting, NFL Week 9 Power Rankings, Brian Kelly Replacements At LSU

On today's show we discuss the Bengals holding a players only meeting on defense, NFL Power Rankings going into Week 9, Brian Kelly replacements at LSU and the Dodgers taking Game 3 of the World Series in 18 innings.
In the wake of a humiliating 39-38 home loss to the winless New York Jets on October 26, the Cincinnati Bengals' defense convened a players-only meeting the following day, October 27, exposing deep frustrations within the unit. This gut-wrenching defeat—marked by over 500 yards allowed and a franchise-worst 39 points surrendered at Paycor Stadium—left the Bengals at 3-5, clinging to fading playoff hopes in the loaded AFC North. 
Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., a vocal leader, confirmed the gathering was spearheaded by captains and veteran defenders, emphasizing accountability without coaches present. "It was about owning our mistakes and recommitting to the standard we set last year," Knight told reporters, highlighting a meltdown where Jets quarterback Justin Fields diced up the secondary for 312 passing yards and three touchdowns. Defensive coordinator Al Golden, addressing the media post-meeting, framed it as a "sense of urgency" moment: "These guys are pros—they know when to look in the mirror."
This isn't isolated turmoil. Cincinnati's defense, once a Joe Burrow-enabling force, ranks 29th in points allowed (27.1 per game) and dead last in red-zone efficiency, plagued by injuries to stars like Sam Hubbard and inconsistent tackling. The meeting echoes past Bengals resets, like the 2022 sideline blowups that fueled a Super Bowl run, but with higher stakes now—facing a brutal schedule including the Steelers and Ravens.
Fans on X buzzed with mixed reactions, from memes mocking the "Jets curse" to calls for Golden's job. Yet, optimism lingers: Lou Anarumo's scheme, if tweaked, could harness young talents like Knight and rookie Jowon Briggs. As Burrow slingshots the offense toward contention, the D must evolve from embarrassment to elite. This meeting? A spark, not a surrender. The Who Dey nation awaits proof.
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Bengals Defense Shredded By Jets In Worst Loss In A Decade, Fire Duke Tobin?

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss the Bengals unthinkable loss at home to the Jets and breakdown how this is an organizational failure for Cincinnati.
In a gut-wrenching finish at Paycor Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals squandered a 15-point fourth-quarter lead, falling 39-38 to the winless New York Jets on October 26, 2025. The defeat drops Cincinnati to 3-5, extending their skid to five losses in six games and intensifying scrutiny on a season teetering on the edge of playoff contention.For the Jets (now 1-7), it was a cathartic first victory, fueled by an explosive 502-yard offensive outburst—their highest scoring game of the year.
The Bengals dominated early, racing to a 24-10 halftime bulge behind a resurgent ground attack that racked up 181 rushing yards—their most since late 2023. Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old veteran quarterback, orchestrated the assault with poise, completing 21 of 34 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns, including a 44-yard strike to Tee Higgins that extended his NFL-longest eight-game home touchdown streak. Chase Brown dazzled with dual-threat flair, hauling in a 19-yard touchdown catch-and-run before plunging in from a yard out in the fourth, while Samaje Perine bulldozed for 94 yards and a 32-yard score. Ja'Marr Chase, the league's reception leader with 70, snared 12 balls for 91 yards, underscoring Cincinnati's aerial potency. 
Yet, the script flipped disastrously in the final frame. After Brown's go-ahead 1-yard run made it 38-24 with 10:21 left, the Jets erupted for 23 unanswered points, capping the surge with Breece Hall's audacious 4-yard trick-play touchdown pass to Mason Taylor at 1:54—his first career aerial attempt. Hall's 133 rushing yards and two scores epitomized New York's 255-yard ground avalanche, exposing Cincinnati's defensive frailties, particularly without injured DE Trey Hendrickson. 
On the Bengals' desperate final drive, Flacco—banged up from a late sack—marched to midfield but fired two incompletions, sealing a turnover on downs amid boos from the 65,526 in attendance. "We had this right in our grasp," lamented coach Zac Taylor, calling the lapse "humbling" and "not acceptable." Flacco echoed the frustration: "A few plays don't hit... and you don't convert." Brown, optimistic about the run game's momentum, urged focus: "We just need to finish.
This collapse—scoring 38 points yet losing—highlights deeper woes: an inability to close games and a run defense hemorrhaging yards. With a grueling schedule ahead, Taylor's mantra rings true: "It's still all on the table," but the margin for error has vanished. The Bengals must regroup swiftly, lest this "difficult season" spirals irretrievably.
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Logan Wilson Requests Trade, Bengals Keys To Victory vs. Jets, College Football Weekend Preview, Best Bets Of The Weekend

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss Logan Wilson's decision to request a trade, keys to victory for the Bengals vs. the Jets, Stone's Collage Football Weekend Preview ft. Missouri vs. Vanderbilt and Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma, and Best Bets Of The Weekend.
In a stunning development amid the Cincinnati Bengals' turbulent 2025 season, veteran linebacker Logan Wilson has formally requested a trade, as first reported by ESPN on October 23. The 29-year-old, a third-round pick out of Wyoming in 2020 and a newly minted defensive captain, cited a sharp decline in his playing time as the catalyst for his dissatisfaction. Once a cornerstone of Cincinnati's linebacker corps, Wilson's frustration underscores the team's ongoing defensive woes and a pattern of player discontent.
Wilson's benching saga began in earnest during Week 6's loss to the Green Bay Packers, where he logged a mere 19.7% of defensive snaps—his lowest since becoming a starter. The following week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, his usage ticked up slightly to 47.5%, but it was still a far cry from his full-time role earlier in the year. Rookies Demetrius Knight (second-round pick) and Barrett Carter (fourth-round) have supplanted him, reflecting head coach Zac Taylor's push for youth integration. Despite this, Wilson has maintained professionalism, with Carter praising his mentorship to ESPN. On the season, Wilson has tallied 41 tackles, four passes defended, and a fumble recovery, but his Pro Football Focus grade sits at a middling 58.6—down from top-25 rankings in prior years.
This isn't Wilson's first brush with adversity. A knee injury sidelined him for six games in 2024, yet he rebounded with 104 tackles upon return. His 2023 extension, a four-year, $36 million deal through 2027, made him one of the NFL's better-paid off-ball linebackers. Career stats—313 solo tackles, 11 interceptions, and a Super Bowl appearance in 2021—paint him as a proven commodity. Now, with the November 4 trade deadline looming, Wilson's request joins a Bengals exodus: recent trade pleas from Jonah Williams, Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson, and Germaine Pratt (who was cut and bounced to multiple teams).
Potential suitors abound. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky pitches the Dallas Cowboys, whose defense leaks 29.4 points per game; Wilson's tackling prowess could shore up their front seven. The Indianapolis Colts, under ex-Bengals DC Lou Anarumo, loom as a natural fit, while the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers eye linebacker depth. Analysts peg his value at a late Day 3 pick, given his contract and age (he turns 30 in July).
For the Bengals (3-4 after snapping a skid), this is another gut punch. Cincinnati's reluctance for in-season deals complicates matters, but retaining a disgruntled captain risks locker-room fractures. Wilson's saga highlights a franchise in flux: talent-rich yet retention-poor. As the deadline nears, will the Bengals honor his plea for a fresh start, or double down on their rebuild? Either way, it's a pivotal moment for a player who's embodied Bengal resilience—until now.
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Bengals vs. Jets Injury News, Cincinnati Bearcats Look To Stay Hot vs. Baylor, Russell Wilson Claps Back At Sean Payton, NBA Season Predictions

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss Bengals injury news going into Jets week, Cincinnati Bearcats football ahead of Saturday's matchup with Baylor, Russell Wilson clapping back at Season Payton and NBA season predictions with surprising championship pick.
The Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) host the winless New York Jets (0-7) on Sunday, October 26, at Paycor Stadium, a matchup ripe for a Bengals bounce-back. Without star QB Joe Burrow sidelined by injury, veteran Joe Flacco has stepped in admirably, torching the Pittsburgh Steelers for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling 33-31 upset last Thursday. Flacco's poise has unlocked Cincinnati's explosive offense, led by Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who combined for 12 catches and 180 yards against Pittsburgh. The Bengals' aerial attack ranks top-10 in yards per game, and with a stout home defense allowing just 20 points per contest at Paycor, expect them to exploit New York's porous secondary.
The Jets, meanwhile, are in freefall, mired in QB chaos after benching Justin Fields for Tyrod Taylor, who mustered a measly six points in a 13-6 loss to Carolina. Their offense ranks dead last in passing (143 yards/game) and has failed to score a touchdown in eight quarters, scoring a league-worst 15.7 points per game. Despite elite corner Sauce Gardner's All-Pro play, New York's run game sputters (3.8 yards/carry), and injuries to key receivers like Garrett Wilson (questionable, concussion) compound the misery. Defensively, they've forced turnovers but can't stop the run, yielding 120 yards per game.
Odds favor Cincinnati by 6.5 points (O/U 44.5), with experts projecting a 27-17 Bengals win—Flacco's stability versus the Jets' disarray tips the scales. A Bengals victory could vault them toward playoff contention; for New York, it's do-or-die to avoid infamy as the season's biggest bust.
No. 21 Cincinnati Bearcats (6-1, 4-0 Big 12) welcome the Baylor Bears (4-3, 2-2) on Saturday, October 25, at Nippert Stadium for homecoming, a pivotal Big 12 tilt broadcast on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. ET. The Bearcats, tied atop the conference with BYU, ride a six-game win streak after dismantling Oklahoma State 49-17 last week. QB Brendan Sorsby dazzled with 270 passing yards, three TDs, and a rushing score, fueling an offense averaging 37.9 points (15th nationally). Cincinnati's ground game hums at 6.1 yards per carry (5th in FBS), with Evan Pryor and Xaviah Bussey gashing defenses, while their red-zone efficiency is unmatched (100% scoring rate). Defensively, they rank top-25 in points allowed (18.3/game), primed to stifle Baylor's leaky backfield.
Baylor arrives off a frustrating 42-36 road loss at TCU, where QB Sawyer Robertson threw for 318 yards but three picks in a 31.4 points-allowed nightmare (118th nationally). The Bears' pass-heavy attack (36.3 points/game, 25th) boasts big-play potential—Ashtyn Hawkins snared seven catches for 95 yards last out—but their secondary crumbles, yielding 227 passing yards per game. Road warriors at 2-1, Baylor's 4.4 yards allowed per rush invites Cincinnati's balanced blitz.
Bearcats are 3.5-point favorites (O/U 67.5), with models giving them a 57-43 edge in a projected 35-28 shootout. Nippert's raucous crowd (undefeated at home) and Sorsby's hot hand should extend UC's streak, solidifying their championship pedigree in Year 4 of the Big 12 era.
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Bengals Trade Rumors On Logan Wilson, Cam Taylor-Britt & Trey Hendrickson, Billy Napier Replacements, CFB Top 10

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss Bengals trade rumors from ESPN on Logan Wilson, Cam Taylor-Britt and Trey Hendrickson, Casey McCollister joins us to discuss the state of the Bengals organization, top Billy Napier replacements at Florida and Stone's CFB Top 10 entering Week 9.
As the 2025 NFL trade deadline approaches on November 4, the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads, potentially shifting from contenders to rebuilders amid a disappointing season. With a 3-5 record following their recent Thursday Night Football win, speculation swirls around key defensive players: cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, linebacker Logan Wilson, and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Rumors suggest the Bengals could be open to deals if losses mount, prioritizing cap flexibility for extensions like Ja'Marr Chase's while addressing defensive inconsistencies.
Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals' star pass rusher with 12 sacks last season, tops most trade candidate lists. At 30, he's requested a trade multiple times since 2024, citing contract frustrations despite his $15 million base salary in 2025. The Bengals have granted permission to seek deals, initially demanding a 2026 first-round pick plus a player, but recent reports indicate they've softened to a young contributor and a mid-round selection.  Interested teams include the Eagles, Colts, Cowboys, 49ers, Panthers, and Bears, with fan proposals envisioning swaps like Hendrickson to Philadelphia for Dallas Goedert and assets. His departure would leave a massive hole opposite Sam Hubbard, but could net draft capital for a reset.
Linebacker Logan Wilson, a steady tackler with 135 stops in 2024, has drawn quieter buzz. Recently benched for rookie Barrett Carter in Week 6, his role has sparked trade chatter. ESPN's Matt Bowen ranks him as a mid-tier candidate, noting his $6 million 2026 base makes him affordable for contenders like the Colts, who need linebacker depth. Hypothetical packages bundle him with others, such as a Colts deal for Wilson, Taylor-Britt, and Hendrickson in exchange for multiple picks. 
Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, a 2022 second-rounder known for his ball-hawking (four interceptions last year), appears in speculative trades as a high-upside piece. Ranked No. 20 on trade lists, he's eyed by teams like the Cowboys in mocks involving CeeDee Lamb or Trevon Diggs swaps. The Eagles and others view him as a gamble amid Bengals' secondary woes, especially with his recent absence due to injury
While Hendrickson's rumors dominate, Wilson and Taylor-Britt's inclusion hints at a potential fire sale if Cincinnati falters against the Jets and Bears. Bengals brass remains noncommittal, but ownership's history of frugality fuels the speculation. A trade spree could reshape the AFC North, but for now, it's all whispers until deadline day.
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Bengals Facing TRAP Game vs. Jets? NFL Week 8 Power Rankings, 2025 NBA Season Preview

On today's show we discuss whether the Bengals are facing a trap game this Sunday against the Jets, Stone has his NFL power rankings going into Week 8 and we preview the 2025 NBA season which tips off tonight.
n Sunday, October 26, the winless New York Jets (0-7) invade Paycor Stadium to face the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) in a Week 8 AFC showdown that screams opportunity—and desperation. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS, with Cincinnati favored by 6.5 points and an over/under of 44, per BetMGM odds. For the Jets, mired in last place in the AFC East and on pace for the No. 1 overall draft pick, this is a must-win to salvage their season under new coach Aaron Glenn. Their offense ranks a dismal 31st in total yards (284.1 per game), plagued by quarterback woes with Justin Fields struggling mightily—netting just minus-10 passing yards in a recent loss to Denver. Yet, New York's defense has been a revelation lately, surrendering just 13 points in back-to-back shutouts against Denver and Carolina, making them a sneaky cover candidate. Running back Breece Hall remains a bright spot, but the Jets' injury-riddled line—key pieces like Alijah Vera-Tucker (triceps, IR) and Israel Abanikanda (shoulder, IR)—leaves them vulnerable to Cincinnati's front seven. 
The Bengals, clinging to second in the AFC North behind the 4-2 Steelers, are riding high after a thrilling 33-31 Thursday night upset over Pittsburgh—their first win in four tries. Veteran Joe Flacco, freshly acquired and slotted as starter over Jake Browning, orchestrated the victory with poise, tossing TDs to Tee Higgins (96 yards, score) and Ja'Marr Chase, who etched his name in history with 6,000 career receiving yards and 50 TDs in just five seasons. Chase Brown erupted for 108 rushing yards, fueling a ground game ranked fifth league-wide (135.7 ypg). But short rest from Thursday could breed fatigue, and Cincinnati's defense, leaky at 30.6 points allowed per game, must contain Hall to avoid a trap. Key absences include TE Mike Gesicki (pectoral, IR until Week 12) and OT Cordell Volson (shoulder, IR), testing depth against the Jets' stout secondary. DE Trey Hendrickson (hip) is questionable but logged limited practice, offering hope for a pass rush boost.
Analysts give Cincinnati a 74% win probability, but the Jets' defensive grit could grind out a low-scoring affair. Expect Flacco to lean on Chase early, while New York's secondary forces turnovers. In a matchup pitting Jets' resolve against Bengals' firepower, Cincinnati should prevail 27-17, inching toward playoff contention while dooming New York deeper into despair.
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Bengals Defense Worse Than We Thought? Broncos Storm Back To Beat Giants, Chiefs Best Team In NFL?

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we discuss why the Bengals defense might be even worse than we thought, go around the NFL and discuss the Broncos crazy comeback win against the Giants and the Eagles bounce back win against the Vikings. Also we go around college football and break down Alabama's impressive win over Tennessee, Notre Dame's win over USC and Georgia's win over Ole Miss. 
The Cincinnati Bengals' defense has been a glaring weakness in the 2025 NFL season, exacerbating issues from their historically poor 2024 performance. Entering the year under scrutiny after ranking 25th in total yards allowed last season, the unit has regressed further, allowing 30.5 points per game compared to 25.5 in 2024. Key metrics highlight the decline: opponents average 6.1 yards per play (up from 5.4), 36.8 yards per drive (from 32.3), and 2.65 points per drive (from 2.27). Sacks have dropped to 1.57 per game from 2.11, tackles for loss to 3.14 from 4.23, and the team has forced just one fumble through seven games versus 10 last year. The defense struggles against both run (4.7 yards per rush allowed) and pass, with starting field position worsening to the 33-yard line. Youth and inexperience play a role, as the Bengals prioritize playing time for emerging talents like Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, leading to inconsistent pressure and blown coverages. Preseason woes, including vanilla schemes earning poor grades, foreshadowed these problems. Trading sack leader Trey Hendrickson amid contract disputes threatens to make an already bad unit "generational bad," potentially derailing playoff hopes despite a potent offense. Overall, lack of turnovers, pressure, and veteran stability has held back the team, forcing high-scoring shootouts to compete.
In a stunning Week 7 thriller on October 19, 2025, the Denver Broncos orchestrated one of the NFL's greatest comebacks, erasing a 19-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the New York Giants 33-32. Shut out through three quarters, Denver exploded for 33 points in the final frame—the most ever scored in a quarter by a team blanked earlier—setting a record for such scenarios. Quarterback Bo Nix led the charge, throwing for multiple touchdowns and engineering rapid drives that exploited Giants' fatigue and defensive lapses. Key plays included a Tracy touchdown early in the rally, followed by a barrage of scores that improved Denver's record to 5-2 under coach Sean Payton. The Broncos played with extra motivation, channeling "Mile High Magic" in a nod to franchise history. New York's collapse, marked by zero fourth-quarter points after dominating early, highlighted their inability to close out games, dropping them further in the standings. This wild finish underscored Denver's resilience and Nix's poise in high-pressure moments.
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Bengals Upset Steelers With Season Altering Victory, College Football Weekend Preview, Best Bets Of The Week

On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we breakdown a thrilling 33-31 Bengals victory over the Steelers on Thursday Night Football. A performance where Joe Flacco and Ja'Marr Chase shined and the Bengals changed the trajectory of their season. Also we preview this week in college football and discuss LSU vs. Vanderbilt, Tennessee vs. Alabama, Ole Miss vs. Georgia and Stone has 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!
In a heart-stopping AFC North showdown last night at Paycor Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) edged the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) 33-31, ending a four-game slide with a dramatic, last-second triumph. Joe Flacco, stepping in for an injured Joe Burrow, delivered a vintage performance, throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns. His poise under pressure shone in the final minute, leading a surgical drive that set up Evan McPherson’s game-winning 36-yard field goal with seven seconds left.
The game was an offensive slugfest. Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers, now fifth all-time in passing yards, struck early, finding Jonnu Smith for a 10-yard touchdown. The Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth dominated, hauling in four receptions for 106 yards, including a 68-yard score that gave Pittsburgh a 31-30 lead with 2:21 remaining. But Cincinnati’s defense answered, with Jordan Battle’s interception of a Rodgers deep ball to DK Metcalf shifting momentum.
Ja’Marr Chase was the Bengals’ catalyst, setting a franchise record with 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown, joining elite company with his second 14-catch game this season. Tee Higgins added six receptions for 96 yards and a score, while Chase Brown powered the ground game with 108 yards on 11 carries. The Bengals racked up 479 total yards, exploiting a Steelers defense that couldn’t contain Cincinnati’s playmakers late.
Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt pressured Flacco, but the Bengals’ offensive line held firm in crunch time. A controversial overturned call on a Chase touchdown kept the game tight, but Flacco’s 28-yard strike to Higgins on the final drive sealed it. Rodgers was efficient but undone by two interceptions. This electrifying win, fueled by Flacco’s heroics and Cincinnati’s relentless attack, signals the Bengals’ resurgence in a fiercely competitive division, keeping playoff dreams alive.
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Bengals vs. Steelers Preview & Injury Report, Dallas Win The Micah Parsons Trade? NFL Week 7 Betting Lines

On today's editon of The Stone Shields Show we preview the Bengals vs. Steelers Thursday Night Football matchup, discuss whether Dallas won the Micah Parsons trade and take a look at NFL betting lines for the Week 7 slate.
Off The Bench is back weekdays from 10a to 11a followed by The Stone Shields Show from 11a to noon!
In a clash of AFC North titans gone awry, the surging Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) invade Paycor Stadium to face a reeling Cincinnati Bengals squad (2-4) on Thursday Night Football. What was once a marquee rivalry now feels like a tale of two trajectories: Pittsburgh's three-game win streak has vaulted them to the division lead, while Cincinnati's four straight losses—capped by a 27-18 defeat to Green Bay—have sparked desperation. Joe Burrow's toe injury sidelining him until December forced a midseason pivot, trading for veteran Joe Flacco from Cleveland. The 40-year-old gunslinger debuted last week with 219 yards and two scores, injecting life into an offense dormant under Jake Browning.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, rides Aaron Rodgers' renaissance. The 41-year-old maestro boasts a career-best 105.4 passer rating through five games, with 10 touchdowns and just three picks, slicing defenses for 1,021 yards. His rapport with DK Metcalf has been lethal—Metcalf's four straight TD catches include a scorching 80-yarder—exploiting yards after catch like no other. The Steelers' ground game, turbocharged by Arthur Smith's "Jumbo" packages featuring 290-pound TE Darnell Washington, has averaged 4.4 yards per carry against Cincy's porous 28th-ranked run D.
Cincinnati counters with firepower: Ja'Marr Chase erupted for a late TD last outing, and Flacco's familiarity with Pittsburgh—he's 11-11 lifetime against them—could neutralize Mike Tomlin's schemes. Yet injuries loom large: Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson (hip) is questionable, thinning their pass rush (just 3.7% sack rate sans him), while Steelers miss WR Calvin Austin III (shoulder) and S Miles Killebrew (knee). Betting odds tilt toward Pittsburgh as 5.5-point road favorites (O/U 44.5), with sharp money sniffing Bengals value at +225 ML.
This gerontocratic QB duel—the third in NFL history pitting 40+ starters—promises fireworks under the lights. Expect Metcalf to feast (Over 70.5 receiving yards) and Pittsburgh's D to force turnovers (Cincy leads the league with 11 giveaways). Steelers pull away late in a 27-20 thriller, solidifying North supremacy. But don't sleep on Flacco's upset magic—after all, these helmets hide Bengal stripes.
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