News Bengals Team Notes

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Joe Burrow is the most clutch quarterback of the decade

Joe Burrow | Phil Didion/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Primetime is Burrow time.

One way or the other, Joe Burrow has put has stamp on the city of Cincinnati.

Whether it is in his lobbying for long-term contracts for his star receivers, his Joe Burrow Foundation that seeks to address food insecurity and childhood mental health issues, or his desire to be “The Best in the World,” Burrow has taken over the city the way he takes over the huddle on the football field.

Recently, Burrow was recognized as the most clutch quarterback so far this decade, according to Warren Sharp.

Over the last five years, Burrow has led the NFL in efficiency when trailing in the final five minutes of a game. Since 2020, Burrow has the best Expected Point Added per dropback (EPA/dropback) in the league - better than Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes.

Burrow has pulled off 11 game-winning drives during the course of his career, including comeback wins over Dallas and Denver just last year. After only his fifth year in the league, two of which were cut short by injury, Burrow has already amassed six fourth-quarter comeback victories.

In his career, the Cincinnati Bengals’ own version of a gunslinger has thrown one touchdown pass for every 10 attempts when trailing in the last five minutes of a game. His TD rate of 10.3% over that span is the best for any quarterback since 2000. Jackson stands at 8.9% with Mahomes coming in at 8.7%.

Hopefully, all of this will translate into a Lombardi Trophy or two before he is finished. Burrow certainly has been doing his part - in the city and on the football field.

TD rate when trailing in the last 5 mins

some of the NFL's top performers since 2000:

10.3% - Joe Burrow
8.9% - Lamar Jackson
8.7% - Patrick Mahomes
7.8% - Justin Herbert
7.6% - Andrew Luck
6.9% - Tom Brady
6.7% - Russell Wilson
6.5% - Drew Brees
6.3% - Deshaun Watson
5.9% -…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 23, 2023​

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/25/24430446/bengals-joe-burrow-most-clutch-nfl-quarterback

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Joe Burrow says Jermaine Burton ‘has matured’

Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images

“He’s been working hard, which is exciting to see.”

There were a lot of things that went wrong for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024. The defense was a shadow of its former self. There were sporadic issues on special teams and missed opportunities early in the season on offense.

Rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton’s struggle kind of got lost in the storm unless you were paying close attention. He struggled on the field and had several issues off the field.

When he fell to the Bengals in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with well-known character concerns, the hope was veterans Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins could help mold the young wide receiver.

Unfortunately, at least in 2024, nothing seemed to take.

However, quarterback Joe Burrow recently heaped praise upon Burton, saying the young receiver entering his second year in the league has matured.

“I think he’s stepped up this year so far, has taken it very seriously, and has matured, it seems like,” Burrow told reporters during a recent OTA session. “That’s exciting to see. Based on the conversations we’ve had, he’s in a good spot mentally and physically.

“And he’s been working hard, which is exciting to see.”

The Bengals locked up Chase and Higgins for the next few years this offseason, but there’s still room for a WR3 to emerge. Andrei Iosivas has been the most productive receiver on the roster not named Higgins or Chase, but he doesn’t have a stranglehold on the WR3 spot.

Though the position is far from one of need on the Bengals’ roster, having another capable and talented wide receiver on the roster, especially on a rookie salary, can do nothing but help.

Hopefully, what Burrow has seen so far this summer continues on into the regular season and beyond.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/26/24436116/jermaine-burton-has-matured-joe-burrow

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals News (5/28): OTA storylines

Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lots to watch starting today.

Bengals News​

Bengals OTAs: Storylines, player absences, position battles, and everything else you need to know

There are plenty of things to keep your eye on as the Cincinnati Bengals enter the next phase of their offseason program.

Bengals, Trey Hendrickson drama has Lions ignoring trade buzz

Even other teams seem to know the Bengals won’t trade their star pass rusher.

Pro Football Focus Ranks Trey Hendrickson Outside NFL’s Top-Five Edge Rushers

They say teams use PFF in contract negotiations. Don’t let the Bengals see this one...

Bengals free agent signing impressed, gives Joe Burrow big comparison

He sees this while fighting for a starting spot to protect Burrow.

Bengals’ updated offseason roster organized by jersey numbers ahead of OTAs

The roster, quite literally by the numbers.

NFL News:​

Tom Brady takes stage at Indy 500, draws boos

Indianapolis still isn’t quite over it.

AJ Cole reach four-year, $15.8M extension

There is a new highest-paid punter in the NFL.

Aaron Rodgers open to retiring as a member of the Packers, but only under one condition

Rodgers likes to do things... on his terms.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/27/24437766/bengals-news-ota-storylines

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Can you guess this Bengals safety in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bengals player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey Bengals fans! We’re back for another day of the Cincy Jungle in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​

Monday, May 26, 2025
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Saturday, May 24, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
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Cincy Jungle in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Bengals player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Who Dey!

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/27/24437814/sb-nation-bengals-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals DE Cam Sample officially cleared to play after Achilles injury

Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cincinnati has some help coming back on the defensive side

The Cincinnati Bengals are back in full swing and practicing at Paycor Stadium as the 2025 season quickly approaches.

The team is desperate to get back into postseason play after missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.

The front office has brought in a new leader on the defensive side of the football with former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden taking over.

Golden will be getting a veteran back from injury. Cam Sample has officially been cleared to return to football after suffering a torn Achilles.

Officially Cleared !! AGTG

— Cam Sample (@cameron_sample) May 27, 2025​

Sample missed the entire 2024 season but has appeared in 47 games for the Bengals from 2021-23, tallying five sacks.

Having Sample back will provide another body that can help get to the quarterback and will likely be a key depth piece for Golden.

Sample joins Hendrickson, Murphy, Ossai, and Stewart as guys looking to disrupt opposing quarterbacks during the 2025 season.

Congrats to Cam on his return, glad to see him overcome such a tough injury!

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/28/24438353/bengals-cam-sample-cleared-to-play-achilles-injury

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals Podcast: Flag Football Fantasy Draft

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

We cover the topics the other podcasts won’t.

Olympic flag football fever... Catch it! Spike it! Do a little dance.

It looks like NFL players will be allowed to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, much to the chagrin of the US National Flag Football Team (who have notably played and grown the sport, not to mention won multiple world championships over the last several years).

Anywho... Matt and Willie have a flag football fantasy draft, selecting only current Cincinnati Bengals players. But here is the catch: No one can play their natural position.

That’s right, quarterbacks can’t play quarterback, offensive skill players can’t play receiver, defensive linemen can’t be pass-rushers, and defensive backs can’t play in coverage.

You got it?

A couple of things to note. There is no blocking in flag football, even on running plays. Also, the field is 70 yards long and only 25 yards wide.

On offense, you get a quarterback and four receivers, one of who snaps the ball. Defensively, you get one pass rusher and four coverage guys.

Here are the teams they came up with. They justify each pick after making the selection. Who do you think did better?

The Wild-Matts, aka the Mild-Cats​

QB/WR - Cam Taylor-Britt​

WR - DJ Turner​

WR - Shemar Stewart​

WR - Tycen Anderson​

WR - D.J. Ivey​

Pass Rusher/QB - Demetrius Knight​

DB - Ja’Marr Chase​

DB - Tee Higgins​

DB - Jermaine Burton​

DB/PR - Logan Wilson​

Steamboat Willies​

QB - Chase Brown​

WR - Geno Stone​

WR - Trey Hendrickson​

WR - Dax Hill​

WR - Barrett Carter​

Pass Rusher - Amarius Mims​

DB - Joe Burrow​

DB - Jake Browning​

DB - Andrie Iosivas​

DB - Tanner McLaughlin​

---

Be sure to subscribe to Bleav in Cincy to hear the latest from the whole crew on everything Cincinnati Bengals! In addition to Matt and Willie Know Ball, you’ll hear from the Orange and Black Insider, Bengal Jim and Friends, and Three-and-Out.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/...flag-football-fantasy-draft-2025-nfl-olympics

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

The one move that could determine how the Trey Hendrickson situation plays out

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) celebrates a stop in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. The Bengals won 19-17 to finish the regular season at 9-8. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s not even a Bengals-related move, but it can heavily impact the Bengals All-Pro edge rusher.

Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has been very adamant about where he stands in his contract dispute.

Hendrickson has cited the deals that Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby and Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett have gotten this offseason as to why he believes he is worth that money.

The NFL’s sack leader last year is absolutely justified, given that Garrett, like Hendrickson, has played eight seasons in the NFL and Crosby has played six. Two players who have played either the same number of seasons or close to that number and have had similar production levels have both gotten huge deals to raise the edge rusher market. It’s absolutely reasonable for Hendrickson, who has 35 sacks over the last two seasons, to think he should be worth that much money as well.

Here’s the thing, though, for Hendrickson. It’s not those two players’ deals that are going to determine how his contract dispute situation plays out. It’s actually what will happen with Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson that will heavily determine how much money Hendrickson gets.

Crosby and Garrett raised the edge rusher market. They did not, though, reset it. Hutchinson will, regardless of what his deal will end up being.

Look at the Raiders and Browns. Those teams and organizations are messes. They had to pay their respective star edge rushers to have at least one player of their caliber on their teams for marketing purposes. Those teams’ fanbases need a player to get excited about, and that’s what Crosby is to the Raiders, and Garrett is to the Browns. That’s why both of them got a lot of money this offseason. It wasn’t just because of how good they are. Marketing purposes and fan engagement have played a big role as well.

The Lions are in a much different position. Their organization is now one of the best in the NFL. Last offseason, they paid three offensive stars in quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell. Like the Bengals have done with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Lions have rewarded their star power on offense with big contract extensions.

Also, like the Bengals, the Lions will have a decision to make when it comes to their star edge rusher in Hutchinson. With a lot of money committed to their star players on offense and more offensive players eligible for extensions next offseason, how much money will the Lions be able to commit to Hutchinson? In addition, will Hutchinson’s injury last year impact how much money he gets?

There’s no doubt Hutchinson will get an extension with the Lions. He has been at the epicenter of the Lions' rebuild. Not only that, but Hutchinson is a Michigan man to the core. He grew up in Detroit, played for Michigan when Jim Harbaugh was the head coach, and was the No. 2 overall pick by the Lions in 2022.

Hutchinson has more than lived up to the hype he had coming out of college, with 28.5 sacks through his first three seasons. He had 7.5 sacks in five games last season before a devastating leg injury ended his season. His 7.5 sacks had him on pace for 25.5 sacks for a 17-game season. Whether or not Hutchinson would have reached that number of sacks, there’s no denying how great of a player he already is. I contend that had he not gotten hurt last season he would have won Defensive Player of the Year.

But Hutchinson’s injury and all of the talent the Lions have on offense could impact how much money he actually gets.

Let’s say his deal is in the mid-30s per year. The Bengals probably aren’t going to match that money per year. Hendrickson is nearly six years older than Hutchinson. So when Katie Blackburn says that Hendrickson should be happy with what she and the front office are offering him, like reportedly $28 million per year, she’s actually right.

Now, let’s say Hutchison’s deal ends up being in the high 20s and low 30s per year. It would be that value because of the money the Lions have already given to their star offensive players. Not to mention, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta are eligible for contract extensions next year. In addition, players like linebacker Jack Campbell and safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on defense are going to be eligible for contract extensions. That’s why the Lions could give Hutchinson a deal that still allows them to pay other key players.

This would hopefully make Hendrickson see that what the Bengals are offering him is actually good and still up to par with the edge rusher market. Again, Crosby’s and Garrett’s deals did not reset the edge rusher market. Their deals are worth a lot because the teams they play for and their organizations need to pay them each a lot of money to give their respective fanbases something to be excited about.

Hutchinson’s deal will be different because the Lions have so many players already paid and a lot more that will be eligible for contract extensions next offseason. It’s a very similar situation to the Bengals, who have paid their big three offensive stars plus tight end Mike Gesicki. How much money can the Bengals commit to Hendrickson? It’s why Hutchinson’s deal will be the one that ultimately resets the edge rusher market, and it could have a heavy impact on how Hendrickson’s contract dispute plays out.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/29/24437376/how-trey-hendrickson-situation-plays-out-for-bengals

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals’ Contract Stalemates Continue, Other Young Players Impressing — OBI

Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Bengals are at an impasse with two defensive stars, putting their line’s performance in jeopardy. On the plus side, other young players are showing signs of stepping up in potentially big ways.

The Cincinnati Bengals are still trying to figure out a way to come to contract agreements with a couple of defensive linemen. Star end Trey Hendrickson continues to dig his heels into the sand for an extension, while first round pick, Shemar Stewart, is still ironing out his first pro deal.

Meanwhile, as OTAs kick off, we’re hearing good things from both younger players taking the next steps needed in their careers, as well as players returning to action from 2024 injuries.

We are going live Thursday evening to chat about it all! Join us live, or else catch it on your favorite streaming platform afterward!

This episode is brought you in part by FOCO, the “Fans Only Company”. One of their upcoming releases is a very special one, not only because of the players featured, but in the fact that it is a limited release of only 75 in production. Check out the Ja’Marr Chase/Carl Pickens Rookie of the Year bobblehead for pre-release purchase here.

Follow our Twitter page and ‘like’ our Facebook page for more Cincinnati Bengals stuff. And Who Dey!

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/...s-continue-other-young-players-impressing-obi

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Weekend Discussion: Which Bengals undrafted free agent(s) will make the 53-man roster?

Michael Caterina / USA TODAY NETWORK

Will the Bengals have an UDFA make the Week 1 roster? There are several promising candidates.

The weekend is here, and with it comes our latest discussion topic: Which Cincinnati Bengals undrafted free agent(s) will make the 53-man roster?

The Bengals typically have a player or two go from being undrafted to cracking the Week 1 roster.

After failing to land a defensive tackle in the NFL Draft, the Bengals signed two promising big bodies in Notre Dame’s Howard Cross III and Eric Gregory that are prime candidates to make the cut.

Arguably the best UDFA Cincinnati landed was former Ohio State and Alabama center Seth McLaughlin. But can he beat out Matt Lee for the backup center spot, given that the two backup guard spots are likely going to Cody Ford and Cordell Volson?

And don’t sleep on Duke wide receiver Jordan Moore. who has already drawn the praise of veteran wide receivers coach Troy Walters.

“He’s an A+ young man, fits our culture, and wants to be great,” Walters told Dan Hoard. “He’s coachable, and I’m excited to have him as one of our guys.”

Let us know who you think will make the cut!

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/...fted-free-agents-will-make-53-man-roster-2025

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Charlie Jones is healthy and practicing during OTAs

Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

The third-year wide receiver battled injuries last season.

There is no question that the Cincinnati Bengals offense is going to be stellar this season with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, and so many others returning.

Cincinnati also has numerous young pieces behind the veterans who are ready to make impact plays, like Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton, Chase Brown, and even Charlie Jones.

Jones, the now third-year wideout, is coming off an injury plagued season in 2024, but his special teams impact has been solid since being drafted.

In his rookie season, he returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown against the Ravens, and the following year, he notched a 100-yard kickoff return in Cleveland to open the game.

CHARLIE FREAKIN' JONES WITH THE 100-YD KICK RETURN!!!!

: #CINvsCLE on CBS pic.twitter.com/9ObAqsLtQ7

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) October 20, 2024​

He has now returned to OTAs and is practicing with the team after missing the final 10 weeks of last season.

Charlie Jones (core) is back in the mix at wide receiver today.

Jones missed the final 10 weeks last season with a groin & core issues. pic.twitter.com/FHNwDW1hy7

— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) May 27, 2025​

Although the receiver room is stacked, Jones knows the offense and brings some depth to the position, especially the slot.

He will also likely make his return to help special teams as well.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/5/31/24440010/charlie-jones-is-healthy-and-practicing-during-otas

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

It’s prove-it time for the Cincinnati Bengals

Put up or shut up.

This is a prove-it season for some players, like Cordell Volson, Cam Taylor-Britt, and Myles Murphy, but also for the Cincinnati Bengals as a whole.

Two seasons ago, they just missed the playoffs. The excuse was that Joe Burrow missed the last handful of games because of injury, and Jake Browning stepped in. No one likes excuses, but I’ll give you that one.

Last season, they also missed the playoffs, but Burrow was healthy. Tee Higgins was not and missed five games, but Ja’Marr Chase was healthy, amongst others as well. Burrow wasn’t only healthy, he was arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, as he was a finalist for multiple awards, ultimately coming home with the Comeback Player of the Year Award…again.

Chase also won the NFL’s Triple Crown Award, which is leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. But you can’t win too many games when your defense ends up being one of the worst in the league. That was the excuse last season. Not a very good one.

The only thing the team needs to fix…scratch that. The only thing the organization needs to fix is to end the Trey Hendrickson saga, and I ultimately believe they will extend him to another contract. But they need to end that before it becomes a bigger distraction once the season starts.

Now, with the team currently in OTAs and about three months out from Week 1, there are no excuses left. The team has one of the best quarterbacks, wide receiver, and receiver duo in the NFL (who both just signed massive contracts). They have to prove they belong in the postseason.

The team got several new coaches, including an offensive and defensive line coach and a defensive coordinator. It’s truly a team effort to figure out what didn’t work last season and fix it. One thing is for certain: They need to have their starters play more in preseason, and that has already been addressed by coaches and players.

The next thing they have to figure out is how to stop the run. They couldn’t stop the run even if the running back ran into them. It wasn’t good…at all. Hopefully, new defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery can help fix that.

They also need to figure out communication in their secondary. Hopefully, with Logan Wilson back healthy, he can help fix that. He’s the captain of the defense, and hopefully, he can get all the defensive backs on the same page.

Lastly, let’s keep Burrow upright. Even when we thought the offensive line was solid and was going to be the best line we had seen in a while, it wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, they had their moments when they were solid, but overall, it wasn’t great.

The interior line was atrocious, so they released starting guard Alex Cappa. A lot of folks expected them to release Volson as well, but that didn’t happen. Maybe they still see some potential in him, but they also went ahead and signed free agent Lucas Patrick and drafted rookie Dylan Fairchild, both of whom have been getting first-team reps early in OTAs.

New offensive line coach Scott Peters needs to get this to become aggressive and get some push and momentum against the defense, which hasn’t happened in a while.

Whoever the starting line ends up being, they need to finally give Burrow solid good protection. It's not good enough, but it's good protection. That’s the challenge for Peters, who Patrick had some positive words about this week.

2. Newcomer Lucas Patrick is a candidate to start at RG. The 9-year vet is impressed with new O-line coach Scott Peters.
“It’s the most detailed I’ve ever been during OTA’s,” said Patrick. “You really get to hone in on new techniques, set a tone, and take the fight to D-lineman.” pic.twitter.com/PQ3XkJsRKJ

— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) May 27, 2025​

Let’s see if our Bengals can FINALLY put all the pieces together and punch a ticket to the postseason. Better yet, win the AFC North again and make it to the Super Bowl again. They have the team to do it as long as they can fix the shattered pieces from last season.

There are no more excuses for underperformance this season.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/6/1/24439072/cincinnati-bengals-its-prove-it-time-for-the

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Film Room: Dylan Fairchild is poised to upgrade the Bengals offensive line

Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Bengals found a potential stud.

For the second year in a row, the Cincinnati Bengals went to Athens, Georgia, to find some offensive line help, and from the looks of things, they may have hit it out of the park once again.

While his teammate Tate Ratledge may have gotten more attention in the pre-draft process, Dylan Fairchild is an extremely talented player and a great fit for the Bengals.

Fairchild 53 LG Pass Pro pic.twitter.com/V6YgNZQrNL

— Matt (@CoachMinich) May 27, 2025​

One of the things Fairchild is most often praised for is his pass protection, specifically his anchor.

You can see it here. He is initially pushed back but is able to sink his hips and hold the rusher in place. Even the defensive end bumping into him doesn’t knock him off his block.

53 Fairchild LG Twist pic.twitter.com/lzqBb6JLs8

— Matt (@CoachMinich) May 27, 2025​

In this clip. Fairchild does an excellent job of picking up the defensive line stunt.

Initially, he blocks the defender in the B-gap, but as the defensive end loops the inside, the offensive tackle (57) steps down into the B-gap. The tackle takes over the block, allowing Fairchild to pick up the looper in the A-gap.

This is excellent communication between the two linemen and a great pickup by Fairchild.

Fairchild is a smart player who does a great job of adjusting to defensive movement.

Dylan Fairchild twist pic.twitter.com/8NVROPHvSG

— Matt (@CoachMinich) May 27, 2025​

Here is another example of Fairchild picking up a stunt by the defensive line.

This time, he initially blocks the defensive lineman aligned in the B-gap (90). Number 90 stunts inside, and Fairchild seamlessly passes him off to the center. Then, he picks up the nose tackle (8) as he loops to the outside.

Let’s take a close look at that block.

Fairchild chop pic.twitter.com/dkmeAuhjtv

— Matt (@CoachMinich) May 29, 2025​

Fairchild flexes his wrestling background here with some great hand usage.

The inside man wins, and the defender has inside hand position.

Fairchild throws a two-handed chop and resets his hands inside.

This is fantastic.

Fairchild LG 53 Drive pic.twitter.com/Wwv313cYJe

— Matt (@CoachMinich) May 27, 2025​

I am really excited to see what Fairchild can do in the run game.

In this clip, he does a great job of rolling his hips through contact and driving the defender downfield. He is really showing off that 370-pound power clean and 570-pound squat on this rep.

In fact, he takes him past the defensive end and all the way off the screen.

53 Fairchild Reach pic.twitter.com/uyzGw1Ynyd

— Matt (@CoachMinich) May 27, 2025​

In this clip, Fairchild showcases his strength once again, along with some excellent footwork.

The defender is lined up inside and Fairchild successfully reaches him, placing himself inside of the defender and swinging his hips into the gap.

Fairchild brings a powerful punch with his inside arm, knocking the defender to the ground.

Fairchild 53 climbing pic.twitter.com/FFfX6Lhuzt

— Matt (@CoachMinich) May 27, 2025​

Now, let’s talk about second-level blocking.

Fairchild does a great job of climbing to the second level and tracking linebackers on the move.

In this clip, Fairchild punches the defensive lineman and works up to the middle linebacker. When he gets to the linebacker, he gets his body in the gap and controls the defender.

Now let’s take a step back and look at what Fairchild does at the first level.

Freeze frame pic.twitter.com/xfaXsGJVP5

— Matt (@CoachMinich) May 30, 2025​

Look at how Fairchild throws a left-handed and completely turns the defensive lineman’s shoulders.

This is an incredibly powerful punch on his way to the second level. The offensive tackle doesn’t follow through with the block, but Fairchild set him up perfectly and got to the linebacker fast.

Fairchild 53 Pull pic.twitter.com/TFEbYc4elN

— Matt (@CoachMinich) May 27, 2025​

He went from power to speed in the last clip, in this one he goes from speed to power.

Fairchild is the first puller. He gets the edge and absolutely annihilates the first defender he sees.

Dylan Fairchild blocking 20 yards down field pic.twitter.com/oxp1KrWU6h

— Matt (@CoachMinich) May 27, 2025​

This clip speaks for itself.

How often do you see a 325-pound man blocking 20 yards down the field?

---

The Bengals may have found something special in Dylan Fairchild.

He is a young, ascending player who has fantastic strength and processing. Now, this high school wrestling champ at Georgia’s highest level has been matched up with the perfect position coach with an MMA background in Scott Peters.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/6/...om-starting-guard-highlights-georgia-bulldogs

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Can you guess this Bengals defensive end in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bengals player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey Bengals fans! We’re back for another day of the Cincy Jungle in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​

Monday, June 2, 2025
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Saturday, May 31, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Cincy Jungle in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Bengals player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Who Dey!

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/6/3/24442151/sb-nation-bengals-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Ohio lawmakers want to use unclaimed property funds to help pay for Bengals’ and Browns’ stadiums

Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images

Better than the taxpayers?

The Cincinnati Bengals are still working on extending their stadium lease with Hamilton County and hope the State of Ohio will help with the process.

The Cleveland Browns were hoping to do it with state-issued bonds, but Senate Republicans had a different plan.

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Senate GOP’s initial proposal for the state’s budget would include “raiding” the unclaimed property fund.”

The fund currently holds $4.8 billion, and the plan is to remove $1.7 billion from it, including $600 million for the Browns and $1.1 billion for other stadium projects, including upgrades to Paycor Stadium.

Cleveland’s $600 million would be paid back in tax revenue, but there was no clear plan for how the Bengals would pay back any funding they received from the current proposal.

There is no word on whether or not Ohio Governor Mike DeWine would support this bill, but he has supported raising taxes on sportsbooks to cover funding from the initial state bonds proposal.

The Bengals and Hamilton County seem to have a plan in place without state funding, but they will likely take any of it that they can get.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/6/...roperty-funds-pay-for-bengals-browns-stadiums

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Tee Higgins hypes up Andrei Iosivas as bigger, stronger, and faster

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The competition for the Bengals third wide receiver could Andrei Iosivas' to lose

The Cincinnati Bengals headline for the offseason was locking up wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as the team's two top targets for at least the next four seasons.

The question now is who will be next after them on the depth chart and in quarterback Joe Burrow's eyes.

The team also re-signed tight end Mike Gesicki (who might as well be a wide receiver), Burrow has also complimented Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones is looking healthy.

However, Higgins Was quick to hype up last year's third-leading receiver Andrei Iosivas:

3. Higgins, by the way, expects big things from Andrei Iosivas after having 36 catches for 479 yards and six TD in his second year.
“Y’all see him,” said Tee. “He got bigger. He got stronger. And he got faster. He’s twitchier and he knows everything right now. It’s great to see.” pic.twitter.com/xLmEA6mx0X

— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) June 3, 2025​

Iosivas was fourth last season in receiving yards, third in receiving touchdowns, and fifth in targets. Gesicki and running back Chase Brown were involved in the passing game just as much last season.

Could Iosivas see a slight bump in production? Maybe. He only caught 36 of his 61 targets. It wouldn't be a huge bump there, but there is room for improvement, certainly. He will have to fight off Gesicki, Burton, and Jones for snaps, but he can be more efficient with those snaps if he is in even better shape, as Higgins has alluded to here.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/6/...rei-iosivas-cincinnati-bengals-wide-receivers

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals trivia: Your in-5 daily game, Saturday edition

Think you can figure out which Bengals player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey Bengals fans! We’re back for another day of the Cincy Jungle in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​

Friday, June 6, 2025
Thursday, June 5, 2025
Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Cincy Jungle in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Bengals player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Who Dey!

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/6/7/24444818/sb-nation-bengals-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Bengals offensive line ranked as the worst in the NFL

Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Did Cincinnati do enough to protect Burrow?

The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up to get back into postseason play as the 2025 NFL season is a few months away.

The Bengals entered the offseason with quite a few roster holes, including offensive line, specifically guard.

Cincinnati’s offensive line has not been stellar since drafting Joe Burrow, but the franchise has made a few moves over the year to improve the unit somewhat.

The Bengals cut Alex Cappa, brought in Lucas Patrick, and drafted two guys in Dylan Fairchild and Jalen Rivers.

As of right now, the starting offensive line is likely set outside of the left guard position.

But did the Bengals do enough to truly protect Joe Burrow?

Pro Football Focus surely doesn’t think so...

Cincinnati’s offensive line was tabbed as the weakest position group after free agency and the NFL Draft.

“The Bengals ranked 29th in both PFF pass-blocking grade and PFF run-blocking grade last season, and it doesn’t appear that they will fare much better in 2025. Center Ted Karras is the only returning player from last season who earned at least a 60.0 PFF overall grade. Left tackle Amarius Mims underwhelmed in his rookie season. The lowest-graded guard unit in football added only third-round pick Dylan Fairchild and veteran Lucas Patrick, who earned a 64.6 PFF grade in New Orleans in 2024,” PFF wrote.

The Bengals still have a few free agents available like Brandon Scherff and Dalton Risner to bring in some much-needed veteran help up front, but will they? Highly unlikely.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/6/7/24433619/bengals-offensive-line-worst-in-the-nfl

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Can you guess this Bengals running back in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bengals player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey Bengals fans! We’re back for another day of the Cincy Jungle in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​

Saturday, June 7, 2025
Friday, June 6, 2025
Thursday, June 5, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Cincy Jungle in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Bengals player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Who Dey!

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/6/8/24445292/sb-nation-bengals-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Cincinnati Bengals]

Report: Trey Hendrickson will not attend mandatory minicamp

Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Who’s surprised? No one.

To the surprise of absolutely no one on Earth, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end and defending NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson will not attend mandatory minicamp, which begins on Tuesday, per Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini.

This is the next chapter of an ongoing saga between Hendrickson and the front office, and now, according to Paul Dehner Jr., the defensive end will be fined $104,768. If his very public statements and missing OTAs didn’t make his stance on whether he’ll play on his current contract or not clear, maybe this will.

Hendrickson is under contract for the 2025 season with a cap hit of $18.3 million and a base salary of $15.8 million. He has accrued 17.5 sacks over each of the last two seasons, leading the NFL in the statistic in 2024. However, in 2025, he’s tied with BJ Hill and Alim McNeil at No. 29 when it comes to total cash, per Spotrac, while defensive ends Hendrickson has outperformed are making $10-$15 million more.

The Bengals’ stance, surely, is that he signed a contract (which he did) and they believe he should stand by it. They also have historically shied away from giving big guarantees to anyone over 30, which Hendrickson is.

Who knows how this will end? All I know is it’s probably going to get uglier before it’s over.

Source: https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/6/...endrickson-will-not-attend-mandatory-minicamp