10 days ago
The Cincinnati Bengals hit the bye at 3-2, and if you squint, you can see how this team could've been 5-0 or 1-4. A three-point loss in Pittsburgh.
A five-point loss to Jacksonville after Ja'Marr Chase left with a concussion in the first 18 minutes. Then a 31-24 win in Miami to stop the bleeding.
So who's been the one player this team can't do without? Here are the nominees.
Joe Burrow, QB: 135-of-189 (71.4%), 1,361 yards, 11 touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 104.4 passer rating. That completion percentage leads the NFL. He's done it while losing Colbie Young on the first play in Pittsburgh, Chase early against Jacksonville, and Tee Higgins late in that same game. Four touchdowns in Miami went to Mike Gesicki, Samaje Perine, Tanner Hudson and Chase. That's an MVP spreading the wealth.
Tee Higgins, WR: 27 catches for a team-high 423 yards (15.7 per catch). When Chase was out or limited, Higgins was the guy keeping defenses honest down the field.
#team #Miami
A five-point loss to Jacksonville after Ja'Marr Chase left with a concussion in the first 18 minutes. Then a 31-24 win in Miami to stop the bleeding.
So who's been the one player this team can't do without? Here are the nominees.
Joe Burrow, QB: 135-of-189 (71.4%), 1,361 yards, 11 touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 104.4 passer rating. That completion percentage leads the NFL. He's done it while losing Colbie Young on the first play in Pittsburgh, Chase early against Jacksonville, and Tee Higgins late in that same game. Four touchdowns in Miami went to Mike Gesicki, Samaje Perine, Tanner Hudson and Chase. That's an MVP spreading the wealth.
Tee Higgins, WR: 27 catches for a team-high 423 yards (15.7 per catch). When Chase was out or limited, Higgins was the guy keeping defenses honest down the field.
#team #Miami
2 months ago
Andrei Iosivas entered the offseason as one of the more embattled-feeling Cincinnati Bengals players of note.
The Bengals, after all, drafted Colbie Young this year and Iosivas has some drops over the last year or so that stick heavy in the minds of fans.
But with training camp wrapping up ahead of the preseason finale, offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has nothing but good things to say about Iosivas.
Pitcher told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com that Iosivas "had a good camp all the way around."
That confidence in Iosivas was apparent when he was one of the first names called up at a recent practice with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins out.
#pitcher #good #andrei
The Bengals, after all, drafted Colbie Young this year and Iosivas has some drops over the last year or so that stick heavy in the minds of fans.
But with training camp wrapping up ahead of the preseason finale, offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has nothing but good things to say about Iosivas.
Pitcher told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com that Iosivas "had a good camp all the way around."
That confidence in Iosivas was apparent when he was one of the first names called up at a recent practice with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins out.
#pitcher #good #andrei
2 months ago
The preseason is nearly complete for the Cincinnati Bengals, who will face the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night. After that, all 32 NFL teams will begin trimming down their rosters to 53 men before the deadline on August 30 at 6 PM ET.
For the Bengals, it's been a fun preseason thus far as they've rolled toward a 2-0 start, thanks in large part to several players who could be considered the team's MVP of the preseason.
So, we want you to tell us who has been the Bengals preseason MVP thus far.
Former CFL wide receiver Dohnte Meyers has been the surprise of camp and the preseason, going from facing an uphill climb just to make the practice squad to now likely securing a spot on the 53-man roster.
Fourth-round rookie Colbie Young has also been an impact pass-catcher and could be setting himself up to play meaningful snaps in Year 1.
#preseason #philadelphia #Eagles #dohnte
For the Bengals, it's been a fun preseason thus far as they've rolled toward a 2-0 start, thanks in large part to several players who could be considered the team's MVP of the preseason.
So, we want you to tell us who has been the Bengals preseason MVP thus far.
Former CFL wide receiver Dohnte Meyers has been the surprise of camp and the preseason, going from facing an uphill climb just to make the practice squad to now likely securing a spot on the 53-man roster.
Fourth-round rookie Colbie Young has also been an impact pass-catcher and could be setting himself up to play meaningful snaps in Year 1.
#preseason #philadelphia #Eagles #dohnte
2 months ago
The Cincinnati Bengals moved to 2-0 in the preseason Saturday night, taking down the Chicago Bears 27-9 at Paycor Stadium. With Zac Taylor choosing to rest Cincinnati's starters following Thursday's joint practice, the game was primarily about giving the players fighting for roster spots another opportunity to make their case. They certainly took advantage of it. The Bengals' backups held their own against a Bears team that played a number of its starters, and Cincinnati eventually pulled away for a convincing victory.
One of the biggest stories was Dohnte Meyers, who continued his remarkable push for a roster spot, while Colbie Young also made an impact with a touchdown reception. The defense did its part as well, limiting Chicago to three field goals and nine total points, with rookie Landon Robinson among those making noise up front. Evan McPherson remained automatic, hitting both of his field-goal attempts—including a 58-yarder—and all three extra points.
But here's the discussion topic: what do we make of Josh Johnson?
The 40-year-old veteran quarterback turned in one of the better performances of the night, completing 15 of 23 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He connected with Young for a 17-yard touchdown and later found Tanner Hudson for a six-yard score, helping Cincinnati take a 17-9 lead into halftime.
Obviously, **** ody is suggesting Johnson is going to challenge Joe Burrow for the starting job. But the Bengals brought him back because of his experience, knowledge of NFL offenses and ability to step into a difficult situation if needed. And if Cincinnati is looking for a veteran No. 3 quarterback who can keep the offense functional in an emergency, Johnson's performance Saturday certainly didn't hurt his case.
#Chicago #bears #johnson #roster
One of the biggest stories was Dohnte Meyers, who continued his remarkable push for a roster spot, while Colbie Young also made an impact with a touchdown reception. The defense did its part as well, limiting Chicago to three field goals and nine total points, with rookie Landon Robinson among those making noise up front. Evan McPherson remained automatic, hitting both of his field-goal attempts—including a 58-yarder—and all three extra points.
But here's the discussion topic: what do we make of Josh Johnson?
The 40-year-old veteran quarterback turned in one of the better performances of the night, completing 15 of 23 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He connected with Young for a 17-yard touchdown and later found Tanner Hudson for a six-yard score, helping Cincinnati take a 17-9 lead into halftime.
Obviously, **** ody is suggesting Johnson is going to challenge Joe Burrow for the starting job. But the Bengals brought him back because of his experience, knowledge of NFL offenses and ability to step into a difficult situation if needed. And if Cincinnati is looking for a veteran No. 3 quarterback who can keep the offense functional in an emergency, Johnson's performance Saturday certainly didn't hurt his case.
#Chicago #bears #johnson #roster
2 months ago
CINCINNATI (AP) — With Joe Burrow, Joe Flacco and the rest of Cincinnati's starters and key backups watching in street clothes, 40-year-old journeyman Josh Johnson led the Bengals to a 27-9 preseason victory over the Chicago Bears on Saturday night.
After directing a 14-play, 67-yard drive against Chicago's starting defense to open the game, Johnson threw a pair of touchdown passes late in the second quarter to give the Bengals (2-0) an 11-point lead and ending his night.
Johnson went 15 of 23 for 156 yards with touchdown passes of 17 yards to rookie wide receiver Colbie Young and 6 to veteran tight end Tanner Hudson, the latter coming with 23 seconds left in the first half.
Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the Bears' starters made their preseason debuts in cameo fashion, playing just the opening series.
Williams was 2 of 5 for 28 yards, with all three incompletions coming after Chicago (1-1) drove into the red zone only to have a holding penalty set up first-and-20 at the Bengals 27.
#johnson #Chicago #preseason
After directing a 14-play, 67-yard drive against Chicago's starting defense to open the game, Johnson threw a pair of touchdown passes late in the second quarter to give the Bengals (2-0) an 11-point lead and ending his night.
Johnson went 15 of 23 for 156 yards with touchdown passes of 17 yards to rookie wide receiver Colbie Young and 6 to veteran tight end Tanner Hudson, the latter coming with 23 seconds left in the first half.
Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the Bears' starters made their preseason debuts in cameo fashion, playing just the opening series.
Williams was 2 of 5 for 28 yards, with all three incompletions coming after Chicago (1-1) drove into the red zone only to have a holding penalty set up first-and-20 at the Bengals 27.
#johnson #Chicago #preseason
2 months ago
The Cincinnati Bengals' first offensive selection during the 2026 NFL Draft, Connor Lew, was inactive vs. the Detroit Lions. After tearing his left ACL during October of 2025, the Bengals are being cautious in easing him back into full contact on a regular basis. He has been getting some first- and second-team action in camp, but the next step will be to see if he plays in one of the final two preseason games.
Colbie Young was also a fourth-round draft selection for the Bengals. He has made quite the impression so far during camp. That continued with a couple of catches versus Detroit. He finished the game with two receptions for 28 yards. He could have had a third catch, but it was knocked away on a contested catch opportunity.
Young could push Andrei Iosivas for snaps at the third receiver position throughout the season. His size, strength in his hands, and ability to generally win those contested catch situations are all standout traits.
Brian Parker II was a sixth-round draft selection for the Bengals this year. He played mostly right tackle during his time at Duke. For the Bengals, he has moved almost exclusively to the interior so far in camp. The majority of his snaps against the Lions came at left guard, with a handful at center late in the game.
I thought Parker looked really good, especially in pass protection. He has such a calm presence for a young lineman. He doesn't panic, and he trusts his technique. He also has the athleticism to recover when it is needed.
#parker
Colbie Young was also a fourth-round draft selection for the Bengals. He has made quite the impression so far during camp. That continued with a couple of catches versus Detroit. He finished the game with two receptions for 28 yards. He could have had a third catch, but it was knocked away on a contested catch opportunity.
Young could push Andrei Iosivas for snaps at the third receiver position throughout the season. His size, strength in his hands, and ability to generally win those contested catch situations are all standout traits.
Brian Parker II was a sixth-round draft selection for the Bengals this year. He played mostly right tackle during his time at Duke. For the Bengals, he has moved almost exclusively to the interior so far in camp. The majority of his snaps against the Lions came at left guard, with a handful at center late in the game.
I thought Parker looked really good, especially in pass protection. He has such a calm presence for a young lineman. He doesn't panic, and he trusts his technique. He also has the athleticism to recover when it is needed.
#parker
2 months ago
The Cincinnati Bengals really appear to have a big hit on their hands with rookie wideout Colbie Young.
Young, the fourth-round wideout who keeps making big plays in training camp…just keeps right on doing it.
One of the latest examples comes from over the weekend, where Young soared up to grab a contested catch from Joe Burrow. Dan ***** d provided the footage, plus a quote from Bengals wideouts coach Troy Walters:
Young himself talked about his growing connection with the star quarterback.
"As soon as I get out of my break, the ball is there. Like I've said, you can't guard a perfect ball," Young said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "Just me and Joe trusting each other on that timing route. He makes it easy. All that pressure in his face, he has to read all the checks, and he still threw a perfect ball out there."
#colbie
Young, the fourth-round wideout who keeps making big plays in training camp…just keeps right on doing it.
One of the latest examples comes from over the weekend, where Young soared up to grab a contested catch from Joe Burrow. Dan ***** d provided the footage, plus a quote from Bengals wideouts coach Troy Walters:
Young himself talked about his growing connection with the star quarterback.
"As soon as I get out of my break, the ball is there. Like I've said, you can't guard a perfect ball," Young said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "Just me and Joe trusting each other on that timing route. He makes it easy. All that pressure in his face, he has to read all the checks, and he still threw a perfect ball out there."
#colbie
2 months ago
The Cincinnati Bengals took the field for a Sunday morning practice ahead of their second preseason matchup. A joint practice with the Chicago Bears will be on Thursday, so the team is preparing accordingly.
Former Bengals quarterback Jeff Blake attended Sunday's practice and gave Joe Flacco some funny advice.
After a bit of an injury scare on Saturday, Murphy was back on the practice field and participated fully. Saturday's issue was cramps, he just used a cart to get back to the locker room due to the long walk.
Star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins got rest days, so some receivers lower on the depth chart had a chance to make a splash with the starting unit.
Colbie Young got some work with Joe Burrow with Chase and Higgins resting and took full advantage of this rep against fellow rookie Tacario Davis. Burrow placed the ball perfectly, while Young made a great adjustment to haul in the back shoulder pass.
#practice #burrow #receivers
Former Bengals quarterback Jeff Blake attended Sunday's practice and gave Joe Flacco some funny advice.
After a bit of an injury scare on Saturday, Murphy was back on the practice field and participated fully. Saturday's issue was cramps, he just used a cart to get back to the locker room due to the long walk.
Star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins got rest days, so some receivers lower on the depth chart had a chance to make a splash with the starting unit.
Colbie Young got some work with Joe Burrow with Chase and Higgins resting and took full advantage of this rep against fellow rookie Tacario Davis. Burrow placed the ball perfectly, while Young made a great adjustment to haul in the back shoulder pass.
#practice #burrow #receivers
2 months ago
The Cincinnati Bengals have some really solid early contributions from the rookie class this year.
Cashius Howell, their first draft pick, is clearly a capable pass-rusher. Third-rounder Tacario Davis looks like he'll play a key role at boundary corner. Fourth-round wideout Colbie Young will be key depth and seventh-rounder Landon Robinson is making some final-roster noise.
While a little boring, sixth-round offensive lineman Brian Parker quietly just looks like a pro's pro, too.
Parker popped on the live broadcast and eventually on film review too for his steady play. The number eventually backed it up too. Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com pointed out that Parker played 57 snaps, more than any other player on the team, getting looks at guard and center.
Over the course of that versatile work, Parker only let up two hurries on 34 pass-blocking attempts.
#pass #round #eventually
Cashius Howell, their first draft pick, is clearly a capable pass-rusher. Third-rounder Tacario Davis looks like he'll play a key role at boundary corner. Fourth-round wideout Colbie Young will be key depth and seventh-rounder Landon Robinson is making some final-roster noise.
While a little boring, sixth-round offensive lineman Brian Parker quietly just looks like a pro's pro, too.
Parker popped on the live broadcast and eventually on film review too for his steady play. The number eventually backed it up too. Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com pointed out that Parker played 57 snaps, more than any other player on the team, getting looks at guard and center.
Over the course of that versatile work, Parker only let up two hurries on 34 pass-blocking attempts.
#pass #round #eventually
3 months ago
The positive news for Cincinnati Bengals rookies coming out of training camp is better than usual.
Colbie Young keeps making big plays at wideout. The team's first pick this year, Cashius Howell, continues to look like he'll be a pass-rushing contributor. Connor Lew is healthy on the offensive line and seventh-rounder Landon Robinson looks like he could be making a push for the final roster.
And then there's third–round pick Tacario Davis.
A huge 6'4" cornerback with upside, Davis has seen some starting reps with the ones lately due to rest days for other players and looked good.
Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com explained: "Higgins beat Davis off the line with a great release, but the 6-4 Davis' catch-up speed came into play. Higgins still should have easily hauled in QB Joe Burrow's beautiful go ball, but with Davis hanging behind him, Higgins didn't pull it in before hitting the ground …"
#like
Colbie Young keeps making big plays at wideout. The team's first pick this year, Cashius Howell, continues to look like he'll be a pass-rushing contributor. Connor Lew is healthy on the offensive line and seventh-rounder Landon Robinson looks like he could be making a push for the final roster.
And then there's third–round pick Tacario Davis.
A huge 6'4" cornerback with upside, Davis has seen some starting reps with the ones lately due to rest days for other players and looked good.
Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com explained: "Higgins beat Davis off the line with a great release, but the 6-4 Davis' catch-up speed came into play. Higgins still should have easily hauled in QB Joe Burrow's beautiful go ball, but with Davis hanging behind him, Higgins didn't pull it in before hitting the ground …"
#like
3 months ago
Week 1 of the preseason is finally here. NFL fans get a taste of actual football (kind of). The Cincinnati Bengals will continue their trend of giving their starters live reps in the preseason, which they started last year, to hopefully have a better start to the season.
It will be fun to see a little bit of the big names get their sea legs under them, but the vast majority of the game will be spent watching the second-string players, as well as roster bubble players trying to earn their spots on a roster.
Can training camp rookie phenoms wide receiver Colbie Young and edge rusher Cashius Howell translate what they've done on the practice field into a real game scenario? Can some crowded positional rooms sort themselves out? I am looking at the defensive tackle room.
We also will get a look at Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter at linebacker in their second season after facing a ton of criticism the entire Offseason. Will the Bengals front office look like geniuses for betting on their improvement, or will it be a preview of a train wreck?
Here is how to watch the Bengals host the Lions in Week 1 of the preseason:
#bengals #game #second #players
It will be fun to see a little bit of the big names get their sea legs under them, but the vast majority of the game will be spent watching the second-string players, as well as roster bubble players trying to earn their spots on a roster.
Can training camp rookie phenoms wide receiver Colbie Young and edge rusher Cashius Howell translate what they've done on the practice field into a real game scenario? Can some crowded positional rooms sort themselves out? I am looking at the defensive tackle room.
We also will get a look at Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter at linebacker in their second season after facing a ton of criticism the entire Offseason. Will the Bengals front office look like geniuses for betting on their improvement, or will it be a preview of a train wreck?
Here is how to watch the Bengals host the Lions in Week 1 of the preseason:
#bengals #game #second #players
3 months ago
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said he doesn't view it as a battle between Andrei Iosivas and Colbie Young for the No. 3 wide receiver position.
In his mind, there's Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and then everyone else competing for roles behind them.
Iosivas has been the clear No. 3 the past couple of years, though, and is working to retain his share of those snaps. For the second time in three years, the Bengals drafted a wide receiver that could take a piece of that pie.
Young, a lengthy fourth-round draft pick this year out of Georgia, has been drawing a lot of attention with splash plays in training camp so far. While mainly playing with the second-team offense, he's also gotten reps with Joe Burrow and the first-team offense and is taking advantage of every opportunity to show what he could bring.
"There's a handful of instances where they've done some really impressive things, and then there's another handful of instances where we got to finish, and that's the beauty of getting to come out here every day," Pitcher said. "And at the end of the day, the best players will play and the guys that we feel like give us the best chance to win in any given week, so a long way left before we have to make any decisions."
#iosivas #wide #years #second
In his mind, there's Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and then everyone else competing for roles behind them.
Iosivas has been the clear No. 3 the past couple of years, though, and is working to retain his share of those snaps. For the second time in three years, the Bengals drafted a wide receiver that could take a piece of that pie.
Young, a lengthy fourth-round draft pick this year out of Georgia, has been drawing a lot of attention with splash plays in training camp so far. While mainly playing with the second-team offense, he's also gotten reps with Joe Burrow and the first-team offense and is taking advantage of every opportunity to show what he could bring.
"There's a handful of instances where they've done some really impressive things, and then there's another handful of instances where we got to finish, and that's the beauty of getting to come out here every day," Pitcher said. "And at the end of the day, the best players will play and the guys that we feel like give us the best chance to win in any given week, so a long way left before we have to make any decisions."
#iosivas #wide #years #second
4 months ago
The Cincinnati Bengals' receiving corps was expecting a big year in 2025 after the top three pass-catchers signed new contracts or extensions, but Joe Burrow's toe injury shook things up, turnovers became an issue and things just didn't go as planned.
Coming off a triple crown campaign and huge extension, Ja'Marr Chase had more targets than ever, and it didn't translate into more production. It would have been tough to top his numbers from 2024 anyway, but Chase now says he is done writing down statistical goals on his mirror. Both he and Tee Higgins — who managed to stay healthy in the first year of his new deal but also saw a drop in his production — are just focused on winning championships.
For the Bengals to reach their goals, they'll need the receivers to get back to the explosiveness that made them so hard to beat. Tight end Mike Gesicki, who also re-signed ahead of the 2025 season, is capable of more, and some competition at the No. 3 receiver spot could help Andrei Iosivas take the next step, while eyes are on rookie Colbie Young to see what he adds.
Let's take a look at the past performances of the Bengals' wide receivers and tight ends, and how they are expected to stack up in 2026 with help from some ***** ysis and data from Pro Football Focus and other sites.
This is the third in a series of pieces breaking down each position group for the Bengals. Next up: Offensive line.
Coming off a triple crown campaign and huge extension, Ja'Marr Chase had more targets than ever, and it didn't translate into more production. It would have been tough to top his numbers from 2024 anyway, but Chase now says he is done writing down statistical goals on his mirror. Both he and Tee Higgins — who managed to stay healthy in the first year of his new deal but also saw a drop in his production — are just focused on winning championships.
For the Bengals to reach their goals, they'll need the receivers to get back to the explosiveness that made them so hard to beat. Tight end Mike Gesicki, who also re-signed ahead of the 2025 season, is capable of more, and some competition at the No. 3 receiver spot could help Andrei Iosivas take the next step, while eyes are on rookie Colbie Young to see what he adds.
Let's take a look at the past performances of the Bengals' wide receivers and tight ends, and how they are expected to stack up in 2026 with help from some ***** ysis and data from Pro Football Focus and other sites.
This is the third in a series of pieces breaking down each position group for the Bengals. Next up: Offensive line.
4 months ago
The Cincinnati Bengals hit the offseason with a rather quiet need at wideout.
Sounds weird to outsiders, given the presence of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the depth chart, no doubt.
But third wideout was an issue. The team confirmed as much by using a draft pick on Colbie Young, who can double as a Higgins-like boundary player and perhaps more.
But based on Joe Burrow’s recent comments, it might be best not to count out Andrei Iosivas just yet.
"Andrei looks great this year. Andrei looks unbelievable. He looks big, strong, fast," Burrow said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "He made a couple of really nice contested catches in the spring this year in our limited reps. That's a big area of emphasis for him. That was exciting to see. He's going to continue to improve there, but he looks just like he's playing with so much confidence, confidence in his role, confidence in the offense, and his ability."
Sounds weird to outsiders, given the presence of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the depth chart, no doubt.
But third wideout was an issue. The team confirmed as much by using a draft pick on Colbie Young, who can double as a Higgins-like boundary player and perhaps more.
But based on Joe Burrow’s recent comments, it might be best not to count out Andrei Iosivas just yet.
"Andrei looks great this year. Andrei looks unbelievable. He looks big, strong, fast," Burrow said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "He made a couple of really nice contested catches in the spring this year in our limited reps. That's a big area of emphasis for him. That was exciting to see. He's going to continue to improve there, but he looks just like he's playing with so much confidence, confidence in his role, confidence in the offense, and his ability."
