1 00:00:01,600 --> 00:00:06,559 Speaker 1: This is Tony Pike Cincy three sixty about Cincinnati. 2 00:00:06,840 --> 00:00:08,000 Speaker 2: From Cincinnati. 3 00:00:08,160 --> 00:00:12,840 Speaker 1: This is ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station. 4 00:00:15,560 --> 00:00:19,400 Speaker 2: Welcome back, Happy Tuesday, Happy Hour number two since he 5 00:00:19,480 --> 00:00:22,440 Speaker 2: three sixty on the home of the Bengals, ESPN fifteen 6 00:00:22,560 --> 00:00:27,360 Speaker 2: thirty Cincinnati Sports Station. It is Tuesday. It is hour two, 7 00:00:27,360 --> 00:00:28,800 Speaker 2: which means we get to talk to our guy from 8 00:00:28,840 --> 00:00:32,360 Speaker 2: Fox nineteen joining us right now. Joe Daneman, Joey d what's. 9 00:00:32,200 --> 00:00:37,599 Speaker 1: Up, Tony, Tony Tony? And Audi E. What's up? Happy Tuesday? 10 00:00:37,800 --> 00:00:38,559 Speaker 2: Happy Tuesday? 11 00:00:38,600 --> 00:00:38,720 Speaker 1: Now? 12 00:00:38,920 --> 00:00:42,720 Speaker 2: The service sounds pretty good. Are you halfway to Tucson yet? 13 00:00:42,760 --> 00:00:45,240 Speaker 2: Are you guys leaving later today? When do you guys 14 00:00:45,280 --> 00:00:47,360 Speaker 2: head to Arizona? 15 00:00:47,840 --> 00:00:51,720 Speaker 1: I head to Arizona next month for ready, Yeah, yep, yep, 16 00:00:53,000 --> 00:00:54,160 Speaker 1: So there's my hands yet? 17 00:00:54,280 --> 00:00:54,639 Speaker 3: All right? 18 00:00:54,720 --> 00:00:59,040 Speaker 1: Flight his book hotel is ready three days in the 19 00:00:59,080 --> 00:01:02,360 Speaker 1: sun to cover the Cincinnati Red next month. But what 20 00:01:02,440 --> 00:01:06,280 Speaker 1: an opportunity for the Bearcats and west Miller on Wednesday night. 21 00:01:06,520 --> 00:01:11,880 Speaker 2: You ain't kidding. Opportunities all abound and unfortunately a lost opportunity. 22 00:01:11,880 --> 00:01:13,399 Speaker 2: I have to bring it up because I know it's 23 00:01:13,440 --> 00:01:16,200 Speaker 2: close to you. The Jimmy Butler news not great for 24 00:01:16,640 --> 00:01:18,360 Speaker 2: your Golden State Warriors or Steph Curry. 25 00:01:19,600 --> 00:01:22,880 Speaker 1: It's tough. They were starting to play so well, and 26 00:01:22,920 --> 00:01:26,759 Speaker 1: they were on the brink of moving their one tradable asset, 27 00:01:26,880 --> 00:01:30,240 Speaker 1: Jonathan Kaminga hopefully to get a three and D guy 28 00:01:30,319 --> 00:01:33,000 Speaker 1: to kind of complete what I thought could be a 29 00:01:33,040 --> 00:01:36,440 Speaker 1: team who could compete to go to the Western Conference Finals. 30 00:01:36,600 --> 00:01:38,520 Speaker 1: The shame of it is if you're a step fan 31 00:01:38,680 --> 00:01:41,160 Speaker 1: or a lebron fan, when they get near the end 32 00:01:41,200 --> 00:01:44,679 Speaker 1: of their career, when they just don't build around them 33 00:01:44,720 --> 00:01:48,920 Speaker 1: and give these generational players the tools they need to 34 00:01:49,000 --> 00:01:54,240 Speaker 1: compete for championships. At another year of Steph Curry nearing 35 00:01:54,280 --> 00:01:56,559 Speaker 1: the end of his career where he has a chance 36 00:01:56,600 --> 00:01:59,360 Speaker 1: to compete for a title. I still think they can 37 00:01:59,400 --> 00:02:02,560 Speaker 1: be a threat to make the playoffs, but certainly any 38 00:02:02,640 --> 00:02:05,880 Speaker 1: idea of the Golden State Warriors and us getting to 39 00:02:06,000 --> 00:02:10,000 Speaker 1: watch step play in huge games is now off the 40 00:02:10,040 --> 00:02:11,959 Speaker 1: table for this team to make a run of the playoffs. 41 00:02:11,960 --> 00:02:15,000 Speaker 1: It's a shame. I'm a little bit bummed today after 42 00:02:15,040 --> 00:02:16,680 Speaker 1: seeing what happened last night, a. 43 00:02:16,680 --> 00:02:19,280 Speaker 2: Huge game last night as well in the National Championship. 44 00:02:19,400 --> 00:02:22,200 Speaker 2: I want to ask you what Indiana has done. It's 45 00:02:22,240 --> 00:02:24,160 Speaker 2: one of the most remarkable stories in the history of 46 00:02:24,200 --> 00:02:27,640 Speaker 2: sports and what Signetti did with not all the five 47 00:02:27,680 --> 00:02:32,320 Speaker 2: stars and being able in today's football or college sport 48 00:02:32,680 --> 00:02:34,920 Speaker 2: era to be able to put a roster like that 49 00:02:34,960 --> 00:02:38,000 Speaker 2: together and turn it around so quickly. Is that one 50 00:02:38,040 --> 00:02:40,760 Speaker 2: of those stories, Joe, in your opinion, that's just you 51 00:02:40,880 --> 00:02:44,560 Speaker 2: catch lightning in a bottle with Mendoza with the perfect coach. 52 00:02:44,760 --> 00:02:49,200 Speaker 2: Or does that set the groundwork for more teams that 53 00:02:49,240 --> 00:02:51,480 Speaker 2: are in the middle of the packet in their conferences 54 00:02:51,840 --> 00:02:55,240 Speaker 2: to be able to go and actively pursue national championships. 55 00:02:56,160 --> 00:03:00,680 Speaker 1: The great question the day after Indiana's National championionship win 56 00:03:01,040 --> 00:03:06,360 Speaker 1: is is this sustainable? Is this a model? They're gonna 57 00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:08,680 Speaker 1: make a movie out of what Indiana did this year. 58 00:03:08,760 --> 00:03:12,000 Speaker 1: It's that great of a story, It's that unbelievable of 59 00:03:12,040 --> 00:03:16,160 Speaker 1: a story. But I think Kurt Signetti is kind of 60 00:03:16,200 --> 00:03:19,119 Speaker 1: the secret to the success of Indiana, and I don't 61 00:03:19,120 --> 00:03:23,639 Speaker 1: think it can be replicated by teams on their level, 62 00:03:23,760 --> 00:03:26,639 Speaker 1: so to speak, that aren't quote unquote the blue blood. Certainly, 63 00:03:26,960 --> 00:03:29,720 Speaker 1: there's gonna be moments where teams pop up, they find 64 00:03:29,720 --> 00:03:32,959 Speaker 1: a guy like Kurt Signetti and this perfect storm comes 65 00:03:32,960 --> 00:03:35,320 Speaker 1: together where they become the best team in the country 66 00:03:35,600 --> 00:03:38,960 Speaker 1: and a deserved national champion. But to sit here and 67 00:03:39,000 --> 00:03:41,800 Speaker 1: say there are other teams that can replicate what they did, 68 00:03:41,840 --> 00:03:44,520 Speaker 1: It's hard. It's threading a needle. It's one in a 69 00:03:44,560 --> 00:03:48,800 Speaker 1: million to combine both the backing of the financial backers 70 00:03:48,840 --> 00:03:51,760 Speaker 1: they had for the roster and then having the right 71 00:03:51,880 --> 00:03:54,640 Speaker 1: guy at head coach to do this. And the other 72 00:03:54,720 --> 00:03:57,760 Speaker 1: question would be is it sustainable for Kurt Signetti in 73 00:03:57,760 --> 00:04:00,400 Speaker 1: Indiana going forward? I think people I think I think 74 00:04:00,400 --> 00:04:02,880 Speaker 1: the knee jerk reaction would be, yeah, sure, look what 75 00:04:02,960 --> 00:04:05,360 Speaker 1: he's done, but is he going to get offers to 76 00:04:05,480 --> 00:04:07,640 Speaker 1: leave Indiana? Now, if you're an NFL team, are you 77 00:04:07,680 --> 00:04:10,920 Speaker 1: calling for Kurt Signetti? If you're the Pittsburgh Steelers and 78 00:04:11,040 --> 00:04:13,680 Speaker 1: this is a guy from Pittsburgh, are you making the 79 00:04:13,680 --> 00:04:16,320 Speaker 1: call for Kurt Signetti to make the jump to the NFL? 80 00:04:16,640 --> 00:04:19,640 Speaker 1: You know, you think back to the Gordon Hayward, Butler 81 00:04:19,760 --> 00:04:22,800 Speaker 1: Brad Stevens days and they made back to back final 82 00:04:22,880 --> 00:04:26,120 Speaker 1: fours and really haven't been heard from again in the 83 00:04:26,200 --> 00:04:29,640 Speaker 1: National championship conversation. Now in the NIL era, it's a 84 00:04:29,680 --> 00:04:31,719 Speaker 1: little bit different. But is it going to be more 85 00:04:31,760 --> 00:04:33,880 Speaker 1: of that is it going to be that two year 86 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:38,359 Speaker 1: Hailey's comment of what Indiana football has become and what 87 00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:41,719 Speaker 1: they accomplished or can it be sustainable? That to me 88 00:04:41,839 --> 00:04:44,560 Speaker 1: is the great question going forward, and I think the 89 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:47,839 Speaker 1: more proper question because I don't think it's one of 90 00:04:47,839 --> 00:04:50,120 Speaker 1: those things that and you guys brought up the odds 91 00:04:50,120 --> 00:04:52,559 Speaker 1: and started looking around the other teams. Can this team 92 00:04:52,600 --> 00:04:55,120 Speaker 1: do it? Can this team, if they had the right money, 93 00:04:55,240 --> 00:04:57,880 Speaker 1: do it next year and catch lightning in a bottle? 94 00:04:58,360 --> 00:05:01,320 Speaker 1: I think it's the Kurt Signetti part of the equation 95 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:06,599 Speaker 1: that's so hard to find, and just his temperament, his confidence, 96 00:05:07,640 --> 00:05:10,880 Speaker 1: even just his in game decision making last night was 97 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:14,719 Speaker 1: so good that I think he's a big component in 98 00:05:14,720 --> 00:05:19,080 Speaker 1: what Indiana did, not just building it through nil in 99 00:05:19,200 --> 00:05:22,640 Speaker 1: older players, but I think the kurtz Signetty component is 100 00:05:22,680 --> 00:05:25,240 Speaker 1: so unique and so rare that I find it hard 101 00:05:25,240 --> 00:05:27,800 Speaker 1: to believe that we're gonna see a lot of stories 102 00:05:27,920 --> 00:05:31,120 Speaker 1: like Indiana going forward, even though there is this open 103 00:05:31,200 --> 00:05:32,680 Speaker 1: marketplace of finding talent. 104 00:05:33,160 --> 00:05:35,080 Speaker 2: It's hard to watch that game last night and look 105 00:05:35,120 --> 00:05:37,640 Speaker 2: at a guy like Ruben Bain because I've been all 106 00:05:37,960 --> 00:05:40,200 Speaker 2: on the Caleb Downs journey up to this point, but 107 00:05:40,240 --> 00:05:42,840 Speaker 2: you watch a game like that, it reminds you if 108 00:05:42,839 --> 00:05:47,400 Speaker 2: you got that dominant piece on the defensive line of 109 00:05:47,440 --> 00:05:50,160 Speaker 2: your team. It is an absolute game changer, and it's 110 00:05:50,200 --> 00:05:54,400 Speaker 2: the most uncomfortable really anyone has made Indiana. Look, do 111 00:05:54,440 --> 00:05:57,520 Speaker 2: you view this upcoming draft? And I know there's so 112 00:05:57,600 --> 00:05:59,520 Speaker 2: much time between now and the draft, but it will 113 00:05:59,520 --> 00:06:02,240 Speaker 2: be here before we know what it always is. Are 114 00:06:02,279 --> 00:06:05,680 Speaker 2: you set in a path of you know, if Caleb 115 00:06:05,720 --> 00:06:07,560 Speaker 2: Downs is there or if this player is there. How 116 00:06:07,560 --> 00:06:10,240 Speaker 2: do you view a top ten pick early on in 117 00:06:10,240 --> 00:06:11,040 Speaker 2: the process. 118 00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:13,640 Speaker 1: Well, the good thing is that you're trying to split 119 00:06:13,680 --> 00:06:16,719 Speaker 1: hairs between Reuben Bain and Caleb Downs. I would assume 120 00:06:16,839 --> 00:06:19,680 Speaker 1: that both aren't going to be on the board at 121 00:06:19,760 --> 00:06:22,039 Speaker 1: number ten. The Bengals will be lucky if one of 122 00:06:22,040 --> 00:06:24,800 Speaker 1: the two is on the board at number ten. They're 123 00:06:24,800 --> 00:06:27,640 Speaker 1: both that good. Now, you go back to Duke Tobin's 124 00:06:27,680 --> 00:06:30,240 Speaker 1: press conference and we sit here and try to dissect 125 00:06:30,279 --> 00:06:33,599 Speaker 1: what he said over sixty six minutes of questions and 126 00:06:34,040 --> 00:06:36,119 Speaker 1: not a lot of answers. The one thing that stood 127 00:06:36,160 --> 00:06:39,279 Speaker 1: out to me is how much he emphasized this team 128 00:06:39,400 --> 00:06:42,760 Speaker 1: has to find a pass rush in twenty twenty six 129 00:06:42,839 --> 00:06:47,080 Speaker 1: and we can all have PTSD from drafting Miles Murphy, 130 00:06:47,640 --> 00:06:51,560 Speaker 1: drafting Shamar Stewart, and these guys now showing signs and 131 00:06:52,000 --> 00:06:55,479 Speaker 1: different growth timelines. Right of Miles Murphy, it took several years, 132 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:58,640 Speaker 1: but maybe he's here now, and maybe Shamar Stewart is 133 00:06:58,720 --> 00:07:01,120 Speaker 1: kind of an incomplete draft take because we haven't seen 134 00:07:01,279 --> 00:07:05,160 Speaker 1: enough yet. But they haven't either been instant impact guys, 135 00:07:05,200 --> 00:07:08,279 Speaker 1: and this is an instant impact season for a lot 136 00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:12,280 Speaker 1: of people in that building. The head coach, maybe Duke Tobin, 137 00:07:12,800 --> 00:07:15,680 Speaker 1: certainly Joe Burrow has put the organization on a clock, 138 00:07:15,720 --> 00:07:17,880 Speaker 1: and who knows where his head will be if the 139 00:07:17,960 --> 00:07:21,680 Speaker 1: Bengals don't find instant impact players on defense and have 140 00:07:21,760 --> 00:07:24,400 Speaker 1: a better defense in twenty twenty six to get him 141 00:07:24,400 --> 00:07:27,679 Speaker 1: back to the playoffs. So it's one of those things 142 00:07:27,680 --> 00:07:30,520 Speaker 1: that listen. It's kind of a stock answer. You can't 143 00:07:30,600 --> 00:07:34,120 Speaker 1: go wrong with either. But safety's not a premium position. 144 00:07:34,320 --> 00:07:38,640 Speaker 1: It's just not. And Caleb Downs is not a playmaker. 145 00:07:38,680 --> 00:07:42,520 Speaker 1: He's not Ed Reid, he's not Troy Pabamalo, but he's 146 00:07:42,600 --> 00:07:45,480 Speaker 1: also a guy that he's a plug and play player 147 00:07:45,520 --> 00:07:47,960 Speaker 1: who makes your entire defense better. If you go back 148 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:50,559 Speaker 1: and watch him and I'm certain a lot of people 149 00:07:50,640 --> 00:07:54,160 Speaker 1: who listen to this show are huge draft fans and 150 00:07:54,200 --> 00:07:56,720 Speaker 1: will actually go on YouTube and look at players all 151 00:07:56,760 --> 00:08:01,200 Speaker 1: twenty two. When you watch Caleb downs play, it's a 152 00:08:01,280 --> 00:08:06,240 Speaker 1: masterclass in professionalism. He's lined up correctly, he lines other 153 00:08:06,280 --> 00:08:09,760 Speaker 1: people up correctly. He can play multiple positions. He's a 154 00:08:09,800 --> 00:08:12,960 Speaker 1: Swiss army knife. He doesn't mistackles. He's got a bit 155 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:15,240 Speaker 1: of Mike Hilton in him in the run game, but 156 00:08:15,320 --> 00:08:17,880 Speaker 1: he's also able to cover. He just doesn't make a 157 00:08:17,960 --> 00:08:21,080 Speaker 1: ton of plays. And it's what you value at a 158 00:08:21,200 --> 00:08:25,040 Speaker 1: number ten draft pick. It's just not a you know, 159 00:08:25,480 --> 00:08:29,760 Speaker 1: a value position safety at number ten, And that's why 160 00:08:29,880 --> 00:08:33,120 Speaker 1: I would go Ruben Bain if I had to choose 161 00:08:33,120 --> 00:08:36,680 Speaker 1: one of the two, because it's almost like quarterback in 162 00:08:36,720 --> 00:08:39,120 Speaker 1: the NFL. If you don't have one, you keep swinging 163 00:08:39,240 --> 00:08:43,280 Speaker 1: until you find one. Defensive end in guys who wrecked 164 00:08:43,320 --> 00:08:46,079 Speaker 1: the game at the line of scrimmage, you keep swinging 165 00:08:46,200 --> 00:08:48,480 Speaker 1: until you find one. And right now, it feels like 166 00:08:48,559 --> 00:08:51,680 Speaker 1: there's a bit of an emergency for the Bengals to 167 00:08:51,760 --> 00:08:54,680 Speaker 1: find someone who can fill that spot of being this 168 00:08:54,760 --> 00:08:58,720 Speaker 1: team's quote unquote closer because they lost that with Tray Hendrickson, 169 00:08:58,760 --> 00:09:01,640 Speaker 1: and you saw how important that was throughout the season 170 00:09:01,640 --> 00:09:04,120 Speaker 1: when the Bengals couldn't close out games against teams that 171 00:09:04,520 --> 00:09:07,480 Speaker 1: either they were better than or teams like the Chicago Bears, 172 00:09:07,760 --> 00:09:10,760 Speaker 1: they could have upset in that moment. So yeah, I 173 00:09:10,800 --> 00:09:13,559 Speaker 1: think they have to keep swinging at eggs until they 174 00:09:13,640 --> 00:09:16,000 Speaker 1: find the right fit. And maybe they've already got that 175 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:19,520 Speaker 1: on the team Intramar Stewart and Miles Murphy, but I'm 176 00:09:19,559 --> 00:09:22,480 Speaker 1: not willing to go into the twenty twenty sixth season 177 00:09:22,960 --> 00:09:26,080 Speaker 1: with those two guys as the book end ends. I 178 00:09:26,120 --> 00:09:29,680 Speaker 1: think they have to add instant impact players, whether that's 179 00:09:29,679 --> 00:09:32,199 Speaker 1: with the top ten draft pick or finding someone in 180 00:09:32,280 --> 00:09:34,320 Speaker 1: free agency who can get to the quarterback. 181 00:09:34,840 --> 00:09:37,840 Speaker 3: Dan Pitcher is interviewing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 182 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:42,280 Speaker 3: their offensive coordinator job. That's his job here, but there 183 00:09:42,400 --> 00:09:45,120 Speaker 3: he would be able to call the plays. What do 184 00:09:45,160 --> 00:09:47,560 Speaker 3: you make of this? And do you think that something 185 00:09:47,559 --> 00:09:50,720 Speaker 3: that Zach Taylor should reconsider in an effort to keep 186 00:09:50,840 --> 00:09:53,720 Speaker 3: the continuity, that would be Dan Pitcher. 187 00:09:55,000 --> 00:09:58,200 Speaker 1: It's not only considering to keep the continuity, it's also 188 00:09:58,400 --> 00:10:02,480 Speaker 1: if Dan Pitcher does lead, how do you get someone 189 00:10:02,520 --> 00:10:05,160 Speaker 1: to come to Cincinnati and take on that role if 190 00:10:05,200 --> 00:10:07,240 Speaker 1: they're not going to be play caller. I say good 191 00:10:07,240 --> 00:10:10,680 Speaker 1: on Dan Pitcher. It feels like this cycle may go 192 00:10:10,840 --> 00:10:14,760 Speaker 1: by with head coaching without him getting an opportunity to 193 00:10:14,840 --> 00:10:17,839 Speaker 1: be a head coach. The next level for him is 194 00:10:17,880 --> 00:10:21,960 Speaker 1: to prove he's that guy when calling plays, and I 195 00:10:22,000 --> 00:10:24,000 Speaker 1: think he probably needs to go out and if that 196 00:10:24,080 --> 00:10:27,240 Speaker 1: opportunity is there in Tampa to take that opportunity to 197 00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:29,480 Speaker 1: continue on his career. I can tell you this from 198 00:10:29,520 --> 00:10:32,800 Speaker 1: conversations with Dan Pitcher. He's one of the most intelligent 199 00:10:32,880 --> 00:10:36,800 Speaker 1: people in that building and that's someone the Bengals do 200 00:10:36,880 --> 00:10:39,839 Speaker 1: not want to lose. But if he has to do 201 00:10:39,880 --> 00:10:42,400 Speaker 1: this for his career, then you know who's going to 202 00:10:42,520 --> 00:10:44,120 Speaker 1: be the one to stand in his way and say 203 00:10:44,120 --> 00:10:47,040 Speaker 1: he shouldn't take this job and a chance to call plays. 204 00:10:47,120 --> 00:10:50,040 Speaker 1: Now if he does leave, where do the Bengals go 205 00:10:50,160 --> 00:10:53,240 Speaker 1: And how does Zach Taylor make this an attractive job 206 00:10:53,320 --> 00:10:55,600 Speaker 1: for someone who's not going to come in and call 207 00:10:55,679 --> 00:10:58,560 Speaker 1: plays now. Certainly you can fall right back on the 208 00:10:58,559 --> 00:11:02,000 Speaker 1: relationship you have with Brian Callahan, and Brian Callahan is available, 209 00:11:02,040 --> 00:11:04,520 Speaker 1: and that would seem to be the easy fit. But 210 00:11:04,640 --> 00:11:08,200 Speaker 1: for an organization that's trying to do everything it can 211 00:11:08,400 --> 00:11:11,800 Speaker 1: to find change in the margins. Is bringing back Brian 212 00:11:11,920 --> 00:11:14,679 Speaker 1: Callahan the right move and the right message to the 213 00:11:14,840 --> 00:11:17,280 Speaker 1: end of the fan base. Quite honestly, I'm not sure 214 00:11:17,320 --> 00:11:20,600 Speaker 1: they care what the message is in that situation of 215 00:11:20,640 --> 00:11:23,720 Speaker 1: bringing back Brian Callahan. I know Zak likes working with him. 216 00:11:23,920 --> 00:11:26,440 Speaker 1: I thought Brian Callahan did a great job in Cincinnati. 217 00:11:26,559 --> 00:11:30,360 Speaker 1: So while it might seem a bit stale and eye 218 00:11:30,440 --> 00:11:32,440 Speaker 1: roll is for the fan base to bring him back. 219 00:11:32,440 --> 00:11:34,959 Speaker 1: If Dan Pitcher were to leave, I think Zach Taylor 220 00:11:34,960 --> 00:11:40,120 Speaker 1: would feel very comfortable. Would he also feel comfortable hiring 221 00:11:40,200 --> 00:11:44,599 Speaker 1: from within and promoting from within? Brad Kragthorpe would be 222 00:11:44,640 --> 00:11:47,080 Speaker 1: a name to watch for it. Dan Pitcher left as well, 223 00:11:47,200 --> 00:11:50,839 Speaker 1: So in this scenario, I think it's important for Dan 224 00:11:50,920 --> 00:11:53,560 Speaker 1: Pitcher to get the next level of experience to call 225 00:11:53,679 --> 00:11:56,960 Speaker 1: him play it. But it's a really hard thing for 226 00:11:57,080 --> 00:12:02,160 Speaker 1: Zach Taylor to make that job attractive to someone who 227 00:12:02,200 --> 00:12:05,880 Speaker 1: hasn't been in the organization, say a Mike McDaniel. And 228 00:12:06,120 --> 00:12:09,199 Speaker 1: I've been told by people in the Dangles building they 229 00:12:09,240 --> 00:12:13,280 Speaker 1: believe Mike mcmcdaniel is the best running game mind in 230 00:12:13,320 --> 00:12:16,480 Speaker 1: the NFL, And what a difference that would make the 231 00:12:16,480 --> 00:12:19,679 Speaker 1: consistent that he bangles a half hard that passing gay 232 00:12:19,760 --> 00:12:21,640 Speaker 1: world than if you were to add a guy that 233 00:12:21,800 --> 00:12:24,559 Speaker 1: hits the kind of ability Mike McDaniel has to create 234 00:12:24,559 --> 00:12:28,160 Speaker 1: ability are in the run game, That would only make 235 00:12:28,200 --> 00:12:30,880 Speaker 1: that offense that much server. But would Mike McDaniel come 236 00:12:30,880 --> 00:12:33,760 Speaker 1: to Cincinnati and not call plays that that's the hard 237 00:12:33,760 --> 00:12:36,280 Speaker 1: part for Zach Taylor if they do lose Dan Pitcher. 238 00:12:36,760 --> 00:12:40,000 Speaker 3: Zach gave an answer not that long ago about why 239 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:43,480 Speaker 3: he likes working with Duke Tobin, and he said that 240 00:12:43,559 --> 00:12:49,120 Speaker 3: there is no ego whatsoever with Duke Tobin. I look 241 00:12:49,160 --> 00:12:52,920 Speaker 3: at the way Zach is stubborn. I guess you could 242 00:12:52,920 --> 00:12:58,600 Speaker 3: say with the play calling process and see that as ego. 243 00:12:59,000 --> 00:13:03,400 Speaker 3: He's not willing to give up that part of his process. 244 00:13:04,040 --> 00:13:07,559 Speaker 3: Is that misguided on my part? You're around Zach a 245 00:13:07,600 --> 00:13:09,640 Speaker 3: lot more than most people are. Do you feel like 246 00:13:09,720 --> 00:13:12,480 Speaker 3: there's an ego involved in that? Or is that just 247 00:13:13,080 --> 00:13:15,120 Speaker 3: this is what he feels like the best way to 248 00:13:15,160 --> 00:13:16,040 Speaker 3: be successful is. 249 00:13:18,280 --> 00:13:21,880 Speaker 1: I believe your statement is fair to say that there's 250 00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:25,679 Speaker 1: a bit of ego involved. But I think anybody in 251 00:13:25,760 --> 00:13:34,280 Speaker 1: any scenario where their job relies on execution of whatever 252 00:13:34,320 --> 00:13:37,559 Speaker 1: that job is. In Zach Taylor's case, being an offensive 253 00:13:37,640 --> 00:13:42,560 Speaker 1: head coach hit him having control of what goes on 254 00:13:42,760 --> 00:13:45,280 Speaker 1: with the offensive play calling is one of those things 255 00:13:45,320 --> 00:13:47,360 Speaker 1: and we all do it at work that if I'm 256 00:13:47,400 --> 00:13:50,520 Speaker 1: going to do it, I'm going to do it myself. 257 00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:52,480 Speaker 1: If I'm going to go down, I'm going to go 258 00:13:52,520 --> 00:13:55,560 Speaker 1: down knowing I did it my way. And if that's ego, 259 00:13:56,160 --> 00:13:59,240 Speaker 1: then that's fair. And I think anybody who gets to 260 00:14:00,280 --> 00:14:03,119 Speaker 1: rise to the level of head coach in the NFL, 261 00:14:03,280 --> 00:14:06,839 Speaker 1: ego is a part of that, and ego can be 262 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:10,160 Speaker 1: a good thing. In this case, it's it's one of 263 00:14:10,200 --> 00:14:12,560 Speaker 1: those things that seems to pop up every other year 264 00:14:12,720 --> 00:14:15,560 Speaker 1: where there's a question, Okay, is this now the time 265 00:14:15,640 --> 00:14:17,559 Speaker 1: where Zach Taylor is going to give up play calling? 266 00:14:17,600 --> 00:14:20,240 Speaker 1: It kind of feels like that ship is sale, and 267 00:14:20,280 --> 00:14:22,520 Speaker 1: I'm not sure Zak Taylor is ever going to give 268 00:14:22,560 --> 00:14:25,960 Speaker 1: that up. Obviously he likes doing it, and I think 269 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:27,840 Speaker 1: also at the same time, it's one of those things 270 00:14:27,880 --> 00:14:30,000 Speaker 1: if if this is going to be my only chance 271 00:14:30,280 --> 00:14:32,640 Speaker 1: to be a head coach in the NFL, I'm going 272 00:14:32,680 --> 00:14:35,040 Speaker 1: to do it my way. And if it's going to 273 00:14:35,120 --> 00:14:37,680 Speaker 1: go down. I'm going to go down doing it my way. 274 00:14:37,720 --> 00:14:41,760 Speaker 1: And if that's ego, that's ego, and that's on him, 275 00:14:41,920 --> 00:14:44,600 Speaker 1: And now it is on him in this coming season 276 00:14:45,440 --> 00:14:47,320 Speaker 1: to help this team get back to where they want 277 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:50,320 Speaker 1: to go. Now it is the perfect is a play caller, 278 00:14:50,400 --> 00:14:53,120 Speaker 1: of course not it is the perfect. As a head coach, 279 00:14:53,200 --> 00:14:56,200 Speaker 1: he's not. But again, at the same time, you can 280 00:14:56,280 --> 00:14:59,760 Speaker 1: also look at if he's part of the brains behind 281 00:14:59,840 --> 00:15:04,000 Speaker 1: the the offense. The offense has not been the problem 282 00:15:04,080 --> 00:15:07,360 Speaker 1: in recent years for Cincinnati not making the playoffs. So 283 00:15:08,080 --> 00:15:10,520 Speaker 1: of all the finger pointing and all the reasons the 284 00:15:10,560 --> 00:15:15,160 Speaker 1: Bengals haven't made the playoffs and haven't met expectations, the 285 00:15:15,240 --> 00:15:20,280 Speaker 1: offense and offensive play calling, while not perfect, is lower 286 00:15:20,360 --> 00:15:23,240 Speaker 1: on my list of things that need to be fixed 287 00:15:23,280 --> 00:15:25,520 Speaker 1: and need to be addressed, need to be looked at 288 00:15:25,600 --> 00:15:28,880 Speaker 1: with urgency. But also at the same time, going back 289 00:15:28,920 --> 00:15:31,080 Speaker 1: to the last point we discussed, if the Bengals are 290 00:15:31,120 --> 00:15:34,040 Speaker 1: trying to bring in someone who can help them get 291 00:15:34,080 --> 00:15:36,280 Speaker 1: to a next level, it doesn't all have to be 292 00:15:36,360 --> 00:15:39,520 Speaker 1: on defense. It certainly can be on the offensive side 293 00:15:39,560 --> 00:15:41,640 Speaker 1: of the ball. And if they're going to try to 294 00:15:41,680 --> 00:15:45,080 Speaker 1: attract someone to come in here and be a difference 295 00:15:45,120 --> 00:15:48,000 Speaker 1: maker on offense, then maybe you do have to relink 296 00:15:48,080 --> 00:15:50,360 Speaker 1: with something like that. I just don't see it happening. 297 00:15:51,160 --> 00:15:53,200 Speaker 1: So I don't want to sit here and say it's 298 00:15:53,200 --> 00:15:56,800 Speaker 1: not worth discussing, because certainly it's a great talk radio 299 00:15:56,880 --> 00:16:00,560 Speaker 1: point and very worth discussing in this platform. But at 300 00:16:00,600 --> 00:16:03,160 Speaker 1: the same time, I just don't think it's going to change, 301 00:16:03,880 --> 00:16:06,880 Speaker 1: and therefore you can label it whatever you want, ego 302 00:16:07,600 --> 00:16:10,840 Speaker 1: or just someone believing in himself and wanting to do 303 00:16:10,960 --> 00:16:13,360 Speaker 1: it his way. Either way you do it, it's going 304 00:16:13,400 --> 00:16:16,960 Speaker 1: to continue working this way. In Cincinnati with Zach Taylor 305 00:16:17,000 --> 00:16:18,160 Speaker 1: Colin Slaves, you talk. 306 00:16:18,040 --> 00:16:21,400 Speaker 2: About getting over the hump and attracting someone to come here. 307 00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:24,120 Speaker 2: I do think it's interesting because so much and everyone 308 00:16:24,160 --> 00:16:26,360 Speaker 2: knows the defense has been an issue. I thought it 309 00:16:26,400 --> 00:16:30,600 Speaker 2: was interesting. Joe Burrow ranked twenty third unqualifying quarterbacks on 310 00:16:30,640 --> 00:16:33,440 Speaker 2: passing plays of fifteen yards or more, one behind where 311 00:16:33,520 --> 00:16:37,320 Speaker 2: Joe Flacco landed on that list. Teams are obviously going 312 00:16:37,360 --> 00:16:39,480 Speaker 2: to try to shut down Jamar Chase and t Higgins 313 00:16:39,520 --> 00:16:42,960 Speaker 2: in one of those maybe under talked about areas in 314 00:16:43,080 --> 00:16:45,560 Speaker 2: getting this team to take the next step. Do you 315 00:16:45,640 --> 00:16:48,440 Speaker 2: foresee them at any point this offseason maybe looking into 316 00:16:48,480 --> 00:16:51,840 Speaker 2: that wide receiver three type playmaker a little bit more 317 00:16:51,840 --> 00:16:54,200 Speaker 2: than they have in recent years. 318 00:16:54,760 --> 00:16:57,160 Speaker 1: Boy, it'd be fun, right. I mean, we can sit 319 00:16:57,200 --> 00:16:59,840 Speaker 1: here and be James epene in playing fantasy football is 320 00:17:00,160 --> 00:17:04,239 Speaker 1: with roster and keep adding to areas of strength, and 321 00:17:04,280 --> 00:17:06,399 Speaker 1: I love James and it's fun when he does that. 322 00:17:06,520 --> 00:17:09,800 Speaker 1: Especially last night watching the National Game, for every player 323 00:17:09,800 --> 00:17:12,720 Speaker 1: that made a play, it was eyeball of Moss on 324 00:17:12,880 --> 00:17:16,280 Speaker 1: him being a Cincinnati Bengal. Certainly, when you start looking 325 00:17:16,359 --> 00:17:21,080 Speaker 1: at assets and where you can build this team and 326 00:17:21,119 --> 00:17:26,280 Speaker 1: the urgency it takes to remake the roster, that would 327 00:17:26,320 --> 00:17:30,199 Speaker 1: feel at this point like a luxury. And who's to 328 00:17:30,200 --> 00:17:33,919 Speaker 1: say it's a luxury you can't add because look, the 329 00:17:33,960 --> 00:17:37,080 Speaker 1: Bengals had tried to add it through the draft. Now 330 00:17:37,119 --> 00:17:39,480 Speaker 1: we could argue Jermaine Burton was drafted to be a 331 00:17:39,680 --> 00:17:43,840 Speaker 1: potential replacement for t Higgins if he left, But he 332 00:17:43,920 --> 00:17:46,040 Speaker 1: was also supposed to be able to help this team 333 00:17:46,680 --> 00:17:49,320 Speaker 1: right away with te Higgins and that didn't work out. 334 00:17:49,400 --> 00:17:52,360 Speaker 1: So if you're going to do this, I would say 335 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:55,240 Speaker 1: you probably aren't going to do it via the draft 336 00:17:55,320 --> 00:17:58,280 Speaker 1: because of the draft capital that you would have to 337 00:17:58,359 --> 00:18:01,480 Speaker 1: use to get a difference maker, what wide receiver number three, 338 00:18:01,680 --> 00:18:03,960 Speaker 1: when that could be used on other positions that you 339 00:18:04,080 --> 00:18:06,680 Speaker 1: need first, And I think that goes for the entire 340 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:10,000 Speaker 1: roster when you look at free agency. Certainly, it's fun, 341 00:18:10,520 --> 00:18:12,560 Speaker 1: it's a great idea to think about, and you make 342 00:18:12,600 --> 00:18:16,120 Speaker 1: a good argument. But at the same time, I would 343 00:18:16,119 --> 00:18:19,160 Speaker 1: still argue that the Bengals passing game and how much 344 00:18:19,200 --> 00:18:22,439 Speaker 1: they have invested it in already and their belief that 345 00:18:22,560 --> 00:18:25,240 Speaker 1: they have the best passing game in the world with 346 00:18:25,280 --> 00:18:28,960 Speaker 1: the big three they already have, that is very low 347 00:18:29,119 --> 00:18:31,800 Speaker 1: on the priority list. And if you're gonna spend money, 348 00:18:31,840 --> 00:18:35,120 Speaker 1: spend it elsewhere to help this roster get to where 349 00:18:35,119 --> 00:18:38,080 Speaker 1: it needs to go. But boy, adding another weapon for 350 00:18:38,160 --> 00:18:41,159 Speaker 1: Joe Burrow and maybe you can find one chief. I mean, 351 00:18:41,160 --> 00:18:43,960 Speaker 1: you would across the NFL and some of these guys 352 00:18:43,960 --> 00:18:47,840 Speaker 1: that are huge difference makers as wide receiver number three, 353 00:18:48,480 --> 00:18:50,840 Speaker 1: and maybe they're not stretched the field, guys that they're 354 00:18:50,920 --> 00:18:53,480 Speaker 1: put the ball in the hands and watch them. They plays. 355 00:18:53,560 --> 00:18:56,320 Speaker 1: Guys like a Khalier Shakir that we saw for Buffalo, 356 00:18:56,840 --> 00:19:00,159 Speaker 1: a guy like Parker Washington we saw in Jacksonville and 357 00:19:00,200 --> 00:19:02,399 Speaker 1: then you look at what Denver has and some of 358 00:19:02,440 --> 00:19:06,639 Speaker 1: these lesser known players like a Marvin Mims and a 359 00:19:06,720 --> 00:19:10,639 Speaker 1: Pat Bryant, guys that they've drafted and developed have become 360 00:19:10,720 --> 00:19:14,119 Speaker 1: playmakers for these teams. So there's an argument to be 361 00:19:14,240 --> 00:19:17,520 Speaker 1: made that it could be and would be useful for 362 00:19:17,560 --> 00:19:20,560 Speaker 1: this team going forward. But at the same time, it 363 00:19:20,640 --> 00:19:23,520 Speaker 1: has to be very low on the priority list considering 364 00:19:23,960 --> 00:19:25,920 Speaker 1: how much they need to fix on defense. 365 00:19:26,320 --> 00:19:27,840 Speaker 2: Let me ask you before we let you go one thing. 366 00:19:27,840 --> 00:19:31,159 Speaker 2: On the Cincinnati Reds, you mentioned getting ready for spring training. 367 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:32,920 Speaker 2: You're going to be heading out to Arizona. We're coming 368 00:19:32,920 --> 00:19:36,880 Speaker 2: out of Reds Fest this past weekend. Is there something 369 00:19:37,000 --> 00:19:39,719 Speaker 2: sticking at the top of your list that you are 370 00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:41,959 Speaker 2: eager to see as you get out the spring training 371 00:19:42,040 --> 00:19:45,720 Speaker 2: that has maybe come about from Reds fester or comments 372 00:19:45,760 --> 00:19:47,800 Speaker 2: that you've heard that you're looking forward to as one 373 00:19:47,800 --> 00:19:48,919 Speaker 2: of those lead storylines. 374 00:19:50,160 --> 00:19:52,600 Speaker 1: I think the lead storyline for me continues to be 375 00:19:52,760 --> 00:19:55,440 Speaker 1: and I said this Sunday night during our Sunday Night show. 376 00:19:55,640 --> 00:19:59,480 Speaker 1: You know that scenes from Ocean's Eleven when George Cooney 377 00:19:59,520 --> 00:20:02,320 Speaker 1: and Brett hit or trying to decide on their eleven 378 00:20:02,920 --> 00:20:06,119 Speaker 1: and something seems off and they say, you think we 379 00:20:06,160 --> 00:20:10,119 Speaker 1: need one more, Yeah, we need one more. I feel 380 00:20:10,160 --> 00:20:14,199 Speaker 1: like the Reds they haven't moved the needle, and I 381 00:20:14,240 --> 00:20:17,120 Speaker 1: feel like they need one more move here to get 382 00:20:17,160 --> 00:20:19,680 Speaker 1: the fan base all the way in. Now. Listen, if 383 00:20:19,720 --> 00:20:22,639 Speaker 1: you look at the numbers of Red fans at redfets, 384 00:20:22,720 --> 00:20:25,840 Speaker 1: this fan base is ready. They were expecting a number 385 00:20:25,840 --> 00:20:28,040 Speaker 1: and they blew that number of fans out of the 386 00:20:28,040 --> 00:20:30,240 Speaker 1: water in a two day event at the Convention Center. 387 00:20:30,600 --> 00:20:33,880 Speaker 1: So Red fans are back, they're in that, they're excited 388 00:20:33,880 --> 00:20:36,480 Speaker 1: about this team going to the playoffs last year. And 389 00:20:36,560 --> 00:20:39,600 Speaker 1: I've maintained all along. You'll know the Reds know they're 390 00:20:39,680 --> 00:20:43,960 Speaker 1: ready when they start investing in their bullpen and middle 391 00:20:43,960 --> 00:20:47,119 Speaker 1: relief is a weapon in twenty twenty six and in 392 00:20:47,119 --> 00:20:50,080 Speaker 1: one hundred and sixty two games, you win games with 393 00:20:50,280 --> 00:20:53,560 Speaker 1: middle relief. I get it. But if you really want 394 00:20:53,600 --> 00:20:57,000 Speaker 1: to win this fan base over, you've got one month. 395 00:20:57,680 --> 00:21:00,760 Speaker 1: One month to do that. One more to move the 396 00:21:00,800 --> 00:21:03,280 Speaker 1: needle to find somebody. And I know they're not going 397 00:21:03,359 --> 00:21:06,560 Speaker 1: to get Cody Bellinger. I know that's not going to happen. 398 00:21:06,600 --> 00:21:09,640 Speaker 1: Will they make a trade, a big splash trade, It's 399 00:21:09,720 --> 00:21:12,200 Speaker 1: doubtful but at the same time, you can also make 400 00:21:12,240 --> 00:21:15,560 Speaker 1: a move that makes your team better and adds depth 401 00:21:15,640 --> 00:21:18,880 Speaker 1: to a long season. Because I like their lineup right now. 402 00:21:18,960 --> 00:21:21,960 Speaker 1: I'm one of those guys who believes that Noel Vie 403 00:21:21,960 --> 00:21:24,640 Speaker 1: Marte can be the right handed bat that so many 404 00:21:24,720 --> 00:21:27,840 Speaker 1: people keep asking about. When are they getting that bat? 405 00:21:27,960 --> 00:21:31,080 Speaker 1: Where's that difference maker from the outfield? Noelvie Marte over 406 00:21:31,080 --> 00:21:33,120 Speaker 1: one hundred and sixty two game pace last year when 407 00:21:33,160 --> 00:21:35,719 Speaker 1: I hit twenty five home runs, drove it nearly one 408 00:21:35,760 --> 00:21:38,920 Speaker 1: hundred runs and had nearly sixty extra base hit That's 409 00:21:38,960 --> 00:21:41,679 Speaker 1: the kind of guy they're looking for, and he's already 410 00:21:41,720 --> 00:21:44,280 Speaker 1: on the roster. But you can't go into the season 411 00:21:45,040 --> 00:21:49,920 Speaker 1: with this slim of death that they have a very 412 00:21:50,000 --> 00:21:53,280 Speaker 1: solid starting eight. But if someone inevitably goes down, you 413 00:21:53,359 --> 00:21:56,000 Speaker 1: need an Austin Hayes. You need a Miguel and Duhar, 414 00:21:56,359 --> 00:21:58,720 Speaker 1: guys who are difference makers with the bat in their hand. 415 00:21:58,760 --> 00:22:01,720 Speaker 1: I think the red knee. To add someone like that, 416 00:22:02,200 --> 00:22:05,240 Speaker 1: a middle tier right handed bat that can give them 417 00:22:05,280 --> 00:22:09,959 Speaker 1: more options when inevitably their depth is tested throughout the season. 418 00:22:10,680 --> 00:22:14,240 Speaker 2: Joe Daniman, you're the best at every level. What's all 419 00:22:14,280 --> 00:22:16,439 Speaker 2: going on with Fox nineteen. Obviously a lot coming up 420 00:22:16,440 --> 00:22:20,080 Speaker 2: with spring training, but I know always you guys staying busy. 421 00:22:20,119 --> 00:22:21,160 Speaker 2: What's up right now? 422 00:22:22,280 --> 00:22:26,040 Speaker 1: You know Fox nineteen now never stopped Final Quarter Friday 423 00:22:26,119 --> 00:22:29,399 Speaker 1: Night thirty minutes show. High school basketball is getting really 424 00:22:29,440 --> 00:22:33,720 Speaker 1: good in Cincinnati right now, and Tony and Tony we're 425 00:22:33,760 --> 00:22:36,639 Speaker 1: looking forward as wrestling watchers. 426 00:22:36,800 --> 00:22:41,120 Speaker 2: Oh the Royal rumble, Yes, we're talking La. 427 00:22:41,280 --> 00:22:46,119 Speaker 1: Night, La Knight pull off the shocker of the center. 428 00:22:46,240 --> 00:22:50,560 Speaker 1: It's time Royal, which time, It's past time, But it's 429 00:22:50,560 --> 00:22:52,560 Speaker 1: gonna be wrong, that's my predica. 430 00:22:53,840 --> 00:22:56,480 Speaker 2: We'll get more on that as we go as well. 431 00:22:56,600 --> 00:23:03,360 Speaker 2: Joey d Man Thanks, as always, Fox nineteen's Joe Daniman 432 00:23:03,520 --> 00:23:06,040 Speaker 2: kind enough with his time on Tuesdays to join us 433 00:23:06,040 --> 00:23:08,760 Speaker 2: to kick off our number two and now we follow 434 00:23:08,760 --> 00:23:12,639 Speaker 2: with your talkbacks next on ESPN fifteen thirty, Cincinnati Sports 435 00:23:12,680 --> 00:23:12,920 Speaker 2: Station