1 00:00:03,600 --> 00:00:06,480 Speaker 1: Hike and everybody. I'm Dan Horde and thanks for downloading 2 00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:13,080 Speaker 1: the Bengals Booth Podcast. The I'm feeling them good Vibes. Addition, 3 00:00:13,600 --> 00:00:15,920 Speaker 1: as the new look Bengals get ready for the start 4 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:19,840 Speaker 1: of training camp coming up, you'll hear from three people. First, 5 00:00:19,880 --> 00:00:22,880 Speaker 1: head coach Zach Taylor as he discusses the challenge of 6 00:00:22,880 --> 00:00:26,239 Speaker 1: getting Joe Burrow ready to take over at quarterback with 7 00:00:26,320 --> 00:00:31,000 Speaker 1: no OTA's mini camps or preseason games. Second, I'll talk 8 00:00:31,040 --> 00:00:34,720 Speaker 1: to Sam Hubbard about trying to play football during a pandemic. 9 00:00:35,200 --> 00:00:38,360 Speaker 1: And Third, it's one of the best receivers in Bengals history. 10 00:00:38,840 --> 00:00:42,280 Speaker 1: T J. Hushman Zada as he discusses John Ross T. 11 00:00:42,479 --> 00:00:46,320 Speaker 1: Higgins AJ Green in his unique connection to Joe Burrow 12 00:00:46,520 --> 00:00:50,879 Speaker 1: during Joe's time at LSU. The Bengals Booth Podcast is 13 00:00:50,880 --> 00:00:55,000 Speaker 1: presented by Prime Sport, the official fan, travel and hospitality 14 00:00:55,040 --> 00:00:58,400 Speaker 1: partner of the Cincinnati Bengals. And here's a quick reminder 15 00:00:58,640 --> 00:01:01,160 Speaker 1: that you can have the latest edition of this podcast 16 00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:04,959 Speaker 1: delivered right to your phone, tablet, or computer by subscribing 17 00:01:05,280 --> 00:01:08,880 Speaker 1: on iTunes, Stitch, your Google Play, Spotify, or pod Bean. 18 00:01:09,319 --> 00:01:14,200 Speaker 1: It's the greatest thing since the State of Maine. I 19 00:01:14,319 --> 00:01:17,520 Speaker 1: recently went on a family vacation to a Kadia National 20 00:01:17,600 --> 00:01:20,360 Speaker 1: Park in Maine. We figured this would be the perfect 21 00:01:20,360 --> 00:01:24,280 Speaker 1: time for outdoor activities away from crowds, so we hiked 22 00:01:24,480 --> 00:01:27,920 Speaker 1: kayakt watched the sunrise on the top of Cadillac Mountain, 23 00:01:28,319 --> 00:01:32,400 Speaker 1: the best sunrise I've ever seen, and eight lots of lobster. 24 00:01:33,120 --> 00:01:35,160 Speaker 1: So if you are yearning to spend some time in 25 00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:39,399 Speaker 1: the great outdoors, you should consider visiting Maine. There's a 26 00:01:39,440 --> 00:01:41,959 Speaker 1: reason why most of the license plates in that state 27 00:01:42,200 --> 00:01:48,400 Speaker 1: say Vacation Land. Now, let's get to football. I'm recording 28 00:01:48,440 --> 00:01:52,360 Speaker 1: this on Wednesday, the day after Bengals veterans reported to 29 00:01:52,440 --> 00:01:55,480 Speaker 1: Paul Brown Stadium for the start of training camp, although 30 00:01:55,480 --> 00:01:58,960 Speaker 1: there will be several days of COVID nineteen testing before 31 00:01:58,960 --> 00:02:02,560 Speaker 1: the players are actually doing anything related to football. Zach 32 00:02:02,640 --> 00:02:05,760 Speaker 1: Taylor did a fifteen minute zoom call with reporters on Wednesday, 33 00:02:05,800 --> 00:02:09,440 Speaker 1: and a couple of things stood out to me. Number One, 34 00:02:09,480 --> 00:02:12,560 Speaker 1: he said that everybody on the roster reported for camp, 35 00:02:12,960 --> 00:02:16,760 Speaker 1: but would not say if anybody was considering opting out 36 00:02:16,800 --> 00:02:18,760 Speaker 1: of playing this year. You know, we'll keep that to 37 00:02:18,800 --> 00:02:21,520 Speaker 1: ourselves right now. If players feel that way. On our 38 00:02:21,560 --> 00:02:24,799 Speaker 1: team or any other team. I'm sure they'll make it public, 39 00:02:24,800 --> 00:02:27,240 Speaker 1: but right now, we'll just keep that to ourselves. Those 40 00:02:27,280 --> 00:02:29,760 Speaker 1: are those are personal decisions for those guys, and certainly 41 00:02:29,800 --> 00:02:33,240 Speaker 1: we'll support those decisions. There's a lot of reasons for him, 42 00:02:33,320 --> 00:02:35,320 Speaker 1: but again, I don't want to speak for any player 43 00:02:35,320 --> 00:02:38,760 Speaker 1: in this league that's going through those conversations with their 44 00:02:38,760 --> 00:02:40,799 Speaker 1: loved ones. And so again, if those guys want to 45 00:02:40,800 --> 00:02:43,400 Speaker 1: announce things, they can, but we're not going to make 46 00:02:43,400 --> 00:02:45,720 Speaker 1: any comment on it. Zach was also asked about the 47 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:49,120 Speaker 1: idea of quarantining one of his quarterbacks during the season 48 00:02:49,440 --> 00:02:53,240 Speaker 1: to eliminate the possibility of the entire position group catching 49 00:02:53,360 --> 00:02:56,280 Speaker 1: the virus. It's something you have to consider and talk through, 50 00:02:56,400 --> 00:02:59,680 Speaker 1: which we have, but you just you really have to 51 00:03:00,080 --> 00:03:03,200 Speaker 1: imagine all scenarios as you go through this and just 52 00:03:03,240 --> 00:03:06,839 Speaker 1: be creative and proactive. And so those are conversations we've had, 53 00:03:06,880 --> 00:03:09,200 Speaker 1: but that's where it stands right now, as you can imagine. 54 00:03:09,480 --> 00:03:12,600 Speaker 1: Zach answered several questions about Joe Burrow, ranging from the 55 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:15,240 Speaker 1: challenge of getting him ready to play with no preseason 56 00:03:15,320 --> 00:03:18,560 Speaker 1: games to the idea of having him sit as a 57 00:03:18,639 --> 00:03:22,560 Speaker 1: rookie due to these circumstances. Zach made it clear that 58 00:03:22,560 --> 00:03:26,080 Speaker 1: the Bengals have every intention of beginning the season with 59 00:03:26,160 --> 00:03:28,880 Speaker 1: Joe Burrow at quarterback. You know, we're gonna put a 60 00:03:28,880 --> 00:03:32,239 Speaker 1: lot on Joe right out the gate, and obviously we've 61 00:03:32,280 --> 00:03:35,480 Speaker 1: got weeks to sort out who's starting and all that 62 00:03:35,560 --> 00:03:38,280 Speaker 1: good stuff. But Joe's gonna walk in and take the 63 00:03:38,280 --> 00:03:40,600 Speaker 1: first snaps at quarterback, and he's prepared for that, and 64 00:03:42,080 --> 00:03:43,920 Speaker 1: we drafted him because we have a lot of confidence 65 00:03:43,920 --> 00:03:45,400 Speaker 1: in him and what he's gonna bring to the table. 66 00:03:45,680 --> 00:03:47,840 Speaker 1: And so even with the uniqueness of what this training 67 00:03:47,880 --> 00:03:50,360 Speaker 1: camp is going to look like, we're gonna give him 68 00:03:50,360 --> 00:03:52,400 Speaker 1: plenty of opportunities to get ready to play in week one. 69 00:03:52,600 --> 00:03:54,640 Speaker 1: Do you have in your mind a baseline of what 70 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:58,120 Speaker 1: realistic expectations are for Joe this year? Play well in 71 00:03:58,160 --> 00:04:01,920 Speaker 1: week one? You know that that's our starting is Joe 72 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:05,520 Speaker 1: and really our entire team. It's it's this is a 73 00:04:05,520 --> 00:04:07,920 Speaker 1: different year than last year. We have a lot of 74 00:04:07,960 --> 00:04:10,440 Speaker 1: guys who have grown from the experiences that we had 75 00:04:10,520 --> 00:04:13,440 Speaker 1: last year, rookies and veterans, and we have a lot 76 00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:15,160 Speaker 1: of new pieces to the puzzle as well. You know, 77 00:04:15,200 --> 00:04:18,080 Speaker 1: a lot of free agents and rookies that we're depending on, 78 00:04:18,520 --> 00:04:21,520 Speaker 1: and so it's it's not just Joe, it's everybody. We 79 00:04:21,560 --> 00:04:25,800 Speaker 1: want to make sure that everybody's we're giving them all 80 00:04:25,839 --> 00:04:29,520 Speaker 1: the opportunities to hit the ground running on September thirteenth 81 00:04:29,520 --> 00:04:31,880 Speaker 1: when our first came rolls around, and so that that's 82 00:04:31,920 --> 00:04:34,120 Speaker 1: just that's our focus right now is making sure that 83 00:04:34,160 --> 00:04:35,560 Speaker 1: all the positions are up to speed. We're going to 84 00:04:35,600 --> 00:04:37,400 Speaker 1: give them all all the things that they need in 85 00:04:37,440 --> 00:04:40,520 Speaker 1: the meetings and practices so that as a team that 86 00:04:40,560 --> 00:04:42,320 Speaker 1: we hit the ground running and we play really well 87 00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:44,640 Speaker 1: in week one. It seems like a lot to ask. 88 00:04:44,680 --> 00:04:47,680 Speaker 1: You know, Joe hasn't no no preseason games, no ta's, 89 00:04:47,720 --> 00:04:49,760 Speaker 1: no training camp. But you know, do you feel like 90 00:04:49,800 --> 00:04:52,160 Speaker 1: that's a pretty high high measure for him to come 91 00:04:52,160 --> 00:04:54,359 Speaker 1: in and immediately step in and play well in that 92 00:04:54,440 --> 00:04:57,080 Speaker 1: opener against LA. We took him because we've got high 93 00:04:57,120 --> 00:04:59,960 Speaker 1: expectations for Joe, and from everything I know about him 94 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:02,640 Speaker 1: and ob scene of him, he's got high expectations himself, 95 00:05:02,680 --> 00:05:04,240 Speaker 1: and so he's going to do everything you can to 96 00:05:04,240 --> 00:05:06,839 Speaker 1: put himself in a position to be successful. I trust that, 97 00:05:07,360 --> 00:05:09,560 Speaker 1: and I think when you guys get a chance to 98 00:05:09,560 --> 00:05:12,480 Speaker 1: talk to him, you'll feel the same way. Borough agreed 99 00:05:12,520 --> 00:05:15,640 Speaker 1: to contract terms on Tuesday and is expected to sign 100 00:05:15,720 --> 00:05:19,880 Speaker 1: that deal on Thursday. Now, let's get to Joe's friend 101 00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:23,760 Speaker 1: and former college teammate, Sam Hubbard. Earlier this year on 102 00:05:23,839 --> 00:05:26,720 Speaker 1: Bengals dot Com, I predicted that Hubbard will be the 103 00:05:26,720 --> 00:05:31,000 Speaker 1: team's defensive MVP this year after having six sacks as 104 00:05:31,000 --> 00:05:33,840 Speaker 1: a rookie. Sam finished second on the team with eight 105 00:05:33,839 --> 00:05:37,520 Speaker 1: and a half last year, a half sack behind Carlos Dunlap. 106 00:05:37,800 --> 00:05:41,680 Speaker 1: According to Pro Football Focus, Sam added thirty four hurries 107 00:05:41,800 --> 00:05:45,279 Speaker 1: and six quarterback hits. I think he winds up with 108 00:05:45,360 --> 00:05:49,320 Speaker 1: double digit sacks this year on a dramatically improved Bengals defense. 109 00:05:49,640 --> 00:05:53,400 Speaker 1: And I spoke to the former Ohio State Buckeye this week. Sam, 110 00:05:53,400 --> 00:05:56,200 Speaker 1: we're speaking on the day that NFL veterans report to 111 00:05:56,320 --> 00:05:59,159 Speaker 1: camp and in this case, your first COVID nineteen test. 112 00:05:59,560 --> 00:06:02,000 Speaker 1: Can you describe how you're feeling about going back to 113 00:06:02,080 --> 00:06:07,200 Speaker 1: work under these strange circumstances. Yeah, it's definitely unique circumstances, 114 00:06:07,240 --> 00:06:09,960 Speaker 1: Like you said, but we've been training for so long. 115 00:06:10,880 --> 00:06:12,960 Speaker 1: I think a lot of us, all the guys, are 116 00:06:13,000 --> 00:06:15,760 Speaker 1: just ready to get back to playing football. Whatever that 117 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:19,680 Speaker 1: may look like in the safest possible way, and you 118 00:06:19,720 --> 00:06:21,279 Speaker 1: know it's going to be a different year and a 119 00:06:21,279 --> 00:06:23,960 Speaker 1: lot of different aspects, but we want to get out 120 00:06:23,960 --> 00:06:27,760 Speaker 1: there and you know, get on the field. You have 121 00:06:27,880 --> 00:06:30,960 Speaker 1: a unique perspective because your mom is a nursing supervisor 122 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:33,919 Speaker 1: and your sister is a nurse. How has that impacted 123 00:06:33,920 --> 00:06:37,080 Speaker 1: your feelings about the protocols worked out between the NFL 124 00:06:37,120 --> 00:06:40,279 Speaker 1: and the Players Association. I think it just gives me, 125 00:06:40,520 --> 00:06:43,280 Speaker 1: you know, a sense of how important and how you know, 126 00:06:43,400 --> 00:06:45,320 Speaker 1: vital it is that we all follow them and take 127 00:06:45,360 --> 00:06:49,880 Speaker 1: it very seriously because you know there's a player responsibility aspect. 128 00:06:51,040 --> 00:06:52,880 Speaker 1: You know, all of us doing our part, stay in 129 00:06:52,960 --> 00:06:57,200 Speaker 1: socially distance, following the protocols, not just for ourselves, but 130 00:06:57,279 --> 00:06:59,359 Speaker 1: you know, for the benefit of our teammates so everyone 131 00:06:59,400 --> 00:07:02,800 Speaker 1: can stay safe. I think that you know, it's it's 132 00:07:02,800 --> 00:07:05,359 Speaker 1: a very serious situation that you know, they're with it 133 00:07:05,440 --> 00:07:08,880 Speaker 1: every day taking care of those patients, and you know, 134 00:07:08,920 --> 00:07:13,520 Speaker 1: I'm just more aware and educated because of their experiences. Sam, 135 00:07:13,520 --> 00:07:16,080 Speaker 1: based on what I've seen, you did not let the 136 00:07:16,120 --> 00:07:19,040 Speaker 1: pandemic slow you down in terms of strength and conditioning. 137 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:24,160 Speaker 1: How did you train this offseason and has your physique changed. Yeah, 138 00:07:24,160 --> 00:07:26,120 Speaker 1: it trained really hard. You know, we didn't have OTAs, 139 00:07:26,200 --> 00:07:29,840 Speaker 1: so we were really able for five six straight months 140 00:07:29,840 --> 00:07:32,400 Speaker 1: to just focus on what I needed to do to 141 00:07:32,400 --> 00:07:35,280 Speaker 1: get better as a player individually. And you know it 142 00:07:35,400 --> 00:07:39,440 Speaker 1: looked different, you know, some garage workouts, you know, kind 143 00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:42,679 Speaker 1: of isolated, focusing on you know, just working out by myself, 144 00:07:42,840 --> 00:07:46,320 Speaker 1: my trainer, and uh, yeah, I've just tried to you know, 145 00:07:46,480 --> 00:07:51,080 Speaker 1: work on every aspect pass for US, run, defense, strength, 146 00:07:51,200 --> 00:07:54,440 Speaker 1: overall conditioning. I'm ready to go and I'm just hoping 147 00:07:54,480 --> 00:07:57,200 Speaker 1: it works out for the year. We're talking to Sam Hubbard. 148 00:07:57,320 --> 00:08:00,440 Speaker 1: As you mentioned, no OTAs, no mini camps, but there 149 00:08:00,480 --> 00:08:03,680 Speaker 1: were a bunch of virtual Zoom meetings. What did you 150 00:08:03,760 --> 00:08:06,800 Speaker 1: get out of those? It was a lot of mental reps, 151 00:08:06,840 --> 00:08:10,640 Speaker 1: a lot of film study, watching you know remotely, you know, 152 00:08:10,720 --> 00:08:13,160 Speaker 1: install and stuff that you know, we we all knew 153 00:08:13,920 --> 00:08:17,760 Speaker 1: as veterans. But um, I really got time to you know, 154 00:08:17,840 --> 00:08:21,080 Speaker 1: break down my own film, um, see what I need 155 00:08:21,120 --> 00:08:24,000 Speaker 1: to improve on, and then you know, do in trials. Individually, 156 00:08:24,800 --> 00:08:28,320 Speaker 1: it was more of a mental you know, off season 157 00:08:28,680 --> 00:08:31,240 Speaker 1: on the in the you know, play sense on the 158 00:08:31,280 --> 00:08:35,640 Speaker 1: field sense, um, taking those mental reps. But really trying 159 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:39,680 Speaker 1: to focus and improve my awareness and mental aspect of 160 00:08:39,720 --> 00:08:43,280 Speaker 1: the game because the reps just weren't existing without OTAs 161 00:08:43,280 --> 00:08:46,120 Speaker 1: and stuff like that. Normally, in those OTAs, you get 162 00:08:46,160 --> 00:08:48,520 Speaker 1: to know the rookies, you get to know new teammates. 163 00:08:48,800 --> 00:08:51,640 Speaker 1: Were you able to do that at all over zoom calls? 164 00:08:52,320 --> 00:08:55,880 Speaker 1: We did our best. You know, facetimes, texts, zoom calls. 165 00:08:55,920 --> 00:08:59,720 Speaker 1: It's uh, obviously an awkward situation. It's tough to really 166 00:08:59,720 --> 00:09:03,640 Speaker 1: get to know somebody through the computer, but we made 167 00:09:03,640 --> 00:09:05,679 Speaker 1: it work. We did our best. Coaches did a good 168 00:09:05,720 --> 00:09:09,920 Speaker 1: job with the unique team bonding exercises. But I'm excited 169 00:09:09,960 --> 00:09:13,480 Speaker 1: to get in the building once we're all cleared, to 170 00:09:13,600 --> 00:09:15,880 Speaker 1: get to know these guys and see what they bring 171 00:09:15,920 --> 00:09:19,840 Speaker 1: to the table. Let's talk defense. The team signed eight 172 00:09:19,920 --> 00:09:23,360 Speaker 1: undrestricted free agents, Five of them could start on D. 173 00:09:24,160 --> 00:09:27,160 Speaker 1: What was your reaction to that infusion of veteran talent 174 00:09:27,240 --> 00:09:30,559 Speaker 1: on defense. I loved it, you know, just from a 175 00:09:30,640 --> 00:09:36,800 Speaker 1: character football character and the reputations these guys had and 176 00:09:36,920 --> 00:09:39,280 Speaker 1: I knew Von I've heard a lot about DJ Reader. 177 00:09:39,840 --> 00:09:41,480 Speaker 1: Just the type of guys that they're bringing in the 178 00:09:41,480 --> 00:09:44,360 Speaker 1: program is really exciting because they do things the right 179 00:09:44,480 --> 00:09:48,360 Speaker 1: way they're coming from winning programs and their competitors and 180 00:09:49,080 --> 00:09:52,280 Speaker 1: having them, you know, to the talent we already have 181 00:09:52,520 --> 00:09:55,200 Speaker 1: is going to help us a lot. As you mentioned, 182 00:09:55,240 --> 00:09:58,000 Speaker 1: you knew Von from being teammates at Ohio State. What 183 00:09:58,120 --> 00:10:01,360 Speaker 1: does he specifically add both in terms of his locker 184 00:10:01,400 --> 00:10:04,319 Speaker 1: room leadership and his play on the field as a safety. 185 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:08,679 Speaker 1: He's a great leader. He's a very competitive individual. I've 186 00:10:08,720 --> 00:10:11,120 Speaker 1: played with him for two years at AHU State and 187 00:10:11,240 --> 00:10:13,760 Speaker 1: he's just a true pro. He goes about a business 188 00:10:13,800 --> 00:10:17,160 Speaker 1: the right way. Out on the field, he brings intensity. 189 00:10:17,240 --> 00:10:22,480 Speaker 1: He's you know, hard nosed football player, plays back in 190 00:10:22,559 --> 00:10:26,480 Speaker 1: safety but tackles like a linebacker. And uh, you know, 191 00:10:26,520 --> 00:10:28,760 Speaker 1: he's just someone that you can always count on behind 192 00:10:28,880 --> 00:10:32,600 Speaker 1: you to play physical, do his job, and in crunch 193 00:10:32,640 --> 00:10:37,000 Speaker 1: time makes some big plays. Pro Football Focus recently ranked 194 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:40,200 Speaker 1: the Bengals defensive line is the tenth best in the NFL. 195 00:10:40,800 --> 00:10:44,240 Speaker 1: How does DJ Reader impact the entire group? And do 196 00:10:44,320 --> 00:10:47,520 Speaker 1: you hope to play fewer snaps than the eight hundred 197 00:10:47,559 --> 00:10:51,439 Speaker 1: and fifty three you logged on defense last year? DJ? Yeah, 198 00:10:51,520 --> 00:10:54,400 Speaker 1: he's a he's a great player. He's when he turned 199 00:10:54,400 --> 00:10:56,280 Speaker 1: on the film, you notice what a force he is 200 00:10:57,520 --> 00:11:00,720 Speaker 1: run stopping and especially he's very good at the pastor 201 00:11:00,840 --> 00:11:04,280 Speaker 1: from inside. You know. I hope to be a little 202 00:11:04,280 --> 00:11:06,160 Speaker 1: bit more on the edge of this year with the 203 00:11:06,200 --> 00:11:09,640 Speaker 1: addition to DJ because he really can rush the passer 204 00:11:09,880 --> 00:11:13,920 Speaker 1: and uh, you know, we got some young guys coming 205 00:11:13,960 --> 00:11:17,880 Speaker 1: in clid Kareem on the outside and a little bit 206 00:11:17,880 --> 00:11:20,800 Speaker 1: of rotation. Hopefully be a little bit fresher. But yeah, 207 00:11:20,840 --> 00:11:23,439 Speaker 1: like I said, hopefully be outside a little bit more 208 00:11:23,440 --> 00:11:25,720 Speaker 1: on third downs and stuff like that. But I'm just 209 00:11:25,760 --> 00:11:29,240 Speaker 1: really excited overall with you know, the experience and talent 210 00:11:29,360 --> 00:11:32,520 Speaker 1: we have on the defensive line. We are catching up 211 00:11:32,520 --> 00:11:35,480 Speaker 1: with Sam Hubbard. It's no secret that you and Joe 212 00:11:35,520 --> 00:11:39,280 Speaker 1: Burrow are good friends. He reportedly agreed to a contract today. 213 00:11:39,800 --> 00:11:43,320 Speaker 1: Do you remember your initial impressions of him at Ohio 214 00:11:43,400 --> 00:11:45,040 Speaker 1: State and what does it mean to you to be 215 00:11:45,080 --> 00:11:48,560 Speaker 1: reunited in the NFL. I've known Joe for a long time. 216 00:11:49,080 --> 00:11:51,360 Speaker 1: I don't know if I remember my initial impressions. I 217 00:11:51,400 --> 00:11:53,760 Speaker 1: just know that, uh, you know, ever since he stepped 218 00:11:53,760 --> 00:11:56,600 Speaker 1: in the door at O'house State, he was a competitor, 219 00:11:56,800 --> 00:11:58,720 Speaker 1: you know, one of the hardest working guys in the room. 220 00:11:59,280 --> 00:12:02,040 Speaker 1: And that are changed with all the success. He's still 221 00:12:02,040 --> 00:12:05,280 Speaker 1: that same guy, and you know, I'm really excited that 222 00:12:05,440 --> 00:12:08,440 Speaker 1: they greeded terms and he's I know, he's excited to 223 00:12:08,480 --> 00:12:11,600 Speaker 1: get out there and meet the guys and you know, 224 00:12:12,520 --> 00:12:14,680 Speaker 1: learn the offense and take hold of the football team. 225 00:12:15,320 --> 00:12:20,080 Speaker 1: Before the draft, did he pick your brain about the franchise? Uh? Yeah, 226 00:12:20,120 --> 00:12:23,120 Speaker 1: I mean we were talking. Obviously, he was in a 227 00:12:23,200 --> 00:12:25,880 Speaker 1: position to be drafted very highly. We had a very 228 00:12:25,960 --> 00:12:28,960 Speaker 1: high draft pick, so we had a bunch of conversations 229 00:12:29,000 --> 00:12:31,640 Speaker 1: just about what we got going and the goals we're 230 00:12:31,640 --> 00:12:35,160 Speaker 1: trying to accomplish. You know, the guys in the locker room, 231 00:12:35,280 --> 00:12:38,560 Speaker 1: you know, the group of young talent and guys who 232 00:12:38,559 --> 00:12:40,839 Speaker 1: want to win. And he was excited to hear about 233 00:12:40,880 --> 00:12:43,360 Speaker 1: it and excited to have the opportunity to come be 234 00:12:43,400 --> 00:12:46,000 Speaker 1: a part of it. Sam. He used his Heisman speech 235 00:12:46,040 --> 00:12:48,120 Speaker 1: to help the less fortunate where he's from, and you 236 00:12:48,200 --> 00:12:51,320 Speaker 1: recently did something similar here in Cincinnati. He started a 237 00:12:51,360 --> 00:12:55,760 Speaker 1: fundraising effort that helped raise more than eighty thousand dollars 238 00:12:56,000 --> 00:12:57,880 Speaker 1: for the Free Store Food Bank and it's going to 239 00:12:57,920 --> 00:13:01,120 Speaker 1: help provide more than two hundred and fifty meals. Was 240 00:13:01,160 --> 00:13:03,440 Speaker 1: that eye opening to you to know how big of 241 00:13:03,440 --> 00:13:07,200 Speaker 1: an impact you can have with your platform. Yeah, it was. 242 00:13:07,320 --> 00:13:10,040 Speaker 1: It was amazing to see all the you know, support 243 00:13:10,080 --> 00:13:13,080 Speaker 1: from the city, especially being from here, the support from 244 00:13:13,080 --> 00:13:18,040 Speaker 1: my teammates, guys like Carlos, and the support from Cincinnati 245 00:13:18,040 --> 00:13:22,839 Speaker 1: based companies like Fifth Third Try to Health. It was incredible. 246 00:13:23,000 --> 00:13:27,240 Speaker 1: You know, obviously it's tough times right now, but acts 247 00:13:27,280 --> 00:13:30,679 Speaker 1: like that and you know, coming together really really inspired 248 00:13:30,760 --> 00:13:34,800 Speaker 1: me to continue to keep working on things and using 249 00:13:34,840 --> 00:13:38,120 Speaker 1: my platform for the better in year three. Do you 250 00:13:38,200 --> 00:13:41,720 Speaker 1: feel like a veteran, Yes, I definitely do. I do 251 00:13:41,800 --> 00:13:43,960 Speaker 1: feel like a veteran, and I'm trying to, you know, 252 00:13:44,040 --> 00:13:47,160 Speaker 1: show that with these rookies you're in a very awkward 253 00:13:47,160 --> 00:13:49,720 Speaker 1: and tough situation, trying to give them some words of 254 00:13:49,760 --> 00:13:52,880 Speaker 1: wisdom and help their learning curve and bring them along 255 00:13:52,960 --> 00:13:56,559 Speaker 1: and also, you know, just be more of a leader 256 00:13:56,800 --> 00:13:59,160 Speaker 1: and help take this team where we want to go. 257 00:13:59,679 --> 00:14:03,800 Speaker 1: I'm the case recently that guys that are self motivated, 258 00:14:03,960 --> 00:14:06,760 Speaker 1: and I would certainly put you in that group having 259 00:14:06,760 --> 00:14:10,600 Speaker 1: a bit of an advantage this year, because I'm sure 260 00:14:10,640 --> 00:14:12,160 Speaker 1: there are guys that work as hard as you do, 261 00:14:12,280 --> 00:14:14,599 Speaker 1: but I'm not sure that anybody works hard or do 262 00:14:14,760 --> 00:14:17,920 Speaker 1: you feel like maybe your work ethic put you a 263 00:14:17,960 --> 00:14:22,440 Speaker 1: foot ahead considering the absence of OTAs and many camps 264 00:14:22,480 --> 00:14:25,160 Speaker 1: in the off season. Yeah yeah, like you said, I 265 00:14:25,480 --> 00:14:28,240 Speaker 1: probably myself on my work ethic and you know, put 266 00:14:28,360 --> 00:14:30,400 Speaker 1: on a lot of work this offseason. I really want 267 00:14:30,400 --> 00:14:32,560 Speaker 1: to put it on display. And that's why I'm so 268 00:14:33,760 --> 00:14:37,000 Speaker 1: hopeful and you know, really hoping that this h this 269 00:14:37,160 --> 00:14:40,000 Speaker 1: season is able to go through smoothly. I know, we 270 00:14:40,120 --> 00:14:41,760 Speaker 1: got a lot of other guys that are very self 271 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:45,160 Speaker 1: motivated and feel the same way, and we want to 272 00:14:45,160 --> 00:14:47,480 Speaker 1: get out there and show all the all the work 273 00:14:47,520 --> 00:14:50,720 Speaker 1: we put in and put it on display. It's going 274 00:14:50,800 --> 00:14:54,920 Speaker 1: to be a while before you have hard hitting type practices. 275 00:14:55,640 --> 00:14:58,600 Speaker 1: Do you have any concern about getting ready for the 276 00:14:58,680 --> 00:15:02,080 Speaker 1: physical nature of football all considering the limitations that are 277 00:15:02,120 --> 00:15:04,760 Speaker 1: being put on training camp. I think we're in a 278 00:15:04,920 --> 00:15:08,760 Speaker 1: very tough situation, and you know, there's not too many 279 00:15:09,160 --> 00:15:11,520 Speaker 1: good ways to go about it. But the plan we 280 00:15:11,600 --> 00:15:15,200 Speaker 1: have gone forward gives us a little bit of acclamation 281 00:15:15,320 --> 00:15:19,520 Speaker 1: period and we're just really gonna have to be detailed 282 00:15:19,600 --> 00:15:24,680 Speaker 1: in our reps and our preparation and getting our bodies right, 283 00:15:25,440 --> 00:15:28,040 Speaker 1: and it's gonna be unique. It's gonna be a tough challenge, 284 00:15:28,160 --> 00:15:31,040 Speaker 1: but I think we're up for it. And you know, 285 00:15:32,120 --> 00:15:35,880 Speaker 1: time will tell, but I like where things are going well. 286 00:15:35,920 --> 00:15:38,520 Speaker 1: It's exciting for Bengals fans to have the players are 287 00:15:38,560 --> 00:15:40,800 Speaker 1: reporting back to the stadium for the start of training 288 00:15:40,880 --> 00:15:43,160 Speaker 1: camp today, and I appreciate your time and look forward 289 00:15:43,160 --> 00:15:45,840 Speaker 1: to seeing you from a distance, probably or over a 290 00:15:45,920 --> 00:15:48,760 Speaker 1: zoom call sometime soon. Thanks for your time, Sam, Yeah, 291 00:15:48,880 --> 00:15:53,200 Speaker 1: no problem, Thank you. Here's an interesting nugget about Hubbard. 292 00:15:53,640 --> 00:15:57,960 Speaker 1: According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Sam ranks second in 293 00:15:58,040 --> 00:16:02,600 Speaker 1: the NFL last year on down pressure rate at seventeen 294 00:16:02,680 --> 00:16:06,880 Speaker 1: point five percent, trailing only Benson Mayoa of the Raiders 295 00:16:07,320 --> 00:16:11,000 Speaker 1: at eighteen point eight percent. The player who finished one 296 00:16:11,040 --> 00:16:14,480 Speaker 1: spot below Sam Hubbard in that stat was two time 297 00:16:14,680 --> 00:16:18,560 Speaker 1: NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. Anytime a 298 00:16:18,720 --> 00:16:22,520 Speaker 1: defensive lineman ranks ahead of Aaron Donald in anything, it's 299 00:16:22,560 --> 00:16:25,680 Speaker 1: worth noting. Before we get to our next conversation. Here's 300 00:16:25,720 --> 00:16:28,000 Speaker 1: a quick reminder that you can take your Bengals pride 301 00:16:28,040 --> 00:16:30,720 Speaker 1: to the next level in twenty twenty with an official 302 00:16:30,840 --> 00:16:35,120 Speaker 1: Bengals fan package from Prime Sport. The Bengals single season 303 00:16:35,200 --> 00:16:38,360 Speaker 1: record four receptions isn't held by A. J. Greene or 304 00:16:38,520 --> 00:16:41,840 Speaker 1: Chad Johnson or Isaac Curtis. It's held by t J. 305 00:16:42,040 --> 00:16:44,960 Speaker 1: Hushman Zada, who hauled in one hundred and twelve catches 306 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:47,400 Speaker 1: in two thousand and seven en route to a Pro 307 00:16:47,520 --> 00:16:51,680 Speaker 1: Bowl appearance. TJ is a broadcaster these days for FS one. 308 00:16:52,200 --> 00:16:55,400 Speaker 1: In addition to helping train wide receivers in the off season, 309 00:16:56,040 --> 00:17:00,840 Speaker 1: he also knows plenty about the Bengals new quarterback. TJ. 310 00:17:01,040 --> 00:17:03,040 Speaker 1: Let's start with Joe Burrow. You were one of the 311 00:17:03,120 --> 00:17:07,680 Speaker 1: first people really singing his praises because you're wired in 312 00:17:07,800 --> 00:17:10,080 Speaker 1: at LSU where two of your daughters are going to 313 00:17:10,119 --> 00:17:13,680 Speaker 1: be on the softball team. Describe your history with Joe 314 00:17:13,960 --> 00:17:18,040 Speaker 1: and his coaches at LSU. Well, I'm glad she said that. 315 00:17:18,160 --> 00:17:20,720 Speaker 1: I was. Actually, I probably was the first guy on 316 00:17:20,880 --> 00:17:24,760 Speaker 1: TV to say that Joe was gonna be drafted very 317 00:17:25,119 --> 00:17:27,760 Speaker 1: I really was. I wouldn't say bandwagon, but I was 318 00:17:28,840 --> 00:17:31,880 Speaker 1: a big supporter of Zoe before anybody was, I will 319 00:17:31,960 --> 00:17:34,800 Speaker 1: say that, But just being up there and around it, 320 00:17:35,080 --> 00:17:40,199 Speaker 1: they were just very optimistic that the twenty nineteen college 321 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:42,640 Speaker 1: football season for LSU was going to go very well. 322 00:17:42,680 --> 00:17:46,480 Speaker 1: And it was because of Joe and after that Sector's game, 323 00:17:46,800 --> 00:17:49,359 Speaker 1: that's the first game of the season. I said, I'm minute, 324 00:17:49,400 --> 00:17:51,639 Speaker 1: dudes gonna be the first pick. He had a lot 325 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:56,280 Speaker 1: of weapons around them, and people always try to change 326 00:17:56,320 --> 00:17:58,760 Speaker 1: at all man, he had all these great guys around them. 327 00:18:00,960 --> 00:18:03,880 Speaker 1: Somebody has to get on the ball, and they helped him. 328 00:18:04,400 --> 00:18:06,680 Speaker 1: He benefited from having great players to play with, and 329 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:09,520 Speaker 1: they benefited from having a great quarterback with great pocket 330 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:13,840 Speaker 1: presence and touch an actressy as well. Yeah, no question 331 00:18:13,880 --> 00:18:15,840 Speaker 1: about it. A lot of people also say that the 332 00:18:16,359 --> 00:18:20,159 Speaker 1: you know, the Joe Brady system pumped up his stats somehow, 333 00:18:20,240 --> 00:18:22,040 Speaker 1: but I kind of look at it at the as 334 00:18:22,080 --> 00:18:26,520 Speaker 1: the opposite, Whereas the year before their offense was so 335 00:18:26,760 --> 00:18:29,680 Speaker 1: primitive that I don't know that any quarterback could have 336 00:18:29,720 --> 00:18:33,040 Speaker 1: put up big numbers. I could always make an argument 337 00:18:33,280 --> 00:18:36,200 Speaker 1: to discredit anyone, or I can make an argument to 338 00:18:36,480 --> 00:18:38,439 Speaker 1: pump somebody up and make him look good and put 339 00:18:38,480 --> 00:18:42,840 Speaker 1: him on the pedicalal. Did Joe Brady help LSU when 340 00:18:42,880 --> 00:18:46,359 Speaker 1: he came, of course he did. But I don't care 341 00:18:47,119 --> 00:18:51,679 Speaker 1: how great a coach is. The players have to execute. 342 00:18:52,440 --> 00:18:54,840 Speaker 1: You have to execute, and if you don't have a 343 00:18:54,920 --> 00:18:58,480 Speaker 1: guy that can execute, what needs to be done. It 344 00:18:58,680 --> 00:19:02,040 Speaker 1: doesn't matter what's being called. I mean, if you look 345 00:19:02,080 --> 00:19:05,440 Speaker 1: at LSU that you would have said they had look 346 00:19:05,480 --> 00:19:08,119 Speaker 1: at the offensive line, they didn't have anybody to get drafted, 347 00:19:08,119 --> 00:19:11,240 Speaker 1: if I'm not mistaken, in the first two rounds. But 348 00:19:12,320 --> 00:19:15,200 Speaker 1: they were considered one of the better offensive lines in 349 00:19:15,240 --> 00:19:19,080 Speaker 1: college football. And yeah, they played well. But Joe's pocket 350 00:19:19,160 --> 00:19:22,960 Speaker 1: presence and its ability to slide, step up and just 351 00:19:23,080 --> 00:19:25,360 Speaker 1: kind of maneuver in the pocket. He helped those guys out. 352 00:19:25,640 --> 00:19:27,879 Speaker 1: But a lot of that gets overlooked because Joe is 353 00:19:27,920 --> 00:19:30,240 Speaker 1: a guy that kind of came through. He just came 354 00:19:30,280 --> 00:19:32,639 Speaker 1: out of nowhere. All you transferred fallile stage ure, good 355 00:19:32,720 --> 00:19:36,680 Speaker 1: enough to play. And so when guys company situations like that, 356 00:19:37,160 --> 00:19:39,480 Speaker 1: they always looked to get the credit to someone else 357 00:19:39,520 --> 00:19:42,080 Speaker 1: and saying this guy, we just didn't evaluate them the 358 00:19:42,200 --> 00:19:45,040 Speaker 1: right way. You're all the oldest daughter was there last 359 00:19:45,160 --> 00:19:47,359 Speaker 1: year on the softball team. Did you get caught up 360 00:19:47,560 --> 00:19:50,879 Speaker 1: in the excitement because she was there, you know, living 361 00:19:50,920 --> 00:19:54,560 Speaker 1: out that season as an LSU student. Oh man, Yeah, 362 00:19:54,720 --> 00:19:56,840 Speaker 1: like I thought for Lshoe, like like I went to 363 00:19:56,880 --> 00:20:01,200 Speaker 1: score there, like I was in the lung. We watched 364 00:20:01,280 --> 00:20:05,640 Speaker 1: every game. My son, he's an added Avid advid football fan. 365 00:20:06,200 --> 00:20:08,680 Speaker 1: I mean, he pretty much knows everyone what he feels. 366 00:20:08,720 --> 00:20:11,080 Speaker 1: He's gonna go to hell su But yeah, I thought 367 00:20:11,119 --> 00:20:13,760 Speaker 1: flu like I wasn't a lum. Yeah I was. I 368 00:20:13,920 --> 00:20:16,240 Speaker 1: was really into it. That's funny. We're talking to former 369 00:20:16,280 --> 00:20:19,159 Speaker 1: Bengals Pro bowler T. J. Hushman Zada. You were in 370 00:20:19,280 --> 00:20:21,720 Speaker 1: your third year with the Bengals when Carson Palmer arrived 371 00:20:21,760 --> 00:20:23,720 Speaker 1: as the number one overall pick, So I'm sure you 372 00:20:23,800 --> 00:20:26,800 Speaker 1: can remember. You know what you are looking to see 373 00:20:26,960 --> 00:20:30,200 Speaker 1: out of him? What will the veterans be looking for? 374 00:20:30,960 --> 00:20:35,000 Speaker 1: When they started practicing with Joe Burrow, Jones just has 375 00:20:35,080 --> 00:20:38,040 Speaker 1: a And again I was around them lead up to 376 00:20:38,080 --> 00:20:41,240 Speaker 1: the pre draft process. You know they trained with George Palmer. 377 00:20:42,359 --> 00:20:46,159 Speaker 1: He's just a He has a sternness about him, like 378 00:20:46,480 --> 00:20:49,440 Speaker 1: just a natural leader. Man. He's not gonna let anybody 379 00:20:49,520 --> 00:20:52,600 Speaker 1: run over him. And I don't think anybody would try 380 00:20:52,640 --> 00:20:54,159 Speaker 1: to run over him just because of the way he 381 00:20:54,320 --> 00:20:58,560 Speaker 1: carries himself. And he's gonna command respect right away. And 382 00:20:58,920 --> 00:21:02,440 Speaker 1: that's what the Bengals need, is the Beingals are talent 383 00:21:02,520 --> 00:21:04,840 Speaker 1: to manens. I talk to people and when I get 384 00:21:04,880 --> 00:21:08,240 Speaker 1: on TV, it feels like I'm a Homer as you 385 00:21:08,359 --> 00:21:11,000 Speaker 1: just saying that because you played for the Bengals. But 386 00:21:11,200 --> 00:21:14,600 Speaker 1: I really believe the Bengals have a ton of talent 387 00:21:15,119 --> 00:21:18,040 Speaker 1: on both sides of the ball. I thought last year 388 00:21:18,080 --> 00:21:20,600 Speaker 1: they were kind of lacking in the linebacker department. They 389 00:21:20,800 --> 00:21:23,159 Speaker 1: kind of upgraded that in the draft. These guys can 390 00:21:23,640 --> 00:21:26,920 Speaker 1: produce and help early. But when you look at their 391 00:21:26,960 --> 00:21:32,200 Speaker 1: team skill players from receivers to running backs, tight ends, quarterback, 392 00:21:34,359 --> 00:21:36,040 Speaker 1: you can look across the league and say, Wow, the 393 00:21:36,119 --> 00:21:38,560 Speaker 1: beingles matched up with anybody the skill player wise. Now 394 00:21:38,680 --> 00:21:41,919 Speaker 1: this offensive line can come together. You get Jonah Williams 395 00:21:41,960 --> 00:21:44,840 Speaker 1: back whom miss his entire rook year. If they can 396 00:21:44,920 --> 00:21:47,240 Speaker 1: come together, the Bengals can supply some people. But it's 397 00:21:47,280 --> 00:21:51,720 Speaker 1: not going to be easy because arguably the AFT North 398 00:21:51,920 --> 00:21:55,440 Speaker 1: and the NFT West or probably the two toughest divisions 399 00:21:55,880 --> 00:22:01,480 Speaker 1: in football. If Roethlisberger is Roethlisberger, I mean, I've been 400 00:22:03,560 --> 00:22:05,520 Speaker 1: has been one of the better quarterbacks in the league 401 00:22:05,560 --> 00:22:09,280 Speaker 1: for a long time, and I think people are starting 402 00:22:09,320 --> 00:22:12,280 Speaker 1: to realize, like when Ben plays, the Steaters are gonna 403 00:22:12,320 --> 00:22:15,040 Speaker 1: be good. If he's been, they're gonna be good. Then 404 00:22:15,480 --> 00:22:17,720 Speaker 1: it's gonna be tough to beat. Him, the Ravens are 405 00:22:17,760 --> 00:22:21,120 Speaker 1: going to be good. And you look at Cleveland if 406 00:22:21,359 --> 00:22:23,480 Speaker 1: it's kind of similar to Cincinnati, if they played to 407 00:22:23,560 --> 00:22:26,280 Speaker 1: their potential, it's gonna be a dog fight. Man. In 408 00:22:26,359 --> 00:22:29,320 Speaker 1: that disition, we're talking to t J. Hushman Zada. Let's 409 00:22:29,359 --> 00:22:31,800 Speaker 1: turn to the wide receivers, because you've spent a bunch 410 00:22:31,880 --> 00:22:35,800 Speaker 1: of time working with John Ross in recent offseasons. Where 411 00:22:35,960 --> 00:22:41,280 Speaker 1: is he physically and mentally right now? Physically he should 412 00:22:41,320 --> 00:22:44,840 Speaker 1: be good, you know, just kind of trial and error, 413 00:22:44,920 --> 00:22:48,200 Speaker 1: trying this, trying that. How you feel Ross? I feel good? Okay, 414 00:22:48,280 --> 00:22:51,680 Speaker 1: let's stick with that. And with Ross, he is just 415 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:56,600 Speaker 1: so physically talented. And I tell them this all the time. 416 00:22:56,680 --> 00:22:59,560 Speaker 1: I said, man, Ross, if we could switch roles to 417 00:22:59,800 --> 00:23:02,119 Speaker 1: be like if I could give him my mentality or 418 00:23:02,200 --> 00:23:05,000 Speaker 1: he could give me his talent, Oh my god, that 419 00:23:05,240 --> 00:23:07,960 Speaker 1: that too, Those two combinations make the best RESI whatever. 420 00:23:08,040 --> 00:23:10,520 Speaker 1: But in my opinion, only down to league that I 421 00:23:10,640 --> 00:23:13,000 Speaker 1: could say can do what he does is tyrie him 422 00:23:14,280 --> 00:23:18,479 Speaker 1: and like he's that talented, he's sassed, he's quick catching 423 00:23:18,560 --> 00:23:22,120 Speaker 1: the ball. Well, he just has to believe he has 424 00:23:22,200 --> 00:23:26,200 Speaker 1: all these qualities. And a lot of me working with 425 00:23:26,400 --> 00:23:29,680 Speaker 1: Ross is working with a mentally as well. Is when 426 00:23:29,960 --> 00:23:32,359 Speaker 1: it's easy to be confident when things are going well, 427 00:23:33,480 --> 00:23:36,320 Speaker 1: can you be confident when things are going bad? And 428 00:23:36,520 --> 00:23:40,400 Speaker 1: so if he can maintain his level of confidence when 429 00:23:40,520 --> 00:23:44,240 Speaker 1: things are always great, the fingers are going to have 430 00:23:45,200 --> 00:23:48,480 Speaker 1: a problem on their hands with Aja Tyler boy drafting 431 00:23:48,560 --> 00:23:50,760 Speaker 1: Tea and Ross because he told me so many balls 432 00:23:50,760 --> 00:23:53,440 Speaker 1: to go around. But Ross is the only guy on 433 00:23:53,560 --> 00:23:56,800 Speaker 1: that team that can do what he does and that 434 00:23:56,880 --> 00:24:00,159 Speaker 1: will always separate them. You played with a chip on 435 00:24:00,280 --> 00:24:03,679 Speaker 1: your shoulder going back to the draft, and you always 436 00:24:03,720 --> 00:24:05,680 Speaker 1: thought you were one of the best players in the 437 00:24:05,760 --> 00:24:08,680 Speaker 1: league and played like it. How do you put that 438 00:24:08,920 --> 00:24:12,840 Speaker 1: attitude into John Ross? It's just talking for him and 439 00:24:13,040 --> 00:24:15,360 Speaker 1: just letting him. I tell him all the timeline, bros. 440 00:24:15,440 --> 00:24:17,359 Speaker 1: You were drafted in the top ten for a reason 441 00:24:18,440 --> 00:24:22,680 Speaker 1: and share yourself that way. Don't worry. And I get 442 00:24:22,720 --> 00:24:25,760 Speaker 1: it though it's it's me and him has had long 443 00:24:25,880 --> 00:24:28,960 Speaker 1: discussions about I get it. If you go through go 444 00:24:29,040 --> 00:24:31,840 Speaker 1: back to his rookie year. I don't know if you 445 00:24:31,960 --> 00:24:34,720 Speaker 1: recall this, but I recall it. The first time he 446 00:24:34,920 --> 00:24:37,159 Speaker 1: cuts the ball in the NFL game. Do you know 447 00:24:37,200 --> 00:24:42,840 Speaker 1: what happened? He fumbled? He fumbled, and they didn't play 448 00:24:42,960 --> 00:24:45,879 Speaker 1: him the rest of the year. They didn't play him 449 00:24:45,920 --> 00:24:49,359 Speaker 1: the rest of the year. Now, you tell me any 450 00:24:49,520 --> 00:24:52,240 Speaker 1: human being, what would that do for your confidence? Kill it? 451 00:24:53,400 --> 00:24:56,280 Speaker 1: And so it killed his confidence because he's sent any 452 00:24:56,480 --> 00:25:00,760 Speaker 1: video of practice and I didn't even know him that 453 00:25:00,920 --> 00:25:03,320 Speaker 1: well at that time. I hadn't even started working with him. 454 00:25:04,160 --> 00:25:07,120 Speaker 1: And the video that he's sending me a practice, nobody 455 00:25:07,240 --> 00:25:10,440 Speaker 1: can cover him. And so you're playing well in practice, 456 00:25:10,760 --> 00:25:15,280 Speaker 1: but they're not giving you an opportunity who possibly played 457 00:25:15,359 --> 00:25:17,800 Speaker 1: well or not play well in the game. And so 458 00:25:17,920 --> 00:25:22,880 Speaker 1: I believe it affected him mentally and it killed his confidence. 459 00:25:22,920 --> 00:25:25,240 Speaker 1: And so working with me and just yeah we work 460 00:25:25,320 --> 00:25:28,760 Speaker 1: physical obviously a lot, but it's really the mental part 461 00:25:28,840 --> 00:25:33,320 Speaker 1: of don't let what happened a few years ago message 462 00:25:33,320 --> 00:25:36,360 Speaker 1: your confidence. And I believe Zach Taylor tried to give 463 00:25:36,480 --> 00:25:39,040 Speaker 1: him that confidence back Earl. I mean, if Ross doesn't 464 00:25:39,080 --> 00:25:41,800 Speaker 1: get hurt early last year, who knows what type of 465 00:25:41,840 --> 00:25:45,720 Speaker 1: season he has because he came out gun blazing. He 466 00:25:45,880 --> 00:25:49,320 Speaker 1: came out to shoot and did very well early. And 467 00:25:49,480 --> 00:25:52,399 Speaker 1: so I try to give you my confidence in and 468 00:25:53,720 --> 00:25:57,080 Speaker 1: just make everybody has that confidence. You just gotta keep 469 00:25:57,119 --> 00:26:00,680 Speaker 1: it in you. I was angry and that way. I 470 00:26:00,760 --> 00:26:02,919 Speaker 1: felt like I was overlooked, and I played that way 471 00:26:02,960 --> 00:26:06,760 Speaker 1: and I practiced that way every day. He's not me 472 00:26:06,880 --> 00:26:10,000 Speaker 1: and I'm not him, but hopefully some of that rubs 473 00:26:10,080 --> 00:26:13,120 Speaker 1: off on him. So TJ. Leading up to this year's draft, 474 00:26:13,200 --> 00:26:15,720 Speaker 1: you did work with T Higgins, and the Bengals called 475 00:26:15,720 --> 00:26:18,560 Speaker 1: you to pick your brain about him before taking him 476 00:26:18,600 --> 00:26:20,960 Speaker 1: with the first pick of the second round. Describe T 477 00:26:21,920 --> 00:26:25,480 Speaker 1: to the good player man. He's he kind of reminds 478 00:26:25,520 --> 00:26:30,240 Speaker 1: me of AJ. Tall, big dude, can really run routes 479 00:26:30,240 --> 00:26:33,600 Speaker 1: and think the tips, gets in and out of breaks 480 00:26:33,920 --> 00:26:37,880 Speaker 1: like a little guy, big catch radius if and that's 481 00:26:37,960 --> 00:26:42,200 Speaker 1: the things they have. Weapon like T is if he 482 00:26:42,359 --> 00:26:47,159 Speaker 1: reaches his potential and he matches out, he has the 483 00:26:47,200 --> 00:26:49,800 Speaker 1: potential to be one of the better receivers in the 484 00:26:49,920 --> 00:26:53,399 Speaker 1: game of football. If he doesn't leave any meat on 485 00:26:53,480 --> 00:26:56,240 Speaker 1: the ball, so to speak. He just has to reach 486 00:26:56,320 --> 00:26:59,840 Speaker 1: his potential. And the good thing is he can learn 487 00:27:00,000 --> 00:27:02,960 Speaker 1: of somebody like AJ. He's a little taller than AJ. 488 00:27:03,160 --> 00:27:06,320 Speaker 1: But AJ always gets overlooked when you say who's the 489 00:27:06,400 --> 00:27:08,440 Speaker 1: best receivers in the league because he's been hurt the 490 00:27:08,560 --> 00:27:11,760 Speaker 1: last couple of years. But if he if he's healthy, Um, 491 00:27:11,880 --> 00:27:13,480 Speaker 1: it's gonna be good for Tea because he's gonna be 492 00:27:13,520 --> 00:27:15,000 Speaker 1: able to learn from one of the better receivers in 493 00:27:15,040 --> 00:27:18,040 Speaker 1: the game. Did you have T ranked as the second 494 00:27:18,080 --> 00:27:22,439 Speaker 1: best receiver in this class? I thought T was probably 495 00:27:22,760 --> 00:27:25,919 Speaker 1: top three receivers. I thought Jerry Judy was the best receiver. 496 00:27:26,760 --> 00:27:29,960 Speaker 1: And then you can kind of you can kind of 497 00:27:30,040 --> 00:27:32,080 Speaker 1: pick and choose. Did you like the speed of Rugs? 498 00:27:32,160 --> 00:27:34,280 Speaker 1: Did you like the toughness and the run after the 499 00:27:34,359 --> 00:27:38,280 Speaker 1: catch and seeding lamb? Did you like everything that justin Jefferson? Did? 500 00:27:39,800 --> 00:27:42,399 Speaker 1: I think I used prom Arizona stage. Is gonna be 501 00:27:42,480 --> 00:27:45,399 Speaker 1: a really really good player, but all those guys, I 502 00:27:45,480 --> 00:27:47,600 Speaker 1: thought he was the first round pick, to be honest 503 00:27:47,640 --> 00:27:54,520 Speaker 1: with you, but again you it's gonna in Cincinnati's gonna 504 00:27:54,520 --> 00:27:57,920 Speaker 1: be tough because even if T is it's ready to play. 505 00:27:58,440 --> 00:28:00,320 Speaker 1: AJ is gonna be the best receiver run team that 506 00:28:00,400 --> 00:28:03,800 Speaker 1: he's healthy. Oh, Tyler Boyd can play too, and so 507 00:28:04,040 --> 00:28:06,520 Speaker 1: they pick that guy that can play. And if Ross 508 00:28:06,840 --> 00:28:09,520 Speaker 1: stays healthy, Oh, he does something on the team that 509 00:28:09,600 --> 00:28:12,520 Speaker 1: nobody else can do. He stretches the field with great 510 00:28:12,560 --> 00:28:16,679 Speaker 1: speed and great quickness, and so beingles have a problem 511 00:28:16,720 --> 00:28:20,119 Speaker 1: on her hand and take good problems. But if everybody's healthy, 512 00:28:20,440 --> 00:28:23,720 Speaker 1: h it's gonna be tougher team. Just because he's a 513 00:28:23,840 --> 00:28:26,680 Speaker 1: rookie and it's different, but again, it's a good problem 514 00:28:26,720 --> 00:28:29,440 Speaker 1: to have, is that Tyler will figure it out. I'm 515 00:28:29,480 --> 00:28:32,639 Speaker 1: glad you mentioned John Ross because he reminds me of you. 516 00:28:33,000 --> 00:28:35,560 Speaker 1: He doesn't get a ton of hype, but he's tough 517 00:28:35,640 --> 00:28:39,520 Speaker 1: as nails, great route runner, good feel for the passing game. 518 00:28:40,120 --> 00:28:42,120 Speaker 1: Do you see some of that when you watch him? 519 00:28:42,680 --> 00:28:45,120 Speaker 1: Do you mean Tyler Boid? Yeah, I'm sorry if I 520 00:28:45,200 --> 00:28:48,240 Speaker 1: said Ross, I mean Tyler Boyd yep. And Tyler Boyd 521 00:28:48,320 --> 00:28:52,600 Speaker 1: is he's not He's not gonna I mean a lot 522 00:28:52,680 --> 00:28:54,680 Speaker 1: of it too, though he would probably get a little 523 00:28:54,760 --> 00:28:57,840 Speaker 1: more credit if the Bengals start to have some success 524 00:28:58,560 --> 00:29:03,080 Speaker 1: because when you think the Bengals, honestly, you probably think 525 00:29:03,400 --> 00:29:09,200 Speaker 1: Geno Atkins, AJ Green, maybe Joe Nixon and so everybody 526 00:29:09,240 --> 00:29:12,400 Speaker 1: else tends to get overlooked if the team will start 527 00:29:12,440 --> 00:29:14,640 Speaker 1: to have it said, trying to PoID is good. He's 528 00:29:14,680 --> 00:29:16,720 Speaker 1: a good route runner, he gets in and out of breaks, 529 00:29:19,440 --> 00:29:22,600 Speaker 1: and that's why the Bengals have receiver. I mean, you 530 00:29:22,680 --> 00:29:26,560 Speaker 1: can just look across the league. If you say top 531 00:29:26,640 --> 00:29:29,840 Speaker 1: three receivers, if everybody plays up to their potential, the 532 00:29:29,960 --> 00:29:32,360 Speaker 1: Bengals easily. We have one of the better receiver cars 533 00:29:32,400 --> 00:29:36,680 Speaker 1: in the league. And if Joe can play well early, 534 00:29:37,440 --> 00:29:39,320 Speaker 1: it's going to be a surprise for people. But it 535 00:29:39,400 --> 00:29:42,280 Speaker 1: won't surprise me because he has guys around him like 536 00:29:42,400 --> 00:29:45,520 Speaker 1: he had at LSU. Joe does a good job of 537 00:29:45,680 --> 00:29:49,280 Speaker 1: giving his receivers a chance to win, and he's accurate 538 00:29:49,360 --> 00:29:52,240 Speaker 1: with the ball. And if he can do this in Cincinnati, 539 00:29:54,040 --> 00:29:56,600 Speaker 1: the Queen City gonna be rolling again on offense like 540 00:29:56,720 --> 00:29:58,880 Speaker 1: we had when we were playing. Would love it to 541 00:29:58,960 --> 00:30:02,200 Speaker 1: be two thousand and five evolved over again. Aj Green 542 00:30:02,360 --> 00:30:04,480 Speaker 1: turns thirty two on the last day of the month. 543 00:30:04,560 --> 00:30:07,520 Speaker 1: How much great football does he have left in him? 544 00:30:08,640 --> 00:30:11,240 Speaker 1: And age? Like people, the way the game of football 545 00:30:11,400 --> 00:30:15,720 Speaker 1: is now like honestly, aj can play if he stays healthy, 546 00:30:15,880 --> 00:30:17,800 Speaker 1: he can play at a high level for four to 547 00:30:17,920 --> 00:30:22,400 Speaker 1: five more years. High level, high level, and that the 548 00:30:22,480 --> 00:30:25,360 Speaker 1: game of football is different like others. I'm forty two, 549 00:30:27,200 --> 00:30:29,760 Speaker 1: I have weighed the same for twenty years. I still 550 00:30:30,520 --> 00:30:33,440 Speaker 1: in shape, I still have ASPS. I only work out 551 00:30:33,440 --> 00:30:35,840 Speaker 1: a couple of times a week, the game of football 552 00:30:35,960 --> 00:30:39,440 Speaker 1: is different. If guys are standing in shape. AJ in essence, 553 00:30:39,480 --> 00:30:42,880 Speaker 1: his body should be healthy if gets healthy, if that 554 00:30:42,960 --> 00:30:45,280 Speaker 1: makes any sense, because he's been hurt for the last 555 00:30:45,360 --> 00:30:50,000 Speaker 1: couple of years and so AJ phenomenal man. I tell 556 00:30:50,040 --> 00:30:51,719 Speaker 1: people all the time, if you want to learn how 557 00:30:51,760 --> 00:30:54,520 Speaker 1: to get off of press coverage, even if the release 558 00:30:54,720 --> 00:30:57,280 Speaker 1: isn't a great release, it will be a great release 559 00:30:57,920 --> 00:31:01,200 Speaker 1: by watching like AJ is just so violent at the 560 00:31:01,280 --> 00:31:04,080 Speaker 1: line of scrimmage that even if it's not good, it's 561 00:31:04,120 --> 00:31:08,560 Speaker 1: gonna work because he believes in it. And yeah, I'm 562 00:31:08,920 --> 00:31:13,400 Speaker 1: looking forward to AJ reminded people that he's AJ Green. 563 00:31:13,760 --> 00:31:15,640 Speaker 1: I'm looking I'm looking forward to that because he doesn't 564 00:31:15,680 --> 00:31:18,560 Speaker 1: talk a lot. He's not gonna hyping type himself up. 565 00:31:19,080 --> 00:31:21,400 Speaker 1: And I don't even know Aja that well, but I'll 566 00:31:21,480 --> 00:31:25,480 Speaker 1: hype him up. He I'm looking forward to him reminded 567 00:31:25,600 --> 00:31:29,680 Speaker 1: people how good he really is. Joe Burrow has never 568 00:31:29,880 --> 00:31:33,200 Speaker 1: thrown to these guys. No OTAs, no mini caps. It 569 00:31:33,320 --> 00:31:36,200 Speaker 1: looks like there will be no preseason games. Now, how 570 00:31:36,320 --> 00:31:39,360 Speaker 1: big of a problem is that it could be? It 571 00:31:39,440 --> 00:31:43,400 Speaker 1: could be a hinder if it could be uh, someone 572 00:31:43,480 --> 00:31:45,720 Speaker 1: of a problem. But you would think in practice, they're 573 00:31:45,720 --> 00:31:47,600 Speaker 1: gonn They're gonna get a ton of reps in practice 574 00:31:47,600 --> 00:31:52,120 Speaker 1: and train account and hopefully that's enough. It's gonna take 575 00:31:52,200 --> 00:31:56,200 Speaker 1: some time where guys like the ball um what Joe likes. 576 00:31:57,440 --> 00:32:00,479 Speaker 1: But this is the NFL. You know, we're workout. They 577 00:32:00,480 --> 00:32:04,560 Speaker 1: don't work at it every day, and so again, everybody's 578 00:32:04,560 --> 00:32:06,880 Speaker 1: in the same position for the most part. Tom Brady 579 00:32:07,240 --> 00:32:11,080 Speaker 1: Camphen they've been working out. Um a little different with 580 00:32:11,840 --> 00:32:14,600 Speaker 1: the Bingers. I don't believe Joe has throne with any 581 00:32:14,640 --> 00:32:16,720 Speaker 1: of them. Joe is thrown with Ross. I got them together, 582 00:32:16,880 --> 00:32:20,480 Speaker 1: but that was so long ago that you kind of 583 00:32:20,600 --> 00:32:24,240 Speaker 1: got to rediscover that cohesiveness they had. But it will 584 00:32:24,320 --> 00:32:26,760 Speaker 1: be different. I believe they'll they'll find a way to 585 00:32:26,960 --> 00:32:30,520 Speaker 1: uh figure it out. But yeah, it does put them 586 00:32:30,560 --> 00:32:35,320 Speaker 1: at somewhat of the disadvantage with no OTA and maybe 587 00:32:35,560 --> 00:32:39,280 Speaker 1: no preseason games. Who knows what happens. I have two 588 00:32:39,400 --> 00:32:42,440 Speaker 1: questions left for t J. Hushman's out A Number One, 589 00:32:43,040 --> 00:32:47,000 Speaker 1: when Steelers fans recognize you, do they give you crap 590 00:32:47,360 --> 00:32:50,760 Speaker 1: for shining your shoes with a terrible towel after winning 591 00:32:50,800 --> 00:32:54,760 Speaker 1: in Pittsburgh. Uh yeah, still to this day. But it's 592 00:32:54,800 --> 00:32:57,840 Speaker 1: all it's all fun, it's all you know, it's all 593 00:32:57,880 --> 00:33:01,720 Speaker 1: it's not enough malicious. But yeah, may Man, what made 594 00:33:01,760 --> 00:33:03,120 Speaker 1: you do that? And I was like, I don't know, 595 00:33:03,240 --> 00:33:05,800 Speaker 1: it just kind of just happened. I didn't plan it, 596 00:33:06,360 --> 00:33:09,160 Speaker 1: It wasn't premeditating. It just will spurred them all the 597 00:33:09,240 --> 00:33:10,920 Speaker 1: type of thing. But yeah, they'll still give me crap 598 00:33:11,000 --> 00:33:13,760 Speaker 1: about it, and ver remind me how they beat us 599 00:33:13,760 --> 00:33:18,000 Speaker 1: in the playoffs thanks to Kimo van Alhof and unfortunately. 600 00:33:18,440 --> 00:33:22,000 Speaker 1: All right, final question, do you remember the time that 601 00:33:22,160 --> 00:33:29,360 Speaker 1: you pranked me? No, what happened? This was great. So 602 00:33:29,800 --> 00:33:32,800 Speaker 1: March of two thousand and five, you're about to sign 603 00:33:32,920 --> 00:33:37,000 Speaker 1: your first big contract extension with the Bengals. I'm working 604 00:33:37,080 --> 00:33:39,920 Speaker 1: for Fox nineteen at the time. I think there was 605 00:33:39,960 --> 00:33:43,320 Speaker 1: a midnight deadline for you to make a decision. So 606 00:33:43,720 --> 00:33:46,200 Speaker 1: I'm calling you and trying to get an update before 607 00:33:46,280 --> 00:33:48,960 Speaker 1: going on the air at on the ten o'clock news 608 00:33:49,760 --> 00:33:53,240 Speaker 1: And I get you just before going on and you say, man, 609 00:33:54,000 --> 00:33:58,000 Speaker 1: I've decided to leave. Had a great time in Cincinnati, 610 00:33:58,120 --> 00:34:00,960 Speaker 1: but I'm moving on. So I'm writing down on a 611 00:34:01,120 --> 00:34:03,880 Speaker 1: notepad and I'm bummed out because you know you were 612 00:34:03,920 --> 00:34:06,000 Speaker 1: You're just coming into your own. I was really excited 613 00:34:06,040 --> 00:34:09,279 Speaker 1: about it, and then just about the moment I was 614 00:34:09,360 --> 00:34:12,360 Speaker 1: going to hang up, you said, man, I'm playing with you. 615 00:34:12,440 --> 00:34:14,879 Speaker 1: I'm I'm resigning with the Bengals. So the good news 616 00:34:15,040 --> 00:34:17,800 Speaker 1: is I had a scoop for the top of the 617 00:34:17,880 --> 00:34:20,279 Speaker 1: ten o'clock news. The bad news is you almost broke 618 00:34:20,400 --> 00:34:23,479 Speaker 1: my heart. Yeah that probably that does sound like someone 619 00:34:23,560 --> 00:34:26,560 Speaker 1: would do it. I'll do that. I'll do that often 620 00:34:27,239 --> 00:34:29,759 Speaker 1: messing around. Yea would Yeah, I don't recall that, but 621 00:34:30,000 --> 00:34:32,640 Speaker 1: that is something that is not that you said it 622 00:34:32,760 --> 00:34:34,759 Speaker 1: to me. I'm like, yeah, that is something that I 623 00:34:34,840 --> 00:34:38,319 Speaker 1: would do. I'd actually do that often still to this day. Yeah, 624 00:34:38,600 --> 00:34:42,400 Speaker 1: matter with it. That's what somebody and they really think that. 625 00:34:42,719 --> 00:34:46,160 Speaker 1: Oh wow, and then I gotta tell them like, no, no, 626 00:34:46,280 --> 00:34:48,120 Speaker 1: I'm just playing. I'm just playing. I'm just playing. You 627 00:34:48,239 --> 00:34:50,280 Speaker 1: had me. But the good news is, you know, before 628 00:34:50,280 --> 00:34:51,880 Speaker 1: I went out in the air, you set me straight. 629 00:34:52,000 --> 00:34:54,480 Speaker 1: So it turned out fine. I just had about a 630 00:34:55,120 --> 00:34:58,759 Speaker 1: one minute stretch of being heartbroken. Oh wow. Yeah, it's 631 00:34:58,760 --> 00:35:01,000 Speaker 1: a good thing that h I didn't let it go 632 00:35:01,040 --> 00:35:02,920 Speaker 1: a little longer. You got off the phone and I'm like, oh, 633 00:35:03,000 --> 00:35:06,400 Speaker 1: let me let me know. Plat it around yeah, especially 634 00:35:06,480 --> 00:35:09,000 Speaker 1: because that was pretext days, so you would not have 635 00:35:09,040 --> 00:35:11,239 Speaker 1: been able to fire me off a quick text to 636 00:35:11,320 --> 00:35:16,200 Speaker 1: send me straight in change right, pretext, pre social media crazy. Hey, 637 00:35:16,239 --> 00:35:18,840 Speaker 1: I really appreciate you doing this. I always love getting 638 00:35:18,880 --> 00:35:21,799 Speaker 1: your insight. I love the work you're doing for FS one, 639 00:35:21,920 --> 00:35:24,680 Speaker 1: and I hope to see you Paul Brown steady when 640 00:35:24,719 --> 00:35:28,200 Speaker 1: that's allowed again. I won't be there, and I appreciate it. 641 00:35:28,640 --> 00:35:30,560 Speaker 1: Thank you for your time. I appreciate it. Take care 642 00:35:30,560 --> 00:35:33,960 Speaker 1: of yourself. Hi. Thanks to TJ and Sam Hubbard. And 643 00:35:34,120 --> 00:35:36,000 Speaker 1: that's going to do it for this episode of The 644 00:35:36,040 --> 00:35:39,279 Speaker 1: Bengals Booth Podcast, brought to you by Prime Sport, the 645 00:35:39,400 --> 00:35:43,640 Speaker 1: official fan, travel and hospitality partner of the Cincinnati Bengals. 646 00:35:43,880 --> 00:35:46,640 Speaker 1: If you haven't done so already, please subscribe, and if 647 00:35:46,680 --> 00:35:48,439 Speaker 1: you have a minute, give it a rating or share 648 00:35:48,480 --> 00:35:52,680 Speaker 1: a comment that helps more Bengals fans find this podcast. 649 00:35:53,160 --> 00:35:55,960 Speaker 1: I'm Dan Horde, and thanks for listening to The Bengals 650 00:35:56,000 --> 00:35:57,080 Speaker 1: Booth Podcast