1 00:00:03,640 --> 00:00:06,640 Speaker 1: Hi, get everybody. I'm Dan Horde and thanks for downloading 2 00:00:06,760 --> 00:00:12,080 Speaker 1: the Bengals Booth Podcast. The one on one I wanna 3 00:00:12,280 --> 00:00:18,400 Speaker 1: play that game tonight. Addition, as we bring you two 4 00:00:18,800 --> 00:00:22,639 Speaker 1: one on one conversations. The first is with one of 5 00:00:22,720 --> 00:00:25,479 Speaker 1: eight unrestricted free agents who signed with the Bengals in 6 00:00:25,520 --> 00:00:30,120 Speaker 1: the off season, Safety Von Bell, will discuss leaving the Saints, 7 00:00:30,560 --> 00:00:35,440 Speaker 1: joining the Bengals and his insane daily schedule. The second 8 00:00:35,440 --> 00:00:39,360 Speaker 1: conversation is with national radio talk show host Adam Shine, 9 00:00:39,360 --> 00:00:42,879 Speaker 1: who also writes a column for NFL dot com, and 10 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:45,559 Speaker 1: he recently wrote the following about the Bengals after they 11 00:00:45,640 --> 00:00:52,120 Speaker 1: drafted Joe Burrow. I envisioned Cincinnati turning into a consistent winner. Seriously, 12 00:00:53,120 --> 00:00:56,640 Speaker 1: you will like what Adam has to say. The Bengals 13 00:00:56,640 --> 00:01:00,600 Speaker 1: Booth Podcast is presented by Prime Sport, the official fan, 14 00:01:00,720 --> 00:01:04,400 Speaker 1: travel and hospitality partner of the Cincinnati Bengals. And here's 15 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:06,640 Speaker 1: a quick reminder that you can have the latest edition 16 00:01:06,720 --> 00:01:10,240 Speaker 1: of this podcast delivered write to your phone, tablet, or 17 00:01:10,319 --> 00:01:15,560 Speaker 1: computer by subscribing at iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or 18 00:01:15,800 --> 00:01:21,840 Speaker 1: pod Bean. It's the greatest thing since the Home Court App. 19 00:01:22,640 --> 00:01:25,360 Speaker 1: I have a fourteen year old son, that loves basketball, 20 00:01:25,360 --> 00:01:29,160 Speaker 1: and he recently started using the home Court App. It 21 00:01:29,360 --> 00:01:34,319 Speaker 1: uses your iPhone or iPads camera to analyze your shot. 22 00:01:35,040 --> 00:01:38,800 Speaker 1: Just download the app, point your device toward the court, 23 00:01:38,920 --> 00:01:43,880 Speaker 1: shoot the ball, and get real time shot tracking, analysis 24 00:01:43,920 --> 00:01:48,279 Speaker 1: and statistics. There's a free version and a premium version, 25 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:50,840 Speaker 1: So if you have a hoop in the driveway or 26 00:01:50,880 --> 00:01:55,360 Speaker 1: a court somewhere nearby, I highly recommend checking out the 27 00:01:55,400 --> 00:02:00,400 Speaker 1: home Court App. Now, let's get to football. My first 28 00:02:00,400 --> 00:02:04,200 Speaker 1: conversation is with a Bengals newcomer, safety Von Bell, who 29 00:02:04,240 --> 00:02:06,960 Speaker 1: signed a three year, eighteen million dollars deal with the 30 00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:10,000 Speaker 1: Bengals after spending the last four years with the New 31 00:02:10,120 --> 00:02:13,679 Speaker 1: Orleans Saints. Vaughan was a second round draft pick back 32 00:02:13,720 --> 00:02:17,720 Speaker 1: in twenty sixteen after a great career at Ohio State, 33 00:02:18,080 --> 00:02:21,079 Speaker 1: where he was one of Urban Meyer's most highly touted recruits. 34 00:02:21,600 --> 00:02:23,760 Speaker 1: I caught up with a twenty five year old former 35 00:02:23,800 --> 00:02:27,079 Speaker 1: Buckeye this week. Von Did you enjoy the free agency 36 00:02:27,200 --> 00:02:30,280 Speaker 1: process or was it stressful? It's a little bit of both, 37 00:02:30,919 --> 00:02:33,840 Speaker 1: but I could say it's a pleasing to be in it, 38 00:02:34,000 --> 00:02:38,120 Speaker 1: and man, really just being optimistic and really just find 39 00:02:38,560 --> 00:02:41,640 Speaker 1: that shit to you and your family and really just 40 00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:44,919 Speaker 1: beginning new chapter and I'm excited about it. And a 41 00:02:45,240 --> 00:02:48,359 Speaker 1: guy has a plan and as you got trusted. Were 42 00:02:48,360 --> 00:02:51,359 Speaker 1: the Bengals on your radar from the beginning it was 43 00:02:51,760 --> 00:02:56,720 Speaker 1: off and how much money or anything was going to 44 00:02:56,800 --> 00:03:00,800 Speaker 1: go on the situation they play out, so everybody and 45 00:03:01,280 --> 00:03:03,359 Speaker 1: everything worked out. I supposed to work out. So I'm 46 00:03:03,360 --> 00:03:06,680 Speaker 1: just glad to go on Bengal. You're one of eight 47 00:03:06,760 --> 00:03:10,280 Speaker 1: unrestricted free agents that the team signed. They spent more 48 00:03:10,320 --> 00:03:13,400 Speaker 1: than one hundred and thirty million. Is there a message there? 49 00:03:13,919 --> 00:03:17,200 Speaker 1: They want to win? And without kays Cala, guys have 50 00:03:17,440 --> 00:03:21,040 Speaker 1: been in programs and football clubs and have been successful 51 00:03:21,440 --> 00:03:25,760 Speaker 1: and just getting great character guys and leadership and just 52 00:03:26,360 --> 00:03:29,160 Speaker 1: combined what they are have. You know, they have great 53 00:03:29,200 --> 00:03:32,480 Speaker 1: talent there already and um and just combined us and 54 00:03:33,120 --> 00:03:36,240 Speaker 1: they just want to win. They says nothing enough. The 55 00:03:36,280 --> 00:03:38,360 Speaker 1: whole plan was wasn't working, so we gotta try something new. 56 00:03:38,400 --> 00:03:41,360 Speaker 1: So and everything's gonna work out. I supposed to work out. 57 00:03:41,840 --> 00:03:44,640 Speaker 1: We are visiting with von Bell. For those who don't know, 58 00:03:45,080 --> 00:03:46,960 Speaker 1: you were an All American at Ohio State and a 59 00:03:47,040 --> 00:03:50,680 Speaker 1: key member of the twenty fourteen national championship team. Does 60 00:03:50,720 --> 00:03:53,920 Speaker 1: it feel right to be coming back to Ohio where 61 00:03:53,920 --> 00:03:56,880 Speaker 1: you had so much success. It so they're gonna come 62 00:03:56,920 --> 00:04:00,880 Speaker 1: back home. Like I said, guy opened and closed doors. 63 00:04:00,880 --> 00:04:04,240 Speaker 1: And now I'm back home in Ohio and I'm ready 64 00:04:04,280 --> 00:04:06,640 Speaker 1: to have much success that I did in college and 65 00:04:06,680 --> 00:04:10,840 Speaker 1: now I can't wait. So after Ohio State, you started 66 00:04:10,880 --> 00:04:14,640 Speaker 1: fifty games for the Saints, including five playoff games. What 67 00:04:14,760 --> 00:04:18,400 Speaker 1: were the highlights of your times a time in New Orleans? Man, 68 00:04:18,600 --> 00:04:24,080 Speaker 1: It's it's countless times, um man. I feel like in practice, 69 00:04:24,080 --> 00:04:25,719 Speaker 1: you know, just me growing as a young player in 70 00:04:25,720 --> 00:04:28,520 Speaker 1: this league is being behind older guys and just really 71 00:04:28,520 --> 00:04:30,840 Speaker 1: just soaking up the knowledge, like from Drew Brees and 72 00:04:30,880 --> 00:04:33,400 Speaker 1: the other guys in a locker room that are veterans. 73 00:04:33,720 --> 00:04:36,240 Speaker 1: I feel like that was really highlight my career instead 74 00:04:36,279 --> 00:04:38,440 Speaker 1: of just playing on the field, because you do so 75 00:04:38,560 --> 00:04:41,880 Speaker 1: much off the field to prepare yourselcialty ready as full 76 00:04:41,920 --> 00:04:44,840 Speaker 1: capacities for Sunday and Monday nights and Thursday night games. 77 00:04:45,360 --> 00:04:47,440 Speaker 1: And it's like, man, it's like I feel like those 78 00:04:47,520 --> 00:04:50,640 Speaker 1: my highlights in locker room because we gotta had good, 79 00:04:50,760 --> 00:04:53,719 Speaker 1: high character guys and just had more success on the 80 00:04:53,720 --> 00:04:55,520 Speaker 1: field because you want to play harder for your brothers. 81 00:04:55,600 --> 00:04:58,320 Speaker 1: So that's what I will tell you. We're chatting with 82 00:04:58,440 --> 00:05:02,240 Speaker 1: von Bell. The Bengal have had some heartbreaking playoff losses 83 00:05:02,320 --> 00:05:05,680 Speaker 1: in their history, including a couple of Super Bowls, and 84 00:05:05,760 --> 00:05:09,000 Speaker 1: as a member of the Saints over the last three years, 85 00:05:09,200 --> 00:05:11,840 Speaker 1: the team lost in the playoffs on the final play 86 00:05:11,839 --> 00:05:13,919 Speaker 1: of the game. They were all punches to the gut. 87 00:05:14,400 --> 00:05:16,800 Speaker 1: Can you describe how difficult that was to be in 88 00:05:16,920 --> 00:05:20,800 Speaker 1: uniform for those games? This, man, it's very difficult. It 89 00:05:20,880 --> 00:05:22,480 Speaker 1: just felt like we can never give it at home 90 00:05:22,839 --> 00:05:26,200 Speaker 1: and man, like the first time with the pr called 91 00:05:26,360 --> 00:05:30,080 Speaker 1: we'll play against the Rams and the Minnesota miracle and 92 00:05:30,279 --> 00:05:33,080 Speaker 1: Minnesota again. It's like, man, it's like I felt like 93 00:05:33,120 --> 00:05:34,640 Speaker 1: we can never give that hume. But you know, we 94 00:05:34,720 --> 00:05:38,040 Speaker 1: just had we had that team where it was always hungry. 95 00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:40,440 Speaker 1: We always want to prove more, and we wanted to 96 00:05:40,520 --> 00:05:43,240 Speaker 1: establish I said, we wanted to say we're not done yet. 97 00:05:43,240 --> 00:05:46,120 Speaker 1: We was hungry. We pushed each other iron shoppers iron. 98 00:05:46,160 --> 00:05:49,120 Speaker 1: We just had all these competitive excellence or deals with 99 00:05:49,200 --> 00:05:50,960 Speaker 1: it in the locker room. It didn't have to worry 100 00:05:50,960 --> 00:05:53,280 Speaker 1: about what the coaches said because the guys wanted in 101 00:05:53,440 --> 00:05:56,200 Speaker 1: locker room, and that's the biggest thing and my whole 102 00:05:56,240 --> 00:05:59,640 Speaker 1: coach always told me this player as the coach led, 103 00:06:00,040 --> 00:06:03,320 Speaker 1: I fed league and um and it's from by the players, 104 00:06:03,440 --> 00:06:06,160 Speaker 1: and that's what I really believe in. I feel that 105 00:06:06,200 --> 00:06:08,440 Speaker 1: we had a great group of guys coming into the 106 00:06:08,520 --> 00:06:11,080 Speaker 1: locker room, a cininry, a scant way to get it. 107 00:06:11,800 --> 00:06:14,839 Speaker 1: The website Pro Football Focus great at you as the 108 00:06:14,960 --> 00:06:18,400 Speaker 1: NFL's top run stopping safety last year. Do you take 109 00:06:18,440 --> 00:06:20,400 Speaker 1: that as a compliment or do you feel like it 110 00:06:20,440 --> 00:06:23,960 Speaker 1: ignores your coverage ability? It didn't knows my coach. I 111 00:06:23,960 --> 00:06:26,920 Speaker 1: feel like I'm safety. I had all the tencibles to 112 00:06:27,040 --> 00:06:29,760 Speaker 1: the game. I feel like I plase safety, m playing 113 00:06:29,760 --> 00:06:32,920 Speaker 1: in the box, playing in BANKI making plays on the ball. 114 00:06:33,480 --> 00:06:35,600 Speaker 1: There's always being around the ball, and it's just I 115 00:06:35,720 --> 00:06:38,120 Speaker 1: just loving the games. So I feel like I'm like, man, 116 00:06:38,160 --> 00:06:41,720 Speaker 1: I'm more than just a quote unquote box safety. I 117 00:06:41,720 --> 00:06:44,279 Speaker 1: feel like I could do all the things that safety 118 00:06:44,279 --> 00:06:47,440 Speaker 1: pranks of the league. I spoke to Luke Fickle, who's 119 00:06:47,440 --> 00:06:49,960 Speaker 1: now the head coach at the University of Cincinnati and 120 00:06:50,040 --> 00:06:53,240 Speaker 1: obviously was with you at Ohio State as defensive coordinator. 121 00:06:53,560 --> 00:06:57,000 Speaker 1: The first thing he mentioned was your leadership ability right 122 00:06:57,080 --> 00:06:59,760 Speaker 1: from day one at Ohio State. He said, yeah, man, 123 00:06:59,760 --> 00:07:03,560 Speaker 1: I'm one of the alpha dogs and just that successful 124 00:07:03,600 --> 00:07:06,520 Speaker 1: all my career, even to a high school, going to 125 00:07:06,600 --> 00:07:10,040 Speaker 1: college in the NFL. It's just always just been a 126 00:07:10,160 --> 00:07:13,160 Speaker 1: pedigree to me. And I always want my older brother. 127 00:07:13,360 --> 00:07:16,200 Speaker 1: I always played up. I never played in my age movie. 128 00:07:16,240 --> 00:07:17,920 Speaker 1: He always told me to play with him who were 129 00:07:17,960 --> 00:07:20,920 Speaker 1: playing basketball or any sport, and he said, when you 130 00:07:20,920 --> 00:07:23,080 Speaker 1: get to your agh movie, to go dominated because everything 131 00:07:23,120 --> 00:07:26,320 Speaker 1: will come easy to you. And that's that's not always 132 00:07:26,360 --> 00:07:29,120 Speaker 1: been with My mother and dad were the structure we 133 00:07:29,120 --> 00:07:31,800 Speaker 1: had at home and just really to just showing me 134 00:07:31,840 --> 00:07:33,880 Speaker 1: how to be the man I am today. And that's 135 00:07:33,920 --> 00:07:36,320 Speaker 1: what I just brought. That structure and that leadership structs 136 00:07:36,080 --> 00:07:39,520 Speaker 1: and is always just being the alpha dog. So I 137 00:07:39,560 --> 00:07:43,680 Speaker 1: think them Vanu led the NFL with five fumble recoveries 138 00:07:43,760 --> 00:07:46,360 Speaker 1: last year and had another one in the playoffs. How 139 00:07:46,440 --> 00:07:50,000 Speaker 1: much of that is right place, right time and how 140 00:07:50,080 --> 00:07:53,280 Speaker 1: much is a nose for the ball. I think it's both. 141 00:07:53,920 --> 00:07:56,240 Speaker 1: We always like party at the ball. You never know 142 00:07:56,280 --> 00:07:58,080 Speaker 1: what can happen. You know, you might get tips, no 143 00:07:58,280 --> 00:08:00,440 Speaker 1: those you might get you know what I'm saying, Scooper, 144 00:08:00,520 --> 00:08:03,640 Speaker 1: score guys, just running to the ball and just really 145 00:08:03,680 --> 00:08:07,680 Speaker 1: just see eleven hands of the ball, just always just 146 00:08:07,720 --> 00:08:10,600 Speaker 1: being around it and uh and players gonna happen when 147 00:08:10,640 --> 00:08:13,600 Speaker 1: you do that. Your final year as a Buck guy 148 00:08:14,040 --> 00:08:16,600 Speaker 1: was Joe Burrows first, and now you're going to be 149 00:08:16,680 --> 00:08:20,560 Speaker 1: teammates again in Cincinnati. He didn't play back then, but 150 00:08:20,640 --> 00:08:25,480 Speaker 1: you obviously competed against him at practice. What stood out, Oh, man, 151 00:08:25,640 --> 00:08:30,280 Speaker 1: his his warrior mentality. Um, you know him and Stephen 152 00:08:30,360 --> 00:08:34,000 Speaker 1: Carter was on the two youngest quarterbacks at the time, 153 00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:36,520 Speaker 1: and they always want to look squad and they had 154 00:08:36,559 --> 00:08:39,320 Speaker 1: the two youngest quarterbacks always live against the defiance, so 155 00:08:39,320 --> 00:08:42,000 Speaker 1: you could hit him right. I was to this guy 156 00:08:42,080 --> 00:08:44,680 Speaker 1: taking shots from everybody, and I'm like, man, this dude 157 00:08:45,000 --> 00:08:48,680 Speaker 1: he just never had that quitting and he always had 158 00:08:49,120 --> 00:08:51,480 Speaker 1: a knack of talent. He had that confidence, he had 159 00:08:51,520 --> 00:08:55,000 Speaker 1: that swagger, and um, that's why I really knew that 160 00:08:55,160 --> 00:08:58,120 Speaker 1: he get a chance he could be a special player. 161 00:08:58,559 --> 00:09:01,199 Speaker 1: Were you responsible for some of those hits at practice? 162 00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:05,920 Speaker 1: Sometimes I was sometimes, you know, Joey getting there a 163 00:09:06,000 --> 00:09:10,920 Speaker 1: couple of guys. It's a couple of guys, but you know, hey, 164 00:09:10,960 --> 00:09:13,160 Speaker 1: you know he always he always had that confidence. He 165 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:17,440 Speaker 1: never backed down. He loves competition and man, that's what 166 00:09:17,559 --> 00:09:20,720 Speaker 1: made it successful on his journey. And I'm very proud 167 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:23,800 Speaker 1: of him. And uh, you know that's what I know 168 00:09:23,880 --> 00:09:25,880 Speaker 1: a kind of man and what type of football Cali 169 00:09:25,960 --> 00:09:29,199 Speaker 1: player he is because he's been he's been entrenched with 170 00:09:29,320 --> 00:09:31,440 Speaker 1: me at Oil State, and he's been in the weight room. 171 00:09:32,040 --> 00:09:34,720 Speaker 1: You've been through the Matt Rill, so I know the 172 00:09:34,720 --> 00:09:38,240 Speaker 1: type of guy he is. Vane, I understand. The last November, 173 00:09:38,360 --> 00:09:41,079 Speaker 1: the Saints had a Thursday night game, meaning you had 174 00:09:41,120 --> 00:09:44,760 Speaker 1: the following weekend off, and you chose to drive to 175 00:09:44,840 --> 00:09:49,760 Speaker 1: Baton Rouge to watch Joe Burrow at LSU. Describe that experience. 176 00:09:50,559 --> 00:09:53,079 Speaker 1: That's my first LSU game. Oh, that's playing Texas and 177 00:09:53,200 --> 00:09:55,640 Speaker 1: him the year before that. That was when he went 178 00:09:55,679 --> 00:09:57,920 Speaker 1: in a Crazy Old Times the year before that. So 179 00:09:58,000 --> 00:10:00,480 Speaker 1: it was a big hype game. I said, man, let 180 00:10:00,559 --> 00:10:03,840 Speaker 1: me um, let me go. Try to go to LSU 181 00:10:04,320 --> 00:10:08,280 Speaker 1: and do my first game. Get the tiger Land experience 182 00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:11,640 Speaker 1: and just being out there in the atmosphere and it 183 00:10:11,679 --> 00:10:15,120 Speaker 1: was electric. Was seeing height. I didn't really want to 184 00:10:15,120 --> 00:10:17,760 Speaker 1: miss him for the game out was there and it 185 00:10:17,880 --> 00:10:20,440 Speaker 1: was a big moment for him, you know, through all 186 00:10:20,440 --> 00:10:24,440 Speaker 1: the adversity, you know, through the quarterback bows. Now he's 187 00:10:24,480 --> 00:10:26,520 Speaker 1: on top. You know, he was in hot and the race, 188 00:10:27,360 --> 00:10:30,959 Speaker 1: chance to compete the national championship is like, man, what 189 00:10:31,160 --> 00:10:33,720 Speaker 1: a time. I was glad to be there in the 190 00:10:33,800 --> 00:10:36,880 Speaker 1: moment and uh, just living in the moment. And that's 191 00:10:36,920 --> 00:10:39,360 Speaker 1: what I did. I really enjoyed it. That was the 192 00:10:39,400 --> 00:10:41,719 Speaker 1: game where he came out with b U R R 193 00:10:41,840 --> 00:10:45,560 Speaker 1: E A U X on the back of his jersey. Correct, yes, sir, 194 00:10:45,679 --> 00:10:51,560 Speaker 1: they did. Yes, Louisiana did it home Vane. Describe your 195 00:10:51,679 --> 00:10:54,679 Speaker 1: routine these days, since it could be a while before 196 00:10:54,800 --> 00:10:58,920 Speaker 1: NFL teams can get together. Man, my routine right now, Man, 197 00:10:59,040 --> 00:11:02,439 Speaker 1: Monday day, I wake up at four am every day, 198 00:11:03,200 --> 00:11:07,400 Speaker 1: work out with a coup of guys and work out 199 00:11:07,440 --> 00:11:12,200 Speaker 1: around five, and then we have our means our virtual meetings. 200 00:11:12,720 --> 00:11:16,559 Speaker 1: Then on Friday, I do my balancing, core and stability 201 00:11:16,760 --> 00:11:20,680 Speaker 1: work out. And I still like after the days other 202 00:11:20,840 --> 00:11:23,839 Speaker 1: Monday and Thursday, I still like get a twelve mile 203 00:11:23,920 --> 00:11:27,920 Speaker 1: bike riding or fourteen and buries on some days. And 204 00:11:29,000 --> 00:11:31,520 Speaker 1: it's really just staying to it, just cooking my breakfast, 205 00:11:31,840 --> 00:11:35,000 Speaker 1: cooking my meals, and just staying on top of other 206 00:11:35,040 --> 00:11:39,440 Speaker 1: reading books. Really staying in the process, watching film and 207 00:11:39,520 --> 00:11:42,040 Speaker 1: just really just being around the game and just stoking 208 00:11:42,120 --> 00:11:44,079 Speaker 1: up the knowledge from the game and really just going 209 00:11:44,120 --> 00:11:48,160 Speaker 1: back and just really trying to you know, the self 210 00:11:48,200 --> 00:11:52,280 Speaker 1: critical yourself and insteadying other guys around the league. I 211 00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:55,280 Speaker 1: still take still communicate with guys around the league and 212 00:11:55,280 --> 00:11:58,319 Speaker 1: really talk about and just really talk about life, spending 213 00:11:58,360 --> 00:12:02,480 Speaker 1: time with families. So that's where getting up at four, 214 00:12:03,200 --> 00:12:08,120 Speaker 1: working out at five, that's Kobe Bryant MoMA mentality stuff. 215 00:12:08,880 --> 00:12:12,000 Speaker 1: It is it is, and I feel like that's the 216 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:16,440 Speaker 1: only way to success. I'm getting up before everyone and 217 00:12:17,440 --> 00:12:20,000 Speaker 1: getting your work in. It's like you're ahead of everybody already. 218 00:12:20,360 --> 00:12:22,719 Speaker 1: And I always want to tell the stars just that 219 00:12:22,920 --> 00:12:27,840 Speaker 1: competitive nature and it's that momentality and um so it's 220 00:12:27,880 --> 00:12:31,120 Speaker 1: always just striving for greatness and just really just chasing 221 00:12:31,120 --> 00:12:34,800 Speaker 1: greatness and affection. Fine, how challenging is it to try 222 00:12:34,840 --> 00:12:38,800 Speaker 1: to learn the Bengals defense through zoom meetings? I was 223 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:42,080 Speaker 1: pretty challenging, But you know, I'm a very heady any play, 224 00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:48,080 Speaker 1: I'm brady smart. There's just really determinology and some of 225 00:12:48,120 --> 00:12:52,040 Speaker 1: the system somatic things they do. But I'm gonna get it. 226 00:12:52,720 --> 00:12:55,920 Speaker 1: I'll come along very well with it. Just when we 227 00:12:56,000 --> 00:12:59,119 Speaker 1: get when we be able to get in the facility 228 00:12:59,160 --> 00:13:01,880 Speaker 1: and do the walk throughs, and I could really see 229 00:13:01,920 --> 00:13:05,319 Speaker 1: things move and make the same you know, the adjustments 230 00:13:05,320 --> 00:13:08,760 Speaker 1: with their terminology and everything. It's gonna be smooth, it's 231 00:13:08,760 --> 00:13:11,280 Speaker 1: gonna be better and uh everything we'll start clicking on 232 00:13:11,280 --> 00:13:15,280 Speaker 1: all cylinders. You have some former Buckeye teammates, not only 233 00:13:15,360 --> 00:13:18,240 Speaker 1: Joe Burrow, but Sam Hubbard, Billy Price and others on 234 00:13:18,360 --> 00:13:21,440 Speaker 1: this roster. Does that add to your comfort level and 235 00:13:21,520 --> 00:13:24,760 Speaker 1: joining a new team for sure? Um, you know, we 236 00:13:24,880 --> 00:13:29,400 Speaker 1: always know, but the brotherhood is always unbroken. We know 237 00:13:29,440 --> 00:13:32,680 Speaker 1: what type of caliber guys they are, and it's like family. 238 00:13:32,800 --> 00:13:36,080 Speaker 1: And before you go and um yes, uh, you know, 239 00:13:36,120 --> 00:13:38,760 Speaker 1: I'm a very outgoing person, So I don't think it's 240 00:13:38,840 --> 00:13:41,480 Speaker 1: rich you are to make a friend of me. Um, 241 00:13:41,640 --> 00:13:45,680 Speaker 1: this always is open a year, um shot, you know, 242 00:13:45,880 --> 00:13:47,640 Speaker 1: and just want to be that guy that you just 243 00:13:47,679 --> 00:13:50,600 Speaker 1: come to and talk to, be he's talking to and 244 00:13:51,440 --> 00:13:53,320 Speaker 1: but yeah, it's always helping. You got a couple of 245 00:13:53,280 --> 00:13:58,400 Speaker 1: Buckeyes on the team or not, You're obviously one of 246 00:13:58,400 --> 00:14:01,439 Speaker 1: the big acquisitions of the off season by the Bengals. 247 00:14:01,480 --> 00:14:04,079 Speaker 1: Cincinnati is thrilled to have you. We welcome you back 248 00:14:04,120 --> 00:14:06,160 Speaker 1: to the state of Ohio and look forward to seeing 249 00:14:06,200 --> 00:14:09,120 Speaker 1: you in person when that's possible. Yes, sir, thank you 250 00:14:09,160 --> 00:14:11,240 Speaker 1: so much. I'm glad to be back to the world. 251 00:14:12,320 --> 00:14:14,760 Speaker 1: Bron is expected to start at safety next to Jesse 252 00:14:14,920 --> 00:14:17,760 Speaker 1: Bates and is one of five free agents who could 253 00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:22,840 Speaker 1: start on defense, along with DJ Reader, Trey Waynes, Mackenzie 254 00:14:22,880 --> 00:14:27,320 Speaker 1: Alexander and Josh Bines. Before we get to the next conversation, 255 00:14:27,400 --> 00:14:29,640 Speaker 1: here's a quick reminder that you can take your Bengals 256 00:14:29,640 --> 00:14:32,120 Speaker 1: prior to the next level in twenty twenty with an 257 00:14:32,120 --> 00:14:36,840 Speaker 1: official Bengals fan package from Prime Sport. My next guest 258 00:14:37,280 --> 00:14:40,160 Speaker 1: is a national radio host who is among the best 259 00:14:40,160 --> 00:14:43,800 Speaker 1: in the business at combining strong opinions with a great 260 00:14:43,840 --> 00:14:46,160 Speaker 1: sense of humor. We are joined by one of my 261 00:14:46,280 --> 00:14:49,280 Speaker 1: favorite people to listen to and watch, and not only 262 00:14:49,320 --> 00:14:52,480 Speaker 1: because he is a proud graduate of Syracuse University. He 263 00:14:52,640 --> 00:14:55,320 Speaker 1: is the host of Shandon Sports every weekday from ten 264 00:14:55,400 --> 00:14:58,240 Speaker 1: to one on Sirius XM radio and the host of 265 00:14:58,320 --> 00:15:04,440 Speaker 1: multiple NFL TV show was on CBS Sportsnet. Adam Shine, Adam, 266 00:15:04,480 --> 00:15:06,480 Speaker 1: I am such a big fan of your work and 267 00:15:06,520 --> 00:15:09,600 Speaker 1: we've communicated by email in the past, but this is 268 00:15:09,640 --> 00:15:12,640 Speaker 1: the first time we have spoken to each other, and 269 00:15:12,720 --> 00:15:17,400 Speaker 1: I appreciate you coming on the Bengals Booth podcast absolutely, Dan. Likewise, 270 00:15:17,440 --> 00:15:21,400 Speaker 1: I'm a huge fan of yours, as you know, and listen, 271 00:15:21,480 --> 00:15:25,760 Speaker 1: we go back in terms of the same same connection 272 00:15:25,840 --> 00:15:29,320 Speaker 1: to wae ER and to Syracuse, and you know, you're 273 00:15:29,720 --> 00:15:32,560 Speaker 1: the guys that I looked up to with Mike Tarico 274 00:15:32,680 --> 00:15:36,200 Speaker 1: and I An Eagle and Sean McDonough that that great 275 00:15:36,240 --> 00:15:40,560 Speaker 1: era of broadcasters at at wae R. So seriously, thank 276 00:15:40,600 --> 00:15:43,800 Speaker 1: you for paving the way for people like me. Well, 277 00:15:43,840 --> 00:15:46,240 Speaker 1: thank you for including me in that line up. I'm 278 00:15:46,240 --> 00:15:48,680 Speaker 1: not sure that I'm worthy, but I appreciate it anyway. 279 00:15:49,080 --> 00:15:50,920 Speaker 1: I have been eager to have you as a guest 280 00:15:50,920 --> 00:15:54,200 Speaker 1: on this podcast because between your Twitter feed, your radio show, 281 00:15:54,200 --> 00:15:57,040 Speaker 1: and your column on NFL dot Com, you have been 282 00:15:57,080 --> 00:16:03,000 Speaker 1: expressing a lot of optimism about the Bengals recently. Explain why, Well, 283 00:16:03,040 --> 00:16:05,400 Speaker 1: I really like what the Bengals are doing, you know, 284 00:16:05,440 --> 00:16:08,400 Speaker 1: and I think it's important Dan, to actually go back 285 00:16:08,440 --> 00:16:11,920 Speaker 1: to my opinion when Zach Taylor was hired, you know, 286 00:16:12,040 --> 00:16:15,040 Speaker 1: I I thought it was an inspiring choice, you know, 287 00:16:15,200 --> 00:16:17,360 Speaker 1: last year was not a good season, right as Bill 288 00:16:17,400 --> 00:16:20,000 Speaker 1: Parcels once said, you are, which the record says, and 289 00:16:20,360 --> 00:16:22,880 Speaker 1: there were a lot of reasons why. But I I 290 00:16:22,920 --> 00:16:25,680 Speaker 1: don't look at the head coach and you know put 291 00:16:25,720 --> 00:16:28,920 Speaker 1: that on him. There were injuries that were circumstance, and 292 00:16:29,240 --> 00:16:30,960 Speaker 1: you know, I'd a lot of people in the NFL 293 00:16:31,080 --> 00:16:34,080 Speaker 1: tell me that that Zach Taylor was on their list, 294 00:16:34,160 --> 00:16:36,360 Speaker 1: a lot of executives to be a head coach. I 295 00:16:36,480 --> 00:16:39,040 Speaker 1: thought the Bengals slammed that out of the park, and 296 00:16:39,080 --> 00:16:41,040 Speaker 1: then I thought they had a really strong draft with 297 00:16:41,160 --> 00:16:43,480 Speaker 1: Jonah Williams that he got hurt, didn't play it down. 298 00:16:43,840 --> 00:16:45,960 Speaker 1: And then I thought that, you know a j Greene, 299 00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:48,280 Speaker 1: who I've always argued as a Hall of Famer, you know, 300 00:16:48,280 --> 00:16:50,920 Speaker 1: I would have another great season. He got hurt, didn't 301 00:16:50,960 --> 00:16:53,880 Speaker 1: play it down. And then you get the number one pick, 302 00:16:53,960 --> 00:16:56,680 Speaker 1: and you know, Joe Burrow to me, has hits and 303 00:16:57,120 --> 00:17:00,080 Speaker 1: I just love watching him at LSU. You know, I 304 00:17:00,080 --> 00:17:03,320 Speaker 1: think he has all the tangibles, all the intangibles in 305 00:17:03,440 --> 00:17:07,480 Speaker 1: terms of a true franchise quarterback, and I think he's 306 00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:11,720 Speaker 1: going to inspire his teammates, inspire the coaching staff, inspire 307 00:17:11,760 --> 00:17:15,440 Speaker 1: the great Cincinnati Bengals fans, and you know, I can't 308 00:17:15,480 --> 00:17:18,680 Speaker 1: wait to see him work. And you know, AJ's coming back, 309 00:17:18,800 --> 00:17:21,840 Speaker 1: which I think is fantastic. And I was waiting for 310 00:17:22,160 --> 00:17:25,280 Speaker 1: you some kind of comment from AJ on that, and listen, 311 00:17:25,320 --> 00:17:27,960 Speaker 1: I never thought AJ was gonna wear a Bengals uniform again. 312 00:17:28,520 --> 00:17:30,399 Speaker 1: It turns out I was wrong. And I'm thrilled for 313 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:34,240 Speaker 1: Cincinnati that I was. And I thought he was ready 314 00:17:34,320 --> 00:17:37,400 Speaker 1: to move on after a great chapter and I'm thrilled 315 00:17:37,440 --> 00:17:40,119 Speaker 1: he's coming back. I think Joe Mixon is on the 316 00:17:40,119 --> 00:17:42,719 Speaker 1: shortlist in terms of best running backs in the league. 317 00:17:43,240 --> 00:17:47,960 Speaker 1: I loved how the Bengals not only drafted Borrow supported 318 00:17:48,040 --> 00:17:50,119 Speaker 1: him in round two with T Higgins, I thought T 319 00:17:50,240 --> 00:17:52,560 Speaker 1: Higgins was a first round pick, and I think that 320 00:17:52,640 --> 00:17:55,880 Speaker 1: sometimes organizations fail when they draft the first round quarterback. 321 00:17:56,640 --> 00:17:58,840 Speaker 1: Don't give him the proper offensive line, don't give him 322 00:17:58,840 --> 00:18:01,240 Speaker 1: the proper weapons. You you want to make sure he's 323 00:18:01,240 --> 00:18:04,720 Speaker 1: in a position to be successful. Look last year after 324 00:18:04,760 --> 00:18:07,680 Speaker 1: the draft, and that's why I go back to last year. 325 00:18:07,760 --> 00:18:11,399 Speaker 1: I thought the Bengals could win seven games, you know, 326 00:18:11,440 --> 00:18:14,439 Speaker 1: win games where they were underdogs, win games you'd expect 327 00:18:14,440 --> 00:18:18,440 Speaker 1: them to win. That's my field for Cincinnati this year. 328 00:18:18,560 --> 00:18:22,800 Speaker 1: I thought the Bengals spent money wisely in the off season. 329 00:18:23,240 --> 00:18:26,080 Speaker 1: You know, they did a really good job improving the defense, 330 00:18:26,119 --> 00:18:29,840 Speaker 1: the defensive line, the defensive backfield, and then you add 331 00:18:29,880 --> 00:18:32,600 Speaker 1: in these pieces via the draft, and Burrows one of 332 00:18:32,640 --> 00:18:35,200 Speaker 1: those guys, even as a rookie, I think, lifts everyone up. 333 00:18:35,880 --> 00:18:38,200 Speaker 1: I really think the Bengals been a surprise of people, 334 00:18:38,280 --> 00:18:42,360 Speaker 1: and there's great hope and enthusiasm for the future. Our 335 00:18:42,400 --> 00:18:44,679 Speaker 1: guest is Adam Shy, the host of shan On Sports 336 00:18:44,720 --> 00:18:47,720 Speaker 1: on Sirius XM radio. When you host a three hour 337 00:18:47,840 --> 00:18:50,919 Speaker 1: national radio show, you have to have strong opinions, and 338 00:18:51,080 --> 00:18:54,159 Speaker 1: you are not shy in stating the Bengals would not 339 00:18:54,240 --> 00:18:56,480 Speaker 1: win a Super Bowl with Marvin Lewis as the head 340 00:18:56,480 --> 00:19:00,000 Speaker 1: coach and Andy Dalton as the starting quarterback. You're right, 341 00:19:00,359 --> 00:19:05,160 Speaker 1: And I didn't say that necessarily with joyous julation, but 342 00:19:05,680 --> 00:19:08,359 Speaker 1: I you know, and I was right on that. You know, 343 00:19:08,600 --> 00:19:12,840 Speaker 1: it's funny. I always think, Dan, there's perspective, right. They 344 00:19:12,920 --> 00:19:15,240 Speaker 1: won a lot of games, and they deserve I think 345 00:19:15,280 --> 00:19:17,200 Speaker 1: a lot of credit for winning a lot of games. 346 00:19:17,200 --> 00:19:19,959 Speaker 1: It's not easy to win in the NFL, and I 347 00:19:20,040 --> 00:19:22,840 Speaker 1: hope that that Bengals fans actually look back on it 348 00:19:22,920 --> 00:19:25,600 Speaker 1: all very fondly. You know, I thought Andy was a 349 00:19:25,680 --> 00:19:29,280 Speaker 1: really good quarterback who had some great seasons for since 350 00:19:29,359 --> 00:19:32,960 Speaker 1: he you know, the primetime numbers, the playoff numbers. I mean, 351 00:19:33,000 --> 00:19:35,640 Speaker 1: that's that's where I think he falls short of true 352 00:19:35,680 --> 00:19:39,479 Speaker 1: quote unquote greatness. Pretty had a really great run in 353 00:19:39,560 --> 00:19:41,639 Speaker 1: terms of being, you know, a great guy in the 354 00:19:41,680 --> 00:19:44,399 Speaker 1: community and a rock solid quarterback for a long time. 355 00:19:45,119 --> 00:19:48,440 Speaker 1: Marvin epitome of class. I you know, there were there 356 00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:51,520 Speaker 1: were issues in terms of discipline that have been documented, 357 00:19:51,960 --> 00:19:54,080 Speaker 1: but it was it was time for a change. And 358 00:19:54,400 --> 00:19:57,040 Speaker 1: you know, I think it's tough to win in the NFL, 359 00:19:57,240 --> 00:20:01,560 Speaker 1: and those guys is credit for getting win and win totals. 360 00:20:01,760 --> 00:20:03,879 Speaker 1: You know, I remember talking to Carson Palmer at the 361 00:20:03,880 --> 00:20:06,880 Speaker 1: Super Bowl this past year. You know, I will always 362 00:20:06,960 --> 00:20:11,520 Speaker 1: believe that the year that he got hurt with von Olhoffen, 363 00:20:12,640 --> 00:20:14,520 Speaker 1: that Bengal team could have gone to the super Bowl. 364 00:20:14,720 --> 00:20:19,119 Speaker 1: That was an amazing just a tremendous, tremendous offense and 365 00:20:19,359 --> 00:20:24,479 Speaker 1: opportunistic defense. I thought that team, he totally agreed with me, 366 00:20:24,840 --> 00:20:27,960 Speaker 1: could have absolutely gone to the super Bowl. But yeah, 367 00:20:28,200 --> 00:20:31,000 Speaker 1: I've been screaming that for years. In terms of our guys, 368 00:20:31,080 --> 00:20:34,240 Speaker 1: Marvin Anvy, we are speaking to Adam Shine a great 369 00:20:34,240 --> 00:20:39,399 Speaker 1: Twitter follow at Adam Shine Schei n Way back in 370 00:20:39,520 --> 00:20:44,400 Speaker 1: mid January, you tweeted Joe Burrow will save the Bengals. 371 00:20:44,400 --> 00:20:47,760 Speaker 1: So that was obviously well before the NFL draft, and 372 00:20:47,840 --> 00:20:51,240 Speaker 1: I assume based on watching the semi final performance against 373 00:20:51,240 --> 00:20:54,680 Speaker 1: Oklahoma and the National Championship game against Clemson, you knew 374 00:20:54,680 --> 00:20:58,560 Speaker 1: at that point this is the guy Cincinnati had to draft. Absolutely, 375 00:20:58,760 --> 00:21:02,480 Speaker 1: And you know, there was some conversation at the Super 376 00:21:02,520 --> 00:21:06,080 Speaker 1: Bowl about justin Herbert, you know, and I happen to 377 00:21:06,119 --> 00:21:08,120 Speaker 1: think there's going to be a big time quarterback, and 378 00:21:08,520 --> 00:21:11,120 Speaker 1: you know, the Bengal is obviously there for the Senior Bowl. 379 00:21:11,200 --> 00:21:15,320 Speaker 1: But Burrow, to me is just he's special. And you know, 380 00:21:15,440 --> 00:21:18,120 Speaker 1: I think with other quarterbacks and even Tuah and Herbert, 381 00:21:18,160 --> 00:21:22,440 Speaker 1: there was always there's upside downside, right, there's risk reward. 382 00:21:22,560 --> 00:21:26,040 Speaker 1: I don't see downside with Burrow. I think you can 383 00:21:26,560 --> 00:21:28,879 Speaker 1: you can debate or go into the crystal ball when 384 00:21:28,920 --> 00:21:31,719 Speaker 1: it comes to great this, but I think he's going 385 00:21:31,760 --> 00:21:34,199 Speaker 1: to be a very good to great quarterback for a 386 00:21:34,200 --> 00:21:37,160 Speaker 1: long period of time. And Dan I just thought, well, 387 00:21:37,200 --> 00:21:40,000 Speaker 1: he did at LSU. I mean, you don't want you 388 00:21:40,040 --> 00:21:42,040 Speaker 1: want to make sure you're not a prisoner at the moment, 389 00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:45,639 Speaker 1: right And you know, there have been some amazing seasons 390 00:21:45,680 --> 00:21:49,480 Speaker 1: in the history of college football, but all things considered, 391 00:21:49,560 --> 00:21:52,960 Speaker 1: I think you could have a solid argument that what 392 00:21:53,160 --> 00:21:56,520 Speaker 1: he did this past year and la Asu greatest season 393 00:21:56,760 --> 00:21:59,720 Speaker 1: ever behind a quarterback in the history of college football, 394 00:22:00,160 --> 00:22:03,680 Speaker 1: and it's going to carry over, in my opinion, to Cincinnati. 395 00:22:04,640 --> 00:22:10,520 Speaker 1: You are fired up about Burrow versus Baker Mayfield in Wait, 396 00:22:11,920 --> 00:22:14,520 Speaker 1: I can't wait for that game. I you know, I 397 00:22:14,600 --> 00:22:17,439 Speaker 1: was pleased at the NFL put that one in primetime. 398 00:22:17,480 --> 00:22:20,080 Speaker 1: I you know, I put that on my list on 399 00:22:20,160 --> 00:22:22,399 Speaker 1: my shyne I of the ones that I'm looking forward 400 00:22:22,400 --> 00:22:26,280 Speaker 1: to the most. I am really fired up because, you know, 401 00:22:26,520 --> 00:22:30,400 Speaker 1: go back to the old days. You know, Cincinnati Cleveland, 402 00:22:30,520 --> 00:22:33,399 Speaker 1: and I know it's a rivalry in Ohio, but I 403 00:22:33,400 --> 00:22:36,399 Speaker 1: mean when it was a rivalry nationally, like when I 404 00:22:36,440 --> 00:22:38,800 Speaker 1: was growing up in New York. But you wanted to 405 00:22:38,800 --> 00:22:41,560 Speaker 1: see the Bengals, you wanted to see the Browns. You 406 00:22:41,640 --> 00:22:44,840 Speaker 1: wanted to see Sam Wish, and you wanted to see Boomer, 407 00:22:44,920 --> 00:22:49,000 Speaker 1: and you wanted to see Marty Like those were great games. 408 00:22:49,400 --> 00:22:52,400 Speaker 1: And now you got a couple of quarterbacks, albeit with 409 00:22:52,520 --> 00:22:56,159 Speaker 1: different personalities, but they've got a little swagger and a 410 00:22:56,160 --> 00:22:58,800 Speaker 1: little edge to them, and I thought that was a 411 00:22:58,840 --> 00:23:01,640 Speaker 1: great job by the league. Look, I think the Browns 412 00:23:01,800 --> 00:23:03,760 Speaker 1: are going to be really, really strong this year. And 413 00:23:04,200 --> 00:23:06,240 Speaker 1: I feel like I've said that all the time, but 414 00:23:06,320 --> 00:23:08,720 Speaker 1: I really think the Crowns are gonna be strong this year, 415 00:23:09,160 --> 00:23:11,919 Speaker 1: and I think it's in case they're not smart Flyer 416 00:23:12,000 --> 00:23:14,440 Speaker 1: putting to that game early in the season, I think 417 00:23:14,440 --> 00:23:16,399 Speaker 1: people are gonna want to watch Joe Burrow just like 418 00:23:16,480 --> 00:23:19,199 Speaker 1: they did in college. I was a great job in 419 00:23:19,280 --> 00:23:22,359 Speaker 1: my opinion by the NFL. We are visiting with Adam Shine. 420 00:23:22,400 --> 00:23:24,920 Speaker 1: Let's talk about the rest of the AFC, North Baltimore 421 00:23:24,920 --> 00:23:27,880 Speaker 1: and Pittsburgh. What do you think. I think Baltimore won 422 00:23:27,880 --> 00:23:30,200 Speaker 1: through fifty three? Is the best team in the NFL? Now, 423 00:23:30,240 --> 00:23:32,920 Speaker 1: don't miss interpret. I think Kansas City, you know, could 424 00:23:32,920 --> 00:23:36,000 Speaker 1: easily repeat and you know, barring anything unforeseeing that, that'll 425 00:23:36,040 --> 00:23:39,800 Speaker 1: be my pick. But I think Baltimore is loaded. Their machine. 426 00:23:40,280 --> 00:23:43,120 Speaker 1: I love their their owner, their GM Erik to Costa 427 00:23:43,320 --> 00:23:47,800 Speaker 1: head coach, love the JK. Dobbins pick, Patrick Queen and linebacker, 428 00:23:48,200 --> 00:23:50,280 Speaker 1: you know, all those third round picks. Then I had 429 00:23:50,320 --> 00:23:54,800 Speaker 1: to work a war room. I really Lamarus Special. The 430 00:23:54,840 --> 00:23:59,240 Speaker 1: defense was excellent the second half of the season. You know, Pittsburgh. 431 00:23:59,280 --> 00:24:02,600 Speaker 1: I'm not high on Pittsburgh. I think Pittsburgh has some problems. 432 00:24:02,640 --> 00:24:05,439 Speaker 1: I think, you know, they they've really neglected them the 433 00:24:05,480 --> 00:24:09,560 Speaker 1: backup quarterback position, which which is nonsensical. And I I 434 00:24:09,640 --> 00:24:11,879 Speaker 1: thought the Mason Rudolph pick in twenty eighteen in the 435 00:24:11,960 --> 00:24:14,480 Speaker 1: third round was was a good flyer. You know that 436 00:24:14,680 --> 00:24:17,879 Speaker 1: has not worked out. Uh, Doc Hodgers, if he's an answer, 437 00:24:17,920 --> 00:24:21,359 Speaker 1: I'd love to know the question. Roethlisburgher's thirty eight covered 438 00:24:21,359 --> 00:24:26,440 Speaker 1: off with elbow surgery, so I'm surprised that that they 439 00:24:26,480 --> 00:24:30,080 Speaker 1: decided to run that thing back. I mean, and even 440 00:24:30,160 --> 00:24:32,880 Speaker 1: like I'll give you a compareda trast with the Bengals, right, 441 00:24:32,920 --> 00:24:35,920 Speaker 1: and Pittsburgh's defense is fantastic, and they have three first 442 00:24:35,920 --> 00:24:38,800 Speaker 1: team All Props. But like, I look at the skill 443 00:24:38,840 --> 00:24:43,159 Speaker 1: position players for the Bengals versus the Steelers, and I 444 00:24:43,960 --> 00:24:48,119 Speaker 1: just think that the skill position players for since they trump, 445 00:24:48,160 --> 00:24:51,440 Speaker 1: they dwarf the those for the for the Pittsburgh Steelers. 446 00:24:51,480 --> 00:24:53,960 Speaker 1: I don't like that run game. You know, they were 447 00:24:53,960 --> 00:24:56,920 Speaker 1: twenty ninth or worse than a lot of key statistics. 448 00:24:56,920 --> 00:24:59,760 Speaker 1: We talked about that on CBO Sports Network. This this 449 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:02,200 Speaker 1: I ask you this past week, and I don't see 450 00:25:02,200 --> 00:25:04,960 Speaker 1: it getting better this year. You know, James Connor is 451 00:25:05,000 --> 00:25:07,520 Speaker 1: a great story. I don't think he's a great running back. 452 00:25:08,480 --> 00:25:10,800 Speaker 1: I don't like the depth of receiver. You know, I 453 00:25:10,840 --> 00:25:12,920 Speaker 1: liked Juju as a number two. He didn't pan out 454 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:16,160 Speaker 1: last year. See what happens this year as a number one. 455 00:25:15,880 --> 00:25:19,359 Speaker 1: I think that that Pittsburgh, well, that defense is great. 456 00:25:19,840 --> 00:25:22,800 Speaker 1: I think they have seven and nine eight written all room. 457 00:25:22,920 --> 00:25:25,640 Speaker 1: Very interesting. That would not break hearts here in Cincinnati, 458 00:25:26,480 --> 00:25:29,280 Speaker 1: that's for sure. A final question for Adam Shine. I 459 00:25:29,320 --> 00:25:32,919 Speaker 1: appreciate your time. You alluded to the Bengals head first 460 00:25:32,960 --> 00:25:37,239 Speaker 1: plunge into free agency eight unrestricted free agents, more than 461 00:25:37,280 --> 00:25:39,760 Speaker 1: one hundred and thirty million dollars spent. They were one 462 00:25:39,800 --> 00:25:42,800 Speaker 1: of the biggest spenders of any NFL team this year 463 00:25:42,800 --> 00:25:46,000 Speaker 1: in free agency. How shocked were you by that? I was. 464 00:25:46,200 --> 00:25:49,760 Speaker 1: I was surprised, pleasantly surprised because you don't always think 465 00:25:49,800 --> 00:25:53,080 Speaker 1: of the Bengals doing that. And what I liked, Dan, 466 00:25:53,280 --> 00:25:57,240 Speaker 1: it wasn't It wasn't foolish money. It wasn't like old 467 00:25:57,240 --> 00:26:01,600 Speaker 1: school Redskins money. It was Okay, here's areas of weakness 468 00:26:01,840 --> 00:26:04,159 Speaker 1: and let's go attack it and let's go get it. 469 00:26:04,240 --> 00:26:07,040 Speaker 1: You know, you think of teams I mentioned the Ravens, 470 00:26:07,119 --> 00:26:10,400 Speaker 1: or you think of the Patriots, or you know the Eagles. 471 00:26:10,480 --> 00:26:13,400 Speaker 1: See a problem, fix a problem, right, I mean, that's 472 00:26:13,480 --> 00:26:16,720 Speaker 1: that's what those teams do. And I I just thought 473 00:26:16,720 --> 00:26:21,120 Speaker 1: Cincinnati had a really smart, brilliant, calculated offseason. I mean, 474 00:26:21,520 --> 00:26:23,280 Speaker 1: you know, part of the deal is you knew Joe 475 00:26:23,359 --> 00:26:25,719 Speaker 1: is going to be that that number one tick. You know, 476 00:26:25,840 --> 00:26:29,760 Speaker 1: this was a great receiver class. You had to feel 477 00:26:29,840 --> 00:26:33,080 Speaker 1: good about finding a guy who could contribute in round 478 00:26:33,160 --> 00:26:36,040 Speaker 1: number two, so you know you can now. I love 479 00:26:36,080 --> 00:26:39,520 Speaker 1: the weapons that they have on offense, you attack the defense. 480 00:26:39,920 --> 00:26:42,159 Speaker 1: And I really think this Bengal team is going to 481 00:26:42,240 --> 00:26:44,640 Speaker 1: surprise some people. I mean, you know, we'll see how 482 00:26:44,640 --> 00:26:47,040 Speaker 1: I feel. We get closer, we will put the h 483 00:26:47,480 --> 00:26:50,240 Speaker 1: the picks in pan as I always do Wednesday after 484 00:26:50,359 --> 00:26:53,600 Speaker 1: Labor Day. But I could see Cincinnati being a seven 485 00:26:53,600 --> 00:26:56,200 Speaker 1: and nine team and winning winning games that people don't 486 00:26:56,200 --> 00:26:58,639 Speaker 1: expect them to win. This year, get to start to 487 00:26:58,720 --> 00:27:01,000 Speaker 1: move in the right direction. I hope you are right. 488 00:27:01,040 --> 00:27:03,919 Speaker 1: I hope it's better than that, but certainly would that 489 00:27:03,960 --> 00:27:06,520 Speaker 1: would be a good start. Adam, This has been fun. 490 00:27:06,600 --> 00:27:08,520 Speaker 1: Thanks so much for doing it. Keep up the great 491 00:27:08,520 --> 00:27:10,639 Speaker 1: work and hopefully we'll have you on again at some 492 00:27:10,720 --> 00:27:13,679 Speaker 1: point anytime. Damn, this was a blast. I enjoyed it 493 00:27:14,720 --> 00:27:17,399 Speaker 1: thanks to Von Bell and Adam Shine. And that's going 494 00:27:17,480 --> 00:27:20,440 Speaker 1: to do it for this episode of The Bengals Booth Podcast, 495 00:27:20,520 --> 00:27:23,600 Speaker 1: brought to you by Prime Sport, the official fan, travel 496 00:27:23,720 --> 00:27:27,600 Speaker 1: and hospitality partner of the Cincinnati Bengals. If you haven't 497 00:27:27,600 --> 00:27:30,639 Speaker 1: done so already, please subscribe, and if you have a minute, 498 00:27:30,680 --> 00:27:33,480 Speaker 1: give it a rating or share a comment that helps 499 00:27:33,560 --> 00:27:37,679 Speaker 1: more Bengals fans find this podcast. I'm Dan Horde, and 500 00:27:37,760 --> 00:27:41,080 Speaker 1: thanks for listening to The Bengals Booth Podcast.