1 00:00:03,560 --> 00:00:04,480 Speaker 1: Hi, get everybody. 2 00:00:04,480 --> 00:00:08,119 Speaker 2: I'm Dan Horde and thanks for downloading The Bengals Booth Podcast. 3 00:00:08,280 --> 00:00:14,480 Speaker 2: The Don't be Surprisedhized addition, as Jake Browning looks to 4 00:00:14,560 --> 00:00:17,279 Speaker 2: lead the Bengals to their fourth straight win as they 5 00:00:17,320 --> 00:00:22,480 Speaker 2: face the dreaded, hated, but grudgingly respected Pittsburgh Steelers on 6 00:00:22,600 --> 00:00:27,960 Speaker 2: Saturday at Akrashuer Stadium, coming up, Boomer Asiasin shares his 7 00:00:28,080 --> 00:00:32,440 Speaker 2: thoughts on The Jake Show. Bj Hill discusses his fly 8 00:00:32,600 --> 00:00:35,720 Speaker 2: paper hands, and in this week's No The Foux Conversation, 9 00:00:35,840 --> 00:00:39,040 Speaker 2: we'll look at the Steelers with former Pittsburgh O lineman 10 00:00:39,440 --> 00:00:42,360 Speaker 2: Max Starts. The Bengals Booth Podcast is brought to you 11 00:00:42,400 --> 00:00:45,280 Speaker 2: by pay Corps, proud to be the Bengals official HR 12 00:00:45,440 --> 00:00:50,440 Speaker 2: software provider, by Alta Fiber future proof Fiber Internet designed 13 00:00:50,440 --> 00:00:53,479 Speaker 2: to elevate your home, business and community to a new level, 14 00:00:53,840 --> 00:00:57,440 Speaker 2: and by Kettering Health the best care for the best fans. 15 00:00:57,760 --> 00:01:01,400 Speaker 2: Kettering Health is the official healthcare provide of the Bengals. 16 00:01:01,800 --> 00:01:04,080 Speaker 2: Now here's a quick reminder that you can have the 17 00:01:04,160 --> 00:01:08,240 Speaker 2: latest edition of this podcast delivered write to your phone, tablet, 18 00:01:08,360 --> 00:01:12,839 Speaker 2: or computer by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. It's 19 00:01:12,880 --> 00:01:17,880 Speaker 2: the greatest thing since the medicine ball. As you can 20 00:01:17,920 --> 00:01:20,679 Speaker 2: probably hear, I've been battling a nasty cold and a 21 00:01:20,720 --> 00:01:24,840 Speaker 2: scratchy throat for several days, and my friends Marty Grunder 22 00:01:24,880 --> 00:01:28,120 Speaker 2: and Kelsey Conway, who covers the Bengals for The Inquirer, 23 00:01:28,600 --> 00:01:33,440 Speaker 2: both recommended a Starbucks drink called the Medicine Ball. It's 24 00:01:33,440 --> 00:01:38,200 Speaker 2: officially named Honey Citrus Mint Tea, and it's made with 25 00:01:38,360 --> 00:01:42,840 Speaker 2: half hot water and half steamed lemonade, adding both a 26 00:01:42,840 --> 00:01:47,720 Speaker 2: bag of peach Tranquility tea and jade citrus mint tea, 27 00:01:48,160 --> 00:01:51,600 Speaker 2: and then finishing it off with a touch of honey. 28 00:01:51,640 --> 00:01:55,240 Speaker 2: It isn't a miracle cure, but it is very soothing 29 00:01:55,720 --> 00:01:59,000 Speaker 2: and does relieve some of the symptoms. It tastes good too, 30 00:01:59,600 --> 00:02:02,200 Speaker 2: so if and when you catch a cold this winter, 31 00:02:02,680 --> 00:02:06,280 Speaker 2: try a Medicine Ball from Starbucks. It's like curling up 32 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:10,720 Speaker 2: in front of the fireplace in a cup. Now, let's 33 00:02:10,760 --> 00:02:14,200 Speaker 2: get to football. Jake Browning is the first quarterback in 34 00:02:14,320 --> 00:02:16,760 Speaker 2: history to throw for more than a thousand yards and 35 00:02:16,960 --> 00:02:20,200 Speaker 2: complete at least seventy five percent of his passes in 36 00:02:20,280 --> 00:02:25,080 Speaker 2: his first four starts. Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan admits that 37 00:02:25,240 --> 00:02:27,359 Speaker 2: Jake has exceeded expectations. 38 00:02:27,560 --> 00:02:30,280 Speaker 3: I mean, he's played historically well, so I think that 39 00:02:30,280 --> 00:02:32,680 Speaker 3: that's that would be that would have been a surprise. 40 00:02:32,840 --> 00:02:35,840 Speaker 3: I thought Jake could was capable of playing well, to 41 00:02:36,360 --> 00:02:40,280 Speaker 3: play as well as he has, again, not surprised, but 42 00:02:41,080 --> 00:02:43,880 Speaker 3: certainly was better than anticipated. 43 00:02:45,280 --> 00:02:46,519 Speaker 1: I thought we could win games with Jake. 44 00:02:46,520 --> 00:02:48,280 Speaker 3: We had confidence in him, and then he's kind of 45 00:02:48,320 --> 00:02:51,720 Speaker 3: shot past whatever I thought he was he was capable of, 46 00:02:51,760 --> 00:02:55,680 Speaker 3: He's obviously capable of whole lot more. But it's been 47 00:02:55,840 --> 00:02:57,640 Speaker 3: it's been a cool journey for him and then hopefully 48 00:02:57,680 --> 00:02:59,760 Speaker 3: it continues. We need it to, you know, we're fighting 49 00:02:59,800 --> 00:03:02,640 Speaker 3: for our playoff lives here in the next three weeks. 50 00:03:03,320 --> 00:03:05,359 Speaker 3: Hopefully he continues to play as good as he's played, 51 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:06,840 Speaker 3: and I'll put us in good position for. 52 00:03:06,840 --> 00:03:09,080 Speaker 2: More on the Bengals quarterback. I caught up with a 53 00:03:09,160 --> 00:03:13,680 Speaker 2: former Bengals quarterback this week, the NFL MVP in nineteen 54 00:03:13,720 --> 00:03:16,360 Speaker 2: eighty eight, who is inducted into the Bengals Ring of 55 00:03:16,400 --> 00:03:21,560 Speaker 2: Honor back in September, Boomer Asia Sin Boomer. In his 56 00:03:21,639 --> 00:03:24,760 Speaker 2: four starts, Jake Browning is completing seventy six percent of 57 00:03:24,800 --> 00:03:27,639 Speaker 2: his passes. He's averaging two hundred and ninety five passing 58 00:03:27,680 --> 00:03:31,119 Speaker 2: yards a game. His passer rating is one ZHO nine plus. 59 00:03:31,600 --> 00:03:34,680 Speaker 2: Are you in fact amazed by what he's done? 60 00:03:34,920 --> 00:03:38,400 Speaker 4: Look how easy this is, Dan, It's unbelievable. Anybody could 61 00:03:38,440 --> 00:03:42,400 Speaker 4: do it. Of course I'm amazed. I'm as amazed as 62 00:03:42,440 --> 00:03:45,480 Speaker 4: anybody else is. And I don't think he's that amazed. 63 00:03:45,520 --> 00:03:48,360 Speaker 4: I think he seems to be a pretty competent guy, 64 00:03:48,480 --> 00:03:50,200 Speaker 4: and he also seems to be a pretty humble guy, 65 00:03:50,280 --> 00:03:52,600 Speaker 4: unless he's yelling into the camera, this is what you 66 00:03:52,640 --> 00:03:54,920 Speaker 4: get for cutting me. But then again, I can totally 67 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:57,360 Speaker 4: understand that emotion. That's exactly what you want out of 68 00:03:57,360 --> 00:04:00,280 Speaker 4: your quarterback. I would say he's a very likable guy. 69 00:04:00,320 --> 00:04:02,760 Speaker 4: Seems like his teammates really respect him. It seems like 70 00:04:02,840 --> 00:04:05,920 Speaker 4: Joe Burrow and he have a great relationship, and I 71 00:04:05,920 --> 00:04:07,240 Speaker 4: think he's mimicking. 72 00:04:06,840 --> 00:04:08,640 Speaker 1: A lot of the stuff that Joe did. 73 00:04:08,960 --> 00:04:11,720 Speaker 4: I will say, going into this week's game against the 74 00:04:11,720 --> 00:04:14,120 Speaker 4: Pittsburgh Steelers, if you think back four weeks ago, you 75 00:04:14,160 --> 00:04:16,919 Speaker 4: were there, you did the game, he struggled against that 76 00:04:16,960 --> 00:04:21,120 Speaker 4: Steeler three four defense, and what coaches don't understand sometimes, 77 00:04:21,120 --> 00:04:24,160 Speaker 4: And I'll never forget this because David Klingler made his 78 00:04:24,279 --> 00:04:28,040 Speaker 4: first start against Bill Kaher and that thirty four defense 79 00:04:28,240 --> 00:04:31,720 Speaker 4: in Riverfront Stadium in nineteen ninety two, I believe it was, 80 00:04:32,200 --> 00:04:36,240 Speaker 4: and he was sacked eleven times. And he was sacked 81 00:04:36,240 --> 00:04:41,240 Speaker 4: eleven times because he wasn't prepared properly. He had too 82 00:04:41,320 --> 00:04:44,040 Speaker 4: many things going on in his brain and our coaching 83 00:04:44,080 --> 00:04:47,120 Speaker 4: staff did not prepare him. I sat on the sidelines 84 00:04:47,160 --> 00:04:49,000 Speaker 4: praying to God that he didn't get hurt, that he 85 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:50,760 Speaker 4: was going to have to go through it. And I 86 00:04:50,800 --> 00:04:53,680 Speaker 4: think four weeks ago, if you asked Jake, and I've 87 00:04:53,720 --> 00:04:56,120 Speaker 4: seen Jake talk about this, he would tell you that 88 00:04:56,240 --> 00:04:58,400 Speaker 4: his head was spinning because he was worried about the 89 00:04:58,440 --> 00:05:01,200 Speaker 4: pass protections. And I don't want to get into the 90 00:05:01,200 --> 00:05:03,520 Speaker 4: weeds with too many people, but a three to four 91 00:05:03,600 --> 00:05:07,520 Speaker 4: defense much more difficult to pass block against, especially when 92 00:05:07,560 --> 00:05:10,080 Speaker 4: you have a number of pass protections in the game. 93 00:05:09,880 --> 00:05:12,080 Speaker 1: Plan than a four to three defense. 94 00:05:12,440 --> 00:05:15,240 Speaker 4: So he'll be back where he came from, you know, 95 00:05:15,279 --> 00:05:16,720 Speaker 4: four weeks ago, and I'm sure he's gonna be a 96 00:05:16,720 --> 00:05:19,080 Speaker 4: lot better, and I'm sure the coaches are going to 97 00:05:19,160 --> 00:05:21,680 Speaker 4: have a much better game plan for him on Saturday 98 00:05:21,720 --> 00:05:23,040 Speaker 4: than they did four weeks ago. 99 00:05:24,160 --> 00:05:27,080 Speaker 2: I'm glad you referenced his tossing of his helmet and 100 00:05:27,120 --> 00:05:30,640 Speaker 2: screaming at the camera after beating his former team, because 101 00:05:30,680 --> 00:05:34,719 Speaker 2: you were famously fiery in your playing days. Was that 102 00:05:34,880 --> 00:05:36,760 Speaker 2: moment revealing to you in any way? 103 00:05:37,520 --> 00:05:37,760 Speaker 1: Yeah. 104 00:05:37,800 --> 00:05:39,360 Speaker 4: I mean he's had a chip on his shoulder and 105 00:05:39,400 --> 00:05:41,320 Speaker 4: it's been there probably for about three and a half 106 00:05:41,360 --> 00:05:44,400 Speaker 4: four years, and this was a moment for him to 107 00:05:44,520 --> 00:05:46,560 Speaker 4: let it go. I mean, any of us who have 108 00:05:46,640 --> 00:05:49,599 Speaker 4: been through the car wash, if you will, can all 109 00:05:49,680 --> 00:05:53,400 Speaker 4: appreciate that emotion. And I think that's exactly what is 110 00:05:53,440 --> 00:05:57,600 Speaker 4: needed in the NFL. I remember doing Tom Brady games 111 00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:01,080 Speaker 4: on radio and television talking about why is tom Brady 112 00:06:01,080 --> 00:06:03,560 Speaker 4: getting so mad on the sideline? Why is he slamming 113 00:06:03,560 --> 00:06:06,280 Speaker 4: the Microsoft Surfa tablet down? Why is he yelling at 114 00:06:06,279 --> 00:06:09,120 Speaker 4: a teammate? You know, that was the mental aspect of 115 00:06:09,160 --> 00:06:11,040 Speaker 4: tom Brady's game. If he felt like he had a 116 00:06:11,120 --> 00:06:12,720 Speaker 4: lull in a game, the way for him to get 117 00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:15,760 Speaker 4: back into it was to create an angor and a. 118 00:06:15,720 --> 00:06:18,440 Speaker 1: Competitive edge that you need to be that. 119 00:06:18,720 --> 00:06:21,680 Speaker 4: You know, competing quarterback for four quarters, it's not easy, 120 00:06:21,760 --> 00:06:23,880 Speaker 4: especially when you're going through a seventeen game season. 121 00:06:24,480 --> 00:06:27,320 Speaker 1: So I love the emotion. I mean, that's that's what 122 00:06:27,520 --> 00:06:29,119 Speaker 1: really truly is great. 123 00:06:29,200 --> 00:06:32,520 Speaker 4: It's it's emotion, but it's not reckless, it's not over 124 00:06:32,560 --> 00:06:35,279 Speaker 4: the top, it's not across the line. It's just a 125 00:06:35,360 --> 00:06:40,480 Speaker 4: competitive outburst that every quarterback should you know, have within them. 126 00:06:40,520 --> 00:06:42,080 Speaker 1: And I'm glad I saw that out of Jake. 127 00:06:43,120 --> 00:06:45,680 Speaker 2: So Zach Taylor, Brian Callahan, and Dan Pitcher have been 128 00:06:45,720 --> 00:06:48,320 Speaker 2: getting a lot of credit for their leadership since Joe 129 00:06:48,320 --> 00:06:51,560 Speaker 2: Burrow went down, and deservedly so do you think people 130 00:06:52,040 --> 00:06:54,919 Speaker 2: are looking at Zach Taylor a little bit differently for 131 00:06:55,040 --> 00:06:56,400 Speaker 2: keeping the Bengals in the hunt? 132 00:06:57,040 --> 00:07:00,040 Speaker 4: You know, you know, everything locally is always different with 133 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:02,480 Speaker 4: these thirty two NFL teams. You know, I work here 134 00:07:02,480 --> 00:07:04,599 Speaker 4: in New York, and if you look at the Jets 135 00:07:04,600 --> 00:07:07,359 Speaker 4: and the Giants, it maybe we may have a different 136 00:07:07,440 --> 00:07:10,280 Speaker 4: take on things because we see them, we talk about 137 00:07:10,280 --> 00:07:11,600 Speaker 4: them every single day. 138 00:07:12,560 --> 00:07:14,000 Speaker 1: From a national perspective. 139 00:07:14,320 --> 00:07:16,480 Speaker 4: For me, I mean, Zach Taylor is the perfect coach 140 00:07:16,880 --> 00:07:20,360 Speaker 4: for the Cincinnati Bengals, with Joe Burrow or without Joe Burrow, 141 00:07:20,400 --> 00:07:21,880 Speaker 4: whether they were going to win or they were going 142 00:07:21,960 --> 00:07:24,200 Speaker 4: to lose. All I can tell you is that the 143 00:07:24,240 --> 00:07:26,560 Speaker 4: success that the two of them have had Why would 144 00:07:26,560 --> 00:07:27,960 Speaker 4: you ever want to break that up? And I don't 145 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:31,920 Speaker 4: think the Brown family would ever even remotely think about that, given. 146 00:07:31,680 --> 00:07:34,520 Speaker 1: The nature of Joe's injury. But now what we see 147 00:07:35,480 --> 00:07:37,360 Speaker 1: is we see, Wow. 148 00:07:37,400 --> 00:07:38,840 Speaker 4: They can do it, and they can do it with 149 00:07:38,880 --> 00:07:41,200 Speaker 4: a backup quarterback, which is not the easiest thing to do. 150 00:07:41,240 --> 00:07:44,080 Speaker 4: I think there's probably seventeen or eighteen other teams kind 151 00:07:44,080 --> 00:07:45,400 Speaker 4: of going through what they're going through. 152 00:07:45,400 --> 00:07:46,360 Speaker 1: Some teams are up to. 153 00:07:46,320 --> 00:07:49,280 Speaker 4: Their fourth quarterback that they have to play with, including 154 00:07:49,320 --> 00:07:52,640 Speaker 4: the Browns with Joe Flacco. So I think it always 155 00:07:52,800 --> 00:07:55,400 Speaker 4: is a telltale sign about a coach and how good 156 00:07:55,480 --> 00:07:58,040 Speaker 4: and how great they can be when they don't have 157 00:07:58,200 --> 00:08:00,800 Speaker 4: everything perfect around them. And when you have one of 158 00:08:00,840 --> 00:08:02,800 Speaker 4: the top three quarterbacks in the league go out for 159 00:08:02,880 --> 00:08:04,600 Speaker 4: the rest of the year, and now you're in this 160 00:08:04,680 --> 00:08:07,240 Speaker 4: three game winning streak and you're right in the middle 161 00:08:07,240 --> 00:08:10,320 Speaker 4: of the playoffs. That speaks volumes of that coaching staff. 162 00:08:10,480 --> 00:08:12,880 Speaker 4: And that also speaks volumes of the defense, because the 163 00:08:12,920 --> 00:08:16,200 Speaker 4: defense has stepped up as well in big spots, especially 164 00:08:16,200 --> 00:08:19,160 Speaker 4: when Jake has made a mistake. So right now they're 165 00:08:19,160 --> 00:08:21,080 Speaker 4: flying high, and you know, I would hope that they 166 00:08:21,120 --> 00:08:23,200 Speaker 4: would think they'd be thinking in the back of their mind, 167 00:08:23,280 --> 00:08:25,040 Speaker 4: exacting a little bit of a revenge. 168 00:08:25,120 --> 00:08:27,160 Speaker 1: Come this Saturday, Boomer. 169 00:08:27,200 --> 00:08:29,920 Speaker 2: You were great at play action in your playing days, 170 00:08:30,080 --> 00:08:33,040 Speaker 2: and during this four week period, Jake Browning has been 171 00:08:33,120 --> 00:08:35,600 Speaker 2: under center more than Joe Burrow was. They've run more 172 00:08:35,600 --> 00:08:39,120 Speaker 2: play action than they had been earlier this season. Would 173 00:08:39,200 --> 00:08:41,360 Speaker 2: you like to see them do more of that when 174 00:08:41,400 --> 00:08:42,560 Speaker 2: Joe is healthy next year? 175 00:08:43,400 --> 00:08:45,480 Speaker 4: I want to see more of that all over the league. 176 00:08:45,559 --> 00:08:48,880 Speaker 4: You know, I consider the forty nine ers the true 177 00:08:49,000 --> 00:08:53,120 Speaker 4: essence of great offensive play calling, play design, and the 178 00:08:53,120 --> 00:08:55,959 Speaker 4: way that they execute their plays. They're players that are 179 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:59,560 Speaker 4: around rock party. And you know, Brock Purty is a magician. 180 00:08:59,720 --> 00:09:03,400 Speaker 4: He is accurate, he's poised, He's under the center a lot. 181 00:09:03,440 --> 00:09:06,120 Speaker 4: There's a lot of misdirection, there's bootlegs, there's a lot 182 00:09:06,160 --> 00:09:09,080 Speaker 4: of eye candy when it comes to formations, all of 183 00:09:09,080 --> 00:09:10,880 Speaker 4: that kind of stuff. And that's the stuff that Sam 184 00:09:10,920 --> 00:09:12,760 Speaker 4: Weish was known for. That was the stuff that Bill 185 00:09:12,800 --> 00:09:15,320 Speaker 4: Walsh was known for. That's what the West Coast offense 186 00:09:15,840 --> 00:09:18,200 Speaker 4: is all about. That's what Mike Shanahan was all about 187 00:09:18,200 --> 00:09:20,680 Speaker 4: when he was in Denver and in Washington and Kyle's 188 00:09:20,720 --> 00:09:23,960 Speaker 4: kind of mimicking, you know that in San Francisco, And 189 00:09:24,040 --> 00:09:27,400 Speaker 4: I think the Bengals just to take some of the 190 00:09:27,440 --> 00:09:31,480 Speaker 4: pressure off an untested young player who has not had 191 00:09:31,640 --> 00:09:34,199 Speaker 4: a lot of live action. The best thing you can 192 00:09:34,240 --> 00:09:35,959 Speaker 4: do is go back and say, we're going to run 193 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:38,680 Speaker 4: the ball, we're gonna play action, we're gonna have six 194 00:09:38,760 --> 00:09:41,040 Speaker 4: and seven man protections. We're not gonna do a lot 195 00:09:41,080 --> 00:09:43,040 Speaker 4: of five man protections because that all of a sudden, 196 00:09:43,040 --> 00:09:45,480 Speaker 4: that's where the kid starts thinking too much, and we're 197 00:09:45,520 --> 00:09:47,440 Speaker 4: going to try to keep it simple for him. 198 00:09:47,480 --> 00:09:49,360 Speaker 1: So that's great game planning, but. 199 00:09:49,360 --> 00:09:52,440 Speaker 4: It's also the way that you win football games late 200 00:09:52,559 --> 00:09:55,640 Speaker 4: in the NFL season when the weather turns cold. 201 00:09:56,440 --> 00:10:00,080 Speaker 2: In your MVP season, Boomer, you had a tremendous thunder 202 00:10:00,160 --> 00:10:02,640 Speaker 2: and lightning backfield. Dicky Woods ran for more than a 203 00:10:02,679 --> 00:10:06,199 Speaker 2: thousand yards. James Brooks ran for nine thirty one. Now 204 00:10:06,280 --> 00:10:09,960 Speaker 2: the Bengals have added the lightning element with rookie Chase Brown. 205 00:10:10,320 --> 00:10:13,400 Speaker 2: Do you think he's given this offense something it didn't have. 206 00:10:14,280 --> 00:10:16,240 Speaker 4: Well the last three weeks he saw four weeks he 207 00:10:16,280 --> 00:10:18,680 Speaker 4: certainly has. You know, he wasn't really used that much 208 00:10:18,679 --> 00:10:21,880 Speaker 4: earlier in the season. I can't say enough about Joe Mixon. 209 00:10:21,920 --> 00:10:25,000 Speaker 4: You know, he took less money to come back. And 210 00:10:25,040 --> 00:10:27,319 Speaker 4: we always are screaming and yelling about how much money 211 00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:30,920 Speaker 4: guys are making. I mean, I think about the sacrifices 212 00:10:30,920 --> 00:10:33,400 Speaker 4: that some of these guys have made, especially on the 213 00:10:33,400 --> 00:10:35,520 Speaker 4: offensive side, and now all of a sudden, they've become 214 00:10:35,559 --> 00:10:37,280 Speaker 4: front and center and they're the guys that are making 215 00:10:37,320 --> 00:10:41,480 Speaker 4: these incredible plays. And there's no question that Brown is 216 00:10:41,840 --> 00:10:44,320 Speaker 4: a nice add on to Mixon. But don't think for 217 00:10:44,400 --> 00:10:48,040 Speaker 4: one moment that this isn't Joe Mixon's team. And he 218 00:10:48,160 --> 00:10:51,040 Speaker 4: reflects the toughness of that running game. And that's the 219 00:10:51,080 --> 00:10:53,080 Speaker 4: thing that I can appreciate, and I'm sure that coach 220 00:10:53,120 --> 00:10:55,239 Speaker 4: Callahan appreciates it as well. 221 00:10:55,440 --> 00:10:57,400 Speaker 1: Because that's like a page right out of his dad's book. 222 00:10:58,800 --> 00:11:01,840 Speaker 2: So it looks like Jamar Chase is out this week. 223 00:11:02,080 --> 00:11:04,640 Speaker 2: When you're the starting quarterback and your number one target 224 00:11:04,720 --> 00:11:07,640 Speaker 2: is out, is it next man up? Business as usual? 225 00:11:07,800 --> 00:11:10,920 Speaker 2: Or do you do something differently leading up to the game. 226 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:14,439 Speaker 4: Well, you know what happened to me. It happened with 227 00:11:14,520 --> 00:11:17,880 Speaker 4: Carl Pickens and me in nineteen ninety seven. He missed 228 00:11:17,880 --> 00:11:21,240 Speaker 4: the last four games. He tore a growing muscle against Jacksonville, 229 00:11:22,280 --> 00:11:24,839 Speaker 4: and you know, I walked into that meeting room with 230 00:11:24,880 --> 00:11:27,439 Speaker 4: those wide receivers said, okay, guys, you know our main 231 00:11:27,480 --> 00:11:29,520 Speaker 4: guy is not here. You know, the shaking Blake and 232 00:11:29,559 --> 00:11:32,040 Speaker 4: all that other stuff is no longer going right now. 233 00:11:32,080 --> 00:11:33,520 Speaker 1: It's me and you guys. 234 00:11:33,960 --> 00:11:35,960 Speaker 4: And Darnay Scott was one of those guys. And that's 235 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:38,320 Speaker 4: who T Higgins is in this offense. You know, he's 236 00:11:38,320 --> 00:11:41,560 Speaker 4: the Darnay Scott in this offense from my perspective. And 237 00:11:41,880 --> 00:11:44,440 Speaker 4: if Jake is as good as I think he is, 238 00:11:44,520 --> 00:11:46,520 Speaker 4: and the way that he talks and the things that 239 00:11:46,600 --> 00:11:49,640 Speaker 4: he says, and I would think that while it is 240 00:11:49,679 --> 00:11:53,280 Speaker 4: going to be a huge missing piece, I don't think 241 00:11:53,320 --> 00:11:55,760 Speaker 4: it's going to inhibit anything that he does on the field. 242 00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:57,760 Speaker 4: Let's put it that way. So, and that's the way 243 00:11:57,800 --> 00:11:59,920 Speaker 4: a team should work. One guy goes down, another guy 244 00:12:00,120 --> 00:12:02,880 Speaker 4: got to step up. Quarterbacks got to raise his game, 245 00:12:02,920 --> 00:12:05,000 Speaker 4: and everybody else has got to raise their game around him. 246 00:12:05,000 --> 00:12:07,320 Speaker 4: And I think thus far, at least in this winning streak, 247 00:12:07,640 --> 00:12:09,880 Speaker 4: that's what the Bengals are doing exactly. 248 00:12:10,080 --> 00:12:12,400 Speaker 2: To face the Steelers on Saturday, a team with a 249 00:12:12,400 --> 00:12:14,920 Speaker 2: three game losing streak, a team that's turning to its 250 00:12:15,000 --> 00:12:19,360 Speaker 2: number three quarterback this week. Should we remind ourselves these 251 00:12:19,400 --> 00:12:20,920 Speaker 2: are still the Pittsburgh Steelers. 252 00:12:22,120 --> 00:12:24,320 Speaker 4: Oh hell yes, I mean it is Steeler a week 253 00:12:24,360 --> 00:12:26,480 Speaker 4: and I'm sure that Zach Taylor walked into that locker 254 00:12:26,559 --> 00:12:29,240 Speaker 4: room said, great win, boys, turn your attentions to the 255 00:12:29,240 --> 00:12:31,960 Speaker 4: Black and Gold, because we're going, you know, up to 256 00:12:31,960 --> 00:12:34,440 Speaker 4: Acasure Stadium and we need to beat them there. We 257 00:12:34,480 --> 00:12:37,880 Speaker 4: need to you know, exact our I guess pound a 258 00:12:37,920 --> 00:12:40,840 Speaker 4: flash if you will. The revenge factor is all there. 259 00:12:41,240 --> 00:12:43,640 Speaker 4: They'll have a much better quarterback playing in this game. 260 00:12:43,679 --> 00:12:46,640 Speaker 4: They'll have a much better game plan going for their 261 00:12:46,640 --> 00:12:49,439 Speaker 4: offense in this game. But you know, all these teams 262 00:12:49,480 --> 00:12:53,120 Speaker 4: have lost significant players to injury, including the Bengals, and 263 00:12:53,240 --> 00:12:55,000 Speaker 4: you look all over the field, there's going to be 264 00:12:55,120 --> 00:12:59,320 Speaker 4: a lot of untested players on the defense for the Steelers, 265 00:12:59,360 --> 00:13:02,319 Speaker 4: and especially in the secondary, especially at the safety position. 266 00:13:02,880 --> 00:13:04,560 Speaker 4: So that means to me, you know, that's a place 267 00:13:04,600 --> 00:13:07,280 Speaker 4: you got to go after. And also what that tells 268 00:13:07,320 --> 00:13:09,199 Speaker 4: me is that they're going to be very careful of 269 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:11,080 Speaker 4: what they're doing on defense. You know, they don't have 270 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:15,640 Speaker 4: Minka Fitzpatrick run around back there telling everybody where to go. So, 271 00:13:15,880 --> 00:13:18,160 Speaker 4: if you know, I would imagine they're going to be 272 00:13:18,200 --> 00:13:20,120 Speaker 4: pretty basic and they're not going to want to put 273 00:13:20,160 --> 00:13:22,880 Speaker 4: anybody on an island that you know that can't stand 274 00:13:22,880 --> 00:13:25,800 Speaker 4: on that island with t Higgins, So I would think 275 00:13:25,840 --> 00:13:27,480 Speaker 4: we're going to see a lot of his own defense 276 00:13:28,080 --> 00:13:30,720 Speaker 4: and we're going to see your basic thirty four fronts. 277 00:13:30,760 --> 00:13:32,360 Speaker 4: I don't necessarily know, you'll see a lot of this 278 00:13:32,440 --> 00:13:34,439 Speaker 4: buyer's own stuff that they would do if they were 279 00:13:34,480 --> 00:13:35,240 Speaker 4: totally healthy. 280 00:13:35,600 --> 00:13:36,079 Speaker 1: But they have. 281 00:13:36,080 --> 00:13:39,000 Speaker 4: Problems that their safety positions, which is a very very 282 00:13:39,040 --> 00:13:42,400 Speaker 4: important position in that defense specifically. 283 00:13:42,880 --> 00:13:45,280 Speaker 2: Last thing, the Bengals have climbed to the number six 284 00:13:45,360 --> 00:13:48,080 Speaker 2: playoff seed with three games to go at Pittsburgh at 285 00:13:48,160 --> 00:13:51,560 Speaker 2: Kansas City Home against the Cleveland Browns. What do you 286 00:13:51,600 --> 00:13:53,319 Speaker 2: think of their chances of getting in? 287 00:13:54,240 --> 00:13:56,320 Speaker 1: I mean, now, I don't know what to think, honestly. 288 00:13:56,520 --> 00:13:58,520 Speaker 1: I mean, you know, when Jake Browning took over, who 289 00:13:58,520 --> 00:13:59,920 Speaker 1: would have thought that they would be where. 290 00:13:59,760 --> 00:14:03,120 Speaker 4: They are right now. I thought that the Broncos were 291 00:14:03,160 --> 00:14:05,120 Speaker 4: going to go in there and smoke the Lions, and 292 00:14:05,160 --> 00:14:08,120 Speaker 4: the Lions came out just absolutely drilling the Broncos. I mean, 293 00:14:08,160 --> 00:14:10,920 Speaker 4: this is one of the most unpredictable seasons that I 294 00:14:10,920 --> 00:14:14,720 Speaker 4: could ever remember, except maybe for the top four teams 295 00:14:14,760 --> 00:14:16,760 Speaker 4: in the league. I think we all felt like San 296 00:14:16,800 --> 00:14:19,040 Speaker 4: Francisco was going to be there. We all felt like, 297 00:14:19,240 --> 00:14:22,240 Speaker 4: you know, Philadelphia and Baltimore were going to be there. 298 00:14:23,160 --> 00:14:25,520 Speaker 4: We all thought Cincinnati and Buffalo would be here too, 299 00:14:25,600 --> 00:14:28,080 Speaker 4: but they've all dealt with certain issues along the way. 300 00:14:28,120 --> 00:14:30,240 Speaker 1: I think Buffalo is going to make it. This is 301 00:14:30,280 --> 00:14:31,880 Speaker 1: going to be a tough run for the Bengals. 302 00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:36,480 Speaker 4: If they get this one this week, they need one 303 00:14:36,520 --> 00:14:38,880 Speaker 4: of the next two, I think to get in. Let's 304 00:14:38,880 --> 00:14:41,680 Speaker 4: put it that way, so that last home game could 305 00:14:41,720 --> 00:14:44,280 Speaker 4: be really, really interesting against the Browns. 306 00:14:44,320 --> 00:14:45,200 Speaker 1: That would be something. 307 00:14:45,880 --> 00:14:48,280 Speaker 2: Boomer, you are the best. Can't thank you enough for 308 00:14:48,320 --> 00:14:50,520 Speaker 2: your time. Happy Holidays to you and your kids and 309 00:14:50,560 --> 00:14:53,040 Speaker 2: your grandkids, and look forward to talking to you again 310 00:14:53,080 --> 00:14:53,720 Speaker 2: sometime soon. 311 00:14:54,200 --> 00:14:56,320 Speaker 1: Thanks Dan, I have a great weekend. I'll talk to 312 00:14:56,360 --> 00:14:56,720 Speaker 1: you soon. 313 00:14:57,800 --> 00:15:01,440 Speaker 2: Bengals are currently a two point favorite for Saturday's game 314 00:15:01,640 --> 00:15:04,680 Speaker 2: in Pittsburgh. The Bengals Booth Podcast is brought to you 315 00:15:04,720 --> 00:15:07,480 Speaker 2: by pay Corps, proud to be the Bengals official HR 316 00:15:07,640 --> 00:15:12,600 Speaker 2: software provider by Alta Fiber future Proof fiber Internet designed 317 00:15:12,600 --> 00:15:15,640 Speaker 2: elevate your home, business, and community to a new level, 318 00:15:16,120 --> 00:15:20,280 Speaker 2: and by Kettering Health the best care for the best fans. 319 00:15:20,640 --> 00:15:24,080 Speaker 2: Kettering Health is the official healthcare provider of the Bengals. 320 00:15:24,920 --> 00:15:28,600 Speaker 2: Unless you are an NFL historian, the following three names 321 00:15:28,720 --> 00:15:33,680 Speaker 2: probably don't mean anything to you. Jason Wilts, Scott Mercerow, 322 00:15:34,240 --> 00:15:38,280 Speaker 2: and Billy Newsome. Until last week, they were the only 323 00:15:38,400 --> 00:15:42,560 Speaker 2: three defensive tackles in NFL history to have interceptions in 324 00:15:42,680 --> 00:15:46,600 Speaker 2: back to back games. Well, now BJ Hill is on 325 00:15:46,640 --> 00:15:49,720 Speaker 2: that list, and who knows, maybe he'll pick off Mason 326 00:15:49,800 --> 00:15:53,160 Speaker 2: Rudolph on Saturday and become the first defensive tackle to 327 00:15:53,200 --> 00:15:55,600 Speaker 2: do it three weeks in a row. I caught up 328 00:15:55,640 --> 00:16:00,840 Speaker 2: with Hill this week. Bj. The franchise record for interceptions 329 00:16:00,880 --> 00:16:03,360 Speaker 2: is sixty five by Hall of Famer Ken Riley. So 330 00:16:03,400 --> 00:16:05,440 Speaker 2: you were gaining on him one game at a time. 331 00:16:05,480 --> 00:16:09,720 Speaker 2: But all kidding aside, you've displayed incredible hands on those 332 00:16:09,720 --> 00:16:13,120 Speaker 2: interceptions the last couple of weeks. Let's start two weeks ago. 333 00:16:13,560 --> 00:16:17,560 Speaker 2: Describe the diving interception against Gardner Minshew. 334 00:16:17,840 --> 00:16:21,000 Speaker 5: Oh cha may big player on the quarterback helped knock 335 00:16:21,040 --> 00:16:23,560 Speaker 5: the ball up off the guy and I just came 336 00:16:23,600 --> 00:16:25,680 Speaker 5: around the corner. I've seen it in there. I just 337 00:16:25,760 --> 00:16:28,040 Speaker 5: I knew I had to dive and catch it. And 338 00:16:28,440 --> 00:16:30,320 Speaker 5: you know, I got some ath ability to me, I 339 00:16:30,360 --> 00:16:32,480 Speaker 5: got some good hands just from you know, play a 340 00:16:32,520 --> 00:16:35,560 Speaker 5: different sports and playing you know, different positions in football 341 00:16:35,560 --> 00:16:38,120 Speaker 5: growing up. So I'm a good ath week. 342 00:16:38,680 --> 00:16:41,480 Speaker 2: And then last week you're in the process of sacking 343 00:16:41,600 --> 00:16:44,240 Speaker 2: Nick Mullins. He decides he's just going to get rid 344 00:16:44,280 --> 00:16:46,520 Speaker 2: of the ball. It looked like it hits you in 345 00:16:46,600 --> 00:16:48,880 Speaker 2: the face mask. Was that the case, Yeah, it did. 346 00:16:49,000 --> 00:16:50,840 Speaker 5: I was surprised that he was throwing it, and when 347 00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:52,920 Speaker 5: I see him throwing it, hit me, Oh shoot, I 348 00:16:52,920 --> 00:16:54,800 Speaker 5: can catch this And it was just right there in 349 00:16:54,800 --> 00:16:56,720 Speaker 5: front of me. I was there to make a big play. 350 00:16:57,160 --> 00:16:59,920 Speaker 2: So did you in fact go into the defensive back 351 00:17:00,200 --> 00:17:03,320 Speaker 2: room recently to tell them that you have better hands 352 00:17:03,560 --> 00:17:04,320 Speaker 2: than any of them? 353 00:17:04,680 --> 00:17:05,359 Speaker 1: No comment on that. 354 00:17:05,640 --> 00:17:07,520 Speaker 5: I'm gonna leave that one like that. They know who 355 00:17:07,520 --> 00:17:10,280 Speaker 5: got the best hands. I don't need to say no more. 356 00:17:11,560 --> 00:17:15,119 Speaker 2: So we're chatting with bj Hill. Interceptions are great, but 357 00:17:15,160 --> 00:17:18,439 Speaker 2: the biggest play last week was stopping the Vikings on 358 00:17:18,600 --> 00:17:22,000 Speaker 2: fourth and inches in overtime. And you were right at 359 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:24,840 Speaker 2: the point of attack on that play. How do you 360 00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:28,320 Speaker 2: stop a team from gaining a couple of inches? 361 00:17:29,359 --> 00:17:32,359 Speaker 5: Takes a lot, man. I mean Zach was what it 362 00:17:32,400 --> 00:17:34,119 Speaker 5: was in the middle and just got out the ball 363 00:17:34,320 --> 00:17:36,040 Speaker 5: really good get off and got some knock back on 364 00:17:36,080 --> 00:17:38,480 Speaker 5: the center and he kind of fumbled the ball a 365 00:17:38,520 --> 00:17:40,960 Speaker 5: little bit out of times that had a hard time 366 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:43,560 Speaker 5: trying to get control of the ball, so had knock 367 00:17:43,600 --> 00:17:45,520 Speaker 5: back of hit in the center had the effect on them. 368 00:17:45,520 --> 00:17:45,639 Speaker 6: Man. 369 00:17:45,680 --> 00:17:48,440 Speaker 5: I think we just did a great job as a unit, really, 370 00:17:48,440 --> 00:17:50,160 Speaker 5: because it took more than just two people would take 371 00:17:50,160 --> 00:17:52,640 Speaker 5: it the whole eleven to gets off the field right there. 372 00:17:53,119 --> 00:17:54,960 Speaker 2: When you're at the bottom of the pile on a 373 00:17:55,000 --> 00:17:58,040 Speaker 2: play like that, when do you know they didn't get it? 374 00:17:58,480 --> 00:18:00,320 Speaker 5: You don't know. You just keep on moving your no 375 00:18:00,400 --> 00:18:02,040 Speaker 5: matter what. If you watch a film or something you 376 00:18:02,080 --> 00:18:03,879 Speaker 5: see me just keep on moving my feet on the 377 00:18:03,960 --> 00:18:06,239 Speaker 5: night the guy back, So you just never know. 378 00:18:07,440 --> 00:18:10,760 Speaker 2: So unfortunately last week you lost DJ Reader for the 379 00:18:10,760 --> 00:18:13,480 Speaker 2: rest of the season. Can you describe what he means 380 00:18:13,480 --> 00:18:16,000 Speaker 2: to your group, both on the field and in the 381 00:18:16,040 --> 00:18:16,520 Speaker 2: locker room. 382 00:18:16,840 --> 00:18:18,880 Speaker 5: He means a lot. It sucks not having him here, 383 00:18:18,920 --> 00:18:20,960 Speaker 5: but we got some guys who's gonna end up stepping up. 384 00:18:21,240 --> 00:18:23,320 Speaker 5: And he's the type of guy who when he gets done, 385 00:18:23,480 --> 00:18:26,480 Speaker 5: you know, feeling better from surgery or whatever, he'll come 386 00:18:26,480 --> 00:18:28,639 Speaker 5: back and help us out. He's he's that type of 387 00:18:28,720 --> 00:18:31,560 Speaker 5: leader who who's not selfish at all, who's who's here 388 00:18:31,560 --> 00:18:33,880 Speaker 5: for the team, who loves the team, his teammates and 389 00:18:34,119 --> 00:18:35,840 Speaker 5: wants to win and make big plays. 390 00:18:36,480 --> 00:18:39,480 Speaker 2: Does your role change at all when he's out? 391 00:18:39,680 --> 00:18:42,320 Speaker 5: I wouldn't say it changed, because I mean, like I said, 392 00:18:42,320 --> 00:18:44,920 Speaker 5: we got other guys that's still good enough to feel 393 00:18:44,960 --> 00:18:47,200 Speaker 5: that position. It's hard to field that position from DJ 394 00:18:47,240 --> 00:18:49,320 Speaker 5: because he's a really great player. But I think those 395 00:18:49,359 --> 00:18:51,399 Speaker 5: guys don't come in and fit very well. I just 396 00:18:51,400 --> 00:18:54,359 Speaker 5: got to be to may be more of a leader 397 00:18:54,400 --> 00:18:55,879 Speaker 5: that I have been, you know what I'm saying, to 398 00:18:55,880 --> 00:18:58,159 Speaker 5: step in in that way and just push my guys 399 00:18:58,160 --> 00:19:00,879 Speaker 5: inside to make sure that were on point with everything 400 00:19:00,920 --> 00:19:02,479 Speaker 5: this week and the rest of the season. 401 00:19:03,119 --> 00:19:06,439 Speaker 2: BJ, you faced the Steelers this week. They've dropped three straight, 402 00:19:06,720 --> 00:19:09,720 Speaker 2: they're turning to their third string quarterback. Do you guys 403 00:19:09,760 --> 00:19:12,840 Speaker 2: have to remind yourselves you are still facing the Pittsburgh 404 00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:14,000 Speaker 2: Steelers for sure. 405 00:19:14,040 --> 00:19:16,000 Speaker 5: They're still a good team, man, no matter what, No 406 00:19:16,040 --> 00:19:17,960 Speaker 5: matter the last three games they went through. They're still 407 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:20,160 Speaker 5: a good team. They got some playmakers on this side 408 00:19:20,480 --> 00:19:22,600 Speaker 5: offense and defensive side of the balls. So we got 409 00:19:22,600 --> 00:19:23,400 Speaker 5: to come and do our job. 410 00:19:24,200 --> 00:19:26,600 Speaker 2: You just faced them four weeks ago. In that game 411 00:19:26,640 --> 00:19:28,919 Speaker 2: they ran for one hundred and fifty three yards, and 412 00:19:28,960 --> 00:19:32,040 Speaker 2: now you don't have DJ Reider. Are you expecting them 413 00:19:32,080 --> 00:19:33,800 Speaker 2: to try to run it down your throat this week? 414 00:19:33,960 --> 00:19:36,520 Speaker 5: I believe so. I mean, especially give another milli yards 415 00:19:36,560 --> 00:19:38,440 Speaker 5: the first time. Why wouldn't they right? But I think 416 00:19:38,440 --> 00:19:40,920 Speaker 5: we got a different kind of mindset this game, and 417 00:19:41,840 --> 00:19:43,880 Speaker 5: just not to hurt usselves at the end of the day, 418 00:19:44,359 --> 00:19:46,000 Speaker 5: you just had to fix the little things that come 419 00:19:46,040 --> 00:19:47,440 Speaker 5: in this game and help us win. 420 00:19:48,000 --> 00:19:51,359 Speaker 2: Final thing for bj Hill. You were micd for sound 421 00:19:51,640 --> 00:19:53,720 Speaker 2: for the Colts game, and at the end of the 422 00:19:53,760 --> 00:19:58,399 Speaker 2: game we heard you singing the Bengals growl song. Do 423 00:19:58,440 --> 00:19:59,800 Speaker 2: you want to give us a little rendition? 424 00:20:00,280 --> 00:20:02,520 Speaker 5: No, I'm good on Delwa. 425 00:20:02,800 --> 00:20:03,520 Speaker 1: I'll pass on. 426 00:20:03,640 --> 00:20:05,000 Speaker 2: Hear them Bengals growl it? 427 00:20:05,160 --> 00:20:06,600 Speaker 1: Yeah, I'll pass on Delwy. 428 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:10,280 Speaker 2: All right, We'll let you out of singing. Just keep 429 00:20:10,280 --> 00:20:11,520 Speaker 2: making interceptions, all right? 430 00:20:11,640 --> 00:20:11,920 Speaker 1: For sure? 431 00:20:11,960 --> 00:20:14,080 Speaker 5: I get my son the same for you next time. 432 00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:17,480 Speaker 2: All right? We'll take you up on that. That's bj Hill. 433 00:20:17,520 --> 00:20:19,639 Speaker 2: In the last three weeks, the Steelers have lost to 434 00:20:19,640 --> 00:20:21,480 Speaker 2: a team that was two in ten at the time 435 00:20:21,680 --> 00:20:24,680 Speaker 2: in Arizona, lost to another team that was too intent 436 00:20:24,760 --> 00:20:27,679 Speaker 2: at the time, New England, and then after taking a 437 00:20:27,760 --> 00:20:31,240 Speaker 2: thirteen to nothing lead at Indianapolis last week, gave up 438 00:20:31,320 --> 00:20:34,920 Speaker 2: thirty straight in a loss to the Colts. There's nothing 439 00:20:34,960 --> 00:20:37,960 Speaker 2: to worry about for the Bengals this week, right, Luann 440 00:20:38,040 --> 00:20:40,840 Speaker 2: Arumo says, get those thoughts out of your head. 441 00:20:41,080 --> 00:20:43,760 Speaker 7: We're playing one of the storied franchises in the NFL. 442 00:20:44,040 --> 00:20:47,800 Speaker 7: It's a playoff game. They need it, We needed. 443 00:20:49,160 --> 00:20:49,600 Speaker 1: The sense. 444 00:20:49,760 --> 00:20:51,320 Speaker 7: We just had one of our best walk throughs you 445 00:20:51,400 --> 00:20:56,000 Speaker 7: had all year in terms of guys locked in, communication, everything, 446 00:20:56,080 --> 00:20:58,160 Speaker 7: And that was my message this morning. 447 00:20:58,160 --> 00:20:58,840 Speaker 1: Very firmly. 448 00:20:59,680 --> 00:21:02,040 Speaker 7: I think there's a person in this building that would 449 00:21:02,040 --> 00:21:03,640 Speaker 7: ever take the Pittsburgh stealing slightly. 450 00:21:03,960 --> 00:21:06,440 Speaker 2: In addition to their three game losing streak, the Steelers 451 00:21:06,440 --> 00:21:10,240 Speaker 2: have had some drama lately, involving wide receivers Deontay Johnson 452 00:21:10,600 --> 00:21:15,040 Speaker 2: and George Pickens. Former Steelers offensive lineman Max Starks, who 453 00:21:15,119 --> 00:21:18,000 Speaker 2: is part of the radio broadcast team, now join Dave 454 00:21:18,080 --> 00:21:20,360 Speaker 2: Lapham and Me on the Bengals Game Plan Show this 455 00:21:20,400 --> 00:21:24,040 Speaker 2: week to share his thoughts on the current state of 456 00:21:24,119 --> 00:21:24,840 Speaker 2: the Steelers. 457 00:21:26,200 --> 00:21:28,199 Speaker 6: This is kind of some of the issues that I 458 00:21:28,240 --> 00:21:31,359 Speaker 6: think you have to deal with when you're trying to 459 00:21:31,720 --> 00:21:34,240 Speaker 6: turn over a roster and you have a lot of 460 00:21:34,280 --> 00:21:37,040 Speaker 6: youth on one side of the ball and not a 461 00:21:37,080 --> 00:21:40,439 Speaker 6: lot of leadership and experience on it, and that's the 462 00:21:40,480 --> 00:21:42,119 Speaker 6: offensive side of the ball. I think you kind of 463 00:21:42,119 --> 00:21:44,800 Speaker 6: get into these moments where you kind of get stuck 464 00:21:44,840 --> 00:21:48,040 Speaker 6: in second gear and you forget how to shift and 465 00:21:48,080 --> 00:21:51,359 Speaker 6: how to use you know, that left foot, and you know, 466 00:21:51,359 --> 00:21:53,080 Speaker 6: when you're trying to drive a manual car. 467 00:21:53,119 --> 00:21:54,040 Speaker 1: And I think right now with. 468 00:21:54,000 --> 00:21:56,560 Speaker 6: The Steelers, they've kind of got stuck in second gear, 469 00:21:57,080 --> 00:22:00,439 Speaker 6: and you know, the defense has kind of held and 470 00:22:00,480 --> 00:22:03,440 Speaker 6: staved off and covered up you know, boo boos earlier 471 00:22:03,480 --> 00:22:06,320 Speaker 6: in the year, but you know, it just has been 472 00:22:06,359 --> 00:22:09,200 Speaker 6: too much for them and they're trying to learn how 473 00:22:09,240 --> 00:22:13,159 Speaker 6: to win again, and so it's it's frustrating from a perspective, 474 00:22:13,280 --> 00:22:16,640 Speaker 6: but I also, you know, look at we've also gone 475 00:22:16,640 --> 00:22:19,560 Speaker 6: almost two decades without really you know, having to go 476 00:22:19,600 --> 00:22:21,639 Speaker 6: through these types of struggles. So I think, you know, 477 00:22:21,760 --> 00:22:24,880 Speaker 6: some of it is necessary for growth, right, you have 478 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:28,000 Speaker 6: to be able to shed some of the bad stuff 479 00:22:28,040 --> 00:22:31,520 Speaker 6: and go through it to understand what it takes to 480 00:22:31,560 --> 00:22:35,320 Speaker 6: push through adversity in the future. So it's a frustrating thing, 481 00:22:35,359 --> 00:22:38,480 Speaker 6: but it's a necessity. I feel like in every football 482 00:22:38,560 --> 00:22:39,760 Speaker 6: organization life cycle. 483 00:22:40,480 --> 00:22:43,960 Speaker 8: The thing that has been surprising to me is is 484 00:22:44,040 --> 00:22:46,959 Speaker 8: losing to Arizona and New England in Pittsburgh. I mean 485 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:49,720 Speaker 8: that that just that, just that blows my mind a 486 00:22:49,800 --> 00:22:52,960 Speaker 8: little bit. And then lose through the Colts in Indianapolis. 487 00:22:52,960 --> 00:22:57,080 Speaker 8: But now the Bengals come to Pittsburgh. When's the last 488 00:22:57,080 --> 00:23:01,200 Speaker 8: time that Mike Tomlin has lost foreigner row? And three 489 00:23:01,240 --> 00:23:03,920 Speaker 8: of them at home? I mean three straight home games 490 00:23:03,960 --> 00:23:06,600 Speaker 8: to lose, and then lose four football games in a row, 491 00:23:06,600 --> 00:23:07,800 Speaker 8: and then you got to go to Seattle and go 492 00:23:07,840 --> 00:23:10,840 Speaker 8: to Baltimore. Is this been talked about as you know, 493 00:23:11,200 --> 00:23:13,760 Speaker 8: backs against the wall kind of thing? In my mind, 494 00:23:13,800 --> 00:23:15,520 Speaker 8: this is going to be one of those sloby knockers. 495 00:23:15,520 --> 00:23:15,639 Speaker 5: Man. 496 00:23:15,680 --> 00:23:17,960 Speaker 8: I think this is going to be probably the most 497 00:23:17,960 --> 00:23:20,320 Speaker 8: physical game the Bengals have been in all season long. 498 00:23:21,160 --> 00:23:21,400 Speaker 1: Yeah. 499 00:23:21,520 --> 00:23:24,800 Speaker 6: So even and you know this as a former offensive lineman, right, 500 00:23:25,200 --> 00:23:28,720 Speaker 6: you know it's you're you're frustrated. And for Mike Tomlin, 501 00:23:28,800 --> 00:23:32,359 Speaker 6: you know, this hasn't happened for him under these type 502 00:23:32,359 --> 00:23:35,800 Speaker 6: of circumstances. I mean, we looked last year, but not 503 00:23:36,040 --> 00:23:38,560 Speaker 6: in back to back fashion like this. I mean, you 504 00:23:38,600 --> 00:23:42,800 Speaker 6: know when they started a season pretty terribly one and 505 00:23:42,880 --> 00:23:46,119 Speaker 6: six starts right. But you know, I look at this 506 00:23:46,240 --> 00:23:49,560 Speaker 6: and I say, it's not to be a physical bank. 507 00:23:49,760 --> 00:23:54,399 Speaker 6: It has to mean something to you, and especially when it's. 508 00:23:54,280 --> 00:23:55,160 Speaker 1: A divisional game. 509 00:23:55,359 --> 00:23:58,040 Speaker 6: Yeah, you know, you know, when it's the divisional ga, 510 00:23:58,080 --> 00:24:00,280 Speaker 6: it just brings a little something extra out of you. 511 00:24:00,880 --> 00:24:03,360 Speaker 6: Even if you're newer, you owe to you go to it. 512 00:24:03,920 --> 00:24:06,280 Speaker 6: When you see that familiar team, a team that you 513 00:24:06,280 --> 00:24:09,160 Speaker 6: have to see for a second time a year, it 514 00:24:09,200 --> 00:24:10,440 Speaker 6: brings out a little. 515 00:24:10,119 --> 00:24:10,840 Speaker 1: Something in you. 516 00:24:11,440 --> 00:24:14,040 Speaker 6: And I think for them it has to be physical. 517 00:24:14,119 --> 00:24:16,480 Speaker 6: I mean, you think about both the Bengals and the Steelers. 518 00:24:16,960 --> 00:24:21,760 Speaker 6: You know, onto backup quarterbacks leading the way, that's that's 519 00:24:21,760 --> 00:24:24,560 Speaker 6: the easiest way to help that quarterback out is to 520 00:24:24,600 --> 00:24:26,760 Speaker 6: be able to run the ball effectively, yep, and to 521 00:24:26,960 --> 00:24:28,960 Speaker 6: try and impose your will on the other on the 522 00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:30,400 Speaker 6: other side first. 523 00:24:30,800 --> 00:24:31,440 Speaker 1: And it comes like that. 524 00:24:31,640 --> 00:24:33,359 Speaker 6: Actually, whoever gets to one hundred yards first. 525 00:24:33,359 --> 00:24:34,320 Speaker 1: Should win this game. 526 00:24:35,000 --> 00:24:37,320 Speaker 6: Throw technique out the window. Get the guy in front 527 00:24:37,320 --> 00:24:37,840 Speaker 6: of you blocked. 528 00:24:37,840 --> 00:24:40,880 Speaker 8: However you're gonna do it, get the guy blocked, because. 529 00:24:40,640 --> 00:24:44,400 Speaker 6: I think that's really what the essence of December Football 530 00:24:44,840 --> 00:24:48,760 Speaker 6: Division rival football is. It's about a mentality and the 531 00:24:48,920 --> 00:24:51,600 Speaker 6: want to versus the x'es and the o's. 532 00:24:51,720 --> 00:24:53,560 Speaker 1: It comes down to the jimmies and the joe's. 533 00:24:54,320 --> 00:24:56,960 Speaker 2: We're visiting with former Steelers, oh lineman Max Starks. You 534 00:24:57,080 --> 00:24:59,040 Speaker 2: only have a few minutes left with you. Max. What 535 00:24:59,119 --> 00:25:02,160 Speaker 2: are the Steelers home four out of Mason Rudolph this week? 536 00:25:02,240 --> 00:25:05,600 Speaker 2: And is there any chance that Kenny Pikett plays. 537 00:25:06,920 --> 00:25:09,800 Speaker 6: I don't know if it's necessarily feasible to put Kenny 538 00:25:09,840 --> 00:25:13,320 Speaker 6: in this soon coming off of ankle surgery, but I am, 539 00:25:13,600 --> 00:25:15,399 Speaker 6: you know, and you know, happy about the fact that 540 00:25:15,440 --> 00:25:17,960 Speaker 6: he is at least getting practice in some form. I 541 00:25:18,000 --> 00:25:20,639 Speaker 6: don't think we can expect him. I think it'd be 542 00:25:20,640 --> 00:25:23,520 Speaker 6: probably a week too soon. I believe next week would 543 00:25:23,520 --> 00:25:26,200 Speaker 6: probably be a better time to really test that ankle out. 544 00:25:26,560 --> 00:25:29,040 Speaker 6: But you know, I think for Mason, it's a guy 545 00:25:29,040 --> 00:25:31,000 Speaker 6: who's been in the system the longest, Like he's the 546 00:25:31,040 --> 00:25:35,320 Speaker 6: most ten year quarterback on this roster, and he's he's 547 00:25:35,359 --> 00:25:38,880 Speaker 6: been in the system the entire time he's he's had 548 00:25:38,880 --> 00:25:42,000 Speaker 6: to perform in it, and sparing roles over the in 549 00:25:42,040 --> 00:25:43,679 Speaker 6: the last year and a half only once. 550 00:25:44,240 --> 00:25:45,680 Speaker 1: But he knows football. 551 00:25:45,720 --> 00:25:48,560 Speaker 6: He's started in this league, He's played games. He's also 552 00:25:48,560 --> 00:25:51,159 Speaker 6: played the Visional Game. So I think he understands the 553 00:25:51,560 --> 00:25:53,480 Speaker 6: power of the moment. But I don't expect him to 554 00:25:53,520 --> 00:25:55,920 Speaker 6: be the guy that they're gonna ask. Last time out, 555 00:25:55,920 --> 00:25:58,600 Speaker 6: he threw the ball fifty times. That's not feasible. 556 00:25:59,480 --> 00:26:04,080 Speaker 8: Both teams have a dominant pass rusher, I mean TJ 557 00:26:04,200 --> 00:26:09,600 Speaker 8: Watt sixteen sacks, Trey Hendrickson fifteen sacks. But I agree 558 00:26:09,600 --> 00:26:13,680 Speaker 8: with you, the team that runs the football and maybe anchors, 559 00:26:14,160 --> 00:26:18,280 Speaker 8: you know, those two guys, it's gonna be you know, protection, pressure, 560 00:26:18,320 --> 00:26:22,560 Speaker 8: who can protect you know, who can pressure the quarterback. 561 00:26:22,600 --> 00:26:25,639 Speaker 8: It's going to be based on how strong is the 562 00:26:25,720 --> 00:26:26,240 Speaker 8: running game. 563 00:26:28,040 --> 00:26:30,320 Speaker 6: Yeah. Absolutely, the best way to take out a great 564 00:26:30,320 --> 00:26:31,280 Speaker 6: pass rusher. 565 00:26:30,960 --> 00:26:32,760 Speaker 1: Don't pass right, o man. 566 00:26:34,320 --> 00:26:36,199 Speaker 6: And so you know, like you said, if you can 567 00:26:36,280 --> 00:26:38,280 Speaker 6: establish that run and force that guy to have to 568 00:26:38,320 --> 00:26:41,440 Speaker 6: hold the point, run at run at both of those 569 00:26:41,480 --> 00:26:44,040 Speaker 6: premier pass rushers and see who does better in the 570 00:26:44,119 --> 00:26:47,480 Speaker 6: run defense, you know, is what you're gonna try and 571 00:26:47,520 --> 00:26:49,400 Speaker 6: do you know you're not gonna run away from either 572 00:26:49,400 --> 00:26:50,760 Speaker 6: one of them because that's what they love. They love 573 00:26:50,800 --> 00:26:53,359 Speaker 6: when things run away from them. You know, they are 574 00:26:53,359 --> 00:26:56,040 Speaker 6: the apex predators when it comes to that of hunting 575 00:26:56,080 --> 00:26:58,240 Speaker 6: down guys trying to get away from them. So the 576 00:26:58,280 --> 00:26:59,960 Speaker 6: best thing to do is to run straight at them 577 00:27:00,320 --> 00:27:03,440 Speaker 6: and force them with double teams, chip blocks and really 578 00:27:03,480 --> 00:27:06,760 Speaker 6: try and take something off of those pass rushes. And 579 00:27:06,480 --> 00:27:08,760 Speaker 6: that's one of the keys. You know, how do I 580 00:27:08,840 --> 00:27:12,280 Speaker 6: eliminate a guy from continuing to try and push for 581 00:27:12,320 --> 00:27:15,600 Speaker 6: the sack crown this season, Well, don't give him opportunities 582 00:27:15,800 --> 00:27:17,400 Speaker 6: to where he can get sacked, or at least don't 583 00:27:17,400 --> 00:27:19,640 Speaker 6: give him an easy route to it. Make him earn 584 00:27:19,640 --> 00:27:21,800 Speaker 6: it every single step of the way. So the run 585 00:27:21,880 --> 00:27:23,240 Speaker 6: game is key in that fundamental. 586 00:27:24,320 --> 00:27:26,919 Speaker 2: Don't forget the Bengals pep Rally show on Friday. I 587 00:27:27,040 --> 00:27:29,479 Speaker 2: can't be there because of a UC basketball game and 588 00:27:29,560 --> 00:27:33,159 Speaker 2: lap We'll be traveling with the Bengals to Pittsburgh. Wayne 589 00:27:33,160 --> 00:27:36,119 Speaker 2: box Miller will host and will be joined by former 590 00:27:36,160 --> 00:27:39,879 Speaker 2: Bengals Eric Thomas and Doug Pelfrey. They'll be at the 591 00:27:39,920 --> 00:27:43,440 Speaker 2: Wings and Rings in Union, Kentucky on Friday from three 592 00:27:43,480 --> 00:27:46,120 Speaker 2: to six. That's going to do it for this episode 593 00:27:46,119 --> 00:27:48,639 Speaker 2: of the Bengals Booth Podcast, brought to you by pay Corps. 594 00:27:48,680 --> 00:27:52,520 Speaker 2: Proud to be the Bengals Official HR software provider by 595 00:27:52,560 --> 00:27:56,280 Speaker 2: Alta Fiber, future proof fiber Internet designed elevate your home, 596 00:27:56,320 --> 00:27:59,719 Speaker 2: business and community to a new level, and by Kettering 597 00:27:59,720 --> 00:28:03,280 Speaker 2: Health the best care for the best fans. Kettering Health 598 00:28:03,359 --> 00:28:06,639 Speaker 2: is the official healthcare provider of the Bengals. If you 599 00:28:06,640 --> 00:28:09,720 Speaker 2: haven't done so already, please subscribe to this podcast and 600 00:28:09,760 --> 00:28:11,639 Speaker 2: if you have a minute, give it a rating or 601 00:28:11,680 --> 00:28:15,560 Speaker 2: share a comment that helps more Bengals fans find us. 602 00:28:16,080 --> 00:28:19,440 Speaker 2: I'm Dan Horde and thanks for listening to The Bengals 603 00:28:19,440 --> 00:28:20,720 Speaker 2: Booth Podcast.