On today's show, Stone talks Xavier basketball with Shelby Dermer who covers the Muskies for The Enquirer, as they discuss Year 1 for Richard Pitino and look ahead to the New Year's Eve matchup with UConn. Plus, is the Bengals' 2023 draft class actually really good? Also, we preview Sunday's Bengals vs. Cardinals tilt and roll through our Best Bets Of The Weekend.

The Cincinnati Bengals (5-10) host the Arizona Cardinals (3-12) this Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati for a 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff on FOX. Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention in disappointing 2025 seasons, turning this late-season matchup into a battle for pride, momentum heading into the offseason, and potentially better draft positioning.

The Bengals enter on a high note after exploding for 45 points in a dominant Week 16 win over the Miami Dolphins. Joe Burrow looked sharp in his return from injury, throwing for over 300 yards with multiple touchdowns, while Ja'Marr Chase and the offense clicked efficiently. Chase Brown added a strong rushing performance, and the unit showed flashes of the explosiveness that has defined Cincinnati in recent years. However, the defense remains a major concern, ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed (30.5 per game) and struggling against the pass and tight ends.

Arizona, meanwhile, is mired in a seven-game losing streak, most recently falling 26-19 to the Atlanta Falcons. With Kyler Murray sidelined for the season due to injury, Jacoby Brissett has been under center, leading an inconsistent offense that relies heavily on tight end Trey McBride (over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns). The Cardinals' run game has been decimated by injuries to backs like James Conner and Trey Benson, leaving Michael Carter as the primary option. Defensively, Arizona has been porous, allowing 30+ points in several recent games, though they can keep things close against vulnerable units. Bengals are favored by about 7 points, with a high over/under around 53.5, reflecting expectations of a potential shootout given both teams' defensive woes and offensive talent. Burrow's presence gives Cincinnati a clear edge at quarterback, and home-field advantage in cold December weather could trouble the dome-accustomed Cardinals.

Key storylines include Burrow continuing to build momentum post-injury, McBride's dominance against a Bengals defense weak vs. tight ends, and whether Arizona can snap their skid against a team with more natural talent. Experts largely side with Cincinnati, but the Cardinals' ability to move the ball through the air could keep it competitive.

In a "meaningless" game for standings, look for fireworks and individual performances to shine. Bengals are poised to win, likely covering in a high-scoring affair.

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On today's show, we react to Cincinnati's 45-21 win over the Miami Dolphins and Stone explains why although this mean technically doesn't mean anything it was still important for Cincinnati as the "Big 3" finally looked the part this season. Also, we discuss Round 1 of the College Football Playoffs in what was not a good showing at all for the group of 5 schools + Aaron Rodgers turns back the clocks as Pittsburgh is on the precipice of a divisional title.

In a thrilling matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals delivered an explosive performance, defeating the Miami Dolphins 45-21. The Bengals showcased their offensive firepower, with standout plays and key contributions from both Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. Despite a strong first-half effort from Miami, the Dolphins struggled to keep pace as the Bengals' offense took control after halftime.

The game saw Quinn Ewers stepping in for a benched Tua Tagovailoa, and though Ewers showed flashes of potential, the Dolphins’ offense couldn’t find enough rhythm to match the Bengals’ high-powered attack. Joe Burrow was in top form, leading the Bengals with precision throws and timely decisions. Meanwhile, Ja'Marr Chase was dominant, consistently making big catches and proving why he’s one of the league’s top receivers.

On the defensive side, the Bengals did a great job of applying pressure and forcing mistakes, including key sacks and turnovers. Miami’s struggles to protect the quarterback, coupled with their inability to adjust to Cincinnati’s defensive schemes, kept the game out of reach. The Dolphins’ inability to capitalize on early opportunities ultimately led to their downfall.

This 45-21 win marks another strong statement for the Bengals as they continue to build momentum for the season. Watch the full game highlights and analysis to relive the key moments that led to this impressive victory!

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On today's show, Stone is joined by Joe Danneman of FOX19 Now, and they discuss all things Bengals, of course, including dissecting Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor's comments over the last two weeks. Plus we preview this weekend's slate of College Football Playoff games and roll through our Best Bets Of The Weekend.

The Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) close out their road slate Sunday in Miami against the Dolphins (6-8) in a game devoid of playoff implications for Cincy but rich with opportunity. After being officially eliminated from postseason contention, Zac Taylor’s club has a chance to build momentum into 2026 and reestablish competitive identity over the final three weeks.

Offensively, Joe Burrow and his talented receiving corps will look to bounce back from a tough shutout loss to Baltimore, where Burrow was held to 225 yards with two interceptions and Ja’Marr Chase still showed elite playmaking ability. Getting the offense untracked is priority one, and fresh legs in the passing game — particularly from Chase and whoever emerges as a No. 2 option — could exploit a Dolphins secondary missing playmakers at times.

Cincinnati’s defense, however, enters with concerns. The interior defensive line has taken hits with B.J. Hill and Kris Jenkins Jr. trending toward inactivity, and Joseph Ossai’s ankle issues further weaken pass-rush depth. That could challenge a Miami attack transitioning to rookie Quinn Ewers under center after benching Tua Tagovailoa amid a season leading the league in interceptions.

From a scheme standpoint, the Bengals can attack a Dolphins defense that has been inconsistent against the run and susceptible in the secondary — offering a blueprint for Cincinnati to sustain drives and flip field position. Turnovers and discipline will be key; forcing mistakes from an inexperienced Miami QB could tilt the game.

Ultimately, while the Bengals aren’t fighting for a playoff spot, Sunday serves as a referendum on effort, growth, and offseason trajectory. A strong road performance — especially in a physical division battle — can boost confidence and spotlight emerging core pieces heading into 2026.

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On today's show, Stone is joined by Cincinnati Bearcats legend and radio analyst Terry Nelson to discuss UC's win last night, Jizzle James' return and more. Plus, we dive into Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor's comments at yesterday's press conference, tonight's huge NFC West matchup and Xavier's embarrassing loss at home to Creighton.

Ahead of Week 16 vs. the Miami Dolphins, Bengals QB Joe Burrow addressed the media with candid, reflective, and at times cryptic comments about his mindset, the season, and his future in the NFL.

In his opening remarks, Burrow made one thing clear: he still loves playing football. “I just want to play ball” was the overarching theme of his message — emphasizing that his passion for the game is what keeps him going, even through adversity. Burrow said it often feels like “everybody’s trying to do everything in their power to make me not play football,” but he’s fighting through it because he likes playing the game.

When asked about the possibility of playing elsewhere, Burrow gave an intriguing answer: “You think about a lot of things.” While he didn’t close the door on future possibilities, he also said he “can’t see a world in which he’s not with the Bengals in 2026.”

He reiterated that he expects to play for a long time, projecting confidence in his longevity and performance at a high level, even as this season has been one of setbacks and frustration.

Burrow also supported his coaches and teammates, suggesting that while changes might be needed, the organization has the right people in place — and that everyone wants the same thing: to win.

Subscribe for more Bengals updates and highlights! Follow for post-game reactions, locker room access, & weekly pressers

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On today's show we discuss the Bengals not caring about their fans, Dianna Russini's comments on Joe Burrow, why the Bengals feel comfortable with Zac Taylor, Tua Tagovailoa being benched for Sunday's game, Jizzle James returning to the UC basketball team, Arch Manning committing to returning to Texas next season, Xavier vs. Creighton tonight and more!

Bengals news: Paul Dehner Jr.’s recent reporting suggests that, even after missing the playoffs for a third straight season and finishing with a 4-10 record, the Bengals are unlikely to make sweeping changes at the top of the football operations or coaching hierarchy. Internally, both Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor are expected to remain with the team heading into the 2026 season rather than being dismissed.

A key reason for this continuity is Tobin’s deeply rooted relationship with Bengals ownership. Dehner notes that Tobin—officially titled Director of Player Personnel but functioning as the de facto general manager—is regarded almost as part of the family by owner Mike Brown and the broader leadership structure. Because of this, ownership reportedly has no internal inclination to fire Tobin, even amid external pressure and fan frustration.

Taylor’s situation is similar in that his contractual status strongly favors retention. Dehner explains that Taylor is under contract through the 2027 season due to an additional extension that was not widely publicized at the time. Because the Bengals rarely fire head coaches with multiple years left on their deals, and given Taylor’s history leading the team to a Super Bowl and consecutive AFC Championship Games earlier in his tenure, his job is viewed as relatively secure.

In short, Dehner’s reporting paints a picture of ownership favoring stability and loyalty over dramatic change, even in the face of poor on-field results and vocal calls from the fan base for a reset. Both Tobin and Taylor are therefore expected to stay put for the foreseeable future.

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On today's show, we react to friend of the program Paul Dehner Jr.'s article about how he believes Duke Tobin, Zac Taylor and Al Golden will all be back with the Bengals next season. Plus, we roll through our Week 16 NFL Power Rankings, discuss Pittsburgh's win over Miami, whether it is time to move off of Tua Tagovailoa and Brendan Sorsby's decision to leave Cincinnati and enter the transfer portal.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 season has been a stark departure from expectations, and pressure is building not just on head coach Zac Taylor, but also on director of player personnel Duke Tobin and defensive coordinator Al Golden. At the heart of the frustration is a team that was once seen as perennial contenders — led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase — now heading toward missing the playoffs for a third straight season. Recent analysis from NFL hot seat rankings even lists Taylor among the top coaches whose jobs could be in jeopardy.

For Taylor, criticism centers on game management, inconsistency, and offensive decline without Burrow healthy. With the Bengals at a losing record and recent blowout losses — such as the shutout at the hands of the Ravens — national media and fans alike are openly debating whether Taylor can right the ship. Some reports place him at risk of being fired, pointing to coaching decisions and the team’s overall malaise.

Behind the scenes, Duke Tobin’s roster construction is increasingly questioned. As the de facto general manager, Tobin has seen the Bengals struggle to build a defense capable of complementing their offensive talent. Fans and analysts argue that draft and free-agency misses, especially on defense, have hamstrung coach and coordinator alike, contributing to the organization’s slide.

Meanwhile, Al Golden, brought in to fix defensive woes, hasn’t turned around a unit that has been historically bad in key statistical categories this season, leading to louder calls for change. Some outlets even speculated midseason about the possibility of firing Golden, illustrating how his performance is being judged.

Collectively, ownership faces mounting pressure from fans and pundits to overhaul leadership at multiple levels — a rare crossroads for a franchise that has prized continuity. The coming weeks, especially how the Bengals finish the season, could decide whether these three retain their jobs or if Cincinnati opts for a fresh start.

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On today's show we discuss yet another Cincinnati Bengals loss where the offense couldn't muster a singular point, will changes be made this offseason? Plus, the Cincinnati Bearcats quit vs. Georgia as Wes Miller's seat continues to get hotter & Around The NFL.

In a frigid Paycor Stadium showdown on December 14, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals suffered a humiliating 24-0 shutout loss to the Baltimore Ravens, officially eliminating them from playoff contention for the third straight season. The defeat dropped the Bengals to 4-10, capping one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent franchise history amid high preseason expectations.

The Ravens (7-7) avenged their 32-14 Thanksgiving loss to Cincinnati just weeks earlier, delivering what coach John Harbaugh called their most complete performance of the year. Lamar Jackson, efficient on a cold day with temperatures around 10 degrees and wind chill below zero, completed 8 of 12 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns—both in the first half. He connected with rookie running back Rasheen Ali for a 30-yard score and Zay Flowers for a 28-yard strike, building a 14-0 halftime lead. Derrick Henry pounded out 100 yards on 11 carries, controlling the ground game.

Cincinnati's offense, despite possessing the ball for nearly 40 minutes and running 71 plays, managed just 298 yards and no points—the first shutout of Joe Burrow's career. Burrow went 24-of-39 for 225 yards but threw two costly interceptions, including a fourth-quarter pick-six returned 95 yards (with a lateral) by Kyle Van Noy and Alohi Gilman that sealed the game at 24-0 after a field goal. Ja'Marr Chase hauled in 10 catches for 132 yards, but the Bengals repeatedly stalled in scoring position, missing receiver Tee Higgins (concussion protocol).

Baltimore's defense dominated, sacking Burrow three times and forcing turnovers. The win kept the Ravens half a game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North, fueling their playoff push after a 1-5 start. For Cincinnati, the blowout underscored defensive woes (last in the NFL in yards and points allowed) and offensive inconsistencies, shifting focus to a pivotal offseason.

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