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    Home Blog Page 14

    Reds Game-changing Hire: Chris Valaika Returns to Cincinnati to Revolutionize the Team’s Offense!

    By
    Carsyn C
    -
    0
    Chris Valaika Reds

    The Cincinnati Reds have welcomed back a familiar face to their organization, as Chris Valaika joins the coaching staff for the 2025 season. Valaika, a former Reds player, will now serve as the team’s hitting coach, bringing with him a wealth of experience from both his playing days and his coaching tenure. This move is seen as a strategic step in bolstering the Reds’ offensive game and fostering the development of their young roster.

    A Familiar Face in Cincinnati

    Valaika’s return to Cincinnati is a homecoming in many ways. Originally drafted by the Reds in the third round of the 2006 MLB Draft, Valaika spent the early part of his playing career with the organization, making his Major League debut with Cincinnati in 2010. Known for his versatility in the infield and his solid contact hitting, Valaika had stints with other teams as well, including the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins, before transitioning into coaching.

    His history with the Reds organization, combined with his MLB experience, makes him a natural fit to return in a coaching role. Reds fans who remember Valaika’s time as a player are excited to see him back in Cincinnati, this time in a position to guide the next generation of Reds hitters.

    Proven Success as a Hitting Coach

    Before rejoining the Reds, Valaika had established himself as an effective hitting coach, most recently with the Cleveland Guardians. Under his leadership, the Guardians’ offense saw significant improvements, particularly in the development of their young hitters. His ability to connect with players, simplify their approach at the plate, and foster a culture of patience and contact hitting aligns well with the Reds’ current roster, which is brimming with young talent like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain.

    Valaika’s coaching philosophy focuses on understanding each player’s strengths and maximizing their potential. His work in Cleveland earned him a reputation for developing hitters who could consistently get on base, a skill set that could pay huge dividends for a Reds team looking to improve its on-base percentage and offensive production.

    Impact on the Reds’ Future

    As the Reds continue to rebuild with a focus on youth and athleticism, Valaika’s arrival as hitting coach could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the team’s offense. With promising players like De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, the Reds have a young core that is poised to develop into a potent offensive force. Valaika’s experience working with developing hitters fits perfectly into the Reds’ current trajectory, as they look to turn raw talent into consistent production at the plate.

    Valaika’s emphasis on discipline and situational hitting could also help the team’s more established players, ensuring that everyone on the roster is contributing to the team’s overall offensive goals. With a growing number of power hitters in the lineup, Valaika’s ability to instill a balanced approach between power and patience could transform the Reds’ lineup into one of the most dynamic in the National League.

    A Key Hire for the 2024 Season

    For Reds management, bringing in Chris Valaika is more than just a sentimental hire. It’s a strategic move aimed at maximizing the potential of a team on the rise. With Valaika’s experience and track record of success, particularly in developing young talent, the Reds are positioning themselves to take significant steps forward offensively in 2024.

    Fans are eager to see how Valaika’s coaching philosophy will translate to the Reds’ talented, yet still developing, lineup. His knowledge of the game, connection to the organization, and success with the Guardians make him an ideal candidate to help the Reds become a more disciplined and productive offensive unit.

    Final Thoughts….

    Chris Valaika’s return to Cincinnati marks a pivotal moment for the Reds as they continue to build toward a bright future. His impact as a hitting coach could be instrumental in unlocking the potential of the team’s young stars while ensuring that the entire lineup becomes more disciplined and consistent at the plate. For Reds fans, Valaika’s homecoming brings hope and excitement as the team looks to make strides in the competitive National League Central in 2024 and beyond.

    THREE BURNING QUESTIONS AHEAD OF THE BENGALS-EAGLES MATCHUP

    By
    chrisball96
    -
    0

    Don’t look now, but the Bengals have put together back-to-back wins. A victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday puts Cincinnati at .500 on the year and within striking distance of many of their preseason goals. According to some models, the Bengals’ chances of making the playoffs stand at around 40 percent. The Athletic has the figure at 51 percent.

    Whatever the statistical model, nearly every game from now until the end of the season seems like a must-win. Some games against the likes of the Ravens will pit the Bengals against some of the league’s best. But on the other hand, there are numerous very winnable games left on the slate for 2024. These include games against Las Vegas, Tennessee, Denver, and Cleveland. The matchups against Dallas and the Los Angeles Chargers grow more favorable with each game those teams play.

    And yet, the clash with the Eagles stands before all of those games. This game is an interesting one because it features a Bengals defense that is improving. The Bengals offense is trying to find its mojo from a few weeks ago. On the opposite side, the Eagles have a very good pass defense and had so many sacks last week you’d be forgiven in thinking they had a line full of Reggie White clones. It seems as though with the talent of Hurts and Barkley that they could explode on offense at any given moment, even though they haven’t necessarily done it yet this year.

    So at the end of the day, what are some of the most important questions that will be answered on Sunday. What impact will those answers have on the outcome of this titanic clash? Read below and find out.

    Is The Bengals Defensive Improvement for Real?

    The Bengals are finally healthy along the offensive line. This has led to an improvement in their ability to stop the run. After allowing 175 yards and 5.1 yards per carry against Baltimore, the numbers have been much better.

    Against the Giants, Cincinnati allowed 119 yards (3.8 YPC). The Browns managed just 77 yards (3.7 YPC) on the ground. This was the first time all year that the Bengals held their opponents below the century mark.

    While these are promising trends, they weren’t exactly against powerhouses. Cleveland is 28th in rushing. The Giants aren’t much better, just 25th. That all changes this Sunday when the Eagles come to town.

    Saquon Barkley is coming off his best game of the year. He rattled off 176 rush yards on just 17 carries against New York last week. That was the second game this season where he’s had over 140 yards. He’s been held in check at times this season, though. Most notably by the Browns. They limited Barkley to 47 yards on 18 rushes. That could be a blueprint for how Cincinnati might also look to bottle up an electric back.

    Through the air, Jalen Hurts is having an average year based on his own past statistics. He’s throwing for 218 yards per game and completing almost 68 percent of his passes. His 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions have yielded a rating of 94.4 on the season. Against the Giants, the Eagles seemed content to let Barkley and the ground game take care of business. Hurts completed just 10 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Although he has not used his legs as frequently this season he has shown flashes. Hurts torched the Falcons with 85 yards on the ground and a touchdown back on September 16th. Hurts’ athletic ability to extend plays and get yards on his own are factors the Bengals will have to account for.

    The Eagles have the ability to put up points in bunches if they are firing on all cylinders. Their offense is significantly better than both New York and Cleveland. They are ninth in the league in touchdowns per drive. Sunday will be a test of just how improved Lou Anarumo’s defense has become.

    Yes, it’s true the Bengals’ success on defense in recent weeks came against below-average offenses. But this defense has talented players on call. They’ve faced significant injuries. The confidence that comes from dominating performances, no matter what the opponent, can go a long way to the start of a turnaround.

    Will We See the High-Powered Bengals Offense from Earlier This Year?

    Since putting up 442 yards of offense against the Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals’ offense has struggled to match that level out output. They managed just 304 offensive yards against the Giants and a measly 223 versus the Browns. An offense that once looked like it could not be stopped has managed just four touchdowns on its last 24 drives in the past two games.

    For his part, Joe Burrow has still been efficient. In those two games against New York and Cleveland where the offense looked less potent, he posted quarterback ratings of 89.6 and 108.9. He still completed over 63 percent of his passes. Burrow threw no interceptions and still had two touchdowns.

    And still, the Bengals offense just looked…off. They struggled to find big plays and appeared out of sync in several key spots. These past two games have looked eerily similar to the output in the season opener against the Patriots. In that game the offense also seemed to move in fits and starts and got bogged down far too often.

    With the defense’s consistent improvement, Bengals fans hope to finally see complimentary football against the Eagles. However, that will be no easy task. Philadelphia allows just 304 yards per game, good for fifth-best in the league. They are fifth also in passing defense. They allow only 189 yards through the air and have given up only seven touchdowns. The trio of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins are in for another fight in this one.

    There are some positives in the matchup, though. The Eagles are dead last in the league in takeaways. They only have two, both interceptions. They are also 11th worst in the NFL in getting pressure on the quarterback. But because their pass defense is so effective, they still have 19 sacks on the year. If Burrow keeps getting the protection he is used to, he should have time to make the right decision and turn the offense around.

    Special teams can also help the Bengals’ offense. Ryan Rehkow has shown he can help flip field position with his leg. And we all remember the electric return Charlie Jones had last week. Whether it’s scoring points or pinning opponents deep, those things can help put the offense in a position to improve.

    Will Key Cincinnati Players Be Healthy?

    The Bengals got some good injury news this week heading into this matchup. Safety Geno Stone and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr suffered what appeared to be some pretty serious injuries on Sunday. However, the team listed both as questionable and will not miss significant time.

    Brown left the game against the Browns with a knee injury. He was replaced by backup Cody Ford who had a rough go against a good Browns pass rush. The fact that Brown, who has been one of the best offensive linemen in the league, won’t be out for multiple games is good news. Cincinnati is thinner along the line given Trent Brown’s own season ending patellar tendon injury earlier this year.

    Brown has been a key part of a very good Bengals offensive line this season. Though they’ve had their struggles these past few weeks (Burrow was sacked three times against the Browns and four times against the Giants) overall they’ve given Joe Burrow the best protection he’s seen perhaps during his entire tenure with the Orange and Black.

    The Eagles are 11th in the league in sacks but wracked up a ridiculous 8 of them last week alone against the New York Giants. Brown being back for this game would obviously be extremely important and the fact that is even a possibility is a big net positive for this team. On Wednesday, Brown was in uniform and did go through stretches but did not participate in individual or team drills.

    For his part, when Geno Stone went down against Cleveland, it looked as though his season was done for sure. He collided with a teammate going for a pass breakup. His leg was instantly wrapped in an air cast and trainers carted him off the field in obvious pain. The Bengals stated that Stone suffered a shin contusion but there was no fracture, another blessing for this team. Head coach Zac Taylor remained optimistic that Stone could play on Sunday. Unfortunately, though, he did not practice on Wednesday. His progress will be something to watch. And if he cannot suit up, it will likely be Jordan Battle starting in his spot this week.

    Both Brown and Stone are veteran players that the Bengals need to have on the field to contend against the Eagles. Though Stone has had his struggles this year, he’s also been playing better as of late. Brown is critical given the severe drop-off we all witness when Cody Ford entered the game. Left tackle is one of the most important positions on the field. The Eagles’ pass defense is stout enough without added pressure being put on Burrow through the pass rush. Bengals fans need to hope that Orlando Brown is good to go this Sunday. The fact that he was at least on the practice field on Wednesday is an extremely positive sign.

    Final Thoughts and Prediction

    So much of this game depend upon the health of Orlando Brown, Jr. If he can play and be effective, it puts the Bengals passing attack in a good place to be successful. That being said, the Eagles matchup very well in that facet of the game. If the offense sputters and struggles like they have against the Browns and Giants, it could end up being another very long day. Trying to get back on track against this Philadelphia pass defense will be no easy task.

    However, Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow looked much more effective in the second half against the Browns. If they carry over that sort of production and play calling, they should be able to break out of their recent struggles. Baker Mayfield was able to 334 yards against the Eagles, and there is no reason why a Bengals offense that is in sync cannot see the same level of success.

    I foresee a bit of a return to earth for the Bengals defense, to be honest. But by that same token, I believe the offense will step up and we will see a game where we get complimentary football on both sides of the ball for the first time this year.

    Final score prediction: Bengals 27 Eagles 24

    Cover photo credit to Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

    The Bengals NEED to Trade This Superstar

    By
    Bryson
    -
    0

    The trade deadline is less than two weeks away, and the Bengals have a tough decision to make regarding their star wide receiver, Tee Higgins. Higgins, the 25-year-old fourth-year man out of Clemson, is the best offensive player on the team behind Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. He’s playing on a $21.8 million franchise tag and will be a free agent in March. But should the Bengals let him walk for nothing?

    Tough Decisions

    After a win last Sunday, the Bengals sit at 3-4. There’s a chance that they could be 3-6 or 5-4 at the deadline. The record will be a huge indicator of whether the Bengals will trade Higgins. The last Bengals player to be dealt at the deadline was Carlos Dunlap in 2020. It’s a rarity that the Bengals make a trade at all, but I think they should deal Higgins if they’re out of the running.

    Trading Tee Higgins would be crushing to the offense, that is for certain. However, the Bengals can’t let him walk away for nothing. Even a 2nd round pick would benefit the Bengals greatly. I believe they could even muster a few top-100 picks, including a first-rounder, with the way Higgins has played.

    tee higgins stands next to jamarr chase
    Tee Higgins standing next to fellow wideout Ja’Marr Chase

    Since returning from his hamstring injury, Higgins has 341 yards and 3 touchdowns in 5 games. In my opinion, he has been equally as impressive as Ja’Marr Chase. With a dry receiver market in March, I feel teams will be willing to spend more draft capital to beat the clock.

    It certainly will be one of the toughest decisions the Bengals have ever made. But that’s what you get when you fail to negotiate a long-term deal before the player runs out of patience.

    What Happens if the Bengals Are Winning?

    The Bengals can be over .500 before the trade deadline approaches after week 9. They will be on a short week before traveling to Baltimore for Thursday night football. This leads me to believe that if Tee Higgins is up for trade, they’ll do it after their game against Philadelphia. If the Bengals win on Sunday, expect there not to be a trade. Even if they lose, a trade is a long shot.

    The Bengals are very adamant that they can turn it around whenever they want. They will compete until the final nail is hammered into the coffin (elimination from the postseason). So truthfully, I believe that the Bengals will keep who they have regardless of free agency status.

    What’s Next With Tee Higgins?

    Win or lose, Tee Higgins will likely be on the roster until the season ends. I’d expect the Bengals to try to negotiate, but Higgins seems to likely be headed to a new home regardless of what the Bengals offer.

    The Bengals could do the smart thing and set themselves up for the future, but that just isn’t how they operate. Personally, from a fan standpoint alone and disregarding the business side of the sport, I’d love to keep Tee Higgins for the remainder of the season. I think the Bengals are starting to figure out how to finish games. They’re catching fire, and trading Higgins would immediately put it out. Especially after a couple of injuries transpired last weekend.

    tee higgins goes through pregame warmups
    Tee Higgins going through pregame warmups before facing the Los Angeles Rams

    Tee Higgins is way too valuable to this team and its success throughout the year. They likely won’t win a Super Bowl this season. Hell, they might not make the playoffs. But they are going to fight like hell, and I can’t wait to see how this team finishes.

    The Reds’ Off-season Wishlist

    By
    Drewlutts
    -
    1
    Reds free agency wishlist
    Reds Shortstop Elly De La Cruz takes swings during 2024 Spring Training.

    The Cincinnati Reds have already started their off-season with a bang. On September 22, it was announced that Cincinnati was parting ways with David Bell, their manager of the last six years. Bell amassed a 409-456 with the Reds, making the playoffs once. For a franchise that has a controllable young core, that isn’t good enough. Soon after parting ways with Bell, the Reds did something they rarely do these days: make a splash. On October 7, they announced that they had hired Terry Francona to be their new manager.

    For the Reds, this is a fantastic move, as Francona has loads of experience with leading teams to the playoffs, and to titles. He was at the helm of the 2004 Red Sox, who overcame a 0-3 deficit in the ALCS to defeat the Yankees en route to their first World Series title in 86 years. He would win again with Boston in 2007. After being ousted in Boston, Francona led Cleveland to the playoffs six times (’13, ’16, ’17, ’18, ’20 & ’22). He also led Cleveland to the World Series in 2016, where they lost a thriller in 7 games to the Chicago Cubs. After a year away to focus on his health, Tito is back to lead this young Reds team to similar results.

    Off-Season Wishlist for the Cincinnati Reds

    There are a couple of areas the Cincinnati Reds can improve on from last season. The first order of business would be to upgrade the outfield. I still like Will Benson, but he had a horrible year at the plate last season after breaking out in 2023. Benson hit a paltry .187 with a .274 OBP and .376 SLG while mainly playing right field. While keeping Benson is an option, the first order on the wishlist would include a power hitting outfielder.

    Outfield Help

    Obviously, the big fish in free agency is Juan Soto. There is very little chance the Reds sign him to what he’s going to get, so forget about it. There are multiple good outfielders in the free agency class that could fit well into Cincinnati’s lineup.

    • Anthony Santander– First on the list is Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander. He is a switch-hitting outfielder who will mainly play RF and will DH. He finished 2024 with a .235 BA, but he hit 44 homers and had 102 RBI. A player like this gives the Reds a veteran presence in the clubhouse and a power bat in the lineup. If he gets offered a contract, it will look something like 5-years, $100 million.
    • Teoscar Hernandez– Next on the list is current Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. Teo hit .272 this season while collecting 33 HR and 99 RBI. He is a veteran and is 32 years old, but he could be a very vital addition to this lineup that needs some pop. His contract will be somewhere along the lines of 3 years, $73 million, which is doable for the Reds.
    • Tyler O’Neill– The final free agent who should be in play for the Reds is Tyler O’Neill. His 2024 season with Boston was solid, finishing with a .241 BA and 31 HR. He also excels at hitting gap-to-gap and raking in extra base hits. He’s 29, so he’s coming into his baseball prime while also being a veteran presence. His contract will be along the lines of 5 years, $90 million.
    • Brent Rooker– This would have to be done via trade, but there has never been a better time than now to trade prospects for a proven hitter. Rooker raked for the A’s this past season, hitting .293 with 39 homers and 112 RBI. This will likely cost the Reds 2 of their top prospects, but they have the wiggle room in order to make this happen.

    Pitching Help

    In 2024, the Reds rotation really broke out. Hunter Greene had his best year yet, Nick Martinez was super solid, and Rhett Lowder made his MLB debut. They had a 4.09 ERA on the season as a team, and that can improve. As for the bullpen, they excelled last season until August, when they seemed to run out of gas a bit. The bullpen carried a 4.09 ERA with 36 total saves, but they can always get better as well too.

    The Reds could benefit from adding another reliable arm to the rotation to compliment Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. Arms like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer are available, but they should be looking for someone younger that has less mileage. As for the bullpen, they can definitely add a solid middle reliever and a setup man to compliment Alexis Diaz.

    • SP Max Fried LH– First on the wishlist is Max Fried. He started 29 games for the Atlanta Braves last season and posted a 3.25 ERA over 174 1/3 innings. Adding a lefty to this rotation that isn’t Nick Lodolo would be a huge get for the Reds to bolster this rotation. Fried also has ample playoff experience, including high leverage games and World Series appearances, something that is invaluable to any pitching rotation. His contract will be along the lines of 6-years, $136 million.
    • SP Jack Flaherty RH– Flaherty was traded midseason from Detroit to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He performed very well, and is in line for a raise, but I think he would be a perfect addition to this Reds team. Over 162 innings, Flaherty posted a 3.17 ERA and has gained invaluable playoff experience with the Dodgers. If the Reds want to throw their hat into the ring for him, his contract will be along the lines of 5-years, $100 million.
    • SP Walker Buehler RH– Buehler has struggled this year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so a change of scenery might be due for him. Over his career, he has dealt with injuries, but has posted a 3.17 ERA over 713 2/3 innings. He is also from around Cincinnati, and you know how much this front office loves the hometown guy. With his injury history, you may be able to get him on a shorter, prove-it kind of deal around 2 years, $30 million.
    • RP Kendall Graveman RH– Graveman had a rocky start to his 2023 season in Chicago with the White Sox. After the deadline where he was traded back to Houston, he excelled. His ERA was night and day (3.48 w/ CWS, 2.42 w/ HOU), and he was nails for a Houston team that made the ALCS. He missed all of 2024 with shoulder surgery, but will be ready to go in 2025. Graveman also has high leverage experience in the playoffs as well. In 2023, he had 51 holds as a setup man in 66 1/3 innings. His contract will likely be around 2 years, $18 million.
    • RP Carlos Estevez RH– Estevez had a career year in 2024. He started the season in Anaheim with the Angels and was traded to the Phillies at the deadline. Over 55 innings, Estevez posted a 2.45 ERA and 38 holds. 18 of those holds came for a Philly team that made the playoffs. He would be a solid option at the back end of the bullpen to pair with Alexis Diaz. His contract will likely be higher based on his career year, around 3 years, $42 million.
    • RP Aroldis Chapman LH– Although he’s 36, the Cuban Missile still has it. While he’s not the same pitcher he was 8 years ago, he’s still been reliable out of the bullpen, and has adapted his arsenal accordingly. He can still reach back and hit triple digits, but has added necessary offspeed pitches to stick around. For Pittsburgh, he posted a 3.79 ERA and 14 saves, but he also amassed 44 holds. He is no longer a closer, but can close out games when called upon to do so in a pinch. His contract will likely be a one year deal for $8.5 million.

    Bench Bats

    The Reds also need a little bit of help on the bench. While they will return Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand in 2025, they need more reliable options other than Jonathan India off the bench. Here are a few hitters who fit that bill.

    • UTIL Gleyber Torres– Torres is coming off his 7th big league season. In 2024, he hit .257 with 15 HR and a .330 OBP. He’s a solid bench option and plays the middle infield and can play third base. This would give the Reds a right handed bat off the bench who can provide a little bit of pop and spell players for an off day. His projected contract is 3 years, $21 million.
    • OF Jesse Winker (L)– It’s been 3 full seasons since Jesse Winker hit .305 for the Cincinnati Reds. He hasn’t touched that number since, but he had a solid year between the Nationals and Mets this season. Bringing him back in a utility outfield role could prove to be a shrewd move, but it gives left-handed pop off the bench that isn’t over 35 years old. Winker is familiar with our ballpark and played well for the Mets. His contract will likely be around 1 year, $3 million, making it a safe option to take a chance on.
    • C Elias Diaz– Adding another catcher not named Luke Maile would be good for the Reds. Maile has been horrid at the plate, and although his defense is good, there is better out there. Diaz is that option. He gets on base at a .310 clip for his career, and adds a bit of pop to the position. He could also provide a very good defensive option behind Tyler Stephenson. He will also be very cheap. His market value is $13.1 million, but he will likely be willing to sign a minor league deal like he did last season for $1-$3 million.

    Final Word

    The Reds are already on the right track this offseason. There is still work to be done, but they can really add some pieces to compliment this team. Who would you like to see the Reds add this off-season?

    Bengals Orlando Brown Jr Could Miss Several Weeks

    By
    Nati
    -
    0
    orlando brown jr bengals

    This article includes an update from Zac Taylor at the end of it. Please don’t miss it.

    During the Cincinnati Bengals win in Cleveland for the first time in the Joe Burrow/Zac Taylor era, one of their big guns and pricey acquistions suffered what COULD be labeled a rather significant injury, dependent on severity. This injury could take several weeks to heal in full, which puts his status going forward in jeopardy.

    Labeled “Tennis leg” – Niche NFL injury

    NFL Reporter Ian Rapoport posted about Orlando Brown Jr’s injury he suffered this morning detailing it as “tennis leg” – which is a form of calf muscle strain. It’s often caused by a sudden, forceful contraction of the calf muscles, such as during a sprint or jump, per Google AI search. But let’s look further into what an expert describes it as, instead of just a compiled Google AI.

    Picture description of the “where” of Orlando Brown Jr’s injury

    Per US Sports Medicine, the pain associated with this injury is ‘like somebody shot you in the calf.’ Per this same article, they detail it as ‘better than an achilles tear, but still painful enough to keep an athlete sidelined’ – This injury, also, does NOT require surgery, which as a Bengals fan, you can breathe a sigh of relief. However, the article does state that it can take up to 4-6 weeks to properly heal. The keyword there for me is “properly” – you can’t let this linger. Sigh.

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    Left Tackle options going forward

    Currently, the only option the Bengals have at left tackle to backup Orlando Brown Jr is Cody Ford. Though limited reps, Pro Football Focus aka PFF has him graded as one of the worst tackles in the game. If Sunday was another eye test, Cody Ford was absolutely abysmal in pass protection. The Bengals GM-equivalent Duke Tobin is going to have to go obtain a player whether it via trade or practice squad because Cody Ford is not a viable option. The Bengals have a serious issue when it comes to protecting Joe Burrow’s blindside.

    Could the Bengals end up pulling someone out of retirement worthwhile like David Bakhtiari? David made it pretty clear that he had no interest continuing to play, but there’s some other options that are currently unsigned and a UFA like DJ Humphries. DJ is nursing back from his ACL injury suffered last season, but as of September, he was only a few weeks away. Would the Bengals be interested in signing him? Pound for pound, DJ is a starter when healthy, so that could be no, but look – Joe Burrow is his own brand and the Bengals come second, maybe he’d be willing to nurse back into a gig and play for the Bengals short term. Who is on your radar?

    Zac Taylor Update, 3pm

    GREAT NEWS. Zac Taylor told media that Orlando Brown Jr’s injury is thought to be day to day, NOT week to week. That’s a very welcoming development. It sounds like it isn’t as bad as instigated. Let’s hope he can suit up ASAP. He did, however, unfortunately confirm that Cody Ford will be the backup LT and it was unlikely the team pursued anything different.

    This Player Is Looking to Be a Big X-Factor on Sunday in the Browns Bengals Matchup

    By
    chrisball96
    -
    0

    Anyone who has watched the Cleveland Browns play has a pretty good idea how much of a trainwreck their season has become. There’s been a bit of everything. Their 200+ million-dollar quarterback walked off the field on fourth down. They traded away their best receiver in the midst of having one of the worst passing offenses in the NFL:

    Take your pick of any number of offensive statistics and you can bet that the 2024 Browns are potentially historically bad at it. They are the first offense in ten years to score under 20 points in each of their first six games. They’ve not passed for over 200 yards in a contest yet this year. It’s gotten so bad that some Browns pundits are getting nostalgic for the way things were during their winless campaign in 2017 under former Bengals coach Hue Jackson. And for as bad as things have been in Cleveland, there is one dynamic that will be different this week.

    That, of course, is the return of Browns running back Nick Chubb.

    Chubb Looking to Bounce Back

    Chubb suffered a gruesome knee injury last year in week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has been out ever since. He’s been battling back ever since and will make his 2024 debut against Cincinnati on Sunday. What does his return mean for the Bengals’ gameplan on defense?

    Let’s not forget Chubb’s chops. He has made the Pro Bowl four times and has averaged over 5 yards per carry in every season he’s played. And the Browns rushing attack could use someone of his caliber. This year they are 28th in rush yards per game (97.2) and 20th in yards per rush (4.3). Their backs get an average of 1.78 yards after contact (19th best in the NFL). When you combine that with Watson’s epic struggles it is no surprise why the Browns have the league’s worst overall offense.

    And Bengals fans no doubt have plenty of less than fond memories of Chubb’s past success against the Bengals. In 10 career games against Cincinnati, Chubb averages 5.2 yards per carry. That’s about 90 yards per game. Over that span Chubb has scored 7 touchdowns. Six of those ten games have seen the Browns’ running back eclipse the 100-yard mark.

    But Chubb’s return is far from a magic bullet that will cure what ails the Brown’s offense. According to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, Chubb’s workload is a “work in progress.” These are hardly the words of a coach who expects to put the game on the back of a player returning from injury. Chubb hasn’t played a game in over a year. Regardless of how much he may have torched the Bengals in the past, it’s a tough ask for Browns fans to expect the world of him. The plan is clear in that Cleveland hopes that he can improve the rushing attack just enough to get Watson comfortable and get some consistency through the air.

    The Bengals Defense Will Be Ready

    There’s also the small matter of what the Bengals defense has to say on the matter. They held the Giants offense to just seven points on Sunday night. The line is now fully healthy. BJ Hill has improved, as is their overall run defense. They held Giants’ running back Tyrone Tracy to less than three yards per carry.

    The Browns are desperate. They are looking for any sort of spark to get a win and stop the merciless wave of negative coverage the team and players are facing. The numerous feel-good pieces being written about Chubb’s return demonstrate that plenty of people are pinning their hopes on him to bring about that change.

    On Sunday I expect Chubb to get a good number of carries. However, it will take him weeks to get back into any real form. The Bengals defense, on the other hand, is healthier than they’ve been in a long while. They are coming off a confidence-building performance in primetime. Though Chubb may have some success, Cincinnati has the weapons and the drive to limit the impact Chubb has on this game. This will put even more pressure on Deshaun Watson to play winning football. Fortunately for Bengals fans he hasn’t shown anything close to that ability all year.

    Cover photo credit to Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

    Matt McLain Hasn’t Been In The AFL Lineup. Why?

    By
    Nati
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    Jul 29, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) throws to first for the out against Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder James Outman (33) during the fourth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

    Anytime one of your favorite players isn’t in the lineup for his fall ball team after missing the whole year injured you raise a little eyebrow and start to get a little worried. No? You don’t? It’s just me? I knew I was paranoid. I can’t help it. But for real, let’s dig into WHY that is, because over here at natisports.net we want to educate each other on silly rules the majority of us don’t know about once we find out about them.

    Rules, Rules, & More Rules

    Matt McLain likely isn’t hurt. There’s rules to the Arizona Fall League, mainly because a lot of teams would end up abusing the league if they were allowed… you can only play twice a week, per this wikipedia page, citing MLB’s rules. It’s likely that Matt will play in the weekend games. It could also insinuate why Christian Encarnacion-Strand hasn’t played more and isn’t in the lineup again either. He’s only logged 3 games. Matt has played in 2. The loops and boundaries you have to go through to even get a player to be able to be eligible for this league is…a lot.

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    Perhaps…this is the Reds Doing?

    Maybe the Cincinnati Reds don’t want them going too hard out there knowing Spring Training will be here before we all know it in 3.5 months. Regardless, there’s absolutely nothing to point to Matt McLain being hurt. Go about your day. Happy.

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    The Bengals are 2-4: What to make of the 2024 Season

    By
    Bryson
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    It’s no secret that the Cincinnati Bengals haven’t lived up to their Super Bowl expectations in 2024. But they are still in prime position to make a run at the postseason. It’ll take a lot of polishing up and fixing simple mistakes, but I believe that they have what it takes to live up to the expectations.

    Avoiding Simple Mistakes

    If there has been one takeaway from the season so far from me, it’s the lack of discipline on both sides of the ball. While the Bengals are one of the least penalized teams in the NFL, they seem to have a knack for creating penalties at the worst possible times.

    Lamar Jackson scrambling past BJ Hill of the Cincinnati Bengals
    BJ Hill pressures Lamar Jackson on a 2nd down pass

    Coming off a 17-7 win against the Giants, two crucial penalties cost the Bengals greatly. One was a defensive pass interference against corner DJ Turner on a deep shot to Giants receiver Darius Slayton. This set the ball up on the Bengals’ one-yard line and the Giants scored the tying touchdown.

    On the responding offensive drive, the Bengals ended up at the Giants one-yard line. On 2nd and goal, Cordell Volson was called on an offensive holding penalty. Burrow was sacked on the proceeing play and the Bengals settled for 3.

    Turnovers and ball security have been common issues as well. Last week against the Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals set themselves up to go ahead 13 points before Burrow threw a critical interception to Marlon Humphrey. The Ravens scored a touchdown and went on to win the game.

    Against the Giants, a lost fumble ruined the Bengals’ opportunity to capitalize on great field position. On the final true offensive drive of the game up 10-7, Chase Brown fumbled the football that thankfully rolled out of bounds.

    All in all, turnovers and penalties are huge momentum killers. If the Bengals want to move over .500 at 5-4, they will need to avoid them as much as possible.

    Complementary Football

    Another takeaway I have for the Bengals is their lack of playing complementary football. If the offense has a stinker, the defense shines, and vice versa. The two forces need to combine and have a complete game. We haven’t seen a complete game yet this year, but it’s my belief that it’s coming.

    The Bengals offense against the Giants had their worst performance since week 1. Scoring only 17 points, not capitalizing on field position, and turning the ball over was costly. The Giants’ defense is no joke, however, as they have stars all around. According to fieldvisionsports.com, they rank first in defensive HAVOC, or simpler terms, forcing negative plays.

    Daniel Jones avoiding a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals
    Daniel Jones navigates a collapsing pocket against the Bengals

    On the other side of the ball, the defense had their best game of the year. Lou Anarumo snapped a 75-game streak of allowing opponents to score 10 or more. Forcing 4 punts, a turnover on downs, and creating a turnover is the key to success every time. If the Bengals’ defense can sustain success, the Bengals will have a fun stretch of games.

    What’s Next for the Bengals?

    The Bengals’ next three games are at Cleveland, vs. Philadelphia, and vs. Las Vegas. All three teams have struggled offensively in recent weeks, which is exactly what this defense wants to hear. If the Bengals’ offense returns to what we know it to be, it should be three straight victories.

    I have full confidence that the Bengals will turn it around. The odds aren’t in their favor heading into Cleveland, as Zac Taylor, in his sixth year, is looking for his first win at the mistake on the lake.

    Joe Burrow in a game against the Cleveland Browns
    Joe Burrow trots out onto the field in a week 1 matchup with the Browns

    However, the Browns are struggling offensively. They have yet to score more than 20 points in a game. Deshaun Watson is looking like the worst QB the Browns, yes the Browns, have ever seen. He is in line to start on Sunday. They also traded away star WR Amari Cooper to the Bills. But of course, Nick Chubb will return for the first time since his freak injury against the Steelers last season. He has owned the Bengals since being drafted in 2018.

    Just Stack Wins

    Not every game is going to be pretty. The Bengals aren’t going to be perfect in a game. There will be mistakes and there will be ugly plays. But the only thing that matters is wins. If they can scratch and claw their way to 5-4 heading into Baltimore, I love their chances at making the postseason.

    Joe Burrow is playing at an MVP level, just as I expected, and that will need to continue. The defense needs to manage to stay healthy and stack good performances. The Bengals have turned it around every season with Burrow playing a full season. This year could be the same in a weaker AFC. Here’s to hoping Zac Taylor and the squad can repeat.

    Keys For the Cincinnati Bengals to Beat the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football

    By
    Nati
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    0

    It’s no secret, the Cincinnati Bengals season, with a loss tonight against the New York Giants, essentially takes them out of playoff consideration. No team has ever made the Super Bowl starting 1-5; only 3 teams have ever made the playoffs in whole with that start. There’s no sugarcoating it, a loss today, and the season, not statistically, but realistically…is over. Let’s talk about what this Bengals team will have to do to come out with a win.

    The Cincinnati Bengals lead the all time head to head against the New York Giants 6-5. The Bengals haven’t matched up with the Giants since Covid’s season, in 2020, where the Bengals fell to them 17-19 to become 2-8-1 in total.

    Defense. Defense. Defense.

    The Cincinnati Bengals will get Sheldon Rankins, arguably their top 2024 FA signing, back tonight. The storied vet that was signed to fill the hole that former Bengal DJ Reader left as the Bengals mistakenly let go in Free Agency has been hurt for the last 4 weeks without an IR designation due to the anticipation of him being back. BJ Hill’s first game back last week against the Ravens, which turned in another heartbreaking loss, was a successful one for 92. BJ played great. It’s no secret the Bengals main issue on defense has been stopping the run. These two being healthy again, Sheldon & BJ, should continue to help a struggling defense perform.

    Cincinnati Bengals DT Sheldon Rankins

    The Bengals defense has given up the 5th most rushing yards in the NFL. That…is atrocious. 757 rush yards on 157 attempts. They’ve not gotten big stops, there hasn’t been a timely turnover….every issue the Bengals have had thus far in 2024 has to do with the defense. Tonight has to be a step closer to turning it around. If they don’t, and as Nati Sports Contributor Chris Ball wrote about, Lou Anarumo may need to be let go and a change will need to be made.

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    Joe Burrow Must Continue To Excel

    Let’s face it, the Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the most impressive offenses over the last few weeks, and everything has to do with Joe Burrow being in his bag. If the Bengals weren’t 1-4 currently, Joe Burrow would absolutely be frontrunner for MVP. I said it. I meant it. To win tonight, we need Joe Burrow in his bag. The Giants defense are sneaky good at creating chaos, in fact, #1 in the league at just that. They aren’t great by any means, but they have created a whole lot of turnovers. Joe can’t make any mistakes tonight.

    To quote him for the Baltimore game, “I have to be perfect,” – Well, Joe…you’re going to have to be that way again. Perfect. Or near it, at least. This defense still has a ton of ???’s all over, getting healthier or not.

    It’s simple, tackle…

    This one could be put under the defense header, but seriously, the Bengals are a bottom 5 tackling defense and that has to change…starting tonight. As I posted on X, Geno Stone has been the most unimpressive in this category, and it’s been entirely out of character for him.

    Geno Stone is ground zero for the Bengals – he has to be better. He’s also the worst graded defender the Cincinnati Bengals possess via PFF – 37.8; by far, that is the worst graded starting safety in the league and its not close. Geno Stone needs to have a way better game against the Giants’ Daniel Jones, who is susceptible to throwing INTs, ironically, when given more time.

    Contain Wan’Dale Robinson

    I haven’t seen this talked about enough. Wan’Dale, one of my favorite Kentucky Wildcats, has not really had a superb NFL career just yet, but his profile fits what the Cincinnati Bengals defense struggle with entirely, a very quick slot. Our LBs are having a tough time keeping guys in front of them, and our secondary is…less than ideal so far, especially with Dax Hill out for the season.

    Daniel Jones has been impressive under pressure, but Trey Hendrickson and the defensive front will have to get to him tonight a few times to help get the defense off the field. The New York Giants contain one of the worst rushing offenses in the league, averaging only 3.9 YPC, so we will need the secondary to be sharp as a razor tonight for a win.

    Final Score Prediction – New York Giants vs Cincinnati Bengals

    How to watch: Sunday Night Football – NBC/Peacock

    What time: 7:20 PM central – 8:20 PM Eastern – 5:20 PM Pacific

    Final score prediction: Cincinnati Bengals – 38 || New York Giants – 27

    Joe Burrow: 325 yards 3 TDs, Chase Brown 80 yards, 1 rTD – Tee Higgins Player of the Game with 2 TDs 110 yards

    WHO Dey!

    Cincinnati Reds Shake Up Coaching Staff: Hitting Coaches Dismissed and Candidates Emerge

    By
    Carsyn C
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    0
    former reds donnie ecker

    Carsyn Crouch, Nati Sports

    The Cincinnati Reds have undergone a major coaching overhaul after a disappointing 2024 season, parting ways with all three of their hitting coaches. This includes Joel McKeithan, who served as the lead hitting coach, alongside assistants Terry Bradshaw and Tim LaMonte. This change is a significant first step under the leadership of newly appointed manager Terry Francona​.

    The team’s offensive struggles this past season were evident, as they finished with a batting average of just .231, placing them near the bottom of the league. Their performance included 16 shutout losses and several frustrating one-run defeats, highlighting the need for a new approach to revitalizing their offensive capabilities​.

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    The Search for a New Voice

    With the hitting coach position vacant, several names have surfaced as potential candidates. Among them is Kevin Youkilis, a two-time World Series champion and former All-Star. Youkilis, who spent much of his playing career as a key contributor for the Boston Red Sox, is known for his gritty, patient approach at the plate, earning him the nickname “The Greek God of Walks.” He has since been involved in various coaching and advisory roles and could bring a fresh perspective to the Reds, focusing on discipline and on-base percentage—two areas the Reds struggled with this past season. It’s worth nothing, Youk hinted at not being interested in a hitting coach position citing it “thankless” – he’s right.

    Another name drawing attention is Donnie Ecker, a former Reds assistant hitting coach who has earned praise for his work with the San Francisco Giants. Ecker has built a reputation as a forward-thinking coach, combining traditional hitting philosophies with modern analytics. His familiarity with the Reds’ organization, as well as his success in San Francisco, makes him an attractive option. Ecker’s ability to implement cutting-edge hitting strategies could be what the Reds need to push their offense to the next level.

    Johnny Washington and a Youthful Energy

    Johnny Washington, a former hitting coach for the San Diego Padres, has also been mentioned in coaching circles. Known for his ability to connect with younger players and develop raw talent, Washington could be a great fit for a Reds team loaded with promising prospects. Washington has shown an ability to help young players transition to the majors, something that will be key for the Reds as they continue to develop players like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain. His emphasis on making in-game adjustments and fostering a positive culture in the clubhouse could create a productive environment in Cincinnati.

    Joey Votto, the longtime face of the franchise, remains a pivotal figure in the Reds’ clubhouse, and while his playing future is now known, he’s retired, his influence remains strong. Some have speculated whether Votto could transition into a coaching or advisory role. As one of the most disciplined hitters of his generation, Votto has often acted as a de facto mentor to younger players. His elite understanding of hitting mechanics, as well as his tireless work ethic, could make him a valuable asset to the coaching staff if he chooses to move in that direction. It was known that Krall approached Votto with a potential bench role last season once he went unsigned as a FA.

    Cincinnati Reds legend Joey Votto

    Who would you like to see as the Cincinnati Reds hitting coach?

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