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    Home Blog Page 16

    Has A New Candidate Emerged For the Reds Manager Position?

    By
    Nati
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    Nick Krall and Bob Castellini

    You might know this candidate, perhaps best for some of the credit for the greatest baseball version of a “linsanity” run of all time – Aristides Aquino’s monster month in 2019 where he hit 14 homeruns in the month of August. Or maybe you just remember his face because he was the Reds hitting coach…

    Who is he?

    His name is Donnie Ecker, and he has ties to the Cincinnati Reds, having served as the assistant hitting coach in 2018, later to be announced as the Director of Hitting in 2019, unfortunately just to be sniped for a much bigger role in San Francisco. Donnie then followed Bruce Bochy to Texas, to be hired as their bench coach and offensive coordinator there.

    The Rangers didn’t have a good year offensively this year, but last year, they raised hardware and their offense had crazy good seasons from Marcus Semien and others. They went into the World Series with a top 5 offense, and were third in team OPS. This 2024 season, they dealt with injuries left and right, much like the Reds, had really bad regressive years from Adolis Garcia & Semien, who some may deem a sore thumb, but they still were middle of the pack, which I’d deem a nice feat. Perhaps they had a little World Series hangover year. Happens.

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    Does he have the experience for this?

    Seeing as Donnie was one of the creditors to a World Series run, has learned under Bruce Bochy, arguably one of the top 5 best managers of all time, and has been credited with several Cincinnati Reds successes, I’d say he is absolutely experienced enough to manage a Major League Baseball team, and that’s what’s next for him.

    Donnie Ecker served as a bench coach, hitting coach, offensive coordinator, he’s worked in player development for the St. Louis Cardinals in a year they produced several talents out of left field (metaphorically, speaking, and not literally in LF,) and has worked as a hitting coach at 3 different levels of baseball, including AAA. His resume is plenty.

    So will he take the job, if offered?

    Here’s the kicker: as a would-be first year manager, not particularly “sought” yet – he won’t command a bunch of money. I know, I know, as a Reds fan, we’re all rolling our eyes. I’m with you. But hear me out – the Cincinnati Reds are on the hook for $4,950,000 still when it comes to David Bell. They have a tight budget year over year, and the last thing they may want to do is tie $7,000,000-$8,000,000 into the manager role. Donnie Ecker would command about $1.5-$2M, one would assume, plus be up for many different performance based bonuses.

    I could see Donald Joseph Ecker being attracted to this job for a plethora of reasons; he’s already familiar with Cincinnati, OH, he’s lived here before, and he has also worked with many of the coaches still here including Director of Pitching, Derek Johnson, whom many believe will stick around and honor his current contract. Donnie fits the mould of what Nick Krall is looking for – he wants a leader with player development hands on experience, and someone that will come in and help the young core grow. I think Donald J Ecker fits it.

    So that bodes the question, what do you think about this, if Donnie is the hire? Let us know in the comment form below.

    Nick Martinez Wins September Pitcher of the Month; Will he be a Red in 2025?

    By
    Nati
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    0
    Nick Martinez

    One of the best Free Agent acquistions that made the most sense, Nick Martinez, has been awarded September National League Pitcher of the Month, an award from MLB at the end of each month; only one player from each league can win: one from the National League, and one from the American League.

    Cincinnati Reds Nick Martinez


    Martinez’ September was dazzling out of the SP role

    Martinez made 5 starts in September and had a 0.83 ERA in 32.2 innings pitched. Over the whole month, he only gave up 3 earned runs. He had a 4:30 BB:K ratio, which was absolutely dominant. This is the type of production that could’ve propelled a good team to the playoffs…the problem is, the Cincinnati Reds in 2024 were not a good team and will instead watch the playoffs from the couch.

    Nick Martinez Roster Status

    When it comes to Nick Martinez status as a Cincinnati Red, there’s a lot of questions. First off, his agent is Scott Boras, a dude known for getting his players top dollar. Second, and the biggest real issue, even though Nick Martinez signed a 2 year deal worth $26,000,000 guaranteed, the Cincinnati Reds & Nick Krall lured him to pitch at Great American Ballpark giving him a player opt-out clause in his contract. Martinez posted 4.0 bWAR this year, making him a prime opt-out candidate, especially since he got $14M in his 1st year, versus the $12M in his 2nd. It is a given he will opt-out.

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    So, now that we know Nick Martinez is going to opt-out, unofficially, but come on guys, read the above again, he’s opting out, what can Nick Krall and Brad Meador do to maintain that little bit of control they have in the situation? They can offer him a Qualifying Offer. The 2025 QO is currently slated at $21,500,000 – IF the Reds offer him a QO, Nick Martinez would be making $21.M in 2025 and remain a Cincinnati Reds player.

    Is that the smart thing to do?

    Seeing as Nick Martinez solidifed his abilities in the swing man role, then moving into the starting pitching role once a bunch of injuries happened to the Reds staff, hell yes it’s the right thing to do. Nick Martinez earned himself an additional $45-50M somewhere. I’d keep him another year, if I can. Even though the Reds offer that QO, Nick & Boras can still reject it, however, once he rejects it, the Reds will be gifted a compensation pick, likely in round 2 of the MLB Draft in 2025, which would be a welcoming gift. We all need to hope that Nick Martinez chooses to stick around – he was the one FA acquistion I was genuinely excited for because his role made sense, unlike giving Candelario $45M and it making no sense. Let’s hope we can retain him.

    My Reflections on Jonathan India: Passionate About Winning

    By
    Carsyn C
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    0

    Carsyn Crouch, Nati Sports

    Jonathan India understands the city of Cincinnati and its passionate fans deserve better than mediocrity; they deserve a team that reflects their dedication and spirit, one that consistently competes for greatness and brings pride to the community.

    In a recent interview, Jonathan India showcased not only his passion for the game but also his unwavering commitment to the Cincinnati Reds’ future. As one of the standout players on the team, India’s insights into the recent changes and his eagerness for improvement resonate deeply with fans who share his ambition to see the Reds return to what once was domination, “The Big Red Machine”.

    India’s reaction to the firing of David Bell was heartfelt, revealing the bond he formed with his former manager. “David was the only head coach I’ve had in my career,” he stated, reflecting on the invaluable lessons he learned under Bell’s leadership. It’s clear that India appreciates the importance of a strong coaching relationship, especially for the younger players who are still finding their footing in the league.

    Jonathan India waiting on deck next to David Bell, then Cincinnati Reds manager.

    What truly stands out is India’s eagerness for change. He recognized that the upcoming offseason is a pivotal moment for the Reds, stating, “A lot is going to change.” This acknowledgment speaks volumes about his awareness of the team’s current state and his desire to push for aggressive moves that could enhance the roster. India’s determination to win is infectious, and it’s a reminder that he’s not just focused on personal achievements but genuinely cares about the team’s success.

    India, the leader.

    When discussing the team’s struggles with base running and defense, India didn’t shy away from expressing his views. His willingness to address these issues candidly, while maintaining respect for the organization, shows his maturity as a player and leader. It’s refreshing to hear a player take ownership and advocate for accountability within the team, which he believes is crucial for improvement.

    India’s vision for the future extends beyond just himself; he wants the Reds to invest in their potential. He stated, “They need to make moves. I want to win. Everyone wants to win.” This shared desire for success is a powerful rallying cry for fans and players alike. India’s passion is palpable, and it underscores the importance of taking bold steps to strengthen the team. His assertion that the organization may need to “spend” reflects a clear understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level.

    Perhaps most compelling is his perspective on the managerial position. India believes it’s an attractive role, filled with opportunity thanks to the young talent within the organization. His recognition of the potential within the Reds is not just hopeful; it’s a call to action for whoever steps into the managerial role next. He emphasizes the need for a leader who can foster a culture of accountability while also being approachable, striking a balance that is vital for a young team.

    In my opinion, Jonathan India’s interview is a breath of fresh air for Reds fans. His eagerness to win, his commitment to accountability, and his desire for the organization to make aggressive moves paint a picture of a player ready to lead the charge. With India at the forefront, there’s an exciting sense of optimism about what the future holds for the Cincinnati Reds. His words remind us that change is not only necessary but also within reach. Here’s to hoping that the Reds embrace this moment and rally around the vision that players like India have for their future.

    DOWN BELOW: THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW CONSTRUCTED BY CHARLIE GOLDSMITH

    This article originally cited above on Cincinnati Enquirer: Jonathan India on the Reds’ future: ‘They need to make moves. I want to win.’

    THREE OF THE BIGGEST STORIES FROM THE BENGALS’ FIRST WIN

    By
    chrisball96
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    0

    It took four weeks, but the Cincinnati Bengals notched their first win on Sunday. Joe Burrow took his team into Charlotte and defeated former Bengal Andy Dalton and the Carolina Panthers 34-24. The stretch of games against the Patriots, Commanders, and Panthers was supposed to lay the foundation for a strong start for this team. The way it played out on the field was very different, however.

    The Patriots loss came down to key Bengals mistakes. Against the Commanders, Jayden Daniels worked his magic and proved he is a star in the making. Those losses turned Sunday’s contest against the Panthers into an absolute must-win. Luckily the Bengals met the moment and did what they had to do. And now this team secured a victory before what seems like a do or die matchup against the Baltimore Ravens next week.

    There was plenty to learn from the close win against Carolina but here are the three most important takewaways:

    THE BENGALS RUNNING GAME IS FOR REAL

    The departure of Joe Mixon this offseason left room for both Zack Moss and Chase Brown to demonstrate that they were ready to improve upon the Bengals rushing attack. In 2023 Cincinnati averaged just 89.8 yards per game on the ground. This was second worst in the NFL. The team signed Moss and developed Brown to bring life to this anemic phase of their offense, and it has paid off.

    The Bengals are now 21st in the NFL in rushing. Additionally, their numbers have improved across the board. They now average 102.3 yards per game. Their backs rush a rate of 4.6 yards per carry.

    Against the Panthers Brown had one of his best games in an orange and black uniform. He reached the end zone twice and racked up 80 yards on the ground. Brown averaged 5.3 yards per carry along the way as well.

    For his part, Moss had 51 rushing yards and 27 yards receiving. This included a huge touchdown on a third-down play that was all grit:

    At the end of the day, the Bengals do not need to have Emmitt Smith or Adrien Peterson in their backfield. What they need is exactly what they are getting. Bengals running backs need to get positive yards, catch passes out of the backfield, and compliment the passing game by keeping defenses honest. Moss and Brown are giving them just that, and you can tell the positive impact it is having for Joe Burrow.

    THE COMBINATION OF A HEALTHY TEE HIGGINS AND JA’MARR CHASE WILL BE LETHAL

    Tee Higgins is a big, physical wide receiver. Ja’Marr Chase can turn any play into a touchdown. And we saw both of those traits on display in the win over the Panthers. Tee paced the receivers with six catches. He had 60 yards and showed sure hands that led to several key first downs.

    Chase, though, did what he does best. He caught a pass over the middle, broke several tackles, and left the Panthers defense in the dust. His 63-yard touchdown was electric and helped the offense continue its blistering pace.

    Bengals fans saw exactly why Higgins and Chase make such a deadly duo. One makes the tough catches and the other is lightning in a bottle. Joe Burrow needs both in order to win games and it makes it so difficult for defenses to stop two receivers with such impressive talent.

    CAM TAYLOR BRITT HAD A GAME TO FORGET

    Cam Taylor Britt has an immense amount of talent. He also has taken over the Pac Man Jones role of King Trash Talker when it comes to the Bengals secondary. Unfortunately, this week was yet more evidence that he’s not able to back up his big words to the media. Britt had one of the worst games we’ve seen in quite a while. He was out of position for much of the game and gave up a bad touchdown to Diontae Johnson:

    Britt was taken out at one point and D.J. Turner played meaningful snaps in this game. Turner played reasonably well, and it is fair to wonder what the split in playing time may be going forward. The Bengals’ secondary has been hung out to dry due to the lack of a meaningful pass rush this year, that cannot be disputed. At the same time, though, CTB was beat several times early on in the play this week. It often did not matter whether Andy Dalton was pressured or not. Ultimately, this Bengals defense is not loaded with talent or game-changing playmakers. As one of its leaders, this team cannot afford for Cam Taylor-Britt to fall so flat, and it is something that must be corrected right away.

    Overall, against the Panthers the Bengals defense once again struggled for large stretches of the game. They held Andy Dalton to 220 yards and did intercept him once. However, the run defense looked porous for another week. Carolina averaged 5.3 yards per carry and Chuba Hubbard had over 100 yards.

    Though the Bengals defense did enough to win this week, it does not get any easier next Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens have a running back in Derrick Henry who is orders of magnitude better than any that Cicinnati has yet faced. Lamar Jackson is like Jayden Daniels on steroids. Put simply, the Ravens’ offense has the potential to be Lou Anarumo’s worst nightmare.

    There is good news and bad news on this front. The good is that Cincinnati hopes to get defensive end Myles Murphy back next week off of IR. There is a chance they could also get defensive tackle BJ Hill back as well. The odds are less optimistic for a return for Sheldon Rankins but there is still time. Getting any of our starters back on the defensive line would be a net positive, especially against Baltimore. It will certainly be a all-hands-on deck situation.

    The bad (perhaps the soul-killing bad) is the status of all-world defensive end Trey Hendrickson. He went down against the Panthers late in the game and did not finish the game. He reportedly had a neck injury and was later seen with a sling on his arm after the game.

    The hope is that it is just a stinger, and that Hendrickson will be good to go for next week. The reality of Lamar Jackson dropping back with impunity with no one to touch him is yet another nightmare for this Bengals defense. It is also a major reason this team needs Rankins, Hill, and Muphy healthy and back playing, right now.

    A WIN IS A WIN

    It doesn’t matter how ugly a victory might be in this league. This is especially true for the Bengals here. Weeks 1-3 were a nightmare for Bengals fans and the hope is that has come to an end. This team has notched its first win and has shown what it can do under pressure. The stars are there in Burrow, Chase, Higgins, and others. It is just a question whether this team has the focus and drive to make adjustments, buckle down, and steal a win against a very good Ravens team next week.

    Cover image credit to Rusty Jones

    The Future of the Reds: Eight Potential Future Managers

    By
    Carsyn C
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    0

    Carsyn Crouch, Nati Sports

    Skip Schumaker: On Sunday night, Bob Nightengale reported that the Reds are considering Marlins manager Skip Schumaker as a potential replacement for David Bell. Schumaker, who is in his second season with Miami, has a career record of 141-176. According to BetOnlineAG, Skip Schumaker is the highest odds to be the next Cincinnati Reds manager.

    Skip Schumaker

    Barry Larkin: is often mentioned as a potential candidate for the Reds’ managerial position. A former Reds star and Hall of Famer, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the organization. Larkin has been involved in coaching and player development since his playing days, including serving as a special assistant in the Reds’ front office. His strong leadership skills and ability to connect with players make him a compelling choice. Larkin emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and a positive mindset, which could help the Reds as they look to rebuild and improve on the field. His familiarity with the team culture and fan base could also be an advantage in rallying support.

    Barry Louis Larkin

    Aaron Boone: A potential early exit from the post season could potentially have the Yankees and Boone part ways. Boone another name that could surface as a candidate for the Reds’ managerial position. Currently the manager of the New York Yankees.

    Aaron Boone

    Bud Black: An intriguing candidate for the Reds’ managerial position. Currently the manager of the Colorado Rockies, he has a solid reputation in baseball with extensive experience, including leading the San Diego Padres prior to his time in Colorado.

    Terry Francona: A highly respected figure in baseball and a potential candidate for the Reds’ managerial position. Francona retired in 2023 but has a lot of experience under his belt. With a successful track record, including two World Series championships with the Boston Red Sox. Francona’s wealth of experience and winning pedigree could make a significant impact on the Reds.

    Terry Francona

    Derek Johnson: A notable candidate for the Reds’ managerial position, especially given his background as the team’s pitching coach. In my opinion, the Reds need to go outside of the organization unless its Larkin.

    John Schneider: An interesting candidate to consider for the Reds’ managerial position. Currently the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays is John Schneider. The Toronto Blue Jays are struggling, with a .477 winning percentage—marking a five-year low. Under John Schneider, the team has made the playoffs twice without securing a win, and their last postseason victory dates back to the 2016 ALCS.

    Will Venable: He comes in as the second highest odds to be awarded the manager positions at +600 early on. He’s currently the associate manager to Bruce Bochy in Texas for the Rangers organization. His Rangers won the World Series last year over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

    Will Venable

    Who would you like to see be the next manager of the Reds?

    Deds Parody T-shirt | Comfort Colors

    Deds Parody T-shirt | Comfort Colors

    Sometimes we just have to laugh and call them the Deds. It doesn’t mean we don’t love our Cincinnati Reds, it’s just a t-shirt for all the parody-ers like ourselves that like to have fun, even if we suck. Maybe you just think the shirt is cool. So do we! Look at the detail in this bad boy!

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    They Did It: The Cincinnati Reds Fire David Bell

    By
    Nati
    -
    0
    David Bell - Cincinnati Reds manager

    “It’s finally over,” most Reds fans are saying. The Cincinnati Reds have relieved their manager’s duties, David Bell is no more, per C Trent of The Athletic. There’s a lot of things to say, a lot of things to write, some good, some…scary. I’m going to go into depth with some stuff I didn’t necessarily like about David Bell.

    The Monotone, Boring Voice

    There was truly nothing more bewildering than watching the Reds blow a lead and then listening to David Bell’s pressers afterward. The lack of…care? Accountability? There was just a ton of questions. The amount of fights I got into on Twitter with other Reds fans about this, too. Truly no one made my blood boil worse than Bell after the game.

    The Lack Of Real Preparation

    It felt like the team went into Spring Training unprepared, it felt like they went into divisional games unprepared, it felt like Bell’s teams cared more about who won the 3 point contest in Spring Training than they cared about winning MLB games. It seemed like there was no real good scouting report posted and plans were rarely executed. The amount of times folks would get thrown out on the basepaths, or the amount of errors the team would make with no discipline. Maddening.

    If you want further proof of the above, how about David Bell answering Charlie Goldsmith’s question about the Reds not making the playoffs again? WILD. And as some have pointed out, perhaps this was the final straw.

    Lying Through His Teeth About Injuries

    Look, folks. I was the biggest hater of this, for sure, but a lot of you agreed with me. I CANNOT STAND the way he lies about injuries. There’s no competitive gain in this sport when it comes to it, it’s not football, where if a star RB is out/hurt, you can lie and make the team gameplan a different way. My god it drove me insane. He knew Christian Encarnacion-Strand was hurt the 2nd time and would miss the season. He knew Jeimer Candelario was hurt.

    Never Using The Hot Hand

    How many times did we see David Bell call on the wrong guy from the bullpen when baseball is a momentum game? I can cite 10 times in 2021 alone… the lack of feel for the game was actually insane. Lucas Sims got chance after chance, Tyler Stephenson would sit the bench after a 3 hit game, list goes on…

    Lineup Construction

    For a long time, this was one of David Bell’s biggest weakpoints. I actually thought he was more conservative in 2024, and provided some more consistency. But in years prior, the lineup was just straight garbage.

    What was your least favorite thing about David Bell?

    Three Huge Reasons the Bengals Will Beat the Commanders Monday Night

    By
    chrisball96
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    0

    The Cincinnati Bengals sit at 0-2 yet again. It’s an uncomfortably familiar position. But on Monday Night Football they have a great chance to get into the win column. The Washington Commanders enter the contest at Paycor Stadium 1-1. They fell to the Buccaneers in week one 37-20. In week two they edged the New York Giants 21-18.

    Washinton is banking on big things from quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels is one of a handful of rookies starting in their first year out of college. He joins the ranks of Caleb Williams in Chicago and Bo Nix in Denver. Although Daniels has shown plenty of promise he’s not yet faced a pass defense of the Bengals’ caliber. And the rest of the Commanders team has plenty of holes for Zac Taylor to exploit in order to find the team’s first win.

    The Bengals Will Force Jayden Daniels to Beat Them Through the Air – And He Will Not

    Coming into week two, Jayden Daniels ranks second in quarterback rushing yards with 132. He trailed only Lamar Jackson, and also has reached the end zone twice. In the air, though, his numbers are somewhat more pedestrian. He does rank 10th in yards per attempt and has completed 75 percent of his passes. However, he relies heavily on his receivers to make plays and shake tackles. The Commanders’ wideouts collectively rank 4th in the NFL in yards-after-catch-per-reception, and the Commanders are tied for 6th in receptions of 20+ yards.

    Last week Cincinnati held Patrick Mahomes to the lowest passing total of his career in a game that he played from start to finish. They tackled well and covered even better. It’s safe to say that Daniels hasn’t yet seen a secondary with the ability that the Bengals have to lock down a passing game.

    However, running quarterbacks have given the Bengals fits in the past. In week one Jacoby Brissett evaded Cincinnati’s defenders for just enough yards to get a few key first downs. And we’ve all seen the headache Lamar Jackson has been for Bengals linebackers scrambling for big gains over the years. Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt are having a great year so far. They are gobbling up tackles and flying all over the field. On Monday night, though, they will no doubt be asked to spy Daniels and keep him in the pocket. They should be able to do that and frustrate the rookie quarterback. Forcing Daniels to fight through the teeth of a very hungry Bengals’ secondary is a recipe for success.

    Another reason to force Daniels to remain in the pocket is that it makes him prime fodder for a red-hot Trey Hendrickson. Going into this game Hendrickson has pressured the quarterback on 22 percent of all drop backs this year, near the top of the league. But he cannot be as effective if Daniels is allowed to break the pocket and scramble. He and the other Bengals pass-rushers must be extremely disciplined in their rush lanes.

    Joe Burrow and the Bengals Offense Will Continue Their Momentum from Last Week

    The Commanders have significant deficits on defense that Joe Burrow can exploit. They rank 21st in total yards allowed, 22nd in passing yards allowed, and 29th in points per game. Most notably their secondary has had plenty of issues. They’ve allowed opposing quarterbacks to post a league worst rating of 127.6. This is all very good news for a Bengals offense likely getting Tee Higgins back. And with Joe Burrow heating up, and getting fired up after that narrow loss last week, he’s going to look to take it right to the Commanders’ defensive backs.

    Jermaine Burton and Mike Gesicki have shown they can be weapons in the passing game. But with the return of Tee Higgins and another week of progress for Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals passing attack should begin to fire on all cylinders this week. Lest we forget, Baker Mayfield threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns against this same Commanders team in week one. Burrow has more talent and weapons at his disposal and should be able to put up an equal, or even better, performance this week.

    The Bengals’ Veterans Will Not Let This Team Start 0-3

    Although it’s not quantifiable statistically, it is a fact that Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Burrow, Trey Hendrickson, and the other Bengals veterans will simply not allow this team to fall flat on a national stage yet again. With the entire nation watching and the team as healthy as it has been this year, the Bengals will step up in a big way. There is no doubt they’ve seen that the Steelers are undefeated. They saw the Ravens get their first win on the road in Dallas. They know that this division will be a bare-knuckled fight and that they are behind the eight ball already with two losses. Zac Taylor and the leaders on this team will not let two losses spiral into three. This team will show up ready to win on Monday night, and they will take care of business.

    Cover photo credit here.

    Bengals have Workout with veteran DT Lawrence Guy

    By
    Bengals_Storm
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    0

    The Cincinnati Bengals have been hurt on the d-line with injuries. DEs Myles Murphy and Cam Sample suffered injuries in training camp. DTs Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson sustained injuries in practice. Now that BJ Hill and Sheldon Rankins have both suffered injuries against the Chiefs. The Bengals are looking in the market to add to the room, having Lawrence Guy and Albert Huggins in for a visit.

    Lawrence Guy is a veteran DT who has started 103 games for the New England Patriots over the past 7 seasons. He has 17 career sacks and 1 interception. His downside is he is 34 years old and is more of a three-tech DT. Besides that, he is the best option in free agency and he can still make a positive impact in this injured D-line room.

    Should Bengals Fans Panic After going 0-2

    By
    Bengals_Storm
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    0

    The Cincinnati Bengals suffered their third straight 0-2 start, losing their week 2 game against the Superbowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in controversial fashion 26-25. Now you gotta ask while they are getting ready for their MNF game against the Washington Commanders is, should the fans be Panicking about the start of the season? For me, it is a hard no.

    Is this 0-2 start comparable to previous seasons? No, I do not think so for several reasons. In previous starts we had a reason to believe we wouldn’t win the next following weeks from two key factors. Having good momentum, and Joe Burrows being able to play at a high level. I feel like the difference in these two factors will help the team to a better look than what we have seen before.

    What Were The Problems Back Then?

    Since we have hired Zac Taylor in 2019, the Bengals have had a 0-2 start in 5/6 seasons. So the question is what can we examine from those seasons and compare it to the situation we have now? In 2019 the Bengals would start the year with a close loss to the Seahawks, but would get punched back to reality as they were blown out in their home opener by the 49ers 41-17.

    In 2020, Burrow’s rookie season would start sour as a potential game-tying field goal would be missed to lose to the Chargers 13-16.They would have a short week after for TNF against the Browns, where they were pushed around all day to lose the game 30-35 with a garbage time touchdown in the end. In 2022 and 2023 they had similar stories, as Burrow suffered an injury in the off-season (a ruptured appendix in 2022 and a calf strain in 2023) made the offense look conservative and one-dimensional, as they would lose to the Steelers in Cowboys in close nail biters.

    What’s The Difference?

    The first major difference is that the team has been competing in the games. After shockingly losing to the Patriots, the Bengals would bounce back, as they went to Arrowhead Stadium against the Superbowl winning Chiefs, and take them till the last play with some controversy for the Chiefs to beat them. We also saw the improvements on both sides of the play. We saw deep balls were tried, highlight plays were made on both sides of the ball, and we saw play calling improve with more 12-personnel, single back, motion, and play action.

    The other major factor to look at is Burrow’s health. In 2022 and 2023 we were looking to the rest of the season with a question, as in 2022 we didn’t know when Burrow would be fine, and were hoping it’d be good enough to squeeze a few wins before he’s fully healthy. During 2023, we didn’t even know if Burrow would have been healthy enough to play MNF against the Rams. This was from him being a game-time decision that game.

    Now you have a healthy Joe Burrow getting key players back like Tee Higgins, Amarius Mims, and Kris Jenkins, coming soon. You also have Myles Murphy and McKinnley Jackson are projected to return in week 5. Overall, you shouldn’t worry that this team is one of the best in the AFC, much less the NFL.

    Nick Krall Discusses Offseason Evaluation of Manager David Bell

    By
    Carsyn C
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    0

    Carsyn Crouch, Nati Sports

    As the Cincinnati Reds wrap up a season that has not met their postseason aspirations, a comprehensive review of the team’s performance and its shortcomings is anticipated once the final game of the season is concluded. This review will extend to Manager David Bell, his coaching staff, and potentially even the baseball operations department.

    Cincinnati Reds’ Manager David Bell & President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall at RedsFest

    President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall, alongside the team’s ownership, still headed by Bob Castellini, will make the final decision regarding Bell’s future with the team. Despite Bell being in the first year of a three-year contract extension through 2026, the team’s underperformance has led to speculation about his job security.

    Krall refrained from commenting specifically on Bell and his staff’s performance but acknowledged that the team’s overall record is influenced by a range of factors. “We’ve seen some players make significant strides, while others have regressed,” Krall remarked. “Youth and development are parts of the equation, and we need to identify how we can improve. It’s a collective effort, and obviously, I’m not satisfied with our current standing. We must keep pushing forward and addressing our issues.”

    Baserunning errors have also been a persistent issue, with the team leading the Major Leagues in outs on the bases with 59. Krall indicated that no final decisions will be made until the team conducts its internal reviews. “We still have a lot of improvements to make to secure more wins and achieve our goals,” he said. “We need to do better across the board.”

    So Will They Move On From David Bell…?

    When asked about Bell’s contract status before Friday’s game, Krall confirmed that Bell is under contract for the upcoming season. “He’s got a contract for next year,” Krall said. “However, we will evaluate everything at the end of the season and determine the necessary steps to move forward.”

    As the offseason approaches, the Reds will undertake a detailed assessment to decide on the future direction of the team and its leadership.

    Stay tuned for further updates as the team concludes its season and begins the evaluation process.

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