Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals - Bengals-Eagles Week 8 First Look: Avoiding (another) tie with Philly

Starting point is 00:00:00 Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles in week eight, which team can avoid a tie and come out on top? Let's break it down. Locked on NFL crossover, part of the Locked on podcast network. Your team every day. What's going on football fans and welcome back to another locked on crossover on the Locked on podcast network. Today we're going to be taking our first look at the Cincinnati. Benzals, Philadelphia Eagles game coming up in Week 8 in Cincinnati. I'm Jake. Let's go along with James Rapine from the Lockdown Bengals podcast today with

Starting point is 00:00:45 Louis DiBiase from Locked on Eagles as we will break down all the biggest stories with each team, the keys to victory, and the weird recent history where two out of the last four games, these teams have played, have ended in ties. And I don't think either team is interested in a tie this weekend. As always, crossover Thursday is presented by prize picks where you can download the app. Use promo code locked on NFL to win $50 instantly when you play $5. And Louis, let's start as we do with the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. Some drama, perhaps, around this team right now, but a solid victory in their most recent game.

Starting point is 00:01:25 What's the biggest story going on right now with that talented Philadelphia Eagles offense? Yeah, after the by week, it felt like the sky was falling at two and two loss of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We were talking about Nick Siriani being on the hot seat as Jalen hurts the answer. He has regressed in two straight years since their Super Bowl run of 2022. And then they won two straight games. I'd be it against the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, but it does feel like they've gained some momentum here. And I feel like they have found their identity,

Starting point is 00:01:53 even if it's not ideal, considering the money they're investing in the passing game. This football team has realized over the last two games, if they don't turn over the football, and they run the ball behind Saquan Barkley and an elite offensive line, if that's what they feature and Jalen Hertz plays a queen game, even if it's not elite, they have so much talent on offense and the defense is really picking up with a lot of young prospects over the last month that they can win a lot of football games that way. But this is a much bigger test and they haven't faced a Joe Burrow caliber quarterback or

Starting point is 00:02:24 this kind of offense since I would say week one. And I wouldn't even say Green Bay is with Cincinnati in that way. But it's the closest with Jordan Love. So I think for Philly, two straight of four and two, the question. question is now, is this for real or was it just they played two bad teams? But the identity part, I think, was a big win for this team to realize who they are over two weeks because before that, the game plans just always felt like the coaches didn't know what to do with this personnel. Yeah, I think when you land a Saquan Barkley in free agency, and I'm sure Eagles fans were thanking

Starting point is 00:02:57 Giants fans in the offseason when it happened, but certainly last week during that blowout loss, when Saquan merely topped his career high in rushing yards, it's, easy to see that identity. And I think that's what the Bengals are most leery of is as much as it's Jalen Hertz and A.J. Brown and Devonthe Smith, when Sequin gets going, it makes this offense so, so tough, nearly impossible to stop because it opens up the long ball to A.J. Brown and all the things we've seen over the past couple of weeks. No, I totally agree. And I think Jalen Hertz as well, he plays better when the Eagles have a lead. When he's playing behind, when he feels almost panicked and has to start playing hero ball,

Starting point is 00:03:35 that's where you've seen the turnovers come. This is the first time, at a long time, he's gone multiple games without throwing interception or fumbling. Since the beginning of 2023, Jalen Hertz has more turnovers than any quarterback. And that was becoming a major problem. A lot of that was because the Eagles don't score points in the first quarter.

Starting point is 00:03:54 Like, that's just what happens. It's close games. A lot of the time they're trailing and Hertz needs to play catch up. And that kind of rushes his clock. and that's when he starts making mistakes. So I think the run game helps control that, build leads, have time of possession. So run it behind number 26. Again, it's not ideal, I think, in the long term, but for 2024, that's when this Eagles team is best.

Starting point is 00:04:15 Interestingly, these teams share their most two recent opponents, Browns and Giants in reverse order. That is a fun little coincidence as the teams are riding a win streak against two of the worst teams in the NFL into a game in which they'll face each other, a fun idiosyncrasy of the schedule there, talking about that rushing offense. So for the Giants, interestingly, that's a place where the Bengals have stepped up recently. And so despite what we feared against a couple of teams that wanted to run the ball,

Starting point is 00:04:41 the Bengals have been better there. That will be interesting to see when we talk about the matchups in a little bit more detail. Let's flip to the other side of the ball, though, Louis. And when I look at this Eagles defense, I am looking squarely at that defensive line and that pass rush, although there's certainly more talent at cornerback,

Starting point is 00:04:59 with two draft fix this year, then perhaps you would otherwise think if you're on the outside looking and especially. Is there a bigger story in this game for you on the Eagles defensive side of the ball than that pass rush? No, because it was the biggest problem for the first month of the season. Bryce Huff looked like one of the worst for agent sightings of the offseason. Vic Fangio had no idea how to use them. Eagles fans were wondering if we could trade for Hassan Redick back. And the NFL rule is that they can't for two years. So we now know that.

Starting point is 00:05:27 but it was that bad. And Josh Sweat just looked like a guy. And Nolan Smith, we were wondering if it was a first round bust. Jordan Davis wasn't taking that next step as a pass rusher on top of his, you know, I would say pretty good run-stopping ability at nose tackle. It was really just Jalen Carter. The last two games, the floodgates have opened. They had eight sacks against the Giants.

Starting point is 00:05:48 They had five against the Cleveland Browns, 13 total in two weeks. And everybody's getting in on the action. So it does feel like maybe we jump the gun on a lot of these young players and counted them out. But I also think Vic Fangio now has a good idea of what guys can do and what they can't. For instance, Bryce Huff was somebody he was lining up as a stand-up, you know, kind of an outside linebacker, an overhang type of player like he used to San Reddick, would even almost drop him back in coverage, use him in obvious run situations. But when Bryce Huff was best with the New York Jets, he had his hands in the dirt and his one job was to go get the quarterback. That's what Fangio is

Starting point is 00:06:23 having him do the last two games. And in the last two games, he has, I think, six or seven pressures and a sack and a half. So I think Fangio also just has a better understanding of his personnel. So they're cooking up front right now and hopefully they can keep that momentum going. Yeah, obviously that's the main, I would say the main concern, something, excuse me, Joe Burrow talked about certainly on Wednesday during his press conference. Jake mentioned the secondary and someone on Locked on Bengals that we talked about a lot pre-draft was Quinyan Mitchell. You end up with Quinyon Mitchell and Philly and Cooper DeGine. two first round corners essentially.

Starting point is 00:06:59 You get them in rounds one and two. Plus you revamp that secondary a bit more by bringing back a familiar face in C.J. Gardner Johnson. What of those three guys? I know DeGine just returned, but what of those three guys brought to that back in? Because I know that was an issue last season. No, yeah. And I want to credit my co-host, Gino Kamilari for this.

Starting point is 00:07:18 He put it perfectly. Cooper DeGine seems like he was the missing piece of this defense. Quinion Mitchell has been incredible all years. Third in the league right now enforced and complete. And he's had some tough opponents like Mike Evans and Amari Cooper this past week Malik neighbors didn't do much. But Avanti Maddox in the slot, like he was a problem. Like there were mismatches where bigger receivers were eating him up. When it comes to run fits, he was not doing well in that area or tackling.

Starting point is 00:07:44 Cooper DeGine has come in the last two games and quietly has the fourth highest coverage grade of any corner in that span, at least according to pro football focus. So he's been a good punt returner as well. The Eagles suddenly, last year they looked old. and slow in the secondary. When you now add DeGine to Quinehan Mitchell, Chauncey Garner Johnson's been a lot better the last few games. Reed Blanketship has your only two interceptions. Suddenly you have like four, five really good young corners. And the best part is they have speed. Like that was the thing last year. Teams were just blowing by

Starting point is 00:08:15 the secondary with the likes of James Bradbury and Kevin Byard. They were just old and slow. And I think now heading into a game like this against a Jamar Chase and a T. Higgins, you're going to need that kind of personnel. So it's been a nice revelation and Howie Roseman finally drafted defensive backs high in the draft and it's paying dividends. Some very fun matchups there that you're starting to get the idea of as you listen to the personnel on both sides of the ball. Some of the trench matchups will be fascinating and could potentially determine the game, whether or not this young outside of Darius Slay, obviously cornerback group with the Philadelphia Eagles can handle the Jamar Chase T. Higgins tandem. These are things that we'll surely be talking about when we

Starting point is 00:08:55 eventually get the keys to victory. But coming up next, we will get into the biggest stories that we're talking about with the Cincinnati Bengals, and we'll continue with this crossover Thursday. Today's show is brought to you by pre-alcohol probiotic drink by Zbiotics. It's the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. And it was invented by PhD scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. So Eagles fans, if you're coming to town, Bengals fans, if you're planning on going to Paycor, well, you need to do this probably. if you feel like you're going to consume a few adult beverages on Sunday. You drink the pre-alcohol for best results.

Starting point is 00:09:34 You drink it before you have that first drinks. If you're tailgating early, it's a 1 o'clock game, they moved it. You'll want to drink this in the morning. Pace yourself, hydrate, get a good night's sleep, and you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. You can go to Zbiotics slash a locked-on NFL to learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use Lockedon NFL promo code at checkout. is backed with 100% money back guarantee.

Starting point is 00:10:01 So if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money. No questions asked. Remember, to head to zbiotics.com slash locked on NFL. That's zbiotics.com slash locked on NFL and use the code locked on NFL at checkout for 15% off. Thanks so much for making lockdown Eagles. Lockdown Bengals, your first listen each and every day.

Starting point is 00:10:22 It's crossover Thursday. I'm Louis D.Biase. joined as always by Jake Liskow and James Rapien for crossover Thursday. Eagles, Bengals, a 1 o'clock kickoff. Now the game was actually flexed. was supposed to be a national TV game. I don't know if you guys are surprised by that. I think considering the game they picked,

Starting point is 00:10:39 I'm surprised. The Eagles and Bengals were, I still think, are considered two of the most talented teams in football. So I thought at least, for that reason, they are underperforming this year, but they would have stayed in that spot.

Starting point is 00:10:50 The Bengals have won two straight, though. The Eagles have won two straight. It looks like they're kind of back. Do you guys believe that, or is it just kind of a situation where they've been playing just inferior opponents kind of like the Eagles have? It feels like they're back, but they haven't done enough to completely get that locked on Bengal stamp of approval.

Starting point is 00:11:11 I think that's the best way to put it. Because there's a path. I mean, they've lost four games by a total of, what was it, 15 points, Jake? I believe it was. And so when you look at it and you look how they lost some of these games, you can easily see, oh, well, they could be four and three or five and two at the same time. you're right Louis the who they beat over the past two weeks isn't going to inspire you either and it's in reverse order the giants and then the Browns both on the road the Browns a tough matchup for them defensively and so I do think that they're a good football team but they still have to go out and

Starting point is 00:11:49 climb themselves all the way out of the hole to show that and to prove that and and that's what Sunday is about for me I think that's the biggest thing going into this game is show everyone That is talented as this Eagles team is, now that you're returning home, they haven't won a game at home at Paycor. This year I'm here at Paycor right now. They're 0 and 3. Win a home game, beat a really talented team that's won back-to-back games and is pretty hot coming in as well. We'll see if they can do it. But yeah, they're on the right track, but it's a big test on Sunday.

Starting point is 00:12:20 And on the offensive side of the ball, show that you can beat what on paper looks like a defense. It's a tough matchup for you. They've faced a couple of defensive coordinators the last couple of weeks that have had their number in the last few. year. Shane Bowen previously with the Titans. Lockdown Bengals fans have heard me talk about this a lot in the last few days. And then Jim Schwartz with the Browns has given them fits over the last three games against the Browns. Vic Fangio, the last time these teams played, was still running things in Denver. That was a 15 to 10 game. And so some low scoring performances against these DCs with good pass rushes and solid coverage in the back end and good corners, the Bengals need to show like

Starting point is 00:12:54 they did last year in this very week against San Francisco that, no, we're actually still good. and we're going to remind everybody of that. And the one other thing I wanted to mention, Lou, you mentioned that they flexed it. They actually, I think flexed it to get more eyes on it. It is the quote unquote, national one o'clock game where most of the country will be seeing that game at one o'clock.

Starting point is 00:13:13 That's fair. That's a good point. I do think the Bengals, I mean, from an outside perspective, yeah, obviously they beat the Panthers, the Giants, the Browns, kind of like the Eagles, not like super impressive wins. But for me, like I did watch that game against Kansas City,

Starting point is 00:13:27 watch the game against Baltimore, you know, two of the, you would say those are the two best teams in the FACC right now. I think the majority of the consensus would be that that's the case. And you could probably make the case, the Bengals kind of choked that away with the penalty and then the muffed, it was the kick, right, the field goal in overtime. So, I mean, there are a couple of wins away from being like, yeah, Cincinnati is not only back, but they're one of the best teams in the league. I know that's, I don't love doing that because you could say that by the Eagles, too. They're a Sequin drop away from beating the Falcons and being five. and one. But I do think both teams have shown, like, yes, are they the 2021 Bengals, the 22

Starting point is 00:14:03 Eagles? Maybe not yet, but they had the talent to get back there at any moment. And I'm curious how you guys feel about that from like the defensive perspective for Sincere. Yeah, I think that's that's a huge discussion, right? It can this defense and they've been better the past two weeks. And that's the, I, you know one really questions Joe Burrow, right? Or Jamar Chaser T. Higgins. We kind of know this defense. they were awful in weeks three through five. They were the reason the Bengals went one and two during that stretch where Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase and T. Higgins was going and that they couldn't get any pressure on Jaden

Starting point is 00:14:38 Daniels. He was just standing in the pocket waiting and waiting and waiting until he had someone open. And they literally could not stop him. It was similar against Lamar Jackson. And you could say, all right, well, that's Jaden Daniels and the Mar Jackson. Okay, you still need to be able to get a stop, a couple of stops, especially. in that week three matchup against Washington. And they didn't.

Starting point is 00:15:00 The past couple of weeks, they've gotten healthier up front. BJ Hills made a big impact. Sheldon Rankin's has returned. And those guys have made a difference. Obviously, Trey Hendrickson leads the defense. He is their number one player on defense and probably the third best player on the team, second best player, whatever you want to say behind Burrough. And so they have pieces.

Starting point is 00:15:23 There are still questions. And this is by far their biggest test. in a few weeks dealing with that Saquan Barclay explosiveness and that rushing attack with AJ Brown over the top and Devante Smith being able to do a little bit of everything. So the defense, I don't know Jake how you feel, but to me, huge questions still going into Sunday and this is their biggest test since they've gotten healthy up front and obviously they've been better since they've been healthy. Yeah, like can Trey Hendrickson takeover versus former Bengal, Fred Johnson at left tackle?

Starting point is 00:15:56 Yeah, you can. if they can get the Eagles into a drop-back passing situation, which is still scary because, you know, there's AJ Brown and Devante Smith out there to hurt you, and Jalen Hertz has been able to deliver to those guys and maybe not as consistently as Eagles fans would like this year or maybe last year, but we've seen them do it with those guys.

Starting point is 00:16:16 We know A.J. Brown and Devante Smith are really good players. We know that the secondary has been embattled, although better in recent weeks. So there's a whole lot going on there, right? Like can they get the Eagles into a drop back passing situation in the first place? And then do they win the past rushing matchups when they have them? Those are two big, big ifs for this Bengals defense this week. And my last question would be too, because I think it's funny the similarities between the Eagles and the Bengals,

Starting point is 00:16:41 like both nearly won a Super Bowl. I don't think people think the windows closed because they have so much talent, young quarterbacks that some would say have been the best in the league over the last few years. Although I'd make the case for Hertz, it's a little bit different right now than for Burrow, who I don't think he's the problem at all in Cincinnati. But again, they kind of rely on a lot of star power on offense. The defense has been up and down. What's your guy's situation when it comes to coaching?

Starting point is 00:17:03 Because in Philly, like, that's been the talk of the city. It normally is whether it's justified or not. But I think it's been justified this year with Nick Siriani for better or worse. Like the guy's been getting a lot of heat this year. What is it like in Cincinnati for Zach Taylor and that staff? Has that been part of the problem or has that been a good part of the equation? No, I think a mixture, certainly. I mean, there were times, the Baltimore game, for example,

Starting point is 00:17:30 deciding to run it three straight times and settle for a field goal, some of the game management stuff. We've talked a lot on Locked on Bengals about the play calling, both good and bad, I would say. And so there's been a mixture. But just judging from afar, I would say that Nick Siriani's seat is much hotter than Zach Taylor's. Part of that is the organization in just that.

Starting point is 00:17:53 process of things. But yeah, I do think there's some pressure there, especially after how they started 0 and 3 in 1 and 4. And so the response the past couple of weeks has alleviated that some. But I know that a lot of our listeners are probably hearing me say that and listening and saying,

Starting point is 00:18:09 man, no, I'm Matt. So he definitely takes some heat from fans as well. I think that the seat is hotter with fans than it is with the organization by a chasm. The difference, the organization, as James alluded to, in Cincinnati notoriously patient, sometimes often, perhaps to a fault. Now, that's one thing where there's no similarity between Philadelphia and Cincinnati. None.

Starting point is 00:18:34 You know who can attest to that is new Reds manager Tito Francona. Terry Francona knows firsthand the difference between Philly and Sincere clearly. There's a huge difference there for sure. One of several. The other big one is money management and cap strategy between the Eagles and the Bengals. I don't know if people heard me say that while you guys were talking before, but that's another big difference. Although, like, from a talent perspective, from an expectations perspective,

Starting point is 00:19:03 there are a lot of ways where these teams do mirror each other. It's obviously never an exact comparison in the NFL. There's too many nuances to really say that, oh, yeah, the Eagles are the NFC Bengals, or the Bengals or the Bengals or the AFC Eagles, but it's close enough that you could make a pretty good argument, I think, for those claims. Along those lines, let's get to some of the biggest matchups, in this game and into some of those nuances that probably separate these teams a little bit. We'll finish the show with the biggest keys to victory for each team coming up next.

Starting point is 00:19:37 Hey NFL fans, you can start the season with a big return on Fandul, America's number one sports book and their sponsor on crossover Thursday today. When you get a hunch in the middle of the game, you can check out the latest stats, view live, play-by-play, and so much more on the exact same page where you place your bets. Maybe it's the over-on, like it's a two-leg parlay of the over-on A.J. Brown. and Devante Smith receiving yards, or it might be the other side. You might bet on the other duo of T. Higgins and Jemar Chase, regardless of what you bet.

Starting point is 00:20:05 All you got to do is bet $5. You're going to get $200 back in bonus bets, guaranteed win or lose. Take the Eagles or Bengals money line. Lots of player props and team overall bets to take over at Fandul, America's number one sportsbook. So once again, for $5, just place a $5 bet. You're going to get $200 back in bonus bets, guaranteed at Fanduel.com.

Starting point is 00:20:27 As we dive into the biggest matchups between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals in this crossover episode on the Lockdown Podcast Network brought to you by prize fix where you can use the app and promo code Lockdown NFL to win $50 instantly when you play $5 with prize picks, we will discuss the biggest things that have to go right. And we will start, Louis, with those Philadelphia Eagles. if you could pick three things that if they happen, the Eagles win on Sunday, what are the top priorities for that team? Yeah, I think they have to, and this one's obvious for our viewers and listeners, but they have to start fast.

Starting point is 00:21:11 They have to finally, they're the only team in football that hasn't scored a point in the first quarter. And with the talent they have, that's just unbelievably unacceptable. So they need to start faster and build a lead so they can be based on their run attack. Again, as I mentioned earlier in the show,

Starting point is 00:21:24 that is this identity, whether people like it or not, They want to be a past first team. They're a run first football team. So they need to build a lead and control time of possession. I'd say number two, you got to protect Jalen Hertz. Like last week, that game was close early on against the Giants because Fred Johnson, who Bengals fans are familiar with, he was not holding up against Brian Burns.

Starting point is 00:21:47 Jalen Hertz was struggling with simulated pressure. They've got to hold up up front. You're going to be without two starters, likely, Mackay Beckton and still Jordan Maya Alata. So I'd say that's number two. And then number three. is contain Jamar Chase and T. Higgins. Like that battle between those two and Quinyon Mitchell and Darius Slay,

Starting point is 00:22:05 that's just such an important part of this game. The Eagles have been really good this year on defense of not letting big plays happen behind them. That's got to continue. This is a much bigger test, though, than what they're used to so far in 2024. Yeah, I'm excited to see Quinyan Mitchell against these receivers. It's a great battle. Yeah. Yeah, going back to pre-draft.

Starting point is 00:22:24 I mean, we talked a lot about him, Jake, and obviously the Bengals got a Marius mims and that's awesome. You get a right tackle. You do it. But I didn't think he would fall to 18. I was like small school corner, whatever. I didn't either. Every other box.

Starting point is 00:22:38 You know, and he fell past 18, obviously. And so, yeah, when we were talking about it's like, yeah, if Quinyan falls. And so the fact that he's off to a great start doesn't surprise me at all. And the way T. Higgins and Jamar Chase are playing, that's going to be a heck of a battle. And I wonder if they continue to try to exploit the slot matchup there. not that Cooper DeGine has been bad by any means, but if those guys are holding up on the outside and they're clouding the outside or they're clouding Jamar, which teams do, they're just not giving you one-on-ones with Jamar Chase more than twice a game.

Starting point is 00:23:11 And Joe Burrow often finds those in the twice per game, and they usually will bite opposing defenses when they get those opportunities. But beyond that, if those guys do hold up, as you're talking about that as a key for the eagle side of things, they are moving Jamar Chase into the slot at the highest rate, I believe, of his career so far this year. We saw T. Higgins score a touchdown last week when they got him into the slot. And so when they identify those opportunities to work those guys in the slot from time to time, I think that'll be interesting.

Starting point is 00:23:37 And if they continue to do this reverse wishbone thing they got to last week where they're putting three guys behind the line of scrimmage with Joe Burrow, a couple tight ends that are running back to try to condense the box and open things up for T. Higgins and Jemar Chase from a schematic perspective with those corners that you're talking about, Louie. I think that'll be pretty interesting too. Yeah. And real quick with on that, too, the Eagles normally don't shadow. they don't have a corner, just follow receiver all game. But because Cooper DeGine has inside out versatility, like he was an outside corner pretty much his entire career at Iowa, I would almost love to be like, hey, if I'm Vic Fangio, Quignan,

Starting point is 00:24:09 you're on Jamar Chase all game. And obviously this team's different because they have two stud receivers. But I don't know, I would kind of like that. That's kind of my defensive mindset. They're probably not going to do that. But DeGine does have that versatility. So it provides you some more optionality. So I'm very curious to see what Fangio,

Starting point is 00:24:24 because he's been a lot more aggressive, playing more man coverage than he was the first month of the year. I wonder if he goes back to kind of more that conservative approach he had in coverage, at least the first month of the season. So that's going to be a fun chess match. Well, if they can hold up in man, you can take things away from the Bengals. Like they rely on their receivers being able to beat man

Starting point is 00:24:43 and teams thus are generally afraid to play it. But the Browns, maybe not as much in this most recent week where there was more man than we're used to. But last year, we'll play a lot of man. And then their corners would hold up. And the Bengals' offense looked kind of rough. in that challenge. But that will be interesting to see what Fangio's approach is.

Starting point is 00:25:03 He obviously has got some familiarity with this personnel from Cincinnati from a previous matchup, even if it was a few years ago. James, let's talk about the Bengals side of things. When you're thinking about the Bengals' keys to victory, you might echo Louie in some regards, but what are the three things that have to go right for the Bengals to win in the Whiteout? A lot of people in Cincinnati are talking about pressure and defense and all of those things. But number one is protecting Joe Burrow. Don't let that front.

Starting point is 00:25:30 Louis said it earlier in the show. 13 sacks the past two weeks. You have to protect Joe Burrow, keep him upright. The Bengals are going to throw the ball. He needs to be able to be upright to throw the ball. Number two, you certainly want to contain Saquan Berkeley. Because if you can't contain Saquan Barkley, and he's getting those explosive runs, it's going to open up everything else.

Starting point is 00:25:50 The deep ball to AJ Brown. Devante Smith running across the middle or running a deep post or all of those things that we've seen those guys do at such a high level. And then number three, this defense has forced big plays. Last week, two interceptions, four sacks, 11 quarterback hits. The Fred Johnson factor is a big one. Take advantage of that, exploit that. And if you're limiting SACON, then you should be able to get pressure on Jalen Hertz and take advantage of that. So I think those are the three things.

Starting point is 00:26:21 If you're protecting Joe Burrow, the offense should find enough out there, enough big plays or enough plays to win. And then it's all on the defense to slow Saquan down, eliminate those explosives, and create some big plays to get the ball back in the offense's hands. Yeah, I would say if there is one matchup that can make or break this game, it really is Fred Johnson against Hendrickson. Like the only reason that game kind of got out of hand was because Brian Burns got hurt. Kellen Moore was not doing a good job of giving Johnson help. Like there weren't a lot of tight ends helping with any sort of chip blocks, running back. So they got to have a better plan for Hendrickson or Jalen Hertz, like he could be in for a long day. That's going to be an interesting matchup to watch.

Starting point is 00:26:58 I think that if Trey goes into game record mode, you said you watched the Kansas City game back in week two, the Kansas City Cincinnati game. That was a game that Trey Hendrickson nearly won on his own. And if he can do that in a game, again, different offensive mentalities, I think, from the Eagles and the Chiefs. But if he gets to pin his ears back, then he can win games on his own. We've seen him do that in Cincinnati. I know he's not the household name of a Miles Garrett.

Starting point is 00:27:20 or T.J. Wattor, name your favorite pass rusher, but he has affected the quarterback at roughly that level. And I think that's something that many don't notice. But another matchup that I'll point out, especially if Mackay Beckton does miss this week, he's dealing with a concussion, right? Yep. Is BJ Hill on the inside.

Starting point is 00:27:37 I know that Landon Deccerson is a player that I really like coming out of the draft a few years ago. Cam Juergens playing center now succeeding, Kelsey in there. I don't know that I have a whole lot of faith in those guys in past blocking situations, especially dropback passing situations. Not that BJ Hill is a world beater in there, but he's been very good the last couple of weeks

Starting point is 00:27:56 in terms of creating disruption and doing the job of a professional at defensive tackle, which is something that the Cincinnati Bengals did not have when he was hurt for a few weeks earlier this season. So that's another matchup that I'll call out there. James, I'm very surprised you didn't mention getting off to a fast start as well, capitalizing perhaps instead on the Eagles' inability

Starting point is 00:28:15 to get off to fast starts with the zero points in the first quarter, something that we talk about a ton, on Lockdown Bengals because that game script is just vital so often in NFL games. And the thing. It's all about coaching. And I think that's the thing. I don't know who said it. Maybe it was Dan Rolowski.

Starting point is 00:28:31 I was watching somebody say, first quarter is all about coaching and the fourth quarter is all about the players. And I really think that's true, at least from Philly standpoint, it's a direct reflection of just poor game planning throughout the week. So there again, there's just too much talent for both of these teams to start slow. So, I mean,

Starting point is 00:28:46 you would think it would open up like guns of blazing, but that just hasn't been the game. I think we can all agree at least that we hope the game doesn't end in a tie. Yes. Don't con with 30 seconds left if you're Nick Siriani like Doug Peterson, whatever the situation was. Well, let's wrap the crossover there, guys. Appreciate it.

Starting point is 00:29:06 Louie, you can find more on these games on Lockdown Eagles and on Lockdown Bengals. So check out whichever or both for your last thoughts going into this Sunday's game. And we appreciate you listening to this cross-on. over Thursday on the lockdown podcast network.

Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals - Bengals-Eagles Week 8 First Look: Avoiding (another) tie with Philly

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.