Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals - Joe Burrow Surgery Set, Bengals Eyeing First 3-0 Start in a Decade

Starting point is 00:00:00 We know a little bit more about when Joe Burrow will have surgery to repair his turf toe injury while the Bengals are looking to get out to a 3-0 start. Let's break it down. You are Locked-on Bengals, your daily Cincinnati Bengals podcast. Part of the Locked-on Podcast Network, your team every day. What up, Bengals fans, and welcome to another episode of the Lockdown Bengals podcast. Part of the Lockdown Podcast Network, your team every day. I'm Jake Liscoe. He's James Rapine, and we've been covering your Cincinnati Bengals.

Starting point is 00:00:36 here on lockdown Bengals collectively since 2016 through the ups and the downs. And while we're enduring a shaky period here with the Cincinnati Bengals as Joe Burrough set for surgery on Friday, assuming that swelling in the toe and foot allow for that surgery to take place, we'll break that down first here on lockdown Bengals. And what would otherwise be a game preview episodes, we will get to the Bengals week three game against the Minnesota Vikings after we get through the news on Joe Burroughs. Welcome back to the everydayers. Welcome back to those of you who make us your first listen.

Starting point is 00:01:10 We appreciate all of you very, very much. And today's episode brought to you by Fandall where you can bet $5. And if that bet wins, you'll get $300 in bonus bets to use across the app. And James, we got news just before we started recording, really, about when Joe Burroughs' surgery is scheduled and kind of gives us some hints about why it took until Thursday, as we're recording this, to learn that the surgery would be likely on Friday, which maybe when you, you're listening to this out there. Yeah, and hopefully it is.

Starting point is 00:01:40 Hopefully they can get it done, and it's good news. Look, I think the expectation early in the week was for Joe to hopefully get this surgery done Friday. I was a bit surprised, Zach Taylor didn't want to give any insight on Wednesday about that, because I know behind the scenes that was sort of the tentative plan for a while now. But you mentioned it. The swelling is something that they're hoping is at bay enough for them to do the surgery. make it successful and do everything they need to. If not, it's going to happen early next week. It obviously matters a little bit. I don't know if it matters a ton of that extra few days,

Starting point is 00:02:16 but it would be better to get it done Friday and get the rest part of the recovery out of the way. So he can start recovering. And I think that's what's so interesting is about this week. is on Monday, it sounded like he was going to talk to the media. On Tuesday, it's a closed day to the media Wednesday. I was down there and he, I think at some point during that time, his mindset shifted from, man, I could be out for the season to, oh, no, I'm going to get back. And I don't know that. I'm speaking for him.

Starting point is 00:02:51 And probably that's unfair. But I do think that what I've heard is number nine has all. of the, his mindset is completely on coming back at some point this year. Obviously, there are a bunch of factors that go into that. But for him, that mindset is that. And I think that's interesting because a few days ago, I said it, you said. It was like the calendar year and not necessarily the season. Maybe he could come back in January. And you got the national talking head saying a minimum of three months. And I think Joe is like minimum. I'll see you in December. I don't know if that's going to happen, of course.

Starting point is 00:03:27 But I think that's where his mindset is right now, which is encouraging because, well, at one point this week, people were comparing him to Andrew Luck. And that's just not the case. He's thinking about getting back and when he can get back on the field. Yeah, I've never really liked that comparison. I hate it. You point out the hits and the sacks and stuff. And it's just like Andrew Luck took everybody by surprise.

Starting point is 00:03:47 Even if Burrow were to end up in that spot, it would take everybody by surprise. Like, the guy is driven to get back on the field and does everything he can. and all of these injuries to get back as soon as he can. We know about the mentality for Joe Burrow. So I don't know. It's just something that I think people would like to be a story. And who knows? You never know if those things come to fruition or not.

Starting point is 00:04:10 But we've talked a lot about the recovery timeline, James. I asked my own physical therapist about this that I've been working with for my own stuff. He said typical return to time, return to play timeline for a professional athlete in the surgical cases between 14 and 15 weeks. but that's with a bit of an immobilization period that, you know, if you've looked into the rehab, there's that immobilization period, then a restoring range of motion, and then getting into impact and strengthening of the repaired structures. And then weeks 10 to 14, according to my physical therapist, is where you start getting to that return to play part of the rehab process.

Starting point is 00:04:47 And I know you talk to Dr. Brandon Bowers, a guy that we've had on before to talk, unfortunately, about Joe Burrow injuries among others about what that timeline could look like as well. And you asked him how long it could take. Be real with us. What are we looking at here if Joe Burrow has surgery in the near future when it comes to his recovery, given that it's not his plant foot, but it is serious and it's a grade three. Can he be back this season? How realistic is that?

Starting point is 00:05:13 Yeah, James, I hate to be the bearer of bad news. I think the 12 weeks that we've seen from the national pundance all across ESPN and other outlets, If everything goes perfect, I think 12 weeks can happen. If there's any sort of hitches in the getty up or snags along the way, I do think it takes a little bit longer than that. I think the Bengals also have to consider as they get later into the season to a week 16, 17, and 18 what their playoff picture position is. And is it worth it if he's close to ready or good enough to be ready to play?

Starting point is 00:05:43 Is it worth the Tronemback out there if they're on the cusp of the playoffs? But I think 12 weeks at minimum is accurate. I do believe it may take a little bit longer than that, but a lot of factors to weigh in here. It sounds like it's realistic to think that Joe could return at some point this season, assuming the Bengals are playing meaningful football. Is that fair? I think it's fair. Again, to the point that I made earlier, I think over the next 12 weeks, the timeline that was given initially, I think everything needs to go right for him to have a chance that the Bengals are playing meaningful football. There's any sort of setback in his rehab,

Starting point is 00:06:19 something gets worse or something else flares up, then I think that 12-week timeline is out the window and we can put a bow on Joe Burroughs 20-25 season. But if everything goes right, I don't think it's outside of the realm of possibility. I think the chance is just very small. So a couple of things there, Jake. One, they have to be in it. That's the first thing. When we shift to Sunday, and we're going to talk about Sunday's game for most of this show, that's a big part of it, is you're going to have to win games with Jake Browning and without Joe Burrow. But even if it isn't, let's say, December 20th, and instead it's January 1st, if they're in the playoffs or close to it, and that would be the perfect ideal world,

Starting point is 00:07:03 I think at some point in that range, knowing Joe, noting that his dad a bunch of times just talked about how fast of a healer he is and just knowing that he's going to try to do everything he can to come back. I expect to see Joe come back and then activate him on that IR window and he starts to practice. Now, it doesn't mean he no playing games, but if they're in it, I think we're going to see him try to ramp it up and try to play, even if he isn't 100%, because that's just who Joe is. Yeah. And another thing you talked about with Dr. Bowers that you can go check out on the Bengals Talk YouTube channel is the possibility of that carbon, fiber, carbon steel, whatever it was, like the foot, the shoe insert essentially that takes

Starting point is 00:07:47 away a little bit of flexibility in the toes as a protective option. And that could be something that they explore as well as something that I've speculated about them trying to do something to provide a little bit of protection in the foot. But you talked about the mentality and let's shift there before we dive into this game specifically. The Bengals need to stay in it to have Joe Burrow return even matter, right? And so when we talk about Jake Browning and the veterans on this team for the next, you know, 12 to 15 weeks or whatever it is, starting from when Joe has that surgery, hopefully on Friday, you're talking about a game in Minnesota and then a tough stretch that we've talked

Starting point is 00:08:30 about in the early part of the schedule. You get the two and no start. So you get a little bit of cushion there, but you got to keep winning games, right? For sure. And I think that is their mentality. I was, I've been kind of blown away by really everyone. I mean, you've seen it and everybody's seeing the Zach Taylor Press conferences, whether it was Sunday, Monday, Wednesday.

Starting point is 00:08:53 There hasn't been one time where he's flinched. And I don't think this team has either. And not that they don't know that Joe is the franchise and all the things, how valuable he is, but I think it's a mixture of confidence in Jake, belief in their team, the fact that they're 2 and 0 for the first time in a long time. And they've made plays when they've had to have them and there's got to have it moments,

Starting point is 00:09:16 which builds confidence, and they're 2 and 0 with a plus 5 point differential, right? And it's, I think they've got a lot of confidence from the other day of being able to overcome the burrow injury, finding a way to beat Jacksonville. And so we'll see. But it's not like they're down in the dumps right now.

Starting point is 00:09:35 They believe they can win Sunday and when moving forward with Jake Brown. And a lot of that does start with Jake Browning, with the offense adapting to not having Joe Burrow out there, finding ways to leverage the star playmakers on this team, finding ways to get the run game out of the seller. I think that's going to be part of this coaching staff's challenge this year as well, the worst run game in the NFL through two weeks by several stats. So let's shift gears here, James. Let's talk about this matchup with the Minnesota Vikings and Jake Browning making his first start.

Starting point is 00:10:09 of the 2025 season, which will be the first of several at the very least. We'll get to that game coming up next. Today's show is brought to by DoorDash. It's almost the weekend, and it's time to look back in Crownless Week's MVP. Who delivered? Powered by DoorDash, just like you can win every Saturday with DoorDash streaks, saving more every time you order. These players delivered when it mattered most. Let's break it down. And obviously for the Bengals, Jake Brown and came off the bench and delivered 21 of 32, 241 yards, two touchdowns. He did have the three picks, but guess what? He had the game-winning quarterback sneak, the tush push mid-air by Drew Sample getting Jake Browning over the line for the touchdown. And look, when the pressure is on, Browning came through,

Starting point is 00:10:57 no hesitation, no delay. And if you've been watching week after week, the performance, well, it's something the Bengals are going to be banking on moving forward. And just like Browning delivered for the Bengals, DoorDash delivers your Saturdays. with DoorDash Streaks. You save every Saturday you order. Stack it up all season, and you can save up to $250, including $100 in DoorDash credits.

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Starting point is 00:11:36 Make your judgments. Figure out how you feel about this game. Minnesota minus 158 straight up. They're given three points at home against the Cincinnati Bengals in a battle of backup quarterbacks. Maybe you want to wait and see what's going to happen with Christian Darrasaw in this game. But if you make a $5 bet, all you have to do, $5 bet with Vandul. If that bet wins, you get $300 in bonus bets to use across the entire app,

Starting point is 00:11:59 whether it's other games, other sports, same game parlay, as alternate lines. Vandual has everything you need to get in on the action. So if you're looking to make a bet, you're looking to play, get to Fandul.com or check out the fanduel app to get started. That's fandle.com to place your first $5 bet. All right, Jake. Let's dive into this game a little bit. And obviously we have to start with Jake Browning.

Starting point is 00:12:25 We have to start with this offense. It is going to look different. Zach Taylor has like tried to pretend, but it's going to be the same and feel the same. And we're not going to do that to our everydayers. And that's why you come to the lockdown Bengals. The Bengals offense will 1,000. thousand percent look different. And I think you hit on the thing that really,

Starting point is 00:12:45 really, especially with this matchup with the Vikings, has to change. They got to get this ground game going. They got to be able to run the football, given what happened last week to Minnesota. This needs to be maybe not Chase Brown only game because they have those other weapons, but Chase Brown needs to have his best game of the season thus far.

Starting point is 00:13:02 And so does the offensive line and run blocking, like Chase Brown has been. That's a big part of it. It's a big part of it. Huge, like the part of it. Chase Brown has been good, probably not as good. Like, he probably would look at tape and say there are plays that he wants back. There probably plays that he thinks he could have made that he didn't make. I'm sure.

Starting point is 00:13:20 Like, every NFL player probably feels this way. But the run game needs to come together, especially the right side of the offensive line, Dalton Reisner, Amarius, even Ted Karris this year, like those three guys, the schematics of it, the details of executing in the run game, all that needs to be better this week. This is a Minnesota defense that is led. by a defensive coordinator that is going to create problems for you. Ivan Pace is going to come on blitzes.

Starting point is 00:13:44 You're going to have to figure out where the pressure is coming from against stacked fronts, much the same way that we saw the Bengals deal with this against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. And one thing that Jake Browning has been great at throughout his time of the Cincinnati Bengals is actually beating the blitz. So that's a fascinating chess match in and of itself this week is how much. And Brian Flores is blitzing less this year, James, which is fascinating. I think this came up in the crossover as well, but Jake Browning, and this is also true against Jacksonville, has shredded the blitz, generally speaking, as quarterback when he's been in there for the Cincinnati Bengals. He's going to get rid of the ball, most likely a little bit faster than Joe because he's not going to be looking to extend plays like Joe Burrow, and that's going to be one of the big differences in the offense. Getting the run game going, obviously, facilitates all of this.

Starting point is 00:14:30 It can help you in the screen game. It can help you in the play action game. It can help you sequence things more nicely and put together more co-coval. cohesive offensive attack. But this Minnesota defense this year so far is underachief. And they have some guys that can get after the passer. And Hargrave, Allen, Jonathan Grenard, don't get me wrong. But the entire secondary, especially Harrison Smith, I think still questionable at best for this

Starting point is 00:14:56 week. I thought he was still out this week. But it looks like there's a chance he can get back out there. There are matchups that you should like. And that's especially true if you can run the ball in Hargrave and Allen and Grinard and Turner can't just pin their ears back. Because as soon as you are one-dimensional against this defensive coordinator

Starting point is 00:15:13 that is set up to pass rush with the guys he has the disposal in his front seven, like that's where you get a little bit dicey to me if you're Jake Browning in this offense. Especially with the noise and the noise is such a factor, I would say. And so if you can,

Starting point is 00:15:27 honestly, if you can do what they did on the opening drive in Cleveland, where you're clearly like, we want to establish that we're a physical team. And we're going to, going to be physical. And I think that's what the Bengals are going to do. It's going to be interesting to see who's active and inactive. Something that we talked about before, like during roster

Starting point is 00:15:45 cutdowns was the Cam Grandy. Yeah. And I just, I think this should be a Cam Grandy week. It would make sense to me. It would make a lot of sense that that you go that route. And who knows? Maybe they do, maybe they don't. I'm not sure exactly how it, how it's going to play out. But could he help you in the run game? Could that open things up? a little bit. I think that the path to going on the road in a hostile environment against the good defense, even if they've underachieved, with Jake Browning, even with all your weapons, it's not going to look like Joe. Like, they would probably think if Joe were to go up against Brian Flores, like, all right, Joe, just go back there, diagnose it and carve them up. Like, as silly as that

Starting point is 00:16:31 sounds, I think that that would probably work. And they'd feel really darn confident in that plane. that's not their plan this week. And so they're going to have to be more balanced. And you're going, you need Chase Brown to have an explosive run this week and efficient runs throughout the game. Because one, he's one of your best weapons and you got to get one of your best players involved. The veteran told me that on Wednesday. I was like, is this the Chase Brown week?

Starting point is 00:16:57 He was like, I hope so. He's one of our best players. And so that alone, like that, it is that simple. Like even if Joe was quarterback, we'd be talking about, all right, well, how can they get Chase Brown going a bit more. So that is a huge, huge factor in getting this offense going because if you do that, then I think Jake is going to probably get some easy throws early, build that confidence that he already has at a high level, but build it on the road, get into a rhythm.

Starting point is 00:17:24 And then it's just going to open up this whole offense. And we know the layers of weapons. It's not just one or two guys, the layers of weapons they have if they get going. Shout out media times for this stat. That's where I heard this. Jake Browning, when he started in 2023 for the, The Bengals have the eighth highest QBR, which is that ESPN quarterback rating, that alternate quarterback rating stat, the one that doesn't go up to 158.3 or 153.

Starting point is 00:17:47 153, whichever order of numbers it is, that weird number that's a perfect pass-rary number is out of 100. And Jake Browning has produced when he's been out there. So while we know, and I don't know if this needs to be a bigger conversation in the future or not, James, I feel like this conversation maybe is beat to death, while we know that Joe Borough is a significantly better quarterback than Jake Browning by every single measure. The Bengals have also shown in the past that they can keep the offensive float with Jake Browning at quarterback.

Starting point is 00:18:19 So I think that the big difference this time compared to the wrist, when one, we knew Joe was going to be done for the year. And it was like this unprecedented crazy injury. And this time where one, there's hope Joe is going to be back. And two, we know what Jake Browning is. Like, I'm not saying that Jake Browning is going to go out there and set the world on fire, but he had some legitimately good games the last time he started for this team.

Starting point is 00:18:44 Like, he legitimately had some high-end games of quarterback play. And he's going to be up and down. I think that's the nature of the drop-off there. But he's a good backup to have. I still think that's true. Hopefully, that works with the structure they have around him because they've made it work with him in the past. And so for this team, for this coaching staff, with the weapons they have,

Starting point is 00:19:11 Jake Browning has been able to produce in the past. Big question to the running game this week, that needs to get going. And you're right, we'd be saying that with either quarterback, because it's been a mess and it's been part of the major issue they're having on offense and in protection. The impact of the running game on all that stuff can't really be understated. But with a change of quarterback, of course, we're going to be watching very closely to see how Jake Browning reacts.

Starting point is 00:19:33 now that they know what to do with him and they're not going to run them out there with that Joe Burrow game plan like they didn't his first start against Pittsburgh in 23. Right. That's exactly right. And they know what works. They know what doesn't work.

Starting point is 00:19:45 And I think the offensive line knows too. And so I expect them run blocking wise because they've been far worse. I think run blocking wise than fast blocking, even though with Joe hurt, everybody's focused on the past blocking. I expect them to be much better run blocking wise. We'll see if they can.

Starting point is 00:20:03 do that and there's plenty to discuss on the other side of things as well in this defense going up against carson wents it's former number two overall pick carson wince to you jake let's go we'll get to that coming up next this episode is brought to you by square your favorite neighborhood spots run on square there are certain businesses that truly make the neighborhood feel like home whether it's local sports bar packed on game days the coffee shop knows your order by heart or the corner deli that's serving your community for decades. These are places that bring people together. And when neighborhood businesses thrive, the whole neighborhood thrives, a couple that use

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Starting point is 00:21:12 But before you do, go support your favorite neighborhood spot. You'll be happy you did. Square. See you in the neighborhood. Defense needs to make some adjustments, James. And I think rightfully so if you go listen to the national shows this week and this is the same thing. So hopefully you haven't listened to them yet. everyone's watching

Starting point is 00:21:33 Christian Derrissau's status at left tackle. Obviously, you got a backup quarterback out there for Minnesota. Obviously, Justin Jefferson exists. You got a backup running back who they're very confident in. But that offensive line has been a problem for Minnesota. Left tackle has been a huge problem for Minnesota through two games. Their center is also a concussion protocol.

Starting point is 00:21:57 Something worth watching as well. But if Christian Darasol gets back, it is hard to overstate the difference between Christian Derrissau left tackle, even coming off the ACL MCL injury, and whoever the Vikings' third left tackle option is. You go from a Pro Bowl or plus to a guy that's going to be absolutely drowning against Trey Hendrickson. That one is a huge, huge deal for this specific game. Before we talk about some of the adjustments I'm hoping to see from Al Golden, that is potentially. a game swinging injury status to watch at the Vikings left tackle spot. For sure. And this is the Trey Hendrickson,

Starting point is 00:22:39 anti-up game where you're going to ante you get yourself some four sacks or so. He leads the NFL and pressures right now with 14, according to PFF. Get that to like 24. Like just wreck this game. Just get so many pressures and have a couple TFLs and three sacks. Like this could be that type of game. And I'm not calling Trey out here, but I will say take advantage of this. Because remember last year when we were talking about Fred Johnson?

Starting point is 00:23:10 I don't want to talk about it, James, but I do remember it. And we were saying the same thing. Like I'm having deja, we're like, man, Tracea should be able to eat. All right, man, go eat. You didn't eat that day. And it was a weird game, fine, whatever. And who knows? I don't remember exactly what happened.

Starting point is 00:23:28 I just know he wasn't that. It wasn't super productive. Change it today or on Sunday because I do think if the Bengals win in our postgame report, we're talking about Trey. Like no Shamar Stewart. We'll see who else can get pressure, not banking on someone to emerge and just be this dominant force. It's got to be Trey. And so there are going to be a lot of eyes on number 91.

Starting point is 00:23:51 And the Vikings know he's coming, but he's got to be inevitable, especially with backups guarding it or backups trying to block. Yeah. I think that that is a massive deal in this game, especially when you consider Camp Taylor Britt had to leave practice Wednesday that on the injury report is a hamstring, reportedly not at practice on Thursday as we're recording this. He was not spotted by those who were watching the warm up portion of practice, James. And if the Bengals are down a corner in this game, that, you know, the Vikings run game is going to certainly matter. But Justin Jefferson is the highlight for the Vikings on offense. Justin Jefferson will get open. Carson Wentz is a capable quarterback who probably will give you chances, right? But you're dealing with, again, good weapons on the other side. And Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hawkinson stand out in particular.

Starting point is 00:24:45 I think the Vikings have a ton of confidence in Jordan Mason and running back, even though Aaron Jones is out. I do think that that matters. But they still have some skill guys on that side. And if they can't hold up in protection, we've seen that Al Golden isn't getting his defensive backs into the most advantageous positions, especially on third downs. And he took responsibility for that in his comments to the media earlier this week saying that he needed to put guys in better positions, especially on third downs. And I'm thinking of a number of DJ Turner plays last week where from the jump, DJ Turner has no chance because of the defense is called. And then it looks bad for him because he's a couple steps behind on a crosser or something.

Starting point is 00:25:24 He's doing his job, essentially. It's just the defense got out-schemed on a play. And so I do think that, you know, pass rush aside, that's a great equalizer, right? Like if somebody can step up in this pass rush, which we really haven't seen enough signs of, then it can help take some of the pressure off of the back end and take some of the pressure off of Al Golden having to be right on every single play. But the way it's gone, when they haven't been able to get that pass-rush home, all these beaters that other teams are running because they kind of are getting a feel for what

Starting point is 00:25:57 Al Golden wants to do on defense and that'll continue to evolve a little bit. But got to build some more answers in for that secondary because they're being exposed a little bit right now when you're not in the perfect call for the situation because your pass rushes, you know, you got three and a half seconds. Somebody's going to uncover. Yeah. And you have the second best receiver on the planet for my money and Justin Jefferson that you have to deal with. You have a guy in Adam feeling that is just ageless. I mean, you're still being a,

Starting point is 00:26:25 still a high end player that can be productive. I mean, there are guys, like you said, Hawkinson, he's, he's looking to get out of his slump. He started the season really slow,

Starting point is 00:26:36 and that's a big thing in the fantasy community, and it's a big thing in Minnesota. And that's what I think is, is interesting about this matchup overall, is if you can get off to, if you can kind of keep Carson down and, and build a little confidence early, that way. That would be huge because there's a group, and we talked about this yesterday on the

Starting point is 00:26:56 crossover, there's a decent group of Vikings fans that think, oh, Carson Wentz, he's going to be better than what JJ's been outside of that one quarter of football, one out of seven, of eight quarters has JJ McCarthy been really good? And so now that he's hurt, could Carson and Wins be an upgrade? He's productive early on. It's going to get the crowd into it. Everyone's going to buy in. And you just, you don't want that. I mean, we saw it with Jake Browning. last week he throws that ball to Mitch Tinsley Tinsley makes a play and boom just like that this offense built some confidence and is starting to to really move the ball like that that can go a long way so that's something I'm eyeing early in this game especially but yeah the secondary

Starting point is 00:27:37 anytime you have to deal with Justin Jefferson it's uh could be a long day even if it is Carson once at quarter rack especially when they're potentially down Cam Taylor Britt and I know Camp Taylor Britt struggled in week one had a much better week two there's a reason that he's on the field instead of Josh Newton, right? I know that the leash was short after week one, but he really responded. And so assuming that he's out and it doesn't look great for him if he's missing practice on Thursday after potentially injuring that handstring and practice on Wednesday, knowing what we know about how hamstrings work, that does matter.

Starting point is 00:28:08 And so it kind of amplifies the pressure on the defensive line, the defensive front. Because if Minnesota can, you know, do the things Kevin O'Connor wants to do, run the ball, play action, get to those crossers, a cover three beaters, and Algon, Golden's playing a lot of single high coverages that are going to be susceptible to those crossers need to have answers for those crossers, then it might not make the job hard enough on Carson wants to actually get him to make those mistakes because he is a mistake prone quarterback. The last time we saw him in extended action, he put the ball at risk according to PFF charting turnover worthy play percentage of 4.2%. Career turnover worthy play percentage of

Starting point is 00:28:42 3.5%. That is worse than average. And we've seen those opportunistic turnovers from this Bengals defense be a huge, huge deal through two weeks. In addition to drops from the opposing team and miss kicks and all those things, turnovers on downs that have been led to by drop passes and stuff. But in addition to those things, getting off the field in those spots, the interceptions have been massive for this defense. And they need to be able to put Carson once in a position where he feels like he actually has to make a play.

Starting point is 00:29:18 I mean, we've seen him since 2022 have a total of 55 dropbacks. He played a game for the Rams in 2023 when he was pretty good, hardly played for Kansas City in 2024. Kevin O'Connell obviously has a relation to the Rams offense as well in terms of stylistic similarities and a good coach. So they're going to do everything they can, obviously, to put Carson Wentz in an advantageous situation of the Bengals. And now Golden's job is to put him in a situation

Starting point is 00:29:43 where he does the thing that he's done in his career and put the ball in harm's way. Yeah. Turnovers would be huge. I think the Bengals do feel like that Carson's going to give them a few opportunities. They felt that way going into last week's game against Trevor. It worked. It happened. We'll see if Jordan Battle can keep his streak alive. Can you imagine if he makes it three straight? That would be interesting. It would be. And so, yeah, you mentioned the drops and instantly, I'm like, Jordan Jefferson or Justin Jefferson, Jalen Naylor, Adam Thielen. I'm just thinking like, I expect those guys to make plays if they're open. Just do. And so you're right. And Jordan Mason is a really quality. He might be better than Aaron Jones in a lot of ways at this stage of his career. I think Aaron Jones is still good. But yeah, I mean, maybe both of those backups are going to contribute more and produce better than the guys that were in front of them in this game.

Starting point is 00:30:34 That would totally believable. And I love Aaron Jones in the passing game still. No, it wasn't a knock on him. I'm just mean there might not be a huge drop off there. And you might have to deal with that. So huge test. I will say this. can someone on the interior step up and get some pressure?

Starting point is 00:30:50 You saw BJ Hill in the second half of the Cleveland game. That would go a long way, Jake, I think. You get a little interior pressure. We've seen that first hand. Especially if they're missing the center. Will Fries was the freeze fries, whatever his name is. He didn't become a Bengal, so I didn't learn it. Was paid a lot of money by the Vikings.

Starting point is 00:31:10 He's had a rocky start to his career in Minnesota. Donovan Jackson at Left Guard. has been better in unblocking than in pass protection. So, you know, I think this will be one of those games where, like I said, the Vikings are going to run it until they can't. But if you can put some pressure on them in terms of the game script, force them to throw the ball a little bit, find a way to make Carson Muntz a little bit uncomfortable

Starting point is 00:31:33 or change a picture on them, take advantage of those opportunities when they present themselves. That's how you get out of this one with a win. Before you look ahead and you're like, man, yeah, get into 3-0, If you want to believe in Joe coming back this year and having the opportunity to play some meaningful football this winter, that would be a huge shot in the arm and getting you toward that goal if you think there's a chance that Joe can be back for those games. And you want them to play in that meaningful football at the end of the season. We'll be back with you after the game.

Starting point is 00:32:02 We'll have you covered from the Minnesota Stadium in your case, James, and I'll be here. we'll have you covered with all those postgame takeaways storylines everything that happens on Sunday until then thanks for listening to this episode of the lockdown Bengals podcast hooda and have a good one

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