On today's show, we dicuss some Cincinnati Bengals wants and needs going into the 2026 NFL draft. Plus, should the Bengals trade back from #10 overall? Who is CB1 between Jermod McCoy & Mansoor Delane?

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The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear set of priorities, and three positions stand out above the rest: cornerback, pass rusher, and linebacker. Each reflects both immediate roster concerns and the long-term goal of staying competitive in a loaded AFC.

Cornerback is arguably the most urgent need. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, teams must be able to match up with elite wide receivers, especially in a division that regularly features high-level quarterback play. The Bengals have shown flashes of solid secondary play, but inconsistency, injuries, and depth issues have made it difficult to rely on the unit week-to-week. Adding a young, athletic corner with strong coverage instincts would help stabilize the defense and provide a long-term solution on the outside.

Pass rusher is another critical area. While the Bengals have invested in their defensive front in recent years, generating consistent pressure remains a challenge against top-tier offensive lines. Elite edge rushers can change games, forcing turnovers and disrupting timing in the passing game. In a conference filled with elite quarterbacks, the ability to pressure without relying heavily on blitzing is essential. Drafting a dynamic pass rusher would not only improve sack production but also elevate the entire defense.

Linebacker rounds out the top needs, particularly in terms of versatility. Modern linebackers must be able to defend the run, cover tight ends and running backs, and contribute as blitzers. The Bengals could benefit from a rangy, instinctive player who can stay on the field in all situations. Strengthening this group would improve defensive flexibility and help address mismatches that opposing offenses often exploit.

By targeting these three positions early in the draft, the Bengals can build a more balanced, resilient defense capable of competing deep into the postseason.

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On today's show, we discuss the Reds' wild extra-inning win over the Marlins, which featured late-game brilliance from Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain and Jose Franco. Also, Stone previews the 2026 Masters and gives his best bets.

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The Cincinnati Reds pulled off one of their most thrilling wins of the young season Tuesday night, stunning the Miami Marlins 6–3 in 10 innings after being dominated for most of the game. For over eight innings, it looked like the Reds had no answer for Miami ace Sandy Alcantara, who carried a shutout into the ninth and had not allowed a run all season.

Trailing 2–0 entering the ninth, Cincinnati finally showed life. Matt McLain sparked the rally with a clutch double, one of the first real cracks in Alcantara’s dominance. After a walk to Elly De La Cruz and a pitching change, the Reds turned aggressive on the bases. A perfectly executed double steal and a sacrifice fly cut the deficit, and then chaos struck—Anthony Bender uncorked a wild pitch that allowed the tying run to score. Just like that, a game that seemed over was suddenly tied.

The momentum carried into extra innings, where Cincinnati completely flipped the script. Nathaniel Lowe delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the 10th, and McLain came through again with a two-run double to break the game open. De La Cruz added another run, capping a four-run inning that turned a tense battle into a decisive Reds lead.

On the mound, the bullpen sealed the comeback. Emilio Pagán escaped a high-pressure situation in the ninth to force extras, and Graham Ashcraft closed things out in the 10th despite allowing a run, ending the game with a double play.

The win pushed Cincinnati to a five-game winning streak and highlighted a key identity: resilience. Even when overmatched for most of the night, the Reds stayed aggressive, took advantage of mistakes, and executed in the biggest moments. It was a comeback built on speed, pressure, and timely hitting—an early-season statement that this team won’t go quietly.

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On today's show, we discuss Dexter Lawrence requesting a trade from the Giants, whether the Bengals should be interested and what a potential package would look like. Also, the Reds beat the Marlins 2-0 for their fourth straight win behind more dominant starting pitching. Michigan wins the national championship after defeating UConn and North Carolina hires former Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.

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The Cincinnati Reds delivered a crisp, efficient performance last night, shutting out the Miami Marlins 2–0 in a game defined by pitching dominance and timely execution. It wasn’t a high-scoring affair, but it showcased exactly how effective the Reds can be when they combine disciplined at-bats with airtight defense.

From the first pitch, Cincinnati’s starter set the tone, working confidently through the Marlins’ lineup and limiting hard contact. Mixing speeds and commanding the strike zone, he kept Miami hitters off balance all night. The bullpen followed with equal precision, preserving the shutout and ensuring that even the smallest Marlins rally never gained momentum.

Offensively, the Reds didn’t overwhelm, but they capitalized when it mattered. A key hit in the middle innings brought home the first run, giving Cincinnati just enough breathing room. Later, they added an insurance run through smart situational hitting—advancing runners, staying patient, and avoiding unnecessary risks on the bases. It was a textbook example of manufacturing runs without needing a power surge.

Defensively, the Reds were just as sharp. Clean fielding and strong communication prevented any extra opportunities for Miami. A couple of standout plays in the infield helped extinguish potential threats, reinforcing the team’s overall focus and discipline.

For the Marlins, the loss highlighted ongoing offensive struggles. Despite a few scattered hits, they couldn’t string together enough production to challenge Cincinnati’s pitching staff. Opportunities were limited, and when they did arise, the Reds quickly shut the door.

In the end, this 2–0 victory reflected Cincinnati’s growing confidence and cohesion. It may not have been flashy, but it was controlled, efficient, and effective—exactly the kind of win that can build momentum over a long season.

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On today's show, we discuss the Cincinnati Reds sweeping the Texas Rangers behind brilliant starting pitching from Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns, tonight's men's basketball national championship between Michigan and UConn, the North Carolina job still being open and Steph Curry's return last night vs. Houston.

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The Cincinnati Reds delivered an emphatic statement with a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers, showcasing a blend of timely hitting, strong pitching, and disciplined defense. From the opening pitch of the series, Cincinnati looked sharp and focused, setting the tone early with aggressive at-bats and efficient run production.

Offensively, the Reds capitalized on key opportunities, consistently finding ways to get runners on base and bring them home. Whether it was clutch hits with runners in scoring position or manufacturing runs through smart baserunning, Cincinnati kept constant pressure on the Rangers’ pitching staff. The lineup showed depth, with contributions coming from both established hitters and emerging young talent.

On the mound, Reds pitchers played a crucial role in securing the sweep. The starting rotation delivered quality outings in each game, limiting big innings and keeping Texas hitters off balance. Meanwhile, the bullpen proved reliable in high-leverage situations, shutting down late-game rally attempts and preserving leads. Their ability to execute pitches in critical moments made a significant difference throughout the series.

Defensively, Cincinnati remained steady and composed. Clean fielding and smart positioning helped prevent extra bases and minimized scoring chances for Texas. This well-rounded performance underscored the team’s preparation and attention to detail.

For the Rangers, the series was a frustrating stretch marked by missed opportunities and inconsistent execution. Despite moments of promise, they were unable to sustain momentum or counter Cincinnati’s rhythm.

Overall, the sweep highlighted the Reds’ potential as a competitive force. By combining offensive firepower with dependable pitching and solid defense, Cincinnati demonstrated the kind of complete performance that can build confidence and momentum moving forward in the season. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap).

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On today's show we react to the Bengals beefing up their secondary by signing Kyle Dugger and Ja'Sir Taylor and Stone explains why the Dugger signing should not turn the Bengals away from potentially drafting Caleb Downs. Also, Nick Lodolo exited his rehab start with the Daytona Tortugas with another blister issue and we preview tomorrow's Final Four games.

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The Cincinnati Bengals made a low-risk but intriguing move by signing veteran safety Kyle Dugger to a one-year deal ahead of the 2026 season. The signing reflects a broader effort to stabilize a secondary that has been inconsistent in recent years, while also adding experience and versatility to the defensive backfield.

Dugger, a former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, brings a well-rounded résumé to Cincinnati. Over his career, he has recorded more than 480 tackles, 11 interceptions, and multiple defensive touchdowns, showcasing his ability to impact games in multiple ways. Known for his physicality and hybrid skill set, Dugger can play both in the box and in coverage, making him a flexible option for defensive coordinators. His background as a playmaker dates back to his time with the New England Patriots, where he developed into a key contributor before later stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In 2025, Dugger split time between New England and Pittsburgh, finishing with 59 tackles and two interceptions, including a pick-six. That production highlights his ability to still contribute at a solid level, even as he enters his 30s. For the Bengals, this is not necessarily a blockbuster acquisition, but rather a strategic depth signing with upside.

The move also aligns with Cincinnati’s offseason approach. The team has already invested in the secondary, including adding other defensive backs, signaling a clear priority to improve pass defense. Dugger’s presence provides insurance, competition, and leadership in a relatively young unit.

Ultimately, this signing is about balance. The Bengals are not relying on Dugger to be a star, but instead to be a steady, reliable veteran who can elevate the floor of the defense. If he performs well, the deal could prove to be one of the more underrated pickups of the offseason.

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On today's show we react to the Reds dropping the series against the Pirates where Emilio Pagan continued to struggle and the Reds bats remained cold. Also, the NFL thankfully is eliminating Monday Night Football doubleheaders and Bill Self will return to coach Kansas next season.

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Emilio Pagán was supposed to provide stability at the back end of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen to open 2026, but the early returns have been anything but steady. His outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday afternoon encapsulated the concerns: a ninth-inning unraveling that turned a competitive game into a lopsided loss.

Entering the frame with the Reds trailing by just one run, Pagán had an opportunity to keep the deficit manageable and give the offense a chance in the bottom half. Instead, the inning spiraled almost immediately. He allowed a leadoff single and then hit the next batter, putting himself in trouble before recording meaningful outs. A wild pitch compounded the issue, moving runners into scoring position and setting the stage for damage.

From there, the Pirates capitalized. A single brought in two runs, and shortly after, Bryan Reynolds delivered the decisive blow—a towering two-run homer that pushed the lead to 8-3 and effectively ended the game. What had been a tense, one-run contest quickly became a five-run gap, eliminating any realistic comeback chance.

This outing is part of a troubling pattern for Pagán to begin the season. He has already surrendered home runs in multiple appearances and has struggled to put together clean innings, even when not pitching in save situations. The inconsistency is particularly notable given his role and expectations after a strong 2025 campaign in which he converted 32 saves and solidified himself as the team’s closer.

The Reds are not yet at the point of making a change, but the warning signs are clear. Pagán’s command has wavered, his margin for error looks thin, and hitters are capitalizing on mistakes. If these ninth-inning struggles persist—especially outings like Wednesday’s four-run collapse—the Reds may be forced to reconsider their late-game hierarchy sooner rather than later.

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On today's show, we discuss what Zac Taylor had to say about the Bengals defense at the NFL league meetings in Arizona. Also, Dan Hurley got extremely lucky at the end of UConn's Elite 8 matchup with Duke, Jon Scheyer and Tiger Woods stepping away after latest arrest.

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At the NFL league meetings in Arizona, Zac Taylor offered a clear look into the Cincinnati Bengals’ current offseason mindset—one centered on patience, internal development, and selective roster building.

One of the biggest takeaways from Taylor’s comments was his confidence in the team’s young linebackers. Despite outside concern about the position following a disappointing 2025 season, Taylor emphasized growth from players like Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter. He pointed to examples of internal development within the roster, suggesting the Bengals believe improvement can come from within rather than relying solely on splashy free-agent additions.

That said, Taylor didn’t completely shut the door on adding help. He acknowledged that the team could still bring in a veteran linebacker or cornerback later in the offseason, something Cincinnati has done in the past with late signings. His comments reinforced the idea that the Bengals are comfortable waiting for the right opportunity rather than forcing moves early in free agency.

Taylor also spoke more broadly about roster construction and offseason priorities. The Bengals have focused on strengthening other areas of the defense—such as the secondary and pass rush—while keeping flexibility for the upcoming NFL Draft. With the 10th overall pick, Cincinnati is in a position to add an immediate-impact player, and Taylor’s presence at pro days and continued evaluation of defensive prospects signals that help could be coming through the draft.

Overall, Taylor’s tone was measured but optimistic. The Bengals aren’t panicking despite recent struggles—they’re betting on player development, smart drafting, and calculated additions to get back into playoff contention in 2026.

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On today's show, we discuss Sal Stewart bringing home the NL Player of the Week award, Tony Santillan losing velocity on his fastball and the Reds third straight win after they take game 1 vs. Pittsburgh. Also, we break down Jay Morrison's Bengals LB targets in the NFL draft and discuss which basketball players Miami should / try to retain for next season.

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The Cincinnati Reds secured a 2–0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates tonight in a tightly played game defined by one decisive inning and strong pitching throughout.

All the offense came in the fourth inning, when Cincinnati capitalized on its best scoring opportunity of the night. Spencer Steer opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly, bringing home the game’s first run and breaking the early deadlock. Shortly after, Will Benson delivered the biggest hit of the night, ripping an RBI triple to extend the lead to 2–0. That brief surge proved to be all the Reds would need.

On the mound, Chase Burns turned in a strong performance over five innings. He controlled the pace of the game, limiting the Pirates’ offense and preventing any sustained threats. Burns attacked hitters with confidence, mixing his pitches effectively and keeping Pittsburgh from generating momentum during his time on the mound.

After Burns exited, the Reds’ bullpen took over and completed the shutout with four scoreless innings. The relievers were sharp and efficient, allowing little room for the Pirates to mount a comeback and preserving the two-run cushion without much drama.

Defensively, Cincinnati backed its pitching staff with a clean performance, avoiding errors and making the necessary plays to maintain control of the game.

For Pittsburgh, it was a frustrating night. Despite a solid effort from their own pitching staff, they couldn’t break through offensively. The inability to respond after the fourth inning ultimately sealed their fate.

In the end, the Reds combined timely hitting in one key frame with effective pitching from start to finish, executing a simple but effective formula to earn the 2–0 win.

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