Episodes
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You probably guessed the top of the list for the Top 25 Bengals for 2023.
Joe Burrow rounds out the list with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Shocker, right?
But could D.J. Reader and/or Orlando Brown have made a case to beat out Higgins at No. 3 list?
In the final-ever edition of the Strictly Stripes Podcast, Mohammad Ahmad breaks down the top-three on the list and reads through the rest of the fan responses.
To all of our listeners, thank you for everything.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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Bengals fans got their wish.
Chad Johnson and Boomer Esiason will be inducted into the Bengals Ring of Honor after season ticket holders respectively voted them into the Ring.
Arguably the front runners for the induction, they beat out 11 other players on the ballot.
But why were their selections so impactful? And who's up next in 2024?
The Strictly Stripes crew talks about their selections and continues breaking down the top half of the Top 25 Bengals for 2023.
This podcast feautres Mohammad Ahmad.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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Episodes manquant?
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Training camp is right around the corner.
The Bengals are exactly a week away from their first practice of training camp. There's no shortage of roster battle and new faces on defense who will look to set their marks early.
How many offensive linemen do the Bengals keep? Which backup wide receivers will make the team? Will we see first-team reps for rookie Chase Brown?
Special guest Mike Petraglia joins the Strictly Stripes Podcast to look at how the Bengals' philosophy has shifted in the Joe Burrow era and what that means for training camp.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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Experience meets youth.
Bengals veteran wideout Tyler Boyd is No. 9 on our Top 25 Bengals for 2023. Meanwhile, Logan Wilson, now entering his fourth season, is hanging tight at No. 10. Both players are worthy of being top-10 players.
But does experience matter more than youth in these rankings?
Boyd will turn 29 this year as he enters his eighth season while Wilson continues ascending. They'll each be entering contract seasons, meaning more eyes will be on both of them.
The Strictly Stripes podcast compares and contrasts the potential for Boyd and Wilson.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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The Bengals' defense isn't the same without Sam Hubbard.
Hubbard provides no shortage of big time moments for the Bengals and is primed to continue doing so in 2023. That's why he's No. 11 on the Top 25 Bengals for 2023.
But should those big time moments have him ranked up higher on the list?
He's entering his sixth year with the team and will have an increased leadership role. His role will be critical in fueling the Bengals' hunger for another trip back to the Super Bowl.
The Strictly Stripes crew looks at what Hubbard is capable of and what he can do to continue boosting his profile and stock in 2023.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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Andrew Gillis flies solo to talk about Joe Mixon's contract restructuring and what it means for the Bengals in 2023, and how it impacts the Joe Burrow negotiations.
Then, Andrew talks about the latest entrant into our Top 25 Bengals for 2023, linebacker Germaine Pratt.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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The AFC North has had a remarkably interesting offseason, with all four teams making major moves to solidify their rosters for the 2023 season.
But which team had the best offseason?
Andrew Gillis and Jimmy Watkins get together to talk about the Bengals, Browns, Steelers and Ravens, and what to make of their last few months of player and coach acquisition. What do we think of the division headed into the 2023?
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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The Browns and Bengals both have their franchise quarterbacks in place, so we joined the Orange and Brown Talk crew for their third annual NFL quarterback draft.
Andrew Gillis and Mohammad Ahmad join Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock join Dan Labbe from our Browns beat for the annual tradition of drafting quarterbacks.
The intrigue, of course, is where Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson land. The five go through three rounds, picking 15 quarterbacks and discuss each one. How high does Burrow go in the top five? How much are we betting on Watson's return to pre-Cleveland form?
Check out our draft on this special crossover edition of the Orange and Brown Talk and Strictly Stripes podcast.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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The Bengals and Browns each have head continuity with Zac Taylor and Kevin Stefanski, respectively, as they've coached against one another for each of the last four seasons. They've taken both of their teams to the playoffs and are quickly rising in the coaching ranks.
Andrew Gillis joins our Browns reporters, Dan Labbe and Mary Kay Cabot, as part of the annual tradition of an NFL head coach mock draft through the Orange and Brown Talk Podcast.
Is Zac Taylor worthy of being called a Top 10 head coach? And how close is Kevin Stefanski to Taylor in the coaching ranks? Is the gap wider than it might actually seem?
Check out our draft on this special crossover edition of the Orange and Brown Talk and Strictly Stripes podcast.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns each revamped their rosters this offseason through a series of NFL Draft and free agency moves. But how well do either of their rosters match up against the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers?
Andrew Gillis joins our Browns reporters, Dan Labbe and Ashley Bastock, to look at which respective positional groups in Cleveland and Cincinnati stick out as the best of the best in the AFC North right now. They draft what they think are the best positional groups in the division to build the most talented team possible.
Where does the Bengals' offense line match up compared to the Browns' talented front? And do Ja'Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins still have the right to boast the top receiving trio in the division?
Check out our draft on this special crossover edition of the Orange and Brown Talk and Strictly Stripes podcast.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton isn't shy of the spotlight.
From coining the infamous "Burrowhead" term to his other memorable quotes, Hilton has backed up his talking on the field as one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL.
More remarkable than his ascension as a former undrafted free agent is the fact that he's been able to provide value for over seven seasons as he enters his third season in Cincinnati. Lou Anarumo values Hilton's play just as he does with all of his cornerbacks.
Hilton's leadership, wittiness and hard-hitting plays land him at No. 13 on the Top 25 Bengals for 2023. How much higher should Hilton be though? Is No. 13 an adequate ranking for the veteran corner?
The Strictly Stripes crew looks at Hilton's status and value in the defensive backfield and contrasts that to other defenders on the list.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad and Andrew Gillis.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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Edge rushers and nose tackles should take heed of Bengals left guard Cordell Volson.
Volson is no longer a rookie and his massive size and strength aren't going anywhere. The North Dakota-built behemoth has a chance to take off in 2023 with his 6-foot-7 frame between Orlando Brown Jr. and Ted Karras.
There were a lot of growing pains for Volson but he slowly but surely found his stride. That's why he's ranked No. 14 on the Top 25 Bengals for 2023 thanks to his upside.
Will his upside continue proving the Bengals' lofy expectations on the offensive line?
The Strictly Stripes crew looks at where Volson can improve and how he can build off of his success from his rookie season.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad and Andrew Gillis.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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You can't leave the demeanor hound off the list.
Bengals center and team captain Ted Karras made a strong first impression in Cincinnati last season and can very well capitalize on that in 2023. Karras was one of the best blockers protecting Joe Burrow in his first season with the team.
His role won't change and that's why he's No. 15 on the Top 25 Bengals for 2023. On and off the field, Karras is a key cog in the Bengals' offense that Zac Taylor will lean into this season.
How much more does Karras need to prove though? Has he proved himself to be one of the best at his position, or, if not, where and how can he get even better?
The Strictly Stripes crew breaks down Karras' success last year and how good he can be in 2023 while determing how much that factors into his ranking.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad and Andrew Gillis.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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Don't count out Evan McPherson's role for the Bengals next season.
Sometimes special teams stars can get overlooked, especially on the championship contending team like the Bengals. But as the Bengals' kicker, he's a big reason why the team has made the Super Bowl and why they can get back.
He's already drawn comparisons to future Hall of Famer and divisional rival Justin Tucker. "Money Mac" and "Shooter McPherson" are some of the many nicknames McPherson has earned from fans for his early success.
How much of that success is warranted to put him at No. 16 on the Top 25 Bengals for 2023?
The Strictly Stripes Podcast debates whether McPherson's positional value outweighs his overall value to rank as high as he does on the list. They also compare and contrast him to other big name starters below him on the list, like running back Joe Mixon.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad and Andrew Gillis.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Bengals running back Joe Mixon still has a critical role on the Bengals' offense.
Mixon, entering his seventh season with the team, is still on track to start once more behind quarterback Joe Burrow. His rushing numbers last season didn't match his 2021 Pro Bowl season despite setting career highs in the receiving game.
Although Mixon is No. 17 on the Top 25 Bengals entering this season, he's aging as he'll be 27 at the start of training camp. Rookie Chase Brown and veteran backup Trayveon Williams might both be staring him down for more snaps this season too.
How fast is the clock ticking on Mixon's time in Cincinnati? Will his 2023 season determine whether or not he makes it for another year in 2024?
The Strictly Stripes Podcast forecasts Mixon's outlook past this season and guesses how well he needs to perform to maintain continuity with the Bengals.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad and Andrew Gillis.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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The futue is looking up for Cam Taylor-Britt.
Taylor-Britt already enters a new chapter in his very young NFL career. After taking over as a full-time starter late last season for the Bengals, he'll keep his starting role following the departure of Eli Apple. That means the expectations only get higher from here for Taylor-Britt.
But Taylor-Britt looks built for the task.
His postseason performances spoke for themselves in Buffalo and Kansas City last year. If Taylor-Britt continues building off of those confident performances, the Bengals secondary might get a big boost in 2023.
The Strictly Stripes crew talks about why Taylor-Britt was ranked No. 18 on the Bengals' Top 25 list for 2023 and how the list has shaped thus far.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad, Andrew Gillis and Michael Niziolek.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link:
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Things are still a little awkward for Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams.
Williams returns to Cincinnati as the team's likely starting right tackle but he still has to earn that job first. He still hasn't heard from the team front office on the move that was made to move him to right tackle, which can have ranging implications for next season.
He'll be playing at right tackle for the first time since his freshman year at Alabama. How will Williams respond to such a move? Does he thrive on the right side, or will the Bengals' woes continue at that spot?
Williams is at No. 19 on the Top 25 Bengals for 2023 list. How much does his move over to the right impact his rank on the list?
The Strictly Stripes crew debates whether or not Williams' shift on the line dictates his ranking on the list and his capabilities for next season.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad, Andrew Gillis and Michael Niziolek.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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Is the pressure cooker heating up in the Bengals' secondary?
Veteran safety Nick Scott is going to have to take a big lead and a big leap next season as he helps lead the charge in the Bengals' safety room. Teams will try to test Scott and first-year starter Dax Hill next season.
Will Scott meet the task and protect the Bengals' success in the red zone? Red zone efficiency was the calling card of then-safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell. Scott is going to have to pick up where the duo left off last season.
Scott sits at No. 20 on our Top 25 Bengals of 2023 list. Did Scott's ranking land him right in the sweet spot? Or is that too high of a listing for the relatively inexperienced star?
The Strictly Stripes crew weighs in on Scott's ranking compared to other stars on the list and looks at how his past success can help him next season.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad, Andrew Gillis and Michael Niziolek.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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B.J. Hill is a true workhorse.
The veteran Bengals defensive tackle, entering his sixth season in the NFL, played some of the highest total snaps amongst his teammates. Cincinnati will need the most out of Hill next season alongside his standout teammate, D.J. Reader.
Since joining the Bengals via trade in 2021, his presence hasn't gone unnoticed in the trenches, which is why he's ranked at No. 21 on our Top 25 Bengals for 2023. That ranking might seem low, but is it?
The Strictly Stripes crew answers that question and looks what a successful season should - and should not - look like next season for Hill. They also continue reading more fun responses from Bengals fans.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad, Andrew Gillis and Michael Niziolek.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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Tight end Irv Smith Jr. is going to be a critical piece of the Bengals' offense next season.
Smith has some big shoes to fill in place of Hayden Hurst who left the team in free agency back in March. He'll be more than just the fourth option for Bengals quarterback in 2023 though.
Hurst's impact on the offense was felt as a receiving threat and Smith will need to replicate that same energy. Smith will have a chance at redemption after being mostly injury-ridden in each of his last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
What does a successful season look like for Smith? Will it have to look more like what Hurst put together last season or more akin to former Bengal C.J. Uzomah instead?
The Strictly Stripes crew looks at Smith's No. 22 ranking on the Top 25 Bengals for 2023 list and determines what Smith needs to do in his first season as a Bengal.
Louisville wide receivers coach Garrick McGee joins the podcast to talk about coaching Charlie Jones at Purdue last season in an exclusive phone interview.
This podcast features Mohammad Ahmad, Andrew Gillis and Michael Niziolek.
Music: Starfields by Hallman
Music Link: https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/nQ9ldbVF7D/
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