Chatterbox Bengals: A Cincinnati Bengals NFL Podcast

Paul Dehner Jr. Joins the Show to Discuss the Bengals’ Defining Offseason

Reid Maus and Stone Shields welcome The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., host of the Growler podcast, for an in-depth conversation on the state of the Cincinnati Bengals. Paul breaks down his recent column on why continuity with Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor may be the Bengals’ best path forward — and why a “keep it simple” offseason could be key to a 2026 rebound.
The trio dives into Joe Burrow’s influence within the organization, the pressure cooker nature of next season, and whether major coaching or front office changes ever truly made sense. They also examine looming defensive roster turnover, including the expected departure of Trey Hendrickson, the futures of Cam Taylor-Britt and Joseph Ossai, and the Bengals’ plan to rebuild a struggling defense.
Plus, Paul discusses the linebacker room, free agency strategy, cap space outlook, and just how many new defensive starters could arrive next season. The episode wraps with some fun — including Pearl Jam, OutKast, and Paul’s all-time favorite concert stories.
 
Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F81ylkz7PPQ 
 
OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:
 
Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds 
Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/ 
The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424 
Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062 
The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522 
513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr

Bengals Offseason Breakdown: The Top 5 Defensive Needs for 2026

On this episode of Chatterbox Bengals, host Stone Shields breaks down the Cincinnati Bengals’ offseason outlook by identifying the team’s top five roster needs — all on the defensive side of the ball. Following confirmation from owner Mike Brown that Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor will return, Stone explains why continuity on offense makes sense while the defense demands urgent attention.
Stone walks through why safety tops his list of needs after years of instability following Jessie Bates’ departure, detailing why the Bengals can’t afford to neglect the position again. He also dives into the defensive tackle spot, explaining why Cincinnati still hasn’t replaced D.J. Reader, and why interior pressure and run defense must be priorities in both the draft and free agency.
The discussion continues with a critical look at the linebacker room, including why starting two rookies failed, what role veterans could play, and why the Bengals must add experience and leadership at the position. Stone also evaluates the cornerback group, discussing Dax Hill and D.J. Turner, potential contract extensions, and the need for veteran depth behind the starters.
Finally, Stone addresses edge rusher and the future of Trey Hendrickson, explaining why it may be time for the Bengals to turn the page and how young players like Myles Murphy factor into the long-term plan. With cap space available and minimal needs on offense outside of right guard, this episode makes the case that Cincinnati’s entire offseason must be focused on fixing a defense that held the team back in 2025.
A must-listen breakdown for Bengals fans looking ahead to the 2026 offseason and beyond.
 
Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIwSpwF_znQ 
 
OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:
 
Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds 
Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/ 
The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424 
Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062 
The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522 
513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr

Cam Taylor-Britt Headed To Jail After Reckless Driving Case | Cincinnati Bengals News & Analysis

Cam Taylor-Britt's Jail Sentence: A Reckless Driving Incident
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, a 26-year-old NFL player drafted in 2022 from Nebraska, faced a brief jail stint in early 2026 due to a traffic violation from the previous year.
The incident stemmed from September 2025, shortly after a Bengals home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to Cincinnati Police reports, Taylor-Britt drove recklessly on Joe Nuxhall Way near Paycor Stadium while crowds lingered post-game. Officers cited him for reckless operation and driving without a valid license.
The case resolved quietly until January 6, 2026, when Taylor-Britt pleaded guilty in Hamilton County court. A judge sentenced him to five days in jail, ordering immediate custody. Local reporter Chelsea Sick captured footage of the player, on crutches from a season-ending Lisfranc foot injury sustained in November 2025 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, heading to serve his time.
This legal trouble capped a challenging period for Taylor-Britt. His 2025 season featured inconsistent play, leading to benching and limited snaps before the injury ended his year. He recorded 21 tackles and five pass deflections in eight games.
The short sentence reflects a misdemeanor traffic offense rather than a serious crime. Taylor-Britt accepted responsibility by pleading guilty and serving the time promptly. As he approaches free agency in 2026, the episode serves as a reminder of off-field accountability for professional athletes.
While the jail term was brief, it highlighted the risks of post-game decisions in high-visibility areas. Bengals fans hope Taylor-Britt uses this as motivation moving forward.

The Cincinnati Bengals Miserable Season Mercifully Ends

Craig Sandlin and Reid Maus break down the Bengals season ending on a loss to the Cleveland Browns. Cincinnati cements a top 10 pick with the loss. 
 

Geno Stone Criticism, Al Golden’s Comments & Amarius Mims’ Breakout | Bengals Roster Decisions Ahead

In this episode, Stone Shields dives headfirst into one of the most polarizing topics surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals: the continued usage of safety Geno Stone — and the eye-opening comments made by defensive coordinator Al Golden.
Stone breaks down why Geno Stone has remained in the lineup despite persistent struggles, missed tackles, and effort concerns, and why those decisions raise serious questions about roster evaluation and accountability. He reacts to Al Golden’s public defense of Stone, exploring whether those comments were genuine belief, organizational messaging, or an attempt to help a struggling player find a future elsewhere in the league.
From free-agency expectations to contract realities, Stone explains how the Bengals misread warning signs coming out of Baltimore, why the team should have moved on sooner, and why there is no scenario where Geno Stone should return to the roster next season. The discussion also touches on leadership, communication value, and the fine line between human empathy and football reality.
The episode then shifts to a much more positive storyline: the rapid development of offensive tackle Amarius Mims. Stone reacts to reporting from Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, breaking down why Mims has quietly become one of the Bengals’ biggest long-term wins. From draft-night risk to year-two growth, Stone explains why Duke Tobin deserves credit for getting this pick right — and how Mims’ toughness, pass protection, and willingness to play through injury have directly impacted Joe Burrow.
The episode also tackles common national narratives about the Bengals’ offensive line, explaining where criticism is fair — and where it’s lazy. Stone breaks down the current state of the offensive line, contract timelines, depth concerns, and why continuity up front may actually be the smartest move this offseason.
Topics covered include:
Why Geno Stone’s role became indefensible
Al Golden’s comments and what they really mean
The Bengals’ failure to cut bait sooner
Accountability vs. empathy in pro sports
Amarius Mims’ growth and why he’s a cornerstone piece
Offensive line stability, contracts, and offseason decisions
Separating real problems from lazy Bengals narratives
 
Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPQ5TSyzkNM 
 
 
OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:
 
Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds 
Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/ 
The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424 
Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062 
The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522 
513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr
 

Should the Bengals Extend Chase Brown? Contract Value, RB Market & Cincinnati’s Tough Offseason Decision

Reid Maus and Stone Shields break down one of the biggest offseason questions facing the Bengals: should Cincinnati extend Chase Brown as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract?
Coming off the best stretch of his season, the duo discusses how important Chase Brown has become to the offense alongside Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins — and how his all-purpose production stacks up historically within the franchise. They dive into what makes Brown such a clean fit in this offense, from his ability to handle a heavy workload to his impact as a receiver out of the backfield.
The conversation then shifts to the bigger picture: the Bengals’ long track record of finding productive running backs, the reality of today’s RB market, and whether it makes sense to pay a running back when so much money is already tied up in Burrow and the wide receiver room — especially with major needs on defense.
Reid and Stone compare Chase Brown to recent running back extensions around the league, debate realistic price points, and identify where the deal stops making sense. They also touch on the possibility of a holdout, how fans and the league would react to an extension, and why Cincinnati could face criticism if they continue pouring resources into the offense instead of fixing the defense.
It’s a detailed discussion about value, roster construction, and whether Chase Brown is a long-term building block — or another position the Bengals can afford to replace while reallocating resources elsewhere.
 
Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHdJGqrkhTo 
 
 
OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:
 
Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds 
Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/ 
The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424 
Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062 
The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522 
513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr

Should the Bengals Sit Joe Burrow? Breaking Down the Risk vs Reward of Playing Him vs the Browns

Stone Shields discusses the biggest talking point surrounding the Bengals: Joe Burrow playing in the season finale against the Cleveland Browns. With Zac Taylor confirming Burrow and the starters will go, Stone breaks down why he strongly supported Burrow’s return once healthy — building momentum, reinforcing team identity, and reminding the locker room what this offense looks like at full strength with Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown behind the best offensive line of Burrow’s career.
At the same time, Stone explains why this final week feels different. He dives into the very real risk of injury in a meaningless game, the physical nature of Browns matchups, and the added danger of facing a locked-in Myles Garrett chasing NFL history. Stone discusses league-wide precedent for resting stars in Week 18, the potential offseason consequences of an injury, and why sitting Burrow for just this one game would have made sense — even for someone who’s been “banging the table” for him to play.
From Zac Taylor’s perspective, Stone also examines why finishing the season with three straight wins matters to the coaching staff and front office, and how that narrative could shape the Bengals’ offseason decisions. He raises concerns about whether late-season momentum could be used as justification to “run it back” in 2026, despite deeper roster issues.
Stone makes it clear: watching Joe Burrow play is a privilege Bengals fans should never take for granted — but the stakes, risks, and optics of this finale are massive. The episode closes with a look ahead to what a win (or loss) against Cleveland really means, and what everyone should be watching closely as the season comes to an end.
 
Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0WqMB6JoIo 
 
 
OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:
 
Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds 
Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/ 
The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424 
Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062 
The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522 
513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr

Bengals Dominate Again: Offense Clicking, Defense Improving… or Just Bad Opponents?

Stone Shields recaps the Cincinnati Bengals’ 37-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals, their second straight victory by 20+ points — something Cincinnati hasn’t done since 2021. Stone breaks down how Joe Burrow’s return has the offense humming, from methodical, clock-chewing opening drives to explosive playmaking from Ja’Marr Chase, Chase Brown, and a re-emerging Andrei Iosivas.
Stone also pumps the brakes on the defensive “turnaround,” explaining why the recent success has come against inferior quarterbacks and why the larger season-long issues can’t be ignored — even with improved tackling, better third-down situations, and more pass rush pressure. Plus: what the Bengals’ late-season wins mean (and don’t mean), why Burrow playing vs. Cleveland is a risk worth discussing, and how the draft picture factors in.
Finally, Stone dives into the viral moment of the game — Cody Ford’s unforgettable catch-and-run on his birthday — and how one play instantly flipped the fanbase’s perception, while also touching on defensive standouts (and ongoing problems) including Myles Murphy’s surge, the linebacker concerns, and the never-ending questions at safety.
 
Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X22GAPKlkG0 
 
 
OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:
 
Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds 
Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/ 
The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424 
Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062 
The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522 
513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr