HoosierCat

Free agency related. I got a kick out of this. Introducing Matt Dad-ford. Lmao.

Yeah, I’ve been watching the cuts as well but really there’s just not a lot of fat on the Bengals’ roster. More likely their guys are going to get picked over passing through waivers. So maybe there’s some churn from that.

Trade: Browns traded a 2025 7th-round pick to the Chargers for kicker Dustin Hopkins, per sources -Schefter

Eh, you always have multiple kickers and punters in camp anyhow. Given how much they’ve expanded the PS I wouldn’t be surprised if he landed there.

Talk away, fine by me! Hope Ossai is ok.

Sorry no fake game 3 thread today. Been moving my MIL…again…like second time in three months again…tomorrow I get to go to her new place and hang her curtains…again…

Lance to Dallas for a 4th.

May as well start now with this: Basham waived. https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/bengals-waive-veteran-tarell-basham-before-final-preseason-game Tough break with the injury, never really got a shot.

Purdy was Mr. Irrelevant in 2022. Last pick in the draft. You literally can’t get luckier than that. And yep saved everyone’s job after the Lance debacle. Lance is still a debacle tho. If he’d been a Bengals choice we wouldn’t hear the end of it before 2040 or so.

Pelissero reporting that the 49ers are “exploring their options” with QB Trey Lance. No. 3 overall pick in 2021. Traded their 1sts in 21, 22 and 23 to jump up for him. Oh and a 3rd in there someplace too. El Oh El.

Who can keep count?

Direct link for those who don’t want to give Elon a click: https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2023/8/22/23840809/cincinnati-bengals-joe-burrow-beating-two-high-new-offense But yeah, definitely worth a read. It’s kind of funny (sad, not ha-ha) that so much of what you read from the coaching staff in this is stuff that fans have harped on for literally decades. The line near the end about trying to fit square pegs into round holes was especially ironic for me. Joe’s mental progression is everything we hoped it would be. Just need to get some priest or rabbi or voodoo master in who can break the preseason bad luck streak for the kid.

Yes, he is a good blocker. But he doesn’t offer anything special as a receiver and his presence can end up being a tell as to what the play is. I’ve read mixed reviews on Smith’s blocking but the consensus appears to be he’s at least OK and he offers more pop as a receiver.

And the Bucs’ starting QB is…Baker Mayfield! https://www.threads.net/@adamschefter/post/CwQDCVQuyfq/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Injury notes from Hobs, nothing major: _Taylor said defensive tackle B.J. Hill had lower body soreness Sunday that's going to keep him out but not for long. He said offensive lineman Cody Ford and cornerback Marvell Tell III are in concussion protocol and that cornerback DJ Turner was sore after Friday night's game and is going to be kept out awhile, but it's not serious. Cornerback Sidney Jones IV (hamstring) is out. Tight end Tanner Hudson (concussion) has been back this week, as is edge Tarell Basham.

Had a brief chat with Baby one threads earlier today. FWIW he thinks Sample is the odd man out at TE, with Smith, Wilcox and Asiasi all making the cut. Thought that was worth a note given all the agita earlier over the lack of TE in the draft.

Mitchell Wilcox cleared to practice. Had been on PUP since they resigned him last month.

A preseason tie. This is hell. We’re in hell. It’s not as bad as I thought it would be…

Halfway through preseason… Viewing info: https://www.bengals.com/news/how-to-watch-bengals-falcons-week-2-2023-preseason

So years ago…back when I was Joiseycat, there was a place just down the street that had the best pie ever, thin crispy crust, greasy top, perfect folding slice, damn I miss it. My biggest regret moving back to the Midwest is that pizza.

So per the latest on the .com, starting defense will get a series tonight. Whether the starters go on offense is unknown, tho chances of Burrow going are zero. https://www.bengals.com/news/mike-hilton-cam-taylor-britt-defense-eyes-return-to-preseason-games

And just think it will only be $10 a slice!

More money for Joe: Donato’s named Bengals’ official pizza. https://www.franchising.com/news/20230817_donatos_named_official_pizza_of_the_cincinnati_bengals.html

Mixon not guilty. So that’s done. Good. https://www.wlwt.com/article/joe-mixon-aggravated-menacing-trial-verdict/44840357

Of course there will. 2024 is a contract year for Burrow. He will have every incentive not to sign with the prospect of FA in 2025, unless the Bengals break the bank even more than they already have to. (And note this would be a horrible position for the Bengals to put themselves in and I can’t believe they would do it, for exactly this reason.) So the certainty of a 2025 franchise tag if he doesn’t sign will instantly come up. And in my humble opinion even the talk of a tag is a nightmare. I agree with you that neither side has given any indication that they’re headed down this road. I still think a deal gets done and that it gets done before week 1. I would just be happier were it to happen, like, today.