HoosierCat

Mel's pick in his first mock of the season: linebacker Jihaad Campbell, Alabama. Can't say I know anything about him, but looking at a few draft sites, he seems widely viewed as the second-best LB in the draft, though big board-wise he tends to fall in the early second range, like 35-40th ranked overall.

First signing of the year! https://local12.com/sports/bengals/bengals-sign-tight-end-grandy-1-year-contract-extension-college-free-agent-signee-cincinnati-nfl

Yeah, poor timing for a defensive collapse. But I agree with Army, I doubt it matters. They’re locked in. Only question is whether Al wants the job. Per Dehner, he’ll be in town for an interview tomorrow.

Colts hiring Lou.

Hard disagree. I think this is the most important coaching hire of the offseason. Too much money and too many high draft picks have been invested in our line to have it perform as it has. DC…good luck, you get Trey and a bucket of warm spit. My expectations there are low. But we absolutely must get someone in here who can get all the oline talent to work, because otherwise Joe is going to get killed. So far I’ve heard nothing but good things about Peters so hopefully he’s that guy.

Jim McNally and Big Willie both gave the Peters hire a thumbs-up. That’s about as good an endorsement as you can ask for.

Buh bye Baltimore. Buh bye.

Whatever the Bills do on the oline, Bengals need to copy that.

Who da fuk was he throwing to?

Too easy.

This eagles rams game is seriously old school

Refs on the take

Missed xp ugh

Love seeing Mahomes get his ass kicked

Horse shit call

Reports are he’s considering retirement. Good for him he deserves a beach somewhere.

Everybody hates everybody. Pass the popcorn. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2025/01/17/bengals-hamilton-county-lease-negotiations.html?utm_source=sy&utm_medium=ptr&utm_campaign=local12

The problem is that the Bengals are in a rare, and possibly unique in franchise history, position -- and they don't appear interested in taking advantage of it. They have the most desirable open coordinator spot in the league. I can't think of a time that's ever been the case before. Usually, quality coaching candidates have no interest in Cincinnati. But right now, everyone wants a piece of that Burrow magic. Is Golden a great candidate? Absolutely. But why not take advantage of the opportunity and broaden your search? There are lots of great candidates out there. Talk to them. You might find someone you like even more. But apparently, no. The Bengals just did the minimum interviews they needed to do to satisfy the Rooney Rule, and are now sitting on their hands until next Tuesday.

Mixon ?able for Saturday. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43443388/texans-joe-mixon-misses-practice-questionable-play-vs-chiefs

OT: RIP, Mr. Baseball. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43439250/beloved-brewers-broadcaster-bob-uecker-dies-age-90

Yeah, I’m thinking they want Golden. If so we’ll find out next week.

Ok so props to the Ravens FO. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/diontae-johnson-claimed-former-pro-bowl-wr-returns-to-a-team-he-played-for-this-season-but-theres-a-catch/

CJ nabs an interview with Zimmer. https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/1/15/24344046/mike-zimmer-cincinnati-bengals-defensive-coordinator-search-cowboys Bengals haven’t contacted him but he’s open to coming back. Loves the organization. Has offered to help with their search. Cincy and Dallas are his preferred spots if he were to continue coaching.

He wasn’t. After finishing with the Chargers in 2023, he was on his couch until the Pats signed him to their taxi squad last month. Obviously that gig came to a close once the regular season was over. Now he’s caught on in Houston thanks to Johnson getting waived and a hole opening up on the Texans’ PS after they bumped Wayne up to take his spot. Probably won’t see the field but might get a free trip to the Super Bowl out of it…

Alex Erickson sighting in Houston. https://atozsports.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals-news/alex-erickson-texans-practice-squad-nfl-playoffs/