Bengals Stay Cool in the Heat, Head Into Bye Week at 3-2

Date: Tuesday October 13, 2026

Writer: Anthony Iles

WELCOME to MIAMI

The Bengals traveled to Miami to face the winless Dolphins in one of the toughest weather environments imaginable. The temperature reached 90 degrees, and the heat index climbed to an incredible 114 degrees on the field. It was the hottest October game in Miami stadium history and the hottest road game in Bengals franchise history.

Games like this can easily become trap games. The Dolphins entered the matchup at 0-4, but they possess a solid defense and an offense still trying to establish its identity. With talented running backs on the roster, it was expected they would lean heavily on the ground game.

The Bengals defense answered the challenge.

While Miami did break off four significant runs during the game, Cincinnati largely kept the Dolphins’ rushing attack under control. As the game progressed, the defense adjusted to those outside running schemes and improved its tackling on the perimeter. Quarterback Willis never looked comfortable, thanks to consistent pressure and disciplined coverage. Safety Jordan Battle had an outstanding performance, recording two interceptions and helping shut down Miami’s passing attack.

Offensively, the Bengals quickly found their rhythm.

The game started with a spark when Dohnte Meyers returned the opening kickoff 81 yards, giving Cincinnati excellent field position. Joe Burrow wasted no time capitalizing, connecting with tight end Mike Gesicki for an early touchdown.

Burrow was efficient all afternoon, finishing 23-of-32 passing for 190 yards and four touchdowns. The Bengals offense displayed great balance, rushing 31 times for 110 yards while controlling the tempo of the game. Burrow’s fourth touchdown pass was the highlight of the afternoon, a spectacular 45-yard connection to Ja’Marr Chase, who made a one-handed catch between two defenders.

The offensive line deserves a tremendous amount of credit. Burrow was never sacked, allowing the offense to operate comfortably throughout the game.

Special teams also made history. Kicker Evan McPherson extended his streak to 22 consecutive made field goals, setting a new Bengals franchise record.

Despite the victory, the Bengals know there is room for improvement. Several unnecessary penalties hurt field position, and a punt return miscue resulted in an avoidable mistake. Cleaning up those mental errors, along with continuing to improve tackling against outside runs, will only make this team stronger.

The win moves Cincinnati to 3-2 entering its bye week, while Miami falls to 0-5.

Interestingly, the last time the Bengals started a season 3-2 was in 2021, the year they went on an unforgettable run to the Super Bowl.

The timing of the bye week could not be better. It provides an opportunity for players to recover and prepare for a critical divisional showdown against the Ravens in Baltimore. Following that game, Cincinnati faces the Titans, Falcons, Steelers, Commanders, and Saints in a stretch that could define the season.

The AFC North remains highly competitive. The Ravens sit atop the division at 4-1, while the Bengals, Steelers, and Browns are all close behind. A victory in Baltimore would be significant for momentum, playoff positioning, and the division race.

Most importantly, there is still a lot of football left to play, and the Bengals appear to be finding their stride at the right time. You can feel the confidence building with each week. As Joe Burrow has said throughout the offseason and into the regular season, this team has a different feeling about it. He has compared that feeling to his 2019 LSU national championship team and the 2021 Bengals squad that reached the Super Bowl.

Now it’s time to make a statement.

Play consistent football. Stack wins. Capture the AFC North. Earn a playoff bye. Get back to the Super Bowl. And bring the Lombardi Trophy home to the Queen City.

Who Dey! 🐅🏈

Check out this podcast I created in Gemini Notebook using this article I wrote:

https://notebooklm.link.google/InCTLcvUCVJH

Bengals Drop 2 Straight, Fall to 2 – 2, Opportunity Still Awaits

Date: Tuesday October 6, 2026

Writer: Anthony Iles

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads after dropping back-to-back games following a promising 2-0 start. What could have easily been a 4-0 or 3-1 record has instead turned into a frustrating 2-2 mark. While the losses sting, there are plenty of reasons to believe this team is still heading in the right direction.

Heartbreaker in Pittsburgh

Two weeks ago, the Bengals traveled to Pittsburgh for what turned into another classic AFC North showdown. Neither team could create enough separation as the Steelers and Bengals traded punches throughout the afternoon.

Trailing 30-27 with just over two minutes remaining, Cincinnati appeared poised to at least force overtime. Joe Burrow efficiently moved the offense into field goal range with approximately 1:30 left in the fourth quarter.

Then disaster struck.

On the first play after entering field goal range, Burrow rolled left to avoid pressure and appeared to be looking for a play downfield. While holding the football with one hand, he was hit from the side and fumbled. Pittsburgh recovered, took a knee, and escaped with a 30-27 victory.

Just like that, a game that seemed destined for overtime or a win ended in heartbreak.

Jaguars Capitalize on Missed Opportunities

Looking to bounce back at home, the Bengals welcomed the Jacksonville Jaguars to Paycor Stadium. Both teams entered the matchup at 2-1 and appeared evenly matched on paper.

Unfortunately for Cincinnati, turnovers and missed opportunities told the story.

The Bengals repeatedly put themselves in position to take control of the game but could never fully capitalize. To make matters worse, Ja’Marr Chase was knocked out of the contest during the second quarter following a facemask and unnecessary hit. Later, Tee Higgins suffered an injury on the Bengals’ final drive.

Even with those setbacks, Cincinnati still had an opportunity to win.

Burrow’s stat line was impressive, throwing for 428 yards and one touchdown while adding a rushing score. However, two interceptions proved costly.

The first interception was largely a result of pressure. Burrow was hit on the blind side as he released the football, causing the pass to lose velocity and flutter into a defender’s hands.

The second interception came at a critical moment. Driving in scoring territory, Burrow targeted Tinsley on a slant route. The linebacker stepped in front for the interception, ending another promising opportunity. On replay, it appeared Tinsley slowed his route, making it difficult to maintain leverage on the defender.

Penalties and Non-Calls Loom Large

The Bengals also had several explosive running plays wiped out by holding penalties, including a touchdown that never counted.

At times, it felt like officials inserted themselves too heavily into the game with frequent flags. Yet when Cincinnati needed a call most, the whistles stayed silent.

On the Bengals’ final drive, two potential pass interference penalties went uncalled. The second appeared especially significant, as the receiver was contacted before the football arrived. A flag likely would have moved Cincinnati inside the Jaguars’ 15-yard line with an opportunity to score the game-winning touchdown.

Instead, the game came down to a fourth-down attempt that ended just inches short. Running back Chase Brown fought for extra yardage, even flipping through the air after contact, but was ruled approximately half a yard short of the line to gain.

Jacksonville escaped with a 22-17 victory, improving to 3-1 while Cincinnati fell to 2-2.

Defensive Concern Continues

The Bengals defense wasn’t necessarily poor against Jacksonville, but one issue continues to resurface.

Tight ends and making key tackles on 3rd down.

For several seasons now, opposing tight ends have consistently found success against Cincinnati’s defense. Once again, Jacksonville’s tight ends contributed key receptions and helped sustain drives, particularly on third down.

If the Bengals can improve in this area, they will get off the field more quickly, control time of possession, and create more opportunities for an offense that is already showing signs of becoming one of the league’s most dangerous units.

Reasons for Optimism

Despite the disappointing record, there are encouraging signs.

Burrow is beginning to look more comfortable and continues to put up elite passing numbers. The offense is moving the football effectively and creating explosive plays through the air.

Most importantly, the locker room remains confident.

Players and coaches continue to believe in one another despite the adversity. While fans are understandably anxious, there is still plenty of football left to play.

This season will ultimately be defined by consistency and the ability to string together winning streaks. The flashes are there. Now the Bengals must turn those flashes into complete performances.

Miami Awaits Before the Bye

The focus now shifts to Miami.

The Bengals need to take care of business and head into their bye week at 3-2. Doing so would provide valuable momentum and allow injured players time to recover before a crucial stretch of games against Baltimore, Tennessee, Atlanta, and Pittsburgh.

If things break right, Cincinnati could emerge from that stretch at 7-2. Even a 6-3 record would position them well, especially if they secure important AFC North victories over the Ravens and Steelers.

A season is rarely defined in September or early October. It is defined by how teams respond when adversity arrives.

The Bengals have faced their first major challenge of the season.

Now it’s time to answer it.

The urgency is there. The talent is there. The belief is there.

It starts in Miami.

Then comes the bye week.

Then comes the run.

Who Dey! 🐅🏈

Bengals D take Texans by horns, Win 20 – 6

Date: Tuesday September 22, 2026

Writer: Anthony Iles

Game 2 Recap

The Bengals traveled to Texas to take on the Texans, a team known for its tough defense and ability to put points on the board when its offense finds a rhythm. Houston also entered the game with a solid running attack, making this a challenging road test for Cincinnati.

Oddsmakers listed the Bengals as two-point underdogs, something I never quite understood considering the firepower of the Bengals offense and the improvements made on defense. For their first road game of the season, the defense needed to prove that its strong Week 1 performance was no fluke.

The Bengals defense answered the call.

Cincinnati grabbed the Texans by the horns and made it a long afternoon for quarterback C.J. Stroud and company. Houston struggled to establish any offensive rhythm as the Bengals defense recorded 4 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, 7 quarterback hits, and 8 passes defended.

The run defense was equally impressive. Houston’s running backs were held to just 13, 10, and 8 rushing yards respectively, while Stroud led the team with 29 rushing yards. The Texans finished with only 60 total rushing yards as a team.

The Bengals offense moved the ball effectively against one of the league’s top defenses. Joe Burrow completed 20 of 31 passes for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns despite being sacked five times.

On the ground, Chase Brown rushed for 80 yards and helped keep the offense balanced. Burrow spread the ball around to eight different receivers, but Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase led the way. Higgins finished with 5 catches for 95 yards, while Chase hauled in 7 receptions for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns. His first touchdown catch may end up being one of the best catches of the entire season, certainly worthy of a Top 5 discussion.

Evan McPherson was perfect on the day, connecting on both of his field-goal attempts, including a booming 57-yarder. Punter Ryan Rehkow also played a key role in the field-position battle, averaging 43.1 yards on 8 punts for a total of 345 yards, with a long punt of 59 yards.

A road victory over a quality opponent to start the season 2-0 is exactly what Bengals fans hoped to see. Cincinnati is now one of just eight teams sitting at 2-0. Meanwhile, the Texans have dropped their first two games, both at home.

Next up is an AFC North showdown on the road against the 1-1 Steelers in Pittsburgh. Can the Bengals dig deep and win a third consecutive game away from home? I believe they can.

With the defense playing consistently and the offense beginning to hit its stride, the Bengals look like one of the few teams truly built to win now. The Steelers and Aaron Rodgers face a tough challenge in this divisional battle, and Cincinnati has an opportunity to start the season with a huge AFC North victory.

It is still early, but the Bengals have sent a message through two weeks.

Who Dey!

Bengals Make a Statement in Season-Opening 33-27 Victory

The Cincinnati Bengals opened the regular season with a 33-27 victory and showed exactly why there is excitement surrounding this team heading into 2026. While the offense had its moments, the biggest story from Week 1 was a defense that played with physicality, confidence, and a championship mindset.

The Bengals’ defense looked noticeably improved from a season ago, recording four sacks, forcing four fumbles, and recovering all four. One of those takeaways was returned for a touchdown and helped swing momentum in Cincinnati’s favor. The veteran additions, Year 2 players, and continuity within the defensive scheme were all on display as the unit consistently made game-changing plays.

Joe Burrow delivered a solid performance in his first regular season action of the year, finishing 25-of-35 passing for 254 yards and one touchdown while adding 20 rushing yards. The lone blemish on his day was an errant interception that was returned for a touchdown. Aside from that mistake, Burrow was efficient and distributed the ball throughout the offense, connecting with nine different receivers.

Mike Gesicki had an outstanding Bengals debut, hauling in five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. The running game also made a strong contribution, eclipsing 100 total rushing yards. Chase Brown led the ground attack with 56 yards and a touchdown, helping provide balance to the offense.

While Ja’Marr Chase finished with only two receptions, his impact went far beyond the box score. His presence demanded constant attention from the defense and created favorable one-on-one opportunities for the rest of Cincinnati’s playmakers throughout the afternoon.

Tee Higgins contributed three catches for 59 yards, including arguably the biggest offensive play of the game. His final reception moved the chains on the Bengals’ last possession and allowed Cincinnati to kneel out the clock and secure the victory.

Rookie wide receiver Meyers also delivered a key moment late in the game, turning a short completion into an 18-yard gain during the game-sealing drive. The Bengals moved the ball effectively on their final possession and could have added points if necessary, but smart clock management allowed them to finish the contest without needing a touchdown or field goal.

Special teams were equally impressive. Evan McPherson was perfect, converting all four field-goal attempts, including a booming 58-yarder, while also making all three extra points. His performance earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Perhaps most encouraging was what Cincinnati showed defensively. Following several years of roster turnover due to free agency departures and retirements, the Bengals appear to have successfully regrouped and retooled the unit. If Week 1 was any indication, this defense has the potential to develop into a Top 10 unit by season’s end and complement the offense the way it did during the Bengals’ successful runs from 2021 through 2023.

Now the focus shifts to Week 2 as Cincinnati travels to face the Houston Texans on Sunday, September 20, at 1:00 p.m. on CBS. If the Bengals can bring the same defensive intensity and continue to build offensive chemistry, they will have an excellent opportunity to start the season 2-0.

The defense showed up exactly as many hoped it would, proving it can be the perfect complement to an already dangerous offense.

Time to look ahead to Week 2 and chase that 2-0 start.

WHO DEY!

Bengals ‘26 Season Outlook: The Time Is Now

Date: Tuesday September 1, 2026

Writer: Anthony Iles

The preseason is officially wrapped, rosters are set, and the NFL is shifting into regular‑season mode. Across the league, we’ve seen surprises — teams keeping four quarterbacks, veterans being cut, and familiar names like Odell Beckham landing back where their careers began. But in Cincinnati, the story is simple: the Bengals look ready.

Undefeated Preseason — First Time in 20+ Years

Going 3‑0 in the preseason isn’t about trophies — it’s about depth. And this roster showed it has real depth at nearly every position, especially on defense. The revamped unit looked fast, disciplined, and loaded with competition.

A Revamped Defense Ready to Make Noise

The Bengals didn’t just tweak the defense — they rebuilt it with purpose. Veterans like Cook, Mafe, Allen, and Lawrence bring leadership, toughness, and proven production. This group has the talent to become a top‑10 defense, and they’re built to complement Burrow’s offense instead of simply surviving games.

And then there’s rookie CB Davis — 6’4”, long, physical, and confident. His preseason showed exactly why he earned a spot on the 53. He’s raw and athletic with his upside being enormous.

Offensive Evolution — More Under Center, More Play Action

The Bengals sprinkled in more under‑center looks this preseason, and it wasn’t accidental. This offense is adding layers:

  • More play action
  • More downhill run concepts
  • More balance to keep defenses honest

With Burrow healthy and the scheme expanding, this offense is built to control the ball, dictate tempo, and stay dangerous from every formation.

Special Teams Boost

WRs Ke’Shawn Williams and Donte Meyers aren’t just depth pieces — they’re impact players. Williams will handle returns, and Meyers has already pushed himself into the WR3/WR4 conversation after a standout camp.

And Money Mac? Back to being Money Mac — consistent, confident, automatic.

The AFC North Is Wide Open

Three new head coaches. Major roster turnover. No clear favorite. This is the moment for Cincinnati to grab the division early and never let go.

The Time Is Now

Burrow said it best: the time is now.
On paper, this is one of the strongest Bengals rosters ever assembled — depth, veterans, youth, explosiveness, and a coaching staff that knows exactly what it wants.

This team has everything it needs to:

  • Win the AFC North
  • Return to the Playoffs
  • Capture the AFC Championship
  • Head back to SoFi Stadium to finish it

The Lombardi Trophy is not a dream — it’s their mission to bring it back to Cincinnati!

Who Dey !!!!

Bengals Season Begins Now

Date: Tuesday August 1, 2026

Writer: Anthony Iles

The NFL season officially kicked off last week with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, where the Carolina Panthers edged out the Arizona Cardinals 33–30 in a thrilling opener.

Meanwhile, roster shakeups are already underway around the league: the Minnesota Vikings recently announced that former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will take over as their starting quarterback, moving McCarthy to the backup role.

The Cincinnati Bengals are set to host the Detroit Lions this Thursday at 7:00 PM EDT at Paycor Stadium for their first preseason matchup. Head coach Zac Taylor has indicated that the starters will play the first one or two series before resting for the remainder of the game.

Training Camp & Roster Outlook

  • A Revamped Defense: The Bengals injected major experience, leadership, and toughness into their defensive unit this offseason by adding veteran acquisitions like defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen, alongside defensive pieces like Boye Mafe and safety Bryan Cook.
  • An Explosive Offense: With a fully healthy Joe Burrow leading the charge and veteran quarterback Joe Flacco returning to back him up, the offense is primed to click. Media observers have heavily highlighted the team’s shift toward incorporating more plays from under center during training camp. This adjustment is designed to boost a more dynamic run game and expand under-center play-action passing. I think this package could debut at around 10 plays per game, potentially scaling up to account for 40% to 50% of snaps by season’s end to keep opposing defenses guessing.
  • The 3rd Wide Receiver Battle: One of the most talked-about storylines of camp is the competition for the primary third wide receiver spot. Andrei Iosivas currently holds the edge after a solid stretch, though he looks to clean up some key drops from last season. Pushing him is the talented Mitch Tinsley—listed as the backup behind Ja’Marr Chase—alongside a deep group featuring Charlie Jones, Ke’Shawn Williams, Donte Meyers, and Xavier Johnson. Behind starter Tee Higgins, the depth chart is rounded out by Colbie Young and Noah Thomas.

It is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for Who Dey Nation.

Let’s get ready to rock the Jungle!

Who Dey!

“The Pure Heart Classic” Golf Outing Invite

When: Friday May 29, 2026

If you’re in the Northern Kentucky / Cincinnati area and interested in a May golf scramble that supports a great cause, this is for you. I’m helping with the event and playing in it as well.

Check it out if you’d like to golf, donate, or share it with anyone who might want to get involved.

https://the-pure-heart-classic.perfectgolfevent.com/?utm_source=copilot.com

Bengals 2026 NFL Draft

Date: Thursday April 23, 2026

Writer: Anthony Iles

The NFL Draft kicks off tonight at 8:00 P.M., and the Bengals already made waves last week by sending their 1st‑round pick (No. 10) to the Giants in exchange for star nose tackle Dexter “Sexy Dexy” Lawrence II. Cincinnati never pulls off a pre‑draft move like this, but this was the exact upgrade the defensive front needed.

This team is shifting into full Super Bowl mode and refusing to play it safe. It’s electric to watch. Joe Burrow and the offense have to be fired up knowing the defense is gearing up to hold its own again and give them the support they need to dominate.

This revamped Bengals defense is on the verge of returning to — or even surpassing — the level they played at during their Super Bowl run a few years back. They’ve already added six defensive free agents, completely reshaping the unit’s identity. And there’s still room to bring in another one or two veteran pieces if they decide to keep stacking talent.

With the Bengals sidelined until the 2nd Round, the spotlight shifts to the Giants and their control of picks No. 5 and No. 10. What they decide to do with those two premium selections could send shockwaves through the entire first round. Their moves will set the tone, trigger the chaos, and shape the board for everyone else.

And even without a pick tonight, don’t be stunned if Cincinnati still finds a way to crash the party. The Bengals have already shown they’re willing to break character — and a surprise move from them could be the twist that steals the night.

Good luck to every player hearing their name called tonight — this is your moment, your breakthrough, your launchpad. Enjoy it, embrace it, and remember: the journey is only just beginning.

Who Dey!!

2025 Bengals Season Recap: A Wild Ride in the Jungle

Date: Tuesday February 2, 2026

Writer: Anthony Iles

The Bengals opened the season with back‑to‑back wins and looked ready for a strong campaign—until Joe Burrow’s turf‑toe injury in Week 2 sent the year into chaos. Backup Jake Browning stepped in, but the offense sputtered and turnovers piled up. Cincinnati dropped three straight to the Vikings, Broncos, and Lions, getting outscored heavily and losing momentum fast.

Realizing the season needed saving, the Bengals traded for veteran Joe Flacco. With only a few days to learn the playbook, he debuted against the Packers and immediately brought stability, even in a 27–18 loss. The spark became real in Week 7 when Flacco led the Bengals to a 33–31 win over the Steelers.

But the defense hit a rough stretch. From Weeks 8–12, Cincinnati lost multiple shootouts—falling to the Jets and Bears on last‑possession drives, then struggling again against the Steelers and Patriots. The offense was doing its part, but the defense couldn’t close games.

Everything changed after the bye.

Burrow returned on Thanksgiving in Week 13 and delivered a 32–14 win, while the defense finally began to settle into the new scheme. A tight loss to the Bills and a disastrous shutout against the Ravens followed, but that embarrassment became a turning point. From Week 16 on, the defense looked like a different unit—tackling better, communicating clearly, and making timely plays.

The Bengals closed strong with dominant wins over the Dolphins (45–21) and Cardinals (37–14) before a narrow loss to the Browns in the finale. It was a chaotic, injury‑filled, up‑and‑down season, but the late‑season defensive surge showed what this roster can be when healthy and aligned.

With Burrow back at full strength and the offense humming, the Bengals look poised for a Super Bowl push—as long as the defense continues the growth we saw after the bye.

Pro Bowl Honors

This year’s Pro Bowl features four Bengals:

Ja’Marr Chase – 5th selection

Tee Higgins – 1st selection

Joe Burrow – 3rd selection

Joe Flacco – shockingly, his first in 18 seasons

A well‑earned recognition for all of them.

Looking Ahead

Expect the Bengals to add veteran help on defense and draft with purpose. With a full year in the new defensive system and a healthy Burrow leading an elite offense, Cincinnati should return to the playoffs—and make another run at the Super Bowl.

Who Dey !!!!