Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

Cincinnati Bengals Select Shemar Stewart in First Round of 2025 NFL Draft! What Does It Mean?

The 2025 NFL Draft, held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, kicked off with high anticipation, and the Cincinnati Bengals, holding the 17th overall pick, made a strategic move to bolster their defense by selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart. This selection, announced on April 24, 2025, addressed a critical need for the Bengals, whose defense struggled in the 2024 season, contributing to their 9-8 record and missing the playoffs for the third straight year. With Super Bowl aspirations fueled by quarterback Joe Burrow’s MVP-caliber performances, the Bengals aimed to fortify their roster with immediate impact players. Shemar Stewart, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound defensive end, brings a blend of athleticism and potential to Cincinnati’s defensive line. Despite modest college production—1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons at Texas A&M—Stewart’s combine performance was exceptional, showcasing a 95th-percentile speed score and a 91st-percentile 10-yard split. His physical gifts, including an impressive wingspan and explosive first step, drew comparisons to elite pass rushers. Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden emphasized Stewart’s versatility, noting his ability to make plays away from the line of scrimmage and his ascending trajectory as a prospect. Golden dismissed concerns about Stewart’s sack totals, highlighting his disruptive presence and fit within the team’s revamped defensive scheme. The Bengals’ decision to draft Stewart was influenced by uncertainty surrounding star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 but was granted permission to seek a trade. Stewart provides immediate depth and a potential long-term starter opposite Hendrickson, should he remain with the team. Head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin prioritized defensive upgrades, with Stewart’s selection aligning with their goal of pairing him with Hendrickson to create a formidable pass-rush duo. Mock drafts leading up to the event projected various defensive talents for Cincinnati, including Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell and Georgia safety Malaki Starks, but Stewart’s raw potential and physical tools made him the choice. Fans and analysts, as seen in posts on X, expressed optimism about Stewart’s “unique physical gifts,” with some calling him a “tier 1” talent. As the Bengals look to capitalize on Burrow’s prime, Stewart’s development will be pivotal in elevating a defense that has lagged behind the team’s high-powered offense, setting the stage for a promising 2025 season

Cincinnati Reds Avoid Being Swept In Miami, and The 2025 NFL Draft is Here! Joined by Jason Fitz

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Reds secured a 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins in the series finale at loanDepot Park to avoid beimg swept in the three game series. Catcher Austin Wynns powered the Reds’ offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run, his second in as many games, continuing his hot streak. Spencer Steer and Elly De La Cruz also contributed key hits, with De La Cruz’s speed and defensive flair drawing attention, including a standout play that sparked postgame buzz. The Reds’ pitching staff, led by a rebounding starter and a reliable bullpen, stifled Miami’s bats, allowing only two runs despite the Marlins’ early threats. This win, highlighted by PNC Bank’s game recap, showcased Cincinnati’s resilience after dropping the first two games of the series, improving their road trip record and boosting morale as they head home. Fans celebrated at Skyline Chili, embracing the #ATOBTTR spirit, though questions linger about Wynns’ role once Tyler Stephenson returns from injury.
 
Shifting to today, April 24, 2025, the NFL Draft’s first round kicks off at 8:00 PM ET in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at Lambeau Field. The Tennessee Titans hold the No. 1 pick, with Miami quarterback Cam Ward favored to go first overall after a stellar college season, boasting 39 touchdown passes and 4,313 yards. The Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and New England Patriots follow with picks 2-4, each eyeing transformative talents like Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. The Miami Dolphins, picking 13th, could target Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, per ESPN’s Peter Schrager, to bolster their defensive line. Trade rumors swirl, with the Giants aggressively pursuing a quarterback, possibly Shedeur Sanders from Colorado or Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, and teams like the Colts and Rams eyeing tight ends like Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland. The draft, airing with live coverage on ESPN and right here on Chatterbox Sports YouTube, promises drama, with 17 prospects, including Ward and Hunter, attending. After a 2024 draft heavy on offense, expect a balanced first round, with running backs like Ashton Jeanty potentially sneaking in. Fans await surprises, as teams like the Patriots and Browns, fielding trade calls, could reshape the draft’s early order

Cincinnati Reds Drop Another Heartbreaker... 2025 NFL Draft Is One Day Away!

On April 22, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds suffered another tough loss, falling 11-13 to the Miami Marlins in a high-scoring affair at LoanDepot Park. The game, part of a three-game series, saw the Reds struggle defensively, particularly in a disastrous seventh inning that allowed the Marlins to surge ahead. Starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft had a rough outing, unable to contain Miami’s offense, while the Reds’ bullpen couldn’t stop the bleeding. Offensively, TJ Friedl and Jose Trevino each had two hits, and Noelvi Marte blasted a home run, but the team’s hard-hit balls often found Marlins’ gloves, as noted by fans on X. Despite Nick Martinez’s solid relief effort, costly errors and poor situational hitting (1-for-10 with runners in scoring position) doomed Cincinnati. The loss dropped the Reds to 11-13, highlighting ongoing issues with consistency and defense as they aim to avoid a sweep today. The Cincinnati Bengals approach the 2025 NFL Draft with the 17th overall pick and six total selections, aiming to address critical defensive and offensive needs. After a 9-8 season, the focus is on bolstering the defense, which struggled last year, prompting the firing of coordinator Lou Anarumo. Mock drafts project the Bengals targeting impact defenders like Georgia safety Malaki Starks, Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen, or Marshall EDGE Mike Green to complement Trey Hendrickson. The defensive line and secondary, weakened by departures like Sam Hubbard and Vonn Bell, are priorities. Offensively, adding depth at guard or tackle is possible, with Alabama’s Parker Brailsford mentioned. With Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins locked in, the pressure is on director Duke Tobin to hit on draft picks to maximize Burrow’s prime and return to playoff contention under new coordinator Al Golden.

Max Meyer Dominates Cincinnati Reds with 14 Strikeouts... Consistently Inconsistent! NFL Draft Talk

On April 21, 2025, Max Meyer delivered a masterful performance, dominating the Cincinnati Reds in a 6-3 Miami Marlins victory at Great American Ball Park. The young right-hander showcased his electrifying arsenal, striking out 14 Reds batters over seven innings in a display of pure pitching dominance. Meyer’s fastball, touching the high 90s, and his devastating slider left Cincinnati’s lineup floundering, as they managed just four hits and two earned runs against him. His 14 strikeouts tied a Marlins franchise record for a single game, cementing his status as a rising star. The Reds, struggling to find offensive rhythm, couldn’t crack Meyer’s command. Key hitters like Elly De La Cruz and Jonathan India were repeatedly overpowered, with De La Cruz striking out three times. Cincinnati’s lone bright spot came in the sixth, when a solo home run briefly cut the deficit, but Meyer quickly regained control, retiring the side in order. The Marlins’ offense supported their ace, with timely hitting and a three-run fifth inning that exploited Reds starter Hunter Greene’s inconsistency. Defensively, Miami was crisp, while Cincinnati’s miscues, including a costly error, allowed the Marlins to extend their lead. The Reds’ bullpen faltered late, surrendering additional runs that put the game out of reach. Despite a late rally attempt, Cincinnati couldn’t overcome Meyer’s brilliance or their own offensive woes. This loss dropped the Reds further in the NL Central standings, highlighting their struggles against elite pitching. For Miami, Meyer’s gem was a statement, signaling their rotation’s potential to compete. Fans and analysts alike buzzed on platforms like X, praising Meyer’s poise and projecting his trajectory as a future ace. The game underscored a stark contrast: Miami’s upward momentum and Cincinnati’s need for offensive answers.

Cincinnati Reds have a HISTORIC Weekend! back too .500 Ball! NFL Draft is 3 Days Away!

The Cincinnati Reds had a mixed weekend series against the San Francisco Giants from April 18-20, 2025, at Great American Ball Park, splitting the four-game set with a 2-2 record. The Reds, under new manager Terry Francona, showed flashes of their potential but struggled with consistency, finishing the series with a 10-10 record, placing them third in the NL Central. On Friday, the Reds secured a convincing 7-3 victory, powered by Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain, who each hit three-run homers. Andrew Abbott delivered a strong performance, striking out 11 over six innings. Saturday’s game saw the Reds erupt offensively, scoring 24 runs in a 24-6 rout—their highest run total since May 19, 1999. Austin Wynns went 6-for-7, and the bottom of the order (8th and 9th spots) combined for 11 hits and 13 RBIs, showcasing the team’s depth. However, the Giants bounced back on Sunday, winning 5-3. Despite a competitive effort, the Reds’ bullpen faltered late, and they couldn’t capitalize on early scoring opportunities. Monday’s series finale resulted in a 6-4 loss, with San Francisco’s pitching stifling Cincinnati’s offense after a strong start. The Reds’ bullpen, a concern from the 2024 season, showed improvement but remains a work in progress. The weekend highlighted the Reds’ young core, with De La Cruz’s electrifying play and Hunter Greene’s starts generating buzz. Fans at Great American Ball Park, despite recent flooding concerns, enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere. The Reds’ ability to rebound in 2025 hinges on tightening their pitching and maintaining offensive firepower. This series encapsulated their season so far: promising yet inconsistent, with potential for a playoff push.

Cincinnati Reds Elly De La Cruz Continues to Struggle... Is Elly De La Cruz Clutch?

The Cincinnati Reds recently faced the Seattle Mariners in a three-game series from April 15-17, 2025, at T-Mobile Park, with the Mariners taking the series 2-1. In the first game, the Reds fell 9-3, struggling against Seattle’s pitching despite Elly De La Cruz’s speed on the basepaths. The Reds bounced back in game two, winning 3-1, with Hunter Greene’s strong start and Matt McLain’s timely hitting. The finale saw a dramatic Mariners comeback, as Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena hit back-to-back homers in the ninth to tie it, followed by Arozarena’s clutch double in the 10th for a 6-4 win. De La Cruz went 4-for-12 with a stolen base but struck out in key moments, underscoring his -0.10 clutch rating in 2025. Posts on X highlighted Seattle’s late-game heroics, with fans praising Arozarena’s impact. Looking ahead, the Reds visit the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game series at Oriole Park at Camden Yards from April 18-20, 2025. The Orioles, with a 7-10 record, boast a potent offense led by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman but face pitching challenges with injuries to Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish. The Reds, at 9-10, rely on De La Cruz, McLain, and Greene to compete in the hitter-friendly park. Baltimore’s bullpen, weakened by injuries, could be a target for Cincinnati’s aggressive base-running. Historical data shows the Orioles leading the head-to-head 10-5 since 2011, with a 4.7 runs-per-game average. Terry Francona’s strategic adjustments will be key for the Reds to exploit Baltimore’s pitching woes and steal a series win, setting a tone for their NL Central campaign.

Welcome To The Ump Show! Cincinnati Reds Screwed by the Umpires Yesterday! NFL Draft One Week Away!

In a heated matchup at Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds fell 5-3 to the Seattle Mariners on April 16, 2025, snapping their four-game win streak. The game, however, was overshadowed by a controversial umpire decision that left Reds fans fuming. In the eighth inning, with the Reds trailing 5-3, star shortstop Elly De La Cruz stole second base, a play that could have shifted momentum. Umpire Chris Segal, however, called De La Cruz out on an interference call, a decision that baffled players, coaches, and fans alike. Posts on X captured the outrage, with fans booing loudly and one user calling it a "phantom call" that changed the game’s outcome. The interference ruling, which occurred with runners on base, killed a potential Reds rally. De La Cruz’s speed and base-stealing prowess (4 steals this season) made the call particularly costly. Despite a valiant effort, including three runs in the seventh fueled by Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jose Trevino, Cincinnati couldn’t overcome the early 5-0 deficit or the disputed call. Cal Raleigh’s two homers and Bryce Miller’s eight strikeouts powered Seattle, while Reds starter Nick Martinez struggled, allowing four runs. X posts reflected fans’ frustration, with some demanding accountability from umpires and others lamenting missed opportunities. The game’s box score shows De La Cruz was caught stealing, but video replays suggested the call was questionable. While umpiring controversies are part of baseball, this incident stung a Reds team fighting to maintain momentum. With a rubber match looming, Cincinnati hopes to rebound against Seattle’s Bryan Woo, but the bitter taste of this loss lingers.

Austin Hays Powers Cincinnati Reds To Comeback Win Over Mariners, Season Back On?

On a chilly Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds secured an 8-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners in the series opener, marking their fourth straight win and pushing their record to 9-8, above .500 for the first time since May 2024.
The game was a showcase for Austin Hays, who made a thunderous debut with the Reds after missing the season’s first 16 games due to a left calf strain. Signed to a one-year, $5 million contract in January, the 2023 All-Star outfielder proved his worth, going 2-for-4 with four RBIs, including a pivotal three-run homer, and etched his name in Reds history as only the third player since 1920 to drive in at least four runs in his team debut.
The Reds trailed early, with Mariners’ Dylan Moore hitting a leadoff homer and adding a two-run shot off starter Nick Lodolo, who struggled, allowing four runs over 4 2/3 innings. Seattle’s Luis Castillo, a former Reds ace, held a 4-2 lead into the fifth, but Cincinnati’s offense, bolstered by Hays and Gavin Lux, flipped the script. Lux, who had four hits, drove in two runs, including an RBI single in the fifth that set the stage for Hays. With two on, Hays crushed a 1-1 fastball from Castillo to center field for a go-ahead three-run homer, giving the Reds a 6-4 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The crowd of 17,205 roared as Hays rounded the bases, signaling his arrival as a key piece in Cincinnati’s lineup.
The Reds’ bullpen sealed the win, with Scott Barlow earning the victory, and Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan, and Emilio Pagán combining for scoreless relief. Pagán closed the ninth with ease, retiring the Mariners in order. Despite Moore’s two homers and four RBIs for Seattle, their four-game win streak ended as Castillo faltered, allowing six runs in 4 1/3 innings. Hays’ debut underscored the Reds’ offensive potential, especially with Matt McLain and Alexis Diaz also returning from the injured list. As Cincinnati eyes a strong homestand, Hays’ historic night suggests he could be the spark to sustain their momentum.
The teams face off again Wednesday, with Nick Martinez starting for the Reds against Bryce Miller.
 
 
 
 

Cincinnati Reds Return Home To Face Pirates. Two Weeks Until NFL Draft, Bengals Targets at Pick 17

The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates kick off a three-game series at Great American Ball Park this weekend, April 11-13, 2025, with both teams looking to climb out of the NL Central basement. Tied for last place, this matchup feels like a generational clash of two franchises struggling to recapture past glory. The Reds, favored slightly at -155 for Friday’s opener, aim to capitalize on home-field advantage, while the Pirates, at +129, hope to spoil the party.
Friday’s game sets the tone with Reds’ right-hander Brady Singer facing Pittsburgh’s lefty Bailey Falter. Singer, projected to anchor Cincinnati’s rotation, looks to exploit a Pirates offense averaging a meager 2.6 runs over their last five games, with a .198 batting average and just one homer in their past three. Falter, coming off a rough outing against the Yankees, allowed seven runs, but his earlier start showed promise with only two earned runs over six innings. The Reds’ lineup, led by Elly De La Cruz’s .250 average and 12 RBI, will test Falter’s ability to rebound. TJ Friedl and Jose Trevino add depth, though Cincinnati’s 26th-ranked .231 team average last season suggests inconsistency.
Saturday’s 6:40 p.m. ET clash and Sunday’s 1:40 p.m. ET finale remain murkier, with Pittsburgh’s Carmen Mlodzinski slated for Sunday but no Reds starter confirmed. Cincinnati’s rotation faces challenges, with Andrew Abbott potentially returning from injury, but their pitching staff boasts a 3.15 ERA and 0.98 WHIP, a clear edge over Pittsburgh’s sputtering offense. The Pirates dodge a bullet missing Paul Skenes, whose absence leaves their rotation thinner. Pittsburgh’s -19 run differential, worst in the NL Central, underscores their early-season woes.
Both teams have injury concerns: Cincinnati’s Matt McLain, Tyler Stephenson, and others are sidelined, while Pittsburgh’s Johan Oviedo remains out. Yet, this series feels like a chance for the Reds to make a statement. Their losses have been close, unlike Pittsburgh’s blowouts. With Friday’s game on Apple TV+ and the weekend on FanDuel Sports Ohio, fans can expect tight, low-scoring affairs—Vegas sets the over/under at 8.5 runs for Friday. De La Cruz’s speed and power could tilt the scales, but Pittsburgh’s Bryan Reynolds might counter if he finds his groove. Expect a gritty, pivotal series as both teams fight for early momentum.

Cincinnati Reds Heating Up? Won the series vs Giants. Are Will Benson and Noelvi Marte enough help?

The Cincinnati Reds have been on fire lately, showcasing their potential with a thrilling series win against the San Francisco Giants in April 2025. This recent success has fans buzzing and highlights the team’s growing strength under new manager Terry Francona. The Reds’ pitching staff, led by standout performances from Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, has been the backbone of their resurgence. Greene delivered a near-complete game shutout, striking out seven and allowing just four hits, while Lodolo followed with six scoreless innings, stifling the Giants’ offense. These dominant outings snapped San Francisco’s seven-game winning streak and secured Cincinnati’s first series victory of the season. Offensively, the Reds have shown flashes of brilliance, with key contributions from players like Blake Dunn, whose two-run double broke a scoreless tie, and Elly De La Cruz, whose speed and bat continue to electrify. Despite some inconsistency at the plate, the team’s ability to capitalize on critical moments has been a game-changer. The Reds’ young core, blending athleticism and power, is starting to gel, and their aggressive base running has kept opponents on edge. Defensively, Cincinnati has tightened up, with slick plays from Matt McLain and De La Cruz turning heads. This series win at Oracle Park wasn’t just a statement—it was a glimpse of what this Reds squad can achieve when clicking on all cylinders. While the Giants took two of three in their earlier meeting at Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati flipped the script on the road, proving they can hang with top competition. With Francona’s leadership and a talented roster coming into its own, the Reds are building momentum. If they maintain this pitching dominance and find more offensive consistency, they could be a force in the NL Central all season long.