Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

The Reds Should Trade For Luis Robert, Nick Kirby + Bengals & Christmas Buy Or Sell

The Cincinnati Reds could be one bold move away from becoming serious contenders, and a potential trade for Luis Robert Jr. might be exactly what they need. In this video, we break down the idea of the Reds trading for Luis Robert, what it would cost, and how he could instantly change the outlook of Cincinnati’s lineup.
Luis Robert is one of the most dynamic players in Major League Baseball, combining elite power, speed, and Gold Glove–caliber defense in center field. With the Chicago White Sox possibly entering a retooling phase, trade rumors are heating up around Robert, and the Cincinnati Reds are a team that makes a lot of sense as a potential landing spot. But would the Reds be willing to part with top prospects or young MLB talent to make this deal happen?
We’ll analyze how Luis Robert would fit into the Reds’ roster, how he complements stars like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain, and whether Cincinnati’s farm system gives them enough ammunition to pull off a blockbuster trade. We’ll also discuss contract details, injury concerns, and the overall risk vs. reward of making such a high-profile move.
If the Reds are serious about competing in the NL Central and making a deep playoff run, trading for a superstar like Luis Robert could be a franchise-altering decision. Is this the right time for Cincinnati to go all-in, or should they stay patient with their young core?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments: Should the Cincinnati Reds trade for Luis Robert? What would you give up to make the deal happen?
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Reds news, MLB trade rumors, and in-depth baseball analysis.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #NFL #OffTheBench

Bengals Victory Monday + Luis Robert To The Reds?

In a thrilling matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals delivered an explosive performance, defeating the Miami Dolphins 45-21. The Bengals showcased their offensive firepower, with standout plays and key contributions from both Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. Despite a strong first-half effort from Miami, the Dolphins struggled to keep pace as the Bengals' offense took control after halftime.
The game saw Quinn Ewers stepping in for a benched Tua Tagovailoa, and though Ewers showed flashes of potential, the Dolphins’ offense couldn’t find enough rhythm to match the Bengals’ high-powered attack. Joe Burrow was in top form, leading the Bengals with precision throws and timely decisions. Meanwhile, Ja'Marr Chase was dominant, consistently making big catches and proving why he’s one of the league’s top receivers.
On the defensive side, the Bengals did a great job of applying pressure and forcing mistakes, including key sacks and turnovers. Miami’s struggles to protect the quarterback, coupled with their inability to adjust to Cincinnati’s defensive schemes, kept the game out of reach. The Dolphins’ inability to capitalize on early opportunities ultimately led to their downfall.
This 45-21 win marks another strong statement for the Bengals as they continue to build momentum for the season. Watch the full game highlights and analysis to relive the key moments that led to this impressive victory!
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #NFL #OffTheBench

Bengals vs. Dolphins, NFL Buy Or Sell, Keegan Nickoson On Wes Miller's Future / State Of UC Basketball

The Cincinnati Bengals (4-10) close out their road slate Sunday in Miami against the Dolphins (6-8) in a game devoid of playoff implications for Cincy but rich with opportunity. After being officially eliminated from postseason contention, Zac Taylor’s club has a chance to build momentum into 2026 and reestablish competitive identity over the final three weeks.
Offensively, Joe Burrow and his talented receiving corps will look to bounce back from a tough shutout loss to Baltimore, where Burrow was held to 225 yards with two interceptions and Ja’Marr Chase still showed elite playmaking ability. Getting the offense untracked is priority one, and fresh legs in the passing game — particularly from Chase and whoever emerges as a No. 2 option — could exploit a Dolphins secondary missing playmakers at times.
Cincinnati’s defense, however, enters with concerns. The interior defensive line has taken hits with B.J. Hill and Kris Jenkins Jr. trending toward inactivity, and Joseph Ossai’s ankle issues further weaken pass-rush depth. That could challenge a Miami attack transitioning to rookie Quinn Ewers under center after benching Tua Tagovailoa amid a season leading the league in interceptions.
From a scheme standpoint, the Bengals can attack a Dolphins defense that has been inconsistent against the run and susceptible in the secondary — offering a blueprint for Cincinnati to sustain drives and flip field position. Turnovers and discipline will be key; forcing mistakes from an inexperienced Miami QB could tilt the game.
Ultimately, while the Bengals aren’t fighting for a playoff spot, Sunday serves as a referendum on effort, growth, and offseason trajectory. A strong road performance — especially in a physical division battle — can boost confidence and spotlight emerging core pieces heading into 2026.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #NFL #TheStoneShieldsShow

MAJOR Bengals Rumors After New Joe Burrow Comments, Bearcats Win With Jizzle James, Xavier Throttled, Paul Fritschner

Ahead of Week 16 vs. the Miami Dolphins, Bengals QB Joe Burrow addressed the media with candid, reflective, and at times cryptic comments about his mindset, the season, and his future in the NFL.
In his opening remarks, Burrow made one thing clear: he still loves playing football. “I just want to play ball” was the overarching theme of his message — emphasizing that his passion for the game is what keeps him going, even through adversity. Burrow said it often feels like “everybody’s trying to do everything in their power to make me not play football,” but he’s fighting through it because he likes playing the game.
When asked about the possibility of playing elsewhere, Burrow gave an intriguing answer: “You think about a lot of things.”While he didn’t close the door on future possibilities, he also said he “can’t see a world in which he’s not with the Bengals in 2026.”
He reiterated that he expects to play for a long time, projecting confidence in his longevity and performance at a high level, even as this season has been one of setbacks and frustration.
Burrow also supported his coaches and teammates, suggesting that while changes might be needed, the organization has the right people in place — and that everyone wants the same thing: to win.
Subscribe for more Bengals updates and highlights!Follow for post-game reactions, locker room access, & weekly pressers
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #NFL #OffTheBench

Jizzle James Returning To Bearcats, Reds Sign Caleb Ferguson, Dianna Russini On Joe Burrow, Mailbag

Bengals news: Paul Dehner Jr.’s recent reporting suggests that, even after missing the playoffs for a third straight season and finishing with a 4-10 record, the Bengals are unlikely to make sweeping changes at the top of the football operations or coaching hierarchy. Internally, both Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor are expected to remain with the team heading into the 2026 season rather than being dismissed.
A key reason for this continuity is Tobin’s deeply rooted relationship with Bengals ownership. Dehner notes that Tobin—officially titled Director of Player Personnel but functioning as the de facto general manager—is regarded almost as part of the family by owner Mike Brown and the broader leadership structure. Because of this, ownership reportedly has no internal inclination to fire Tobin, even amid external pressure and fan frustration.
Taylor’s situation is similar in that his contractual status strongly favors retention. Dehner explains that Taylor is under contract through the 2027 season due to an additional extension that was not widely publicized at the time. Because the Bengals rarely fire head coaches with multiple years left on their deals, and given Taylor’s history leading the team to a Super Bowl and consecutive AFC Championship Games earlier in his tenure, his job is viewed as relatively secure.
In short, Dehner’s reporting paints a picture of ownership favoring stability and loyalty over dramatic change, even in the face of poor on-field results and vocal calls from the fan base for a reset. Both Tobin and Taylor are therefore expected to stay put for the foreseeable future.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #NFL #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals News On Duke Tobin & Zac Taylor After New Report, Zac Taylor Replacements, Elly De La Cruz Not Allowed To Play In WBC?

The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 season has been a stark departure from expectations, and pressure is building not just on head coach Zac Taylor, but also on director of player personnel Duke Tobin and defensive coordinator Al Golden. At the heart of the frustration is a team that was once seen as perennial contenders — led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase — now heading toward missing the playoffs for a third straight season. Recent analysis from NFL hot seat rankings even lists Taylor among the top coaches whose jobs could be in jeopardy.
For Taylor, criticism centers on game management, inconsistency, and offensive decline without Burrow healthy. With the Bengals at a losing record and recent blowout losses — such as the shutout at the hands of the Ravens — national media and fans alike are openly debating whether Taylor can right the ship. Some reports place him at risk of being fired, pointing to coaching decisions and the team’s overall malaise.
Behind the scenes, Duke Tobin’s roster construction is increasingly questioned. As the de facto general manager, Tobin has seen the Bengals struggle to build a defense capable of complementing their offensive talent. Fans and analysts argue that draft and free-agency misses, especially on defense, have hamstrung coach and coordinator alike, contributing to the organization’s slide.
Meanwhile, Al Golden, brought in to fix defensive woes, hasn’t turned around a unit that has been historically bad in key statistical categories this season, leading to louder calls for change. Some outlets even speculated midseason about the possibility of firing Golden, illustrating how his performance is being judged.
Collectively, ownership faces mounting pressure from fans and pundits to overhaul leadership at multiple levels — a rare crossroads for a franchise that has prized continuity. The coming weeks, especially how the Bengals finish the season, could decide whether these three retain their jobs or if Cincinnati opts for a fresh start.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #NFL #OffTheBench

Bengals ELIMINATED From Playoff Contention, Should Zac Taylor Be FIRED? Cincinnati Bengals Rumors

In a frigid Paycor Stadium showdown on December 14, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals suffered a humiliating 24-0 shutout loss to the Baltimore Ravens, officially eliminating them from playoff contention for the third straight season. The defeat dropped the Bengals to 4-10, capping one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent franchise history amid high preseason expectations.
The Ravens (7-7) avenged their 32-14 Thanksgiving loss to Cincinnati just weeks earlier, delivering what coach John Harbaugh called their most complete performance of the year. Lamar Jackson, efficient on a cold day with temperatures around 10 degrees and wind chill below zero, completed 8 of 12 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns—both in the first half. He connected with rookie running back Rasheen Ali for a 30-yard score and Zay Flowers for a 28-yard strike, building a 14-0 halftime lead. Derrick Henry pounded out 100 yards on 11 carries, controlling the ground game.
Cincinnati's offense, despite possessing the ball for nearly 40 minutes and running 71 plays, managed just 298 yards and no points—the first shutout of Joe Burrow's career. Burrow went 24-of-39 for 225 yards but threw two costly interceptions, including a fourth-quarter pick-six returned 95 yards (with a lateral) by Kyle Van Noy and Alohi Gilman that sealed the game at 24-0 after a field goal. Ja'Marr Chase hauled in 10 catches for 132 yards, but the Bengals repeatedly stalled in scoring position, missing receiver Tee Higgins (concussion protocol).
Baltimore's defense dominated, sacking Burrow three times and forcing turnovers. The win kept the Ravens half a game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North, fueling their playoff push after a 1-5 start. For Cincinnati, the blowout underscored defensive woes (last in the NFL in yards and points allowed) and offensive inconsistencies, shifting focus to a pivotal offseason.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #NFL #OffTheBench

Joe Burrow Comments, Fire Zac Taylor, Reds Biggest Loser Of Winter Meetings? Craig Sandlin

In the electric hum of Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati Bengals fans have waited 11 agonizing weeks for this moment. Joe Burrow, the cool-headed gunslinger whose left big toe turned traitor in Week 2 against Jacksonville, steps onto his home turf this Sunday for the first time since that brutal turf toe rupture. What was expected to sideline him until mid-December became a defiant Thanksgiving triumph in Baltimore, where he diced up the Ravens for 261 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-14 rout. Now, at 4-9 but flickering with Burrow-fueled fire, the Bengals host Lamar Jackson and a 6-6 Ravens squad hungry for redemption.
Burrow's return wasn't just early—it was engineered. Post-surgery on September 19, he rehabbed with a carbon-fiber-plated cleat, a rigid ally against backward bends that could reopen the wound. On Thanksgiving, the plate didn't cramp his style; he scrambled, play-faked, and zipped lasers to Ja'Marr Chase, shaking off rust like a champ. "I've been through a lot," Burrow reflected post-loss to Buffalo last week, his voice laced with the weight of a ruptured appendix last offseason and this season's frustrations. At 29, he's philosophical: Winning burns bright, but fun fuels the long haul. Against Buffalo, he dazzled in defeat—over 300 yards in a 39-34 heartbreaker—proving the toe's no longer a tyrant.
Enter Lamar Jackson, the dual-threat dynamo who's Baltimore's heartbeat. Fresh off nagging knee, ankle, and toe woes of his own, Jackson's elusiveness torched Cincy's secondary before, but the Bengals' defense, galvanized by five Thanksgiving takeaways, smells blood. This rematch crackles with AFC North venom: Burrow's precision versus Jackson's chaos, Chase's speed against Baltimore's vaunted front. Paycor will roar as Burrow, arm cocked like a .22, aims to flip the script on a Ravens team clinging to wild-card hopes.
For Burrow, it's personal—a home debut reclaiming his throne, toe be damned. Bengals Nation, starved for stripes of black and orange glory, braces for fireworks. If Thanksgiving was appetizer, Sunday's the feast. Will Burrow carve up Baltimore again, or will Lamar's legs dance away dreams? One thing's certain: The riverfront's about to rumble. 
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #NFL #OffTheBench

Richard Pitino Joins The Show + Concerning Joe Burrow Press Conference

Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow delivered one of the most introspective and concerning press conferences of his career on December 10, 2025 — and the reaction from fans and analysts has been intense. Coming off a tough loss and a season plagued by injuries, Burrow openly talked about how the mental and emotional toll of the game has affected him this year.
Burrow, who celebrated his 29th birthday the same day, didn’t hide his feelings when asked how he’s approaching football right now. Instead of his usual confident, competitive answers, he said “if I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it,” suggesting that the joy of playing has been harder to find amidst the challenges. 
He admitted he’s been through a lot — both physically and mentally — after multiple injuries over his six NFL seasons, including his latest turf toe setback this year. When a reporter asked whether his frustration was football-related or personal, Burrow’s simple reply was “all of the above.” 
These comments sparked immediate worries online, with some fans comparing his tone to that of former NFL MVP Andrew Luck before his sudden retirement.  While Burrow did not say he’s considering quitting, the fact that he’s openly questioning his motivation has been a rare and sobering moment. 
This press conference highlights not just the physical toll of the NFL but the mental strain even superstar quarterbacks face — making this a must-watch for every Bengals fan and football follower.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #NFL #OffTheBench

Reds Miss On Kyle Schwarber, Mailbag

In the cutthroat world of MLB free agency, few stories sting like a prodigal son choosing the bright lights of Philadelphia over his Ohio roots. On December 9, 2025, Kyle Schwarber, the Middletown native who grew up idolizing the Cincinnati Reds, inked a five-year, $150 million deal to stay with the Phillies—leaving the Reds empty-handed after a spirited but ultimately underpowered pursuit. For a franchise desperate to reignite fan passion at Great American Ball Park, this was more than a missed signing; it was a gut punch to the Queen City's baseball soul.
Schwarber's 2025 season was a revelation: 56 home runs—tops in the NL—and 132 RBIs, a career zenith that vaulted him to second in MVP voting. At 32, the burly designated hitter evolved into a complete force, smashing an MLB-record 23 homers against lefties and posting a .964 OPS versus them, upending his platoon woes. His raw power, infectious energy, and Wawa-endorsed Philly flair made him the perfect leadoff masher behind Bryce Harper, fueling the Phillies' championship chase. No wonder Philly locked him up; he's their clubhouse heartbeat, a grizzled leader who bet on himself and won big.
The Reds, though, saw Schwarber as destiny's gift. Just 35 miles from his boyhood diamond, he could've been the thunderous bat to complement Elly De La Cruz's spark and Jonathan India's savvy—propelling Cincinnati from rebuild purgatory to playoff contention. GM Nick Krall courted him aggressively at the GM Meetings, even hosting Schwarber and wife Paige for a November tour of GABP. Their offer? A five-year pact around $125 million, with escalators—respectable, but shy of Philly's bounty. Even the Orioles matched the Phillies' terms, only to watch Schwarber's heart pull him eastward. 
This miss exposes the Reds' fiscal bind: a mid-market team chasing splashy dreams without the deep pockets of NL East behemoths. Ticket sales would've surged with "Schwar Bomb" nights echoing off the Ohio River, but instead, fans are left with echoes of 2010 glory. Pittsburgh and Boston sniffed around, too, but Cincinnati's emotional pitch fell flat against cold cash. 
As Schwarber preps for another Citizens Bank Park barrage, Reds Nation mourns what could've been: a homecoming homer derby that never materialized. It's a reminder that in baseball, roots run deep, but dollars dig deeper. For now, the Phillies feast on continuity; the Reds pivot to Plan B, hoping for fireworks elsewhere. But oh, what a Schwarber-shaped hole in the lineup—and the heart.
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Holy (Trap).
Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/Track Name Exercise (Rock).
#Bengals #NFL #OffTheBench