Jungle Roar: Recent Episodes

Mike Petraglia

Offering passionate, insightful and compelling discussion of the Cincinnati Bengals and hosted by Cincinnati's own Mike Petraglia. Trags, a working member of the Pro Football Writers of America, brings his 27 years of covering the New England Patriots to his hometown NFL franchise and welcomes weekly guests to his podcast who are experts on all things Bengals and the NFL.

CINCINNATI -- Joe Burrow had a rough performance in a Week 1 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He threw for just 82 yards on 14-of-31 passing. But he and the Bengals have a great chance to bounce back this week against another AFC North rival in the Baltimore Ravens. Aaron Rodgers doesn't have that chance after tearing his Achilles four plays into his New York Jets era Monday night. What does it mean for the AFC? What do the Bengals need to do this week to make corrections? Trags and James Rapien of AllBengals.com and SI.com discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CINCINNATI -- In his second day back on the practice field, Joe Burrow again tossed the football around, worked on timing with his star receivers and commanded the offense with play calls. His return to team work is expected sometime next week after the Bengals return from a 3-day Labor Day break. Trags was on the scene Thursday and says Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan likes what he sees so far.

CINCINNATI - With the insight of Bengals coach Zac Taylor, Trags breaks down the Bengals roster cuts from Tuesday and what it all means going forward.

CINCINNATI -- All signs point to Joe Burrow returning to the practice field soon and in time to prepare for the Sept. 10 season opener in Cleveland against the Browns. What about the back-up quarterback role? Could a familiar face return? And what should we expect from first-round draft pick Myles Murphy? Trags discusses these questions and much more with Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network on this week's installment of the JungleRoar Pod.

CINCINNATI -- Tee Higgins called the relationship between himself, Ja'Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd a brotherhood that is as close as "blood". Bengals fans are hoping the team can extend him and Joe Burrow in the coming weeks and months. What will a healthy Higgins mean to the 2023 title chances in Cincinnati? Trags and James Rapien discuss this, the offensive line decisions looming and running back in the latest episode of the JungleRoar Podcast.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals are playing it smart with Joe Burrow's injury and his new contract extension and Mike Petraglia and Richard Skinner of Local12 explain how. Plus, loads of camp observations as the Bengals prepare for the Green Bay Packers to come to town and the significance of re-signing Logan Wilson.

CINCINNATI -- On the latest JungleRoar Pod, Trags is joined by former Bengals right guard and color analyst Dave Lapham to discuss what makes this Bengals offensive line one of the team's strengths heading into a season with Super Bowl hopes.

CINCINNATI -- On the latest JungleRoar Podcast, Trags is joined by Paul Dehner Jr. to discuss the biggest issues for the Bengals heading into camp, led by a new deal for Joe Burrow.

CINCINNATI -- Mike Petraglia sits down with Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr. to talk about his expectations in a high-powered offense, heading into the summer break and Trags has some fun with the latest drama involving Ja'Marr Chase and Patrick Mahomes.

CINCINNATI -- Tyler Boyd returned to Bengals offseason practice this week. He said he missed his teammates and the camaraderie inside the locker room. Trags takes a look at what that means to the 2023 Bengals and why Boyd is more focused on ending the Super Bowl drought rather than his future after this season. Head coach Zac Taylor also explains why he wants his players fresh this summer.

CINCINNATI -- How will a new contract extension for Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow impact the rest of the Bengals roster? How will the Bengals take care of Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase? And how will a new NFL kickoff rule impact Bengals rookie Charlie Jones? Trags discusses these topics and more with Mike Niziolek of Cleveland.com on the latest JungleRoar Pod.

On the latest JungleRoar Pod, Trags is joined by Jay Morrison of The Athletic to discuss why the Kumbaya of Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase matters so much to Bengals and why these three stars not only participating in offseason program but being on the same page is so important for taking that final step in 2023 to a Super Bowl title.

CINCINNATI -- In the latest JungleRoar Pod, Bengals play-by-play voice Dan Hoard previews the Bengals and NFL schedule release on Thursday night and what sticks out to him about one of the most impressive offseasons the franchise has ever enjoyed. Also, Friday marks Bengals rookie minicamp and Dan looks forward to some of the rookies he's most looking forward to getting to know.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals concluded their 2023 draft over the weekend by adding depth and speed in their secondary and edge rush. James Rapien of AllBengals.com and LockedOn Bengals joins Trags on this episode of the JungleRoar Pod to break it all down and take a look at the futures of Joe Mixon, Jonah Williams and La'el Collins.

CINCINNATI -- Jungle Roar Podcast host Mike Petraglia chats with "From Bulldog to Bengal" co-authors Scott Burson and Sam Smathers. Trags discusses what they revealed about Bengals franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, his family values and where his leadership skills come from. The book is available now on Amazon and through OrangeFrazer.com.

CINCINNATI -- The 2022 season did not end with the first Super Bowl trophy in Bengals history. Instead it ended in heartbreak in the AFC Championship at Kansas City. In the final episode of the 2022 Jungle Roar Pod season, Trags is joined by James Rapien of AllBengals.com and the LockedOn Bengals podcast to discuss what went wrong, where the Bengals can improve and the biggest roster decisions facing the franchise heading into the spring roster build season.

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals are one win away from a return to the Super Bowl, becoming just the ninth team in history to make it back to the big game after losing the Super Bowl the prior year. Only three teams have lost one year and won the Super Bowl the next. They are the Cowboys in Super Bowl VI, the Dolphins in Super Bowl VII and the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. On the latest JungleRoar Pod, Andrew Gillis of Cleveland.com joins Trags to talk about Cincinnati's dismantling of Buffalo and what the Bengals need to do to continue the roll in Kansas City to return to the Super Bowl in Glendale.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals look to shock the football world again when they go on the road to Buffalo to take on the Bills in the AFC Divisional Round. Bengals play-by-play voice Dan Hoard joins me to recap "Fumble In The Jungle" aka "Biggest Play In Bengals History" that got the Bengals there, his call of history and what Bengals OL needs to do to have a chance vs Bills.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals have questions along their offensive line as they head into the playoffs. How will Hakeem Adeniji and Max Scharping hold up on the right side of the offensive line? Will the Bengals defense be able to continue to turn over opponents the way they did in the final three weeks of the season? How much can this team lean on Joe Burrow? Mike Petraglia is joined by Mike Niziolek of Cleveland.com to discuss.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals supported the Bills and safety Damar Hamlin after his collapse Monday night at Paycor Stadium. Mike Petraglia is joined by Jay Morrison of The Athletic to discuss what it all means going forward and how the cities of Cincinnati and Buffalo are drawn closer.

CINCINNATI -- Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com joins Mike Petraglia to discuss what makes this Bengals team so unique and special and whether this is the best Bengals team in history.

CINCINNATI -- Bill Belichick has always had a reputation for taking on elite level quarterbacks and giving them looks they've never seen before. Joe Burrow has the Bengals on a six-game win streak and can clinch a playoff spot with a win Saturday in Foxboro. How will the Patriots, coming off a stunning walkoff loss to the Raiders in Las Vegas, handle the challenge? Trags talks with former CLNS Media colleague Evan Lazar, who now offers expert analysis for Patriots.com.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals have ripped off five straight wins and stand five-games above .500 at 9-4, both high-water marks under Zac Taylor. They are battling Baltimore for first in the AFC North and have shown an ability over the course of the season to handle the adversity that comes with injuries to star players. Trags is joined by Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic to explain why this is such an impressive and encouraging trend for team heading into the final four weeks.

CINCINNATI -- Another epic chapter in the early part of the Burrow-Mahomes Rivalry is in the books and the Bengals quarterback has claimed all three meetings following a 27-24 thriller over the Chiefs at Paycor Stadium on Sunday. Mahomes said Tuesday it's not a rivalry until he beats Burrow. Is he right? How can the Bengals improve in their last five games to make a run at the playoffs and a deep run in the NFL playoffs? Mike Petraglia is joined by Mohammad Ahmad of Cleveland.com to discuss all this and much more.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals appear to be hitting their stride as they prepare for a rematch with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday at Paycor Stadium. The Bengals, without Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Mixon, managed to beat the Tennessee Titans on the road on Sunday. Now, it appears the Bengals will be getting Chase back as well as likely Joe Mixon, adding to an offense that features Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Hayden Hurst and several role players. Trags chats with James Rapien about the Burrow-Mahomes emerging rivalry and why it compares favorably to Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

CINCINNATI -- Ja'Marr Chase returns to Bengals practice this week after missing the last three games with a hairline fracture in his hip. Could he return this week against the Titans? Or is it more likely the Bengals give the star receiver another week and shoot for the Chiefs game at Paycor Stadium on Dec. 4? Trags is joined by Mike Niziolek of Cleveland.com to discuss this, the secondary and other issues facing the Bengals as they get ready for Mike Vrabel's Tennessee Titans this Sunday in Nashville.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals are a better team than they were when they took the field on opening day against the Steelers. And again, the Bengals are favored to take care of business this Sunday in Pittsburgh. But after disappointing losses to the Steelers, Ravens and Browns in the first half, the Bengals have little to no margin of error remaining. How will the likely return of DJ Reader impact the Bengals. Will Joe Mixon continue what he showed against Carolina? Trags is joined by Jay Morrison of The Athletic to discuss.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals beat up on the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 to head into their bye with a 5-4 record, the same record they had in 2021, when they won five of their next seven games to capture the AFC North. Can they repeat that or better this season with the gauntlet of a schedule ahead? If they get healthy and improve their consistency, Dan Hoard tells Trags the answer is definitely.

CINCINNATI -- With starting cornerback Chido Awuzie out for the season with a torn right ACL and Ja'Marr Chase out for at least the next several weeks with a hip injury, the Bengals are searching for answers and looking for players to step up in their absence. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon and the offense continue to search for consistency nine weeks into the season. Richard Skinner of Local12 joins Mike Petraglia to discuss how the Bengals could find success like they did in 2021, despite several things working against them right now.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals finally appear to be gathering some momentum after winning four of five to move over .500 for the first time this season. Trags and James Rapien discuss some of the key improvements and whether rookie corner Cam Taylor-Britt might just push Eli Apple out of his starting cornerback spot or if a platoon could be in the future for both.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals scored 30 points for the first time last week in their 30-26 win over the New Orleans Saints. Is this a sign that the offense behind a rejuvenated offensive line, could finally be turning a corner? Bengals beat writer for the Cincinnati Enquirer Kelsey Conway joins Trags to discuss what needs to happen for this one-time occurrence to turn into a positive trend.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals offense continues to struggle to find rhythm five weeks into the 2022 season. What can Joe Burrow do to kick start the offense? Are checkdowns the answer? What about playcalling? Trags welcomes Bengals writer Andrew Gillis of cleveland.com to discuss what can be done to boost the offense.

CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Bengals star running back Joe Mixon professed ultimate confidence this week in the team's ability to get the run game on track. Trags is joined by The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. to explain why that confidence is not misplaced. Also, Joe Burrow starts a foundation to help with food insecurity and childhood mental health in Ohio and Louisiana.

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals recorded their first win of 2022 when they beat the New York Jets, 27-12, Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Will it carry over and be the start of something much bigger? Mike Petraglia is joined by James Rapien of AllBengals.com to discuss what needs to happen on a short week against the Dolphins for the momentum to continue.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals have started 0-2 and Joe Burrow does not look himself to open the season. Trags and Geoff Hobson discuss the potential for the Bengals to turn things around by just playing better in the trenches and winning physical battles.

CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged this week that he needs to do a better job of slowing down his internal clock when the game speeds up like it did Sunday in the fourth quarter on the non-touchdown by Ja'Marr Chase. Mike Petraglia is joined by James Rapien of SI.com and AllBengals.com to discuss game management and the need to beat a wounded Dallas Cowboys team this Sunday in Dallas.

CINCINNATI -- After months of waiting, the 2022 Cincinnati Bengals are finally ready to begin defense of their AFC championship. For the first time, they'll be opening the season against their arch-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Trags is joined by Jay Morrison of The Athletic to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of one of the most talented rosters heading into a season in franchise history.

CINCINNATI -- Mike Petraglia and Richard Skinner of Local 12 Cincinnati talk about the biggest moves the Cincinnati Bengals made at the 53-man cutdown and the impact tight end OJ Howard could have on the roster if he even makes the team. (NOTE: Bengals were awarded former New England Patriots tight end Devin Asiasi off waivers along with offensive guard Max Scharping and defensive tackle Jay Tufele from Jacksonville.

CINCINNATI -- A monster day for Ja'Marr Chase and a very solid day for Brandon Allen and the offense as the Cincinnati Bengals conduct their final practice before their preseason opener Friday against the Arizona Cardinals Friday at Paycor Stadium.

CINCINNATI -- How will the Cincinnati Bengals handle the Jessie Bates holdout at camp and which players could pick up the slack in the secondary? Will Vonn Bell take over play-calling duties in the secondary in his absence? How prepared is rookie Dax Hill to take Bates' spot? Trags talks with Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com to preview everything about training camp that opens on July 27.

CINCINNATI -- The Pittsburgh Steelers this week signed star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to a four-year extension worth $18.4 million annually, including a reported $36 million guaranteed. How will that impact discussions between the Cincinnati Bengals and their star safety Jessie Bates? Bates has yet to sign his franchise tag worth $12.9 million for 2022.Bates has until July 15 to sign or negotiate an extension with the Bengals. Mike Petraglia welcomes James Rapien to the Jungle Roar Podcast to discuss the issue, along with the impact Joe Burrow could have on Bates and Burrow's eagerness for the 2022 season.

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals don't have a minicamp but their OTAs have raised the bar of expectations inside the organization after making Super Bowl LVI four months earlier. Mike Petraglia is joined by Geoff Hobson discuss how the Bengals are approaching OTAs and why the challenge of signing Jessie Bates and Joe Burrow long terms are the signs of problems of NFL teams with great talent, which are good problems to have.

CINCINNATI -- The defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals open OTAs next week, entering phase three of the NFL offseason workout and practice program. The Bengals have a deep and talented roster with several significant rookie additions. They also have a left guard in Jackson Carman who is trying to make a good impression on teammates and coaches alike this spring. What are the biggest storylines to take away from Bengals OTAs as they begin this week? Trags is joined by James Rapien of the LockedOn Bengals Pod and AllBengals.com to discuss.

CINCINNATI -- This week on the @Jungle Roar Bengals Pod Mike Petraglia is joined by Richard Skinner of Local 12 Cincinnati to examine why the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns seem to be garnering more respect and attention than the Cincinnati Bengals, who have improved their offensive line. Also, what does 22-year-old Jackson Carman really need to do to impress the Bengals that he's serious about making a big jump in his second year in the NFL?

CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates has until July 15 to sign his franchise tag and play the season for $12.91 million or risk sitting out the entire season. Joe Burrow has turned out to be the perfect leader at the right time for the Bengals and the city of Cincinnati. Trags sits down and chats up the radio voice of the Bengals Dan Hoard to get his take on these topics and much more on the latest episode of the Jungle Roar Pod.

CINCINNATI -- With Jonah Williams having his fifth-year option picked up and the offensive line having more apparent quality depth heading into 2022 season, the Bengals clearly had a plan what they wanted to do this offseason. That plan included adding athletic and fast athletes in the secondary and more playmakers on the edge. ESPN1530's Mo Egger joins Trags to talk about why the Bengals seem together on the same page. Also:

Why veterans like Mike Hilton are the key to managing the Jessie Bates situation
What storylines could be in store for the Bengals when the 2022 schedule comes out
What does the future really hold for Jackson Carman and is it with the Bengals?

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals drafted five defensive players of the six chosen by the franchise in the 2022 NFL Draft last weekend. The team has also signed 12 undrafted rookie free agents, putting an emphasis on offensive line and skill positions. Those 18 players are expected in town for the start of Rookie Mini-camp on May 13 at Paul Brown Stadium. James Rapien of AllBengals.com and the LockedOn Bengals podcast joins Trags to discuss where the Bengals stand heading into their offseason program that began this week. Also:

What immediate impact will first-rounder Dax Hill make in the secondary?
Will Tycen Anderson and Cam Taylor-Britt compete for playing time immediately?
How do the Bengals stack up against the Bills, Ravens and Chiefs?
Should we hit the brakes a bit on the Ravens draft that everyone is praising?
How the Zac Taylor roster build is different from the Marvin Lewis era.

CINCINNATI -- This draft could tell us a lot about what the Cincinnati Bengals are thinking about their future when it gets underway Thursday night in Las Vegas. The Bengals are set to draft 31st, the latest they've ever selected in their 55 years of existence. Will they go defensive back? Will they fortify their offensive line. Will they take another receiver?

Will Bengals pick up the fifth year option on left tackle Jonah Williams before May 2?
Will Desmond Ridder go in the first round of the draft?
What will the Bengals do to address needs on the defensive edge?

CINCINNATI -- The upcoming NFL Draft promises to be a big one for the fortunes of the Cincinnati Bengals as they look to add a few more pieces to a roster they hope will compete for a Super Bowl next February in Arizona. There are many different directions the Bengals could go at No. 31 on the first day, including of course trading down. Who are some of the key names you should know and why heading into next Thursday in Las Vegas. Trags is here to break it all down with CLNS Media's draft and personnel expert Evan Lazar. The two go in-depth on exactly what to expect and which players fit into Cincinnati's system. Also, how many Cincinnati Bearcats will be drafted?

Why Desmond Ridder is the most NFL-ready quarterback in the draft
Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner is the real deal and why he's a great comp to Richard Sherman
What could the Patriots do at 21 and how that could impact the Bengals?
Who are the best corner possibilities for the Bengals at 31?
Could the Bengals draft another WR?

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals are no doubt paying close attention to the explosive market for wide receivers that continued Wednesday when Stefon Diggs agreed to a four-year, $104 million contract extension with the Buffalo Bills, with $70 million guaranteed. The Bengals have three receivers that are considered among the best in the NFL in Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Chase is a first-round pick from 2021 and is under team control through 2025. Higgins and Boyd are signed through 2023. How will the Bengals be impacted? How will they react?

Could Joe Burrow play a role in future negotiations?
How Jessie Bates ongoing contract status could impact Tee Higgins
How likely are Bengals to draft a safety at No. 31?
What are advantages for Bengals of trading out of first round in this year's draft?
Another example of Bengals taking over Cincinnati as a football town

CINCINNATI -- The NFL Spring 2022 meetings concluded Wednesday in Palm Beach, Fla. and the Cincinnati Bengals continue to make news and blaze a trail that is raising eyebrows. The team announced they are interested in seriously pursuing options for an indoor practice facility that will allow them to practice indoors during inclement weather. Bengals vice president Katie Blackburn also indicated the team has already approached representatives for Jessie Bates on a contract extension. Where does it stand?

What have Bengals done to ready themselves for 2022?
What are Bengals looking at drafting if they stay at 31 overall?
How is the Bengals front office built for the future?

CINCINNATI -- Everybody knew the Bengals had to do something to make their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow feel more secure in the pocket in 2022. With the signing of free agent right tackle La'el Collins, they've managed to overhaul three of their five starting positions along the offensive line and appear poised to enter next season with a line that will indeed do a better job of protecting Burrow next season. Collins joins new center Ted Karras and right guard Alex Cappa in forming a front that will attempt to avoid the 51 sacks Burrow suffered in 2021. Also in this episode:

How will the offense be better overall?
How will new tight end Hayden Hurst fit in?
How will Bengals balance Hurst's skills with his enormous chip on the shoulder?
What to make of Tyreek Hill being traded to Dolphins?
Bengals front office deserves credit for not spending all of their dollars in one place

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals are in the market for a new tight end after C.J. Uzomah left for a three-year, $24 million deal with the New York Jets. What are the options for the Bengals now? Trags talks with Jay Morrison of The Athletic for some insight and some names that are likely on the Bengals' radar. Also:

The Bengals upgraded their offensive line significantly on Day 1 Monday
Why choosing B.J. Hill over Larry Ogunjobi makes sense
Who will Bengals target in the secondary and is Eli Apple coming back?

INDIANAPOLIS -- In the opening episode of Season 2 of the Jungle Roar Podcast, Trags talks with James Rapien of AllBengals.com and the LockedOn Podcast to discuss how the Bengals are likely to actually go about improving in the offensive line. Also, how will the Bengals use the NFL Combine to strengthen other areas of their roster?

Getting Joe Burrow some much needed help
Improving the secondary at the other corner spot
Is J.C. Jackson a realistic option for Bengals if he hits free agency?

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals, fresh from their first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years, now have the challenge of tweaking their roster to get back to the big game and finishing the job in 2022. Trags spends 30 minutes chatting with Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer about the possible path of doing exactly that, and it starts with Jessie Bates. Starting Tuesday, they have the chance to franchise their starting safety. Will they? What are the chances the two sides work out an extension? Trags and Kelsey also talk:

The pressing need to improve the offensive line through free agency and draft
The skill set of Zac Taylor that helped the Bengals gel in 2021
Why the Bengals should reach out to Rob Gronkowski to see if he's serious
How the Bengals replace free agent corners Eli Apple, Trae Waynes and Tre Flowers?
Why this Bengals team was so enjoyable to cover

LOS ANGELES -- The Bengals are back in the Super Bowl for the first time in 33 years and on Sunday in Super Bowl LVI they will attempt to bring home the Vince Lombardi trophy for the first time in their 54-year history. Trags is joined by James Rapien of AllBengals.com and LockedOn Bengals to break down the details that will decide if they can bring the Jungle Roar home and celebrate a Super Bowl win over the Los Angeles Rams. Trags and James discuss:

What will be needed to contain Aaron Donald and not let him wreck the game plan
Ja'Marr Chase against Jalen Ramsey and other defensive matchups
How will the Bengals deal with Cooper Kupp and the Rams offense?
Zac Taylor vs. Sean McVay
Who has the final advantage?

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals are in their first Super Bowl in 33 years after a stunning overtime win against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. But leave it to Tom Brady to steal some of the spotlight this week as his hand was forced and he formally announced his retirement Tuesday via Instagram. Trags, who covered Brady for 20 of his 22 NFL seasons, is joined by his former Patriots beat colleague and CLNS Media teammate Evan Lazar to discuss how badly the announcement was handled since Saturday, how Joe Burrow compares to Brady and much, much more, including:

What the Bengals and Joe Burrow will need to do against Aaron Donald
Why every fan should think Choice Stucko when thinking Cooper Kupp
Why Lou Anarumo deserves huge props for the job he did on Patrick Mahomes
Why Patriots offensive plan from Super Bowl LIII might hold some hints for Bengals
Why Ja'Marr Chase vs. Jalen Ramsey could be best singular matchup in SB history

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Bengals will be playing in their first AFC Championship since 1988 when they visit Arrowhead Stadium Sunday to take on the two-time defending AFC champion Chiefs. The Bengals are 2-0 in AFC Championship games, having beaten the San Diego Chargers in 1981 and the Buffalo Bills in 1988. Both games were at Riverfront Stadium. But the Bengals finally have a road win notched on their playoff belt and hope they can make it two straight Sunday. The Chiefs beat the Titans and Bills in the last two AFC championship games at Arrowhead after losing in 2018 to the Patriots in overtime. Trags is joined by SI.com's James Rapien to break down how Joe Burrow can slay the Chiefs in Kansas City and what the Bengals defense needs to do to control Patrick Mahomes. Also:

Bengals can't fall behind early:
Bengals run game needs to show up:
Don't sleep on Chiefs running attack:
How will Bengals work to get Ja'Marr Chase and others open:
Will Bengals throw an offensive wrinkle or two at Chiefs?
Will this be the game for Chris Evans?

CINCINNATI -- Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson says Cincinnati's AFC Divisional playoff against Tennessee this weekend will be the tough run game they've faced all season. Starting with Derrick Henry, who is expected back after missing nine games with a foot injury, and continuing with D'Onta Foreman, the Titans run behind a massive offensive line. The Bengals defensive line, without Larry Ogunjobi, must counter. Offensively, Joe Burrow might have some downfield opportunities against a Titans secondary that was ranked just 25th in the NFL this season against the pass. How will Bengals go about winning their first road playoff game in franchise history?

Find a way to limit Derrick Henry and keep your offense on the field.
Repeat the effort against the Raiders and play with lead for most of the game
Don't turn ball over
Why this could be a huge week for Tee Higgins
Who steps in for Ogunjobi?
How exciting to watch a new tradition born with Zac Taylor at Mt. Lookout Tavern?

CINCINNATI -- The AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals this Saturday have their ninth chance to win a playoff game since their last postseason win on Jan. 6, 1991, a 41-14 rout of the Houston Oilers at Riverfront Stadium. The opportunity comes against the Las Vegas Raiders, the same franchise - two cities removed - that started the eight-game losing streak over 31 years and two days. On Jan. 13, 1991, the Bengals lost to Bo Jackson and the Raiders at the L.A. Coliseum, 20-10. They then lost to the Steelers in Jan. 2006, the Jets in Jan. 2010, the Texans in Jan. 2012 and '13, the Chargers in Jan. 2014, the Colts in Jan. 2015 and the Steelers again in Jan. 2016. What do the Bengals have to do this Saturday to stop the madness? Trags is joined by Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson to discuss:

Joe Burrow's big-game pedigree.
Burrow vs. Raiders DC Gus Bradley
Joe Mixon's role
Handling Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue
Zac Taylor's game management
Lou Anarumo's defense
Prediction

CINCINNATI -- In the wake of the greatest season in the 137 years of Cincinnati Bearcats football, Trags talks with Justin Williams, on the Bearcats beat for The Athletic. Trags reflects on what made the 13-1 season so special for the players, coaches and, of course, fans. Trags and Williams also look ahead to what's in store in 2022 and how head coach Luke Fickell could possibly orchestrate an encore to its breakthrough year that ended with a disappointing loss, 27-6, to Alabama in the Cotton Bowl/CFP semifinal game.

Who will replace Desmond Ridder and Sauce Gardner?
What are reasonable expectations for 2022?
What will become of the Bearcats coaching staff?
Who are some of the breakout players to watch next season?
Which Bearcats could breakthrough this spring at the NFL combine and impress?

CINCINNATI -- With the Bengals entering the final weekend of the 2021 season having already clinched their fifth AFC North championship, what to do with Joe Burrow? Do they play for the chance at a No. 1 or 2 seed that would give them either a bye week or at least another home game if they win in the first round? Do they not take any chances, rest their star and start anew in the playoffs? Was the win over the Chiefs the best ever in the 20-year history of Paul Brown Stadium? So much to discuss with AllBengals.com's James Rapien. We also discuss:

How different will the Chiefs defense look if they play each other again as Patrick Mahomes predicted to Ja'Marr Chase?
Is Ja'Marr Chase the clear favorite now to win AFC Offensive Rookie of Year over Mac Jones?
Could Zac Taylor win NFL Coach of the Year?
What are the biggest concerns for Bengals heading into the playoffs?
Is this the year that the Bengals finally win a playoff game at PBS after four misfires?

CINCINNATI -- In this episode, former Cincinnati Bearcats star quarterback Tony Pike joins Trags to discuss how the No. 4 Bearcats need to play a near-perfect game but have the skill to do it and beat No. 1 Alabama in the Cotton Bowl and advance to the CFP Championship on Jan. 10 in Indianapolis. Also:

Sauce Gardner on Jameson Williams will be worth price of admission
Heisman winner Bryce Young vs. Desmond Ridder
Bearcats getting after Alabama QB is key
Who kicks for UC and why it matters
Luke Fickell's decision to stay at UC and what it means long-term
How the Bearcats win this game
Joe Burrow and Bengals are just now hitting their stride with KC coming to town

CINCINNATI -- Inconsistency has defined the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals. Can they shake it over the final four regular season games to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2015? Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer joins Trags to discuss why these Bengals are so very difficult to figure out.

Also:

Sunday was one of Joe Burrow's best games yet as a pro
How to fix the offensive line
Figuring out how the Bengals win their final four games
Zac Taylor deserves credit for keeping this group on point
How the Cincinnati Bearcats give No. 1 Alabama a game in the Cotton Bowl

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals have a chance to get back on the right track this Sunday in the finale of a three-game homestand but they'll have to beat back Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers. How will Zac Taylor and the Bengals attack Kyle Shanahan's offense? How will Joe Burrow bounce back this week? Trags talks with the NFL Network's Mike Giardi about how the Bengals could be on the path to the playoffs.

Also:
What is it about Jimmy G that is so effective?
What can the Bengals do to apply pressure?
What is so impressive about the Bengals defensive front?
How Mac Jones compares with Joe Burrow as a young QB of the future.
Are the Bengals the best team in the AFC North?

CINCINNATI -- Trags and James Rapien of AllBearcats and AllBengals discuss how the city of Cincinnati will be the epicenter of the football world this weekend as the Cincinnati Bearcats look to make college football history as the first non-Power 5 team to be selected for the four-team college football playoff. To do so, the 12-0 No. 4 Bearcats must first beat 11-1 and 16th ranked Houston in the AAC title game at Nippert Stadium. If the Bearcats win, they will find their fate at noon on Sunday as the CFP Committee announces the four teams and their seedings. An hour later, at Paul Brown Stadium, the Bengals host the Los Angeles Chargers in a matchup of Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert. The two didn't get to face one another last year in the 2020 season opener as Tyrod Taylor got the call for the Chargers.

Trags and James also talk

Why Luke Fickell Stayed at UC and Marcus Freeman took over at Notre Dame
What this means for the Bearcats going forward
A potential UC-Georgia rematch in the CFP
What kind of shootout could be in store for fans Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium
Burrow vs. Herbert

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals picked a really good time to get back to their winning ways Sunday in Vegas. And Zac Taylor had the faith to not give up on what he believed would be the winning strategy. Therein lies a critical lesson about these Bengals and their head coach. They believe in one another. I discuss this and much more with longtime Bengals.com beat writer Geoff "Butch" Hobson.

Also:

The Bengals might have really found something big in right guard Hakeem Adeniji
Don't judge Joe Burrow by his yards but by his wins
The Bengals had their biggest drive of the season when they needed it most in Vegas
Cincinnati is a true football town, from high school through pros
Steelers-Bengals is right there with Red Sox-Yankees in terms of rivalry heartbreak

CINCINNATI -- With the Cincinnati Bengals entering the final eight games of the season with a 5-4 mark, they are still in prime position to make a playoff run for the first time since 2015. They have to shore up their defense and be much more consistent on offense. How will they go about this? Trags talks Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon and Jessie Bates III with Mo Egger of ESPN1530.

We also talk:

Why the Bengals need to do a better job of finding Chris Evans
How Bengals can improve a woeful running game that has been inconsistent
Easing the burden on Joe Burrow
Will Zac Taylor keep calling plays on offense?
Will Bengals defense hold up when the games and opponents get bigger?
The path for the "rock solid" No. 5 Bearcats to a CFP berth

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals are at their bye with a 5-4 mark. But it feels so much worse after the last two weeks. Trags is joined by veteran Bengals observer and reporter Lindsay Patterson to explain why these Bengals are different and will use the break to regroup for a run to the playoffs in the second half.

Plus:

What it will take for Joe Burrow to eliminate the interceptions and sharpen his game
Why D.J. Reader and the defense will continue their dominant run from the first half
Why Tyler Boyd needs to be integrated more in the Bengals offense

CINCINNATI -- Coming off their most disappointing loss in the Zac Taylor era - which came off their most resounding win under Taylor - the Bengals look to return to the kind of defense and complementary football that has, for the most part, defined their hopeful 2021 season. They'll need every bit of it, especially on defense, if they're to contain the No. 1 rushing team in the NFL and beat their archrival Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. This is a season-defining game heading into the bye week and we discuss it all with Local 12's Richard Skinner:

Why there's still good reason to believe in these Bengals
Why Zac Taylor and his coaching staff need a solid bounce-back game
Jets game showed Joe Burrow can't always save the Bengals but he'll try anyway
Three Amigos show the leadership that the Bengals will need for rest of season
UC Bearcats deserve love, even if the CFP Committee refuses to give it to them

CINCINNATI -- After their dominating performance in Baltimore, the Bengals deserve to be considered among contenders in the AFC. How will they handle it? Will it be their defense to lead the way? And we explain why Joe Mixon a front-runner.

Also:

Lou Anarumo has taken the training wheels off his defense and opposing offenses should be concerned.
The tight end is suddenly a position opposing defenses really need to be concerned about.
No time for any let-up or trap with the Jets game coming up before the Browns visit Paul Brown Stadium on Nov. 7.

CINCINNATI -- If the Cincinnati Bengals are the team they believe they are, a win this week in Baltimore would not only convince themselves, it would start making believers of those around the NFL. Trags welcomes back James Rapien of the AllBengals.com, SINow and the LockedOnBengals daily podcast to discuss how the Bengals can get the job done in Crab Cake City.

Also:

Why the Bengals should make a very serious play for LB Whitney Mercilus
Chris Evans deserves to be Bengals No. 2 feature back
How this Bengals team can actually play with Baltimore if they are mistake-free

CINCINNATI -- In Episode 13, Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer joins Trags to talk about the Joe Mixon leadership factor and the urgency the Bengals must show this weekend in Detroit to rebound from an OT loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Conway and Trags also talk:

How the Bengals offense gets jump-started
How defensive line coach Marion Hobby has sparked greatness from his unit
Lou Anarumo the boxing fan and defensive coordinator
The Cincinnati Bearcats are legit, says a certain UC alum
Memories of a past Super Bowl

CINCINNATI -- Fresh from their 24-21 last-second win over the winless Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals now turn their attention to Aaron Rodgers and the suddenly hot Green Bay Packers. After the Pack was embarrassed 38-3 by the Saints on opening day, they have rebounded to win three straight, including Sunday's convincing win over the Steelers at Lambeau Field. What will the Bengals need to do to contain him. Trags welcomes in Bengals expert Jay Morrison of The Athletic to discuss what challenges are in store for the defense of Lou Anarumo.

Trags and Morrison also talk:

Just how good is the defensive front after four games?
Is this the first week we see the entire secondary as it was envisioned by the Bengals?
What makes this defense so much fun to cover?
Joe Burrow is doing things rarely seen by quarterbacks in their second NFL season
What kind of statement win would this be if the Bengals could pull it off?

CINCINNATI -- No one offers any better perspective on the four charter members of the Bengals Ring of Honor than Dave Lapham. He came into the NFL in 1974 and played for Paul Brown. He protected Ken Anderson. He played alongside Anthony Munoz. He played with Ken Riley. All four will be inducted into the Ring of Honor Thursday night as the Bengals host the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paul Brown Stadium.

In addition, Thursday marks the 40th anniversary celebration of the 1981 AFC Champion team that lost to San Francisco in Super Bowl XVI.

So much to discuss:

Paul Brown's influence
Ken Anderson's character
Anthony Munoz's class
Ken Riley's integrity
And the impact of Forrest Gregg
Jackson Carman, Ja'Marr Chase and the current day Bengals

CINCINNATI -- It's the first of two Steeler weeks and the Bengals are coming off a very disappointing effort in a 20-17 loss to the Bears in Chicago. The offense looked completely out of sync and the quarterback and receivers don't appear to be on the same page as the offensive coordinator and head coach. How do the Bengals go about changing that?

Defense is carrying this team in many ways
Joe Burrow and receivers need to get on same page with HC and OC
Getting Joe Mixon in gear in Pittsburgh is a must
Steelers can be had, but only if the Bengals don't let Big Ben dictate terms
There's plenty of time for Bengals but they need to start defining identity now

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals didn't make it easy on their fan base Sunday, but it sure was entertaining. Joe Burrow made a clutch throw and Evan McPherson kicked the Bengals to a 27-24 overtime win. Bengals longtime beat writer Paul Dehner of The Athletic joins Trags to break it all down, and why this could be an interesting season going forward.

Joe Burrow's leadership shines through
A rebuilt defense appears to be legit
Andy Dalton with the Bears will be different than the version seen last year at PBS
Why Zac Taylor will be fearless this season
Putting Jesse Bates saga in proper perspective

CINCINNATI -- The 2021 regular season is finally here for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. Now we can finally look and see what these Bengals are capable of achieving on the field after an offseason of changes and heightened expectations.

What should we really expect from Joe Burrow to start the season?
How big a role will Joe Mixon provide and can he be a modern-day James Brooks?
How critical are the first four games for the rest of the season?
How much fun will this Bengals defense be to watch?
What exactly will Mike Zimmer throw at the Bengals in Week 1?

This and much more in the latest episode of the JungleRoar Pod.

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals are already making adjustments to their 53-man roster after Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline. How will their 53-man roster work to best fit their needs to open the 2021 season against Minnesota? Where are the priorities on this roster? How much pressure is on the younger players to take this roster to the next level? Trags talks all that and much more with Bengals expert blogger and observer Joe Goodberry.

How much will Joe Burrow have to take on his own shoulders?
Is the offensive line deep enough in critical places?
Why the Billy Price for B.J. Hill trade makes all the sense in the world
Has Lou Anarumo made up his mind on what kind of defense he's using this season?
How far have the linebackers progressed?
Will Jackson Carman be a starting guard sooner than later?

CINCINNATI -- With the Bengals approaching their final preseason game on national TV Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium, three major questions remain:

Who will be the right guard?
When will Joe Burrow take the field?
What do we make of the sudden case of the drops for rookie Ja'Marr Chase?
Also, has this Bengals roster taken a turn from filling holes to filling depth?
Should the Bengals have done more to OLine and is that showing now?

Trags talks with Jake Liscow of the LockedOnBengals daily podcast covering your team in Stripes.

CINCINNATI -- There was a lot to be encouraged by in the Bengals' 19-14 preseason win over the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, not the least of which was an aggressive defense that generated pressure and closed out a win, something that has been a rarity in the Zac Taylor era. In the latest episode of the Jungle Roar podcast, Trags breaks it all down with Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, who was on the scene covering it all.

Among the topics:

Bengals D newfound energy under Lou Anarumo
Joseph Ossai, injury and all, could help transform things up front on defense
Turnovers could be a thing for this defense
With Joe Burrow not playing Friday in Washington, should he play in preseason finale against Miami?
Bengals building their young core the right way
Who's hotter in Cincinnati now, Bengals or Reds?

CINCINNATI -- Training camp so far has not changed the minds of many worried that the Bengals didn't do enough to bolster their offense line in the offseason.

Who will emerge to protect Joe Burrow in his second season. Should Burrow even play in the preseason to build some sense of comfort heading into the season opener against Minnesota on Sept. 12? We talk about that and much, much more in the latest episode of the Jungle Roar Podcast.

Other topics include:

Joe Burrow's performance in camp
Why Joe Mixon could be the key to everything on offense
Frank Pollack can only do so much as OLine coach
Why the defense is so much deeper - at least on paper - this season
Will the Bengals get back to blitzing days of Mike Zimmer and Paul Guenther?

CINCINNATI -- In the latest episode of Jungle Roar, Trags talks up Jason Marcum of CincyJungle.com of SB Nation about the early struggles in camp of Joe Burrow and why that might not be a bad thing considering the improvement of the defense.

We talk about:

The improvement of the speed on defense
The emphasis on creating turnovers
The favorable early schedule and why it's so important to get off to a good start
The critical importance of Joe Mixon to the offense in 2021
Why the kicking game is going to be so vitally important
The depth along the offensive line that wasn't there in the past
Why the secondary should be something to watch

CINCINNATI -- On the eve of 2021 Bengals training camp, Mo Egger - of ESPN1530 and The Athletic - joins Trags for a thorough breakdown of what's realistic and what's optimistic to think about this year's squad.

Joe Burrow is healthy and that's where everything starts
The defense needs help from its offense to really improve
Why aren't we talking about Joe Mixon more?
The Bengals have engaged their fans. Why that matters.
Winning games inside the AFC North is a must
If the UC Bearcats land in a power conference, they can thank football

CINCINNATI -- Mike Petraglia introduces the JungleRoar Pod with Bengals play-by-play man Dan Hoard. In the inaugural episode, Trags talks:

Why "Rule The Jungle" might actually transform the fan experience inside Paul Brown Stadium and reset expectations inside and outside the organization.
Joe Burrow is much more than the star quarterback. He's developed into the leader the team needs.
It's now or never for Zac Taylor and his staff.
The defense needs to show how it's improved drastically over 2020.
Bold - and incredibly optimistic predictions - for 2021.