Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals face mounting pressure as Duke Tobin’s job security comes into question amid a historically poor defensive season. Jake Liscow and James Rapien tackle swirling rumors about Tobin’s future, analyze Cincinnati’s lack of draft hits since 2020, and debate whether ownership and a lean scouting staff are holding the franchise back. Key topics include the Bengals’ struggle to repla...

Cincinnati Bengals disappointed fans with half-measures at the 2025 trade deadline, raising concerns about the team’s direction. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the implications of holding onto Trey Hendrickson despite no clear plan for his future, and only trading Logan Wilson to the Dallas Cowboys for a seventh round draft pick. What does that mean for the foundation of the team: Joe Bur...

The Cincinnati Bengals are in a bad place, and the trade deadline is here. The Brown-Blackburn family, Duke Tobin, and the front office need to be really honest with themselves about their future, and figure out which pieces aren't part of their plans that they can trade for draft capital. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why the Bengals need to make decisive moves, and how the coaching sta...

The Cincinnati Bengals defense is somehow still trending in the wrong direction and could finish the year as the worst defense in NFL history. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down another embarrassing effort from the defense, and a loss that felt all too similar to 2024 despite an onside kick recovery, a kickoff return TD, and a blocked FG. Joe Flacco gutted through an AC joint sprain for anoth...

In a week where the main story is the Bengals' defense being a mess, they'll be searching for answers against Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. As Cincinnati wraps up its pre-bye homestand, Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss the dire situation on defense, while the offense could lean into its rejuvenated rushing attack with questions at the quarterback position looming ahead of Week 9. Join the Lo...

The Cincinnati Bengals' backs are against the wall on Sunday when they play the Chicago Bears at Paycor Stadium. From Joe Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase and a run game that's thriving to a defense that can't stop anyone—James Rapien previews the matchup with Lorin Cox of Locked On Bears. Is Chicago's defense as bad as the Bengals? Should we expect a shootout between two high-powered offenses? Get your ques...

Everyone could tell the Cincinnati Bengals defense is atrocious in their horrible showing against one of the worst offenses in the NFL. Jake Liscow and film analyst Mike Santagata dissect the Bengals' defensive woes in detail, from an ineffective pass rush to communication breakdowns in the secondary. We also highlight the bright spots in the Bengals' run game and offensive challenges when facing...

The Bengals are 1-5 since Joe Burrow suffered a grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2, and the defense has been one of the worst the NFL has seen in the last 25 years. Jake Liscow and James Rapien dive into the blame game as the organization faces down the harsh realities of teambuilding and development failures that have left the defense without answers. Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community!...

This might be the Bengals' most pathetic loss of the year. The New York Jets came into Week 8 with the worst offense in the NFL, and effectively ran the ball in the second half on their way to overcoming 31-16 and 38-24 deficits as Al Golden's Bengals defense couldn't do anything right. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down the wheels coming off for the defense that couldn't look worse if it tri...

For the first time this season, the Cincinnati Bengals have a chance to build some real positive momentum against the winless New York Jets on Sunday. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how the Bengals can "stay on track" for potentially meaningful December football in a game where they're heavy favorites. Plus, the Bengals are changing it up on the offensive line, and key player injuries we'...

The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping to win their second-straight game when they host the win-less New York Jets on Sunday at Paycor Stadium. James Rapien is joined by John Butchko of Locked On Jets to talk about a possible Joe Flacco revenge game, what's going on at quarterback for New York, the paths to victory for both teams and so much more! Join the Locked On Bengals Insider Community! https://j...

The Cincinnati Bengals need more help on defense, and there seem to be a number of potential selling bottom-dwellers in the NFL this year. Will they make another trade to try to improve the team? Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down what would need to happen for the Bengals to even consider making a move, and a few players that might be interesting targets. Plus, we get into how much improvemen...

The Cincinnati Bengals' defense is dealing with issues on ALL THREE levels. The guys discuss the pass rush, the linebackers, secondary, the entire rookie class, Al Golden's decision making and so much more! They also talk about the uncertainty at the guard position, if Dalton Risner should start moving forward, what rookies Dylan Fairchild and Jalen Rivers have done so far this season and if Lucas...

Is Joe Flacco elite? The veteran quarterback's stellar performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers was just as good on re-watch. Jake Liscow is joined by Mike Santagata to break down Flacco's impressive decision-making, the Bengals' effective offensive strategy, and key improvements in the run game. While celebrating offensive successes, we acknowledge the defense's ongoing struggles - namely tack...

Joe Flacco is cold blooded, and out-dueled Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers to get the Bengals right back into the mix in the AFC North. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down how Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were too much to handle for the Steelers' corners, an explosive offense, and a leaky defense that got enough plays with DJ Turner and Jordan Battle early to give the Bengals a shot...

The Cincinnati Bengals have to win on Thursday night to keep their AFC North dreams alive. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to deliver a knockout blow to the Bengals and the rest of the division. James Rapien is joined by Chris Carter of Locked On Steelers to preview the game. They discuss Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers, the trenches, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, key injuries and so much mo...

The Bengals have to beat the Steelers on Thursday night to realistically keep their season alive. Joe Flacco and the Bengals need to snap their losing streak, beat Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers and get back in the AFC North race. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss the significance of the matchup, what a win would mean versus a loss, plus thoughts on the possibility of Brian Callahan and Bill Ca...

Joe Flacco's performance as the Cincinnati Bengals' offense came to life in the second half gives us a glimpse at competency and functional offense. Film analyst Mike Santagata joins Jake Liscow to break down the tale of the tape tape, including what adjustments worked on offense, how sustainable it is, and rocky performances as the Bengals embraced youth at linebacker.  Join the Locked On Bengals...

There are no moral victories in the NFL, the Bengals took too long to figure out how to get their offense going, and the defense wilted in the second half. But Joe Flacco is a clear upgrade over Jake Browning, they seemed to find answers in the second half as Flacco settled in. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break it down after another Bengals lose their 4th straight without Joe Burrow. Join the Loc...

Joe Flacco is deep into the twilight of his NFL career, but still appears to be on film a more functional quarterback than Jake Browning. Jake Liscow and James Rapien discuss the Flacco difference, and how the Bengals can try to gameplan around the strengths and weaknesses in his game with their star receivers. Plus, we dive into whether there's a realistic path to victory against the Green Bay Pa...

The Cincinnati Bengals are officially turning to Joe Flacco ahead of Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Flacco will start for Cincinnati and looks to lead the Bengals to their first win since Week 2. It'll be much easier said than done with Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers' defense waiting for him. James Rapien talks with Peter Bukowski of Locked On Packers about the Bengals' trad...

The Cincinnati Bengals couldn't keep running Jake Browning out as their starting quarterback. So, they finally made a move for veteran Joe Flacco, who hopefully can process faster than Browning and utilize his physical traits to get the ball to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down why it was Flacco of all the options, and whether he can move the needle for an offe...

The film was not kind to Jake Browning against the Detroit Lions, but were there real signs of progress on the defensive side of the ball? Jake Liscow is joined by film analyst Mike Santagata to break down the tale of the tape from the Bengals' 3rd straight blowout loss against the Lions, where Browning left plays on the field - again - but there were at least some glimmers of hope for the defense...

The way Jake Browning started this game against the Detroit Lions meant the Cincinnati Bengals never had a shot. The defense even did its part early, getting off the field a number of times - but with Browning's mistakes, it didn't matter. Jake Liscow and James Rapien break down another disappointing game from the Bengals as the offense continues to wilt without Joe Burrow at quarterback. Join the...

The Detroit Lions appear to be one of the NFL's true contenders in 2025, and a floundering Bengals team is tasked this week with beating them.  Is there a path to victory? If so, the Bengals need to get Ja'Marr Chase the football! The guys discuss Chase's usage, Jake Browning, the idea of bringing in a veteran quarterback, if this defense can slow down a potent Lions offense and more! Join the Loc...