On today's show Craig Sandlin stops by to talk Bengals vs. Patriots, Zac Taylor has yet to name a starting QB, College Football Weekend Preview ft. USC vs. Oregon and BYU vs. Cincinnati + Best Bets Of The Weekend

As the Cincinnati Bengals limp into Week 12 with a 3-7 record and a three-game skid, all eyes are on quarterback Joe Burrow's toe. Sidelined since Week 2's Grade 3 turf toe injury against the Jaguars—requiring September surgery—the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year has missed eight starts. Acquired veteran Joe Flacco has stabilized the offense (12 TDs, three INTs), but Cincinnati's 34-12 drubbing by the Steelers exposed vulnerabilities, especially sans suspended star Ja'Marr Chase.

Burrow's 21-day practice window opened November 10, initially targeting a mid-December return. Yet, he's ahead of schedule. Wednesday marked his first full participation since the injury, including 11-on-11 drills. He repeated the feat Thursday, taking first-team snaps. Head coach Zac Taylor, on 700 WLW radio, dodged commitment: "I wish I had a decision today. I’m going to take in all the information." Friday's final injury report and Taylor's presser will clarify, but optimism brews—Burrow expressed eagerness for Thanksgiving's Ravens clash, yet insiders like James Rapien argue suiting up Sunday builds rhythm without rust.

A return electrifies Bengals fans. Burrow's pre-injury efficiency (58.3% completion, two TDs in two games) could exploit New England's secondary, ranked 15th in pass defense. Facing 9-2 Pats sensation Drake Maye (AFC East leaders on an eight-game heater), Cincinnati needs Burrow's magic—last year, he led the NFL with 4,918 yards, 43 TDs. Playoff odds sit at +2000; a win vaults them to 4-7, holding the wild-card tiebreaker over Jacksonville.

Risks loom: Re-injury could derail 2026, but Taylor prioritizes Burrow's mindset: "He's of the mindset that he wants to play." Teammates like Tee Higgins buzz: "He's practicing like Week 1." If cleared, expect a cautious debut—maybe 50-60% snaps—sparking Who Dey hope against a dynasty-reviving Pats squad. Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Paycor Stadium could redefine Cincinnati's fading season.

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On today's show we discuss the possibility of Joe Burrow playing Sunday for the Bengals after he was a full participant in practice, Scott Springer of The Enquirer stops by to talk Bearcats basketball, 2 upsets in college basketball last night + Shedeur Sanders to get his first NFL start Sunday vs. Raiders

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year, has been sidelined since Week 2 of the 2025 season after undergoing surgery for a severe turf toe injury sustained in a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 28-year-old's absence has mirrored the team's struggles, with Cincinnati plummeting to a 3-7 record, including a dismal 1-7 stretch without him. Veteran Joe Flacco, acquired midseason from Cleveland, has stabilized the offense somewhat but couldn't prevent three straight losses, leaving the Bengals three games out in the AFC North and clinging to +2000 playoff odds.

Enter Week 12: a pivotal home matchup against the surging 9-2 New England Patriots, led by MVP frontrunner Drake Maye. Burrow's 21-day practice window opened on November 10, and Wednesday's injury report delivered a bombshell—he was a full participant for the first time since surgery, logging reps in 11-on-11 drills. This upgrade, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, sparked immediate speculation, shifting betting lines from Patriots -8.5 to -7.5 favorites.

Coach Zac Taylor remains coy, stating Thursday on 700WLW, "We don't know yet," when pressed on Burrow starting Sunday. The original target was Thanksgiving against Baltimore, a game Burrow called "very" meaningful in a rare interview. Yet, Flacco's lingering shoulder issue—limiting him Wednesday—has complicated matters, opening the door for an earlier push. NFL insider Albert Breer noted the "psycho competitor" in Burrow might accelerate his timeline, though the team hasn't committed.

A return would be seismic. Burrow's precision passing (career 68% completion) could ignite an offense reeling without suspended star Ja'Marr Chase, who's out for the game after a failed appeal. Last year's late surge from 4-8 to contention offers hope for a playoff miracle, but rushing risks reinjury in a season already marred by defensive woes. With activation deadline looming December 1, Sunday at Paycor Stadium could mark Burrow's triumphant reboot—or a cautious delay.

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On today's show, Stone is joined by Joe Goodberry who helps us understand what the film says about some of the Bengals' issues. Plus we discuss an exciting pair of college basketball games last night with two more good ones tonight, Stone provides his CFB Top 10 and reacts to the latest College Football Playoff Rankings + Are the Detroit Lions in serious trouble?

In the Bengals' 34-12 loss to the Steelers on November 16, 2025, defensive end Myles Murphy delivered his most commanding performance yet, a beacon of progress amid a deflating defeat. The 2023 first-round pick entered the game under scrutiny, with just 4.5 sacks through 10 outings and the Bengals' pass rush depleted by injuries to Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart. Facing a revamped Pittsburgh line featuring ex-first-rounders Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu, Murphy stepped up as the de facto leader of Cincy's edge rotation.

Murphy's stat line screamed dominance: a career-high seven tackles, five in the first half alone, anchoring the run defense with five stops that limited Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell's explosiveness. He led the team with six quarterback pressures, per Pro Football Focus, constantly disrupting Aaron Rodgers (and later Mason Rudolph) in the pocket. His crowning moment came midway through the second quarter: teaming with B.J. Hill for an 11-yard sack on Rodgers, a thunderous strip-sack that forced a punt and ignited Who Dey cheers in Acrisure Stadium. Murphy's bull rushes overwhelmed Fautanu, ending the rookie's recent hype, while his pursuit angles—chasing down Warren for a 3-yard stuff—showcased improved instincts and effort.

This wasn't mere volume; it was refined technique. Murphy switched sides seamlessly, exploiting mismatches with violent hand usage and a low pad level honed during the bye week. Despite a roughing-the-passer flag that gifted Pittsburgh a first down and a neutral zone infraction, his motor never waned, even as the defense surrendered a pick-six and fumble return for scores in the second half. Teammates like Joseph Ossai and Cedric Johnson fed off his energy, hinting at a budding rotation.

For a Bengals D ranked 28th in sacks, Murphy's breakout signals hope. At 22, he's evolving from raw athlete to disruptive force, pressuring coaches to eye his fifth-year option. In a season of 3-7 despair, this was Murphy's "put it all together" game—raw power meets football IQ. If sustained, it could salvage Cincinnati's pass rush and playoff dreams.

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On today's show, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic stops by to join Stone and discuss a variety of Bengals topics including Ja'Marr Chase's suspension, the offensive line, Trey Hendrickson's injury and more. Also we roll through our NFL Power Rankings going into Week 12 and Sports Headlines including Jake Paul fighting Anthony Joshua.

In the heated world of NFL rivalries, few moments capture raw emotion like a spit take—literally. On November 16, 2025, during the Pittsburgh Steelers' 34-12 demolition of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase found himself at the center of controversy. In the fourth quarter, amid a scrum of trash talk and tangled limbs, Chase allegedly spat on Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey, igniting a brawl that saw Ramsey ejected for throwing a punch.

The incident unfolded after an earlier scuffle that drew personal foul flags on both players. Ramsey, no stranger to on-field theatrics, grabbed Chase by the facemask and unleashed a helmet-rattling swing. Post-game, Ramsey didn't mince words: "He spit on me. I don't give a f--- about football after that, respectfully. I'm all for trash talking, but that's crossing the line." Chase, the Bengals' explosive 2021 first-round pick and three-time Pro Bowler, vehemently denied it: "I never opened my mouth to that guy. I didn’t spit on nobody." But video evidence from FOX 19 cameras in Cincinnati told a different story, capturing what appeared to be a clear projectile from Chase's direction.

The NFL wasted no time. On November 17, the league slapped Chase with a one-game suspension without pay, citing Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1: "any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship." He'll miss the Bengals' Week 12 clash with the New England Patriots, costing him roughly $448,333 in salary. This marks the second spitting-related ban this season, echoing Eagles DT Jalen Carter's ejection and suspension for hawking a loogie at Cowboys QB Dak Prescott in Week 1.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor, while praising Chase's usual poise—"He's one of the best leaders we've got"—deemed the act "unacceptable." For a team already reeling from QB Joe Burrow's Week 2 injury and a 2-8 record, losing their 1,000-yard receiver stings. Chase, with 72 catches for 1,128 yards and 8 TDs this year, embodies Cincinnati's high-octane offense.

Critics decry the league's zero-tolerance stance on such "disgusting" behavior, arguing it deters the passion that fuels football. Yet, precedents like Carter's affirm the NFL's message: Spitting isn't spirited—it's sanction-worthy. As Chase appeals (or doesn't), this episode underscores the thin line between competitive fire and foul play. In a league of gladiators, one glob of saliva can sideline a superstar. Will it humble Chase or harden his edge? Only the tape—and the tape—will tell.

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On today's show we react to the Bengals losing their third straight game as the offense goes quiet, discuss the altercation between Ja'Marr Chase & Jalen Ramsey, discuss the Eagles winning ugly, who the Vikings should trade for and Alabama losing to Oklahoma.

In a brutal AFC North showdown at Acrisure Stadium on November 16, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals' flickering playoff aspirations were snuffed out in a 34-12 thrashing by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dropping to 3-7, Cincinnati's defense showed early grit but crumbled under second-half turnovers, while an offense led by Joe Flacco sputtered against a revamped Steelers unit. The loss halts any momentum from their Week 7 upset over Pittsburgh, exposing persistent issues in protection and execution.

The Bengals struck first, marching 75 yards on their opening drive capped by Flacco's 28-yard touchdown strike to Tee Higgins, who extended his scoring streak to four games and sits third league-wide with seven receiving TDs. Cincinnati's defense, anchored by Myles Murphy's career-high seven tackles (including a sack) and Oren Burks' nine stops, blanked Pittsburgh after their initial field goal, forcing four punts and limiting them to 188 yards through halftime. Chase Brown powered the ground game with 99 rushing yards on 18 carries—his fourth straight 100-yard scrimmage outing—adding hope amid a 9-6 deficit.

But the third quarter flipped the script. Flacco's errant pass was swiped by Steelers safety Kyle Dugger, who sprinted 74 yards for a pick-six, igniting a 20-9 Pittsburgh lead. The Bengals clawed to 13-20 late in the frame, but a fumbled snap led to cornerback James Pierre's 32-yard scoop-and-score, ballooning the margin to 27-12. Mason Rudolph, stepping in for the wrist-injured Aaron Rodgers, sealed it with a 5-yard toss to Kenneth Gainwell, who tallied two TD catches.

Flacco finished 23-of-40 for 199 yards, one score, and the costly interception—snapping his 100+ passer rating streak. Ja'Marr Chase, double-teamed relentlessly, managed just three catches for 30 yards after his 16-reception explosion versus Pittsburgh earlier. A sideline scuffle saw Steelers' Jalen Ramsey ejected for punching Chase amid unproven spitting allegations, adding fuel to the rivalry.

Head coach Zac Taylor lamented, "You feel all the losses. They all eat at you... Our option is to come back tomorrow and keep fighting." Flacco acknowledged Pittsburgh's adjustments: "They had a couple guys on him [Chase] more often... We've got to match that." With a red-hot New England squad next, Cincinnati must rally or face a lost season. The Bengals' defense forced Pittsburgh into inefficiency early, but self-inflicted wounds—turnovers, penalties, and injuries to Cam Taylor-Britt (foot) and Trey Hendrickson (hip, out second straight)—proved fatal. At 3-7, their wild-card path is a steep climb, demanding urgent fixes in a division where the Steelers (6-4) now lead comfortably.

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On today's show we preview Bengals vs. Steelers, discuss this weekend's college football slate ft. Texas vs. Georgia, Alabama vs. Oklahoma and Iowa vs. USC, react to another New England Patriots victory and Stone's Best Bets Of The Weekend.

In a league increasingly defined by youth and flash, Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers represent the grizzled veterans who refuse to fade. At 40 and 41, respectively, the duo's second showdown of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday—Bengals at Steelers—evokes a bygone era of pocket passers with ice in their veins. Their first clash, a Thursday night thriller on Oct. 16 in Cincinnati, was a 33-31 Bengals escape that felt like a nod to their Super Bowl legacies.

Flacco, thrust into the Bengals' starting role amid Joe Burrow's injury woes, orchestrated a fourth-quarter masterclass. He went 31-of-47 for 342 yards and three touchdowns, capping the win with a game-winning drive that silenced a raucous Paycor Stadium crowd. Rodgers, in his Steelers debut after a surprise June free-agency signing, nearly stole it, tossing four scores on 249 yards but undone by two picks—including a back-breaking interception in the red zone. It marked just the second starting QB matchup of 40-plus-year-olds in NFL history, behind only Vinny Testaverde and Warren Moon in 2002.

Now, with Burrow practicing but Flacco downplaying any benching—"I'm honestly not really thinking about it"—the iron man from Audubon, N.J., gets the nod in Pittsburgh. The Bengals (3-6 post-bye) desperately need this to stay afloat in the AFC North, leaning on Ja'Marr Chase's explosiveness to exploit a Steelers secondary that's surrendered 1,200 receiving yards to wideouts this year. Flacco's steady 68% completion rate and seven TDs over his last four starts make him a sneaky fantasy gem, but the road test at Acrisure Stadium looms large.

For Rodgers, wearing black and gold has been a mixed bag: 2,100 yards and 15 TDs, but the Steelers' 4-5 mark reflects offensive line woes and a run game that's averaged a measly 3.8 yards per carry. Najee Harris must grind early to set up play-action magic, or Flacco's poise could haunt them again. This "Old Bowl" rematch isn't just divisional fireworks—it's a testament to longevity in a brutal sport. Will Rodgers reclaim his four-time MVP aura, or does Flacco, the eternal bridesmaid turned Bengal savior, prove age is merely a number? Kickoff at 1 p.m. ET promises answers, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.

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On today's show, Stone is joined by Gabi Sorrentino of Fox 19 to discuss the latest Joe Burrow news, the youth and inexperience on the defense, Steelers week and more. We also breakdown all 6 of the Bengals rookies so far this year and talk about some Brian Daboll replacements with the New York Giants.

The storied Bengals-Steelers rivalry reignites this Sunday, November 16, at Acrisure Stadium, where the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4) host the Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) in a pivotal Week 11 matchup. With Pittsburgh clinging to a one-game lead in the AFC North over the Ravens, a win keeps their postseason hopes alive, while Cincinnati eyes a season sweep after stunning the Steelers 33-20 in Week 7. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET on CBS, with oddsmakers favoring Pittsburgh by 5.5 points and an over/under of 49.5.

The Bengals enter off a bye week, desperate to salvage their season without star QB Joe Burrow, who's sidelined by a toe injury but designated for return soon. Veteran Joe Flacco steps in, fresh off a monster 470-yard, four-TD outing against Chicago on November 2—his best since 2022. Flacco's career mark against Pittsburgh? A balanced 11-11, with 27 TDs in those tilts. He'll lean on WR Ja'Marr Chase, who torched the Steelers for 16 catches, 161 yards, and a score in their last meeting, exploiting CB Jalen Ramsey's coverage. Chase's deep-threat ability could test Pittsburgh's secondary, which has surrendered 376 yards per game lately.

Pittsburgh counters with Aaron Rodgers under center, but the future Hall of Famer's recent form is shaky: just 161 yards and two picks in a 25-10 loss to the Chargers. The Steelers' offense ranks near the bottom (280.7 yards/game), plagued by five turnovers since Week 7 and a paltry 85.7 rushing yards. RB Jaylen Warren must grind out yards against Cincy's front, while WR Roman Wilson (113 receiving yards over the last three games) steps up amid injuries. Defensively, Pittsburgh's pass rush (32 sacks, league-second) remains elite, but they've leaked 28.25 points per game recently.

Injuries loom large: Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson (hip) is doubtful, weakening their edge rush, while RB Samaje Perine (undisclosed) is questionable. Steelers CB Darius Slay (concussion) and G Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) are iffy, potentially exposing vulnerabilities. Betting trends favor the over (hitting in 7 of 9 Bengals games) and Cincinnati covering as underdogs (3-6 ATS but 4 straight divisional wins).

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On today's edition of The Stone Shields Show we talk with Mark Sheldon of MLB.com on the Cincinnati Reds offseason, including potentially trading Hunter Greene and Kyle Schwarber free agency rumors, also Stone reacts to Cincinnati's ugly win vs. Dayton and rolls through Wednesday's sports headlines.

The Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) face a must-win scenario in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, November 16, at Acrisure Stadium. Trailing in the AFC North, the Bengals desperately need a victory to salvage their playoff hopes, especially after a gritty 24-17 win over Pittsburgh in Week 7, where Joe Flacco stepped in admirably, throwing for 342 yards. However, with Joe Burrow's status uncertain amid injury whispers, the offense hinges on Ja'Marr Chase's explosiveness and a resurgent ground game led by Chase Brown.

The Steelers enter as 5.5-point favorites, with a total of 49.5 points signaling a high-scoring affair. Pittsburgh's defense, anchored by T.J. Watt, has terrorized quarterbacks, while their run-heavy attack with Najee Harris exploits Cincinnati's leaky front seven. Yet, the Bengals boast a perfect 2-0 divisional record this season and cover +5.5 in models like ESPN's, thanks to their pass rush disrupting Ben Roethlisberger's successor. Expect a revenge-fueled battle—Bengals ML +195 offers value for underdogs hungry to flip the script.

Fresh off their first postseason berth since 2013, the Cincinnati Reds are buzzing with free agency ambition, and Kyle Schwarber tops the wishlist. ESPN's Jeff Passan calls signing the slugging DH the "perfect transaction" to turbocharge an offense that slashed .240 collectively in 2025. The Cincinnati native crushed 47 homers with an .928 OPS for the Phillies, thriving in a hitter-friendly park like GABP, where his pull power could yield 50+ dingers annually.

Rumors hinge on a $60 million variable—Schwarber's Phillies loyalty versus Cincy's hometown pull and deeper pockets post-playoff revenue. A projected six-year, $150M deal could pair him with Elly De La Cruz for a fearsome core, transforming the Reds into NL Central contenders. Local ties ignite belief: Schwarber to Reds feels destined, per insiders, bridging nostalgia with firepower for 2026 glory.

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