Latest news with #AlGolden
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
How did Bengals react to Shemar Stewart's public bashing?
The Cincinnati Bengals haven't said much beyond the expected publicly when it comes to first-round pick Shemar Stewart. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor says the communication with Stewart is good and other coach-speak things. Defensive coordinator Al Golden has kept it succinct, saying he wants Stewart out there as soon as possible. Advertisement What's interesting, though, is considering how the team might've reacted to Stewart's brash, public comments before leaving the last day of minicamp early. Paul Dehner Jr. provided a glimpse: 'There's no direct blame on Stewart, a 21-year-old, for fully understanding the issues that have transpired on the business side, but the handling of the situation on the whole left an impression. His verbal bombardment of team brass before even taking a snap left a relevant question about who the Bengals acquired with this pick and how much maturing is necessary to reach his potential.' RELATED: Bengals, Shemar Stewart nuclear option includes 2026 NFL draft route Advertisement Frustration from both sides would be understandable at this point. The Bengals reportedly wanted to start a new precedent with certain contract language and Stewart doesn't have a lot of leverage in the situation. But he also not wanting to be the first makes sense. The Bengals not exactly loving a rookie speaking out in such a manner makes sense, too, so it'll be interesting to see if this drags into training camp and what happens then. But those Bengals have earned their reputation long ago and will continue to lose the battle in the court of public opinion no matter what ends up happening with Stewart. RELATED: Bengals standouts after mandatory minicamp includes surprises This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: How did Bengals react to Shemar Stewart's public bashing?
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bengals flail in the cellar of defensive projections...for now
There's a newfound hope for the Cincinnati Bengals that the defense will be improved enough in 2025 that Joe Burrow's offense can at least carry it kicking and screaming to the playoffs, if necessary. But when zooming out and looking at the moves the team made this offseason and how it all might come together, outsiders don't necessarily agree. Advertisement One prominent example is Kyle Soppe of Pro Football Network, who still ranks the unit 28th overall in offseason projections: 'Remember in 2022 when this looked like a franchise with balance and staying power? They were our 11th-best defense that season and trending toward the elite tier of the conference, but with 27th and 28th Defense+ finishes since, Cincinnati has looked more like a one-trick pony over the past two years than a legitimate threat to the top tier of the AFC.' RELATED: Bengals, Shemar Stewart nuclear option includes 2026 NFL draft route It's an earned rank, for now. The Bengals swapped out coordinator Lou Anarumo for Al Golden and will go with a sweeping youth movement across the unit. Advertisement Out are mainstays like Sam Hubbard, Mike Hilton and Germaine Pratt. In are rookies, including linebacker Demetrius Knight likely starting next to Logan Wilson. The team is content to roll with Jordan Battle and Geno Stone at safety again. And when it comes to pass rush, Trey Hendrickson is holding out, so is first-rounder Shemar Stewart and former first-rounder Myles Murphy remains a question mark. So does most of a boom-or-bust cornerback room. While just good enough isn't an admirable thing to shoot for, the Bengals hope that's what they can do. Ideally, that would mean ranking above the 28th spot. RELATED: Bengals standouts after mandatory minicamp includes surprises This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals flail in the cellar of defensive now
Associated Press
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Bengals to release linebacker Germaine Pratt, saving $5.6M on salary cap, AP sources say
The Cincinnati Bengals are releasing linebacker Germaine Pratt, two people with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move has not been announced. NFL Network first reported Pratt's release. The move comes on the eve of the Bengals mandatory minicamp, which starts Tuesday. The move gives the Bengals $5.6 million in salary cap savings. Pratt, who was going into the final season of a three-year contract, was one of the longest-tenured Bengals but requested a trade during the offseason. He was a third-round pick in 2019 and started 88 games over six seasons. He was ninth in the NFL last season with 143 tackles, including two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Cincinnati has had plenty of questions about the defense during the offseason. It hired Al Golden as coordinator while defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks last season, has been involved in his own contract dispute. ___ AP NFL:
Fox Sports
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Al Golden's urgency drives Bengals' offseason workouts as defense aims for a turnaround
Associated Press CINCINNATI (AP) — Al Golden said when he was hired as the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator that he was going to demand a lot from his unit during the offseason workouts. With the Bengals mostly through their practices during the organized team activities, Golden has lived up to his word. 'We can push the limits of our core fundamentals. We can try to see how many concepts we can efficiently get to, which I think is important, and then draw on that in training camp," Golden said. "Although it's not as physical or perhaps as long as training camp, this does serve as a springboard and great foundation for us. Without this segment, it's hard to start off where you want, so that's why there's urgency right now for us.' Urgency has been a theme throughout the offseason for the Bengals, who ended last season on a five-game winning streak but missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record. Cincinnati has started the last three seasons with losses in its first three games. That includes last year's 0-3 start and a 4-8 mark before a late-season charge that fell short. Even though there are restrictions on contact and how physical things can get during the optional workouts, Golden has made the most of the on-field and classroom time to make sure everyone is on the same page. Cross training at positions, especially in the secondary, and knowing what everyone else is doing have been stressed repeatedly. That way adjustments can be made on the fly by players after a call is made. 'When you sit in on those unit meetings and you look at the pre-practice work and all the stuff that they're getting as a unit, it's a very hungry group,' head coach Zac Taylor said. "Al's done a great job setting the standard in that room. The position coaches have followed suit, so I'm really excited about the direction that group's heading.' Golden was the Bengals linebackers coach during the 2020 and '21 seasons before going to Notre Dame, where he was defensive coordinator for three years. Ten players Golden coached at Notre Dame went on to be selected in the 2023, '24 and '25 NFL drafts. Even though Joe Burrow led the league in passing and Ja'Marr Chase was the sixth wide receiver in the Super Bowl era to achieve the receiving triple crown — leading the league in receptions, yards and touchdowns — Cincinnati had a hard time containing opposing offenses, finishing 25th in the league in total defense (348.3 yards allowed per game), The Bengals lost four games last season in which they scored at least 30 points, joining the 2002 and '18 Kansas City Chiefs as the only teams to do that. All told, the defense allowed the fifth-most points in the league (414) and gave up a touchdown on 67.9% of opponent's red zone possessions, the third-worst rate in the NFL. They also were eighth in missed tackles with 117. One area where the Bengals were good on defense was forcing turnovers. They had 25 takeaways, which tied for seventh. But Golden has been placing an emphasis on wanting more by putting in four turnover stations, where players are honing their skills on creating and recovering fumbles or interceptions. 'When you're just constantly adding layers to your to your game, it becomes second nature in practice. So when we have training camp we're always punching the ball. It's not only going to help us defensively but also our offense,' linebacker Logan Wilson said. There have also been some early encouraging signs of the defense's progress. Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, who is being moved all over the secondary, was lined up as the slot corner on Tuesday picked off Joe Burrow's pass intended for tight end Mike Gesicki. 'We could be moved anywhere. You just don't know what we're in with the disguises in coverage,' Taylor-Britt said. Golden has done most of the installation though without a couple key players on the field. All-Pro selection and NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson did not attend voluntary workouts as he tries to get a contract extension. First-round pick Shemar Stewart and second-round selection Demetrius Knight Jr. are in the meeting rooms but not taking part in practices after not signing their rookie contracts or waivers to participate in workouts. 'Trey's a pro. Whatever he's missing in person now, I guarantee you he'll make it up and be ready to go by the time this comes to a resolution,' Golden said. ___ AP NFL: recommended
Winnipeg Free Press
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Al Golden's urgency drives Bengals' offseason workouts as defense aims for a turnaround
CINCINNATI (AP) — Al Golden said when he was hired as the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator that he was going to demand a lot from his unit during the offseason workouts. With the Bengals mostly through their practices during the organized team activities, Golden has lived up to his word. 'We can push the limits of our core fundamentals. We can try to see how many concepts we can efficiently get to, which I think is important, and then draw on that in training camp,' Golden said. 'Although it's not as physical or perhaps as long as training camp, this does serve as a springboard and great foundation for us. Without this segment, it's hard to start off where you want, so that's why there's urgency right now for us.' Urgency has been a theme throughout the offseason for the Bengals, who ended last season on a five-game winning streak but missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record. Cincinnati has started the last three seasons with losses in its first three games. That includes last year's 0-3 start and a 4-8 mark before a late-season charge that fell short. Even though there are restrictions on contact and how physical things can get during the optional workouts, Golden has made the most of the on-field and classroom time to make sure everyone is on the same page. Cross training at positions, especially in the secondary, and knowing what everyone else is doing have been stressed repeatedly. That way adjustments can be made on the fly by players after a call is made. 'When you sit in on those unit meetings and you look at the pre-practice work and all the stuff that they're getting as a unit, it's a very hungry group,' head coach Zac Taylor said. 'Al's done a great job setting the standard in that room. The position coaches have followed suit, so I'm really excited about the direction that group's heading.' Golden was the Bengals linebackers coach during the 2020 and '21 seasons before going to Notre Dame, where he was defensive coordinator for three years. Ten players Golden coached at Notre Dame went on to be selected in the 2023, '24 and '25 NFL drafts. Even though Joe Burrow led the league in passing and Ja'Marr Chase was the sixth wide receiver in the Super Bowl era to achieve the receiving triple crown — leading the league in receptions, yards and touchdowns — Cincinnati had a hard time containing opposing offenses, finishing 25th in the league in total defense (348.3 yards allowed per game), The Bengals lost four games last season in which they scored at least 30 points, joining the 2002 and '18 Kansas City Chiefs as the only teams to do that. All told, the defense allowed the fifth-most points in the league (414) and gave up a touchdown on 67.9% of opponent's red zone possessions, the third-worst rate in the NFL. They also were eighth in missed tackles with 117. One area where the Bengals were good on defense was forcing turnovers. They had 25 takeaways, which tied for seventh. But Golden has been placing an emphasis on wanting more by putting in four turnover stations, where players are honing their skills on creating and recovering fumbles or interceptions. 'When you're just constantly adding layers to your to your game, it becomes second nature in practice. So when we have training camp we're always punching the ball. It's not only going to help us defensively but also our offense,' linebacker Logan Wilson said. There have also been some early encouraging signs of the defense's progress. Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, who is being moved all over the secondary, was lined up as the slot corner on Tuesday picked off Joe Burrow's pass intended for tight end Mike Gesicki. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'We could be moved anywhere. You just don't know what we're in with the disguises in coverage,' Taylor-Britt said. Golden has done most of the installation though without a couple key players on the field. All-Pro selection and NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson did not attend voluntary workouts as he tries to get a contract extension. First-round pick Shemar Stewart and second-round selection Demetrius Knight Jr. are in the meeting rooms but not taking part in practices after not signing their rookie contracts or waivers to participate in workouts. 'Trey's a pro. Whatever he's missing in person now, I guarantee you he'll make it up and be ready to go by the time this comes to a resolution,' Golden said. ___ AP NFL:
