00:00:00 – 00:00:48 – Introduction

• Solomon welcomes listeners and introduces Charlie Goldsmith. Sets up the Bengals’ win in D.C., touches on preseason offense, Joe Burrow, and missing starters.

• Discussion of first-team vs. second-team offense, Burrow’s approach, need for rhythm, and play reliability despite absent star receivers.

• Focus on Andre Yosivas, Charlie Jones, and especially Mitchell Tinsley’s rise and impact on the roster; touches on special teams/roster battles.

• The “elephant in the room”: Bengals’ struggling run defense, alarming preseason stats, missed tackles, and lack of physicality. Addressing young defenders’ mistakes and coaching responses.

• Solomon and Charlie discuss the mentality and culture of defense, expectations about physicality, and player accountability in meetings.

• Preview of the final preseason matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, anticipated playing time for starters, and injury/rest management.

• Updates on Cam Taylor-Britt, Dax Hill, Geno Stone, BJ Hill, and their readiness for regular season.

• Zac Taylor’s decisions on Burrow’s final preseason reps, O-line injuries, and risk assessment.

• The current state of trade talks, value expectations, and the likelihood of keeping Hendrickson.

• How other NFL teams are proactive with trades, and if the Bengals might target positions of need before cuts.

• Bengals’ typical roster management strategy and potential interior DL targets like Christian Wilkins.

• Mitch Tinsley’s roster chances, tight end competition, and philosophical roster decisions heading into final cuts. Closing remarks.

Solomon Wilcots welcomes NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero to discuss his observations from Bengals training camp. They dive into the team’s overall outlook, highlighting the improved depth at wide receiver and a renewed focus on getting off to a fast start this season. Tom points out how both offense and defense are showing promise, with the defense featuring impressive young talent and strong performances during camp. The conversation moves into contract negotiations, particularly the Trey Hendrickson situation, and how the Bengals’ philosophy around contracts might impact keeping key players. They also touch on the Bengals’ persistent slow starts in recent years and how the team has adjusted its camp practice schedule to try and change that pattern.00:00:52 — Training camp impressions / Bengals offense and receivers
Tom shares his takeaways from Bengals training camp, highlighting the depth of the receiver group and practice energy.

00:03:29 — Bengals defense update and young talent
Discussion of the defense’s performance in camp, standouts like DJ Turner, and a look at the secondary.

00:05:10 — Bengals contract philosophy & Trey Hendrickson standoff
Detailed breakdown of organizational approaches to contracts and the ongoing Trey Hendrickson negotiations.

00:08:54 — Trade value and compensation for Hendrickson
Talks about the Bengals' stance on trade offers and the team’s priorities regarding pass rushers.

00:10:50 — Importance of fast starts and team challenges
Review of Bengals’ history of slow season starts, factors involved, and organizational changes to address it.

00:12:29 — Adjustments in practice schedule to encourage fast starts
Explains how moving to earlier practices in camp is part of the focus on starting faster.

00:13:24 — Preseason game analysis: offense vs. defense
Discussion of preseason performance, especially the defense’s struggle against the Eagles.

00:15:30 — Al Golden’s new defense: schematic changes and expectations
Insights into the new defensive coordinator’s approach and what to expect during the season.

00:16:22 — Draft pick spotlight: Shemar Stewart & rookie class
Shemar Stewart compared to Danielle Hunter and Jadeveon Clowney, plus rookies like Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter.

00:19:51 — Offense improvement focus: running game dilemma
Talk about the run game, changes in running back personnel, and hopes for the O-line.

00:20:54 — Vision for the backfield
Depth chart and roles: Chase Brown, Taj Brooks, and Samaje Perine.

00:23:40 — Joe Burrow’s health and performance expectations
Joe Burrow’s return to full health and what that means for the Bengals offense.

00:25:37 — AFC North storyline preview
Competitive landscape of the AFC North, spotlighting quarterbacks and division challenges.

00:29:03 — season outlook
Concluding thoughts on the Bengals’ roster, goals, and expectations for the 2025 season.

Host Solomon Wilcots and Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz discuss key offseason moves and preseason priorities for the Cincinnati Bengals, including the importance of re-signing Trey Hendrickson and getting Joe Burrow reps with the starting offensive line. They analyze the impact of new coaches and young players like Amarius Mims and Shemar Stewart, highlighting the need for leadership and fast starts. Looking ahead, they stress that stopping the run and early-season wins are crucial for a special Bengals season.

00:01:09 – Trey Hendrickson’s future: sign or trade?

00:02:13 – Importance of Hendrickson’s leadership for the defense and young players (e.g., Shemar Stewart).

00:03:12 – Should Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ starters play in preseason games?

00:05:20 – Zach Taylor’s efforts to improve fast starts; leadership in the locker room.

00:07:16 – Significance of preseason reps for Joe Burrow and the offensive line.

00:08:38 – Impressions of new offensive line coach Scott Peters and his approach.

00:11:00 – Bengals’ interior offensive line: outlook on Cordell Volson, Dylan Fairchild, Lucas Patrick.

00:12:46 – Year 2 expectations and progress for Amarius Mims and Orlando Brown Jr.

00:15:12 – First impressions of Shemar Stewart and his potential.

00:17:32 – Defensive outlook under new DC Al Golden.

00:19:02 – Secondary preview: talent, chemistry, and roles.

00:20:16 – Keys for the Bengals to have a special season: fast start, stopping the run, and offensive potential.