Welcome to "In The Trenches with Dave Lapham," presented by First Star Logistics.

In this episode, Dave Lapham joins Dave Berk to offer an in-depth preview of the Cincinnati Bengals' second preseason game against the Washington Commanders. They also tackle the pressing issue of the contract stalemate with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

The conversation kicks off with a look at the heightened importance of the second preseason game. While the starters are expected to see some action, this matchup is a crucial evaluation opportunity for rookies, free agents, and players on the roster bubble who are fighting to make an impression.

Lapham draws on his own experience as a former player, emphasizing the immense pressure these athletes face to perform and secure their spot on the team.

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the offensive line. Rookie offensive guard Dylan Fairchild, who had an impressive debut, is now tasked with the challenge of "stacking" another strong performance to prove his consistency. Lapham notes that while Fairchild's success isn't surprising given his pedigree at Georgia, the ability to consistently perform is what separates good players from great ones in the NFL. Conversely, they touch on the struggles of right guard Lucas Patrick and how that has opened up a battle for the position, with players like Jalen Rivers and Cody Ford in the mix.

The conversation then shifts to the ongoing contract negotiations with Trey Hendrickson. Both Daves agree that a trade seems highly unlikely given Hendrickson's immense value to the team, not just as a premier pass rusher but also as a person and a leader. Lapham highlights Hendrickson's incredible work ethic and his status as the most productive pass rusher in the league over the last two seasons. They discuss the complexities of the negotiation, suggesting it's likely a matter of structuring the contract and the amount of guaranteed money, rather than a question of whether a deal will get done. Lapham expresses strong confidence that both sides will come to an agreement, as letting a player of Hendrickson's caliber go would be a massive loss for the Bengals.

Looking ahead to the game against the Commanders, Lapham shares what he'll be watching for. Offensively, he wants to see the first-team offense, led by Joe Burrow, continue to execute at the high level they displayed in their first preseason outing. Defensively, he's looking for the unit to "up the ante" and play a cleaner, more cohesive game. He believes the Bengals' defense has the potential to be one of the best in the league under new coordinator Al Golden and wants to see them take a step towards realizing that potential.

This episode of "In The Trenches" is a must-listen for any Bengals fan looking for expert analysis on the key storylines heading into the second week of the preseason. From individual player battles to high-stakes contract talks, Dave Lapham provides unparalleled insight into the state of the Cincinnati Bengals.

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In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics, dives deep into the heart of Cincinnati Bengals training camp as the team powers through the grueling "dog days" of summer. Legendary Bengals offensive lineman and broadcaster Dave Lapham joins Dave Berk to break down a practice filled with intensity, standout performances, and a scuffle that put the entire team on notice.

As the Bengals gear up for their second preseason matchup against the Washington Commanders on Monday night, the competition on the practice field has hit a fever pitch. Lapham was on hand for a session where the defense emphatically announced its presence, with veteran center Ted Karras admitting, "The D kicked our ass." This sentiment echoed throughout a practice where the defensive front consistently won its battles.

A major catalyst for the defensive dominance has been the arrival of defensive tackle T.J. Slaton. A former fifth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers, Slaton has been a disruptive force since joining Cincinnati. Lapham notes that Slaton was a "huge factor" and "very disruptive" on a snap-by-snap basis. His performance is a welcome sight for a Bengals team looking to bolster its interior defensive line. Slaton's connection with new defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery, who coached him in Green Bay, appears to be paying early dividends for the Bengals. Lapham emphasizes that Slaton is not just making plays but is also bringing a veteran presence and leadership to the defensive unit.

The intensity of camp boiled over when rookie defensive end Shamar Stewart, after being knocked off balance, made contact with quarterback Joe Burrow, sending him to the ground. While the contact appeared unintentional, the offensive line immediately responded, with guard Lucas Patrick getting into a scuffle with the rookie. Karras reinforced the offensive line's protective mentality to reporters after practice, stating, "Gotta protect No. 9... that's all of our hopes and dreams right there." Lapham explains that these moments, while tense, are a natural result of the competitive fire that builds during camp as players tire of hitting the same opponents day after day.

Despite the incident, Lapham sees immense potential in Stewart. The first-round pick from Texas A&M, who had a lengthy holdout before signing his rookie contract, is starting to flash the talent that made him a top prospect. With Myles Murphy sitting out of practice, Stewart has been given more reps and is making the most of the opportunity to get acclimated after his missed time. Lapham believes Stewart has the chance to have a "big rookie year" and that his athleticism is evident.

The conversation also touches on the "hold-in" trend across the NFL, with players like Trey Hendrickson, Cameron Heyward, and Micah Parsons all seeking new contracts while still being present with their teams. Lapham provides his perspective on these situations, noting that while it's a business, the ideal scenario is to have these key players fully participating to build chemistry and get into football shape. He points out that while these players are in meetings, they are missing out on the physical conditioning that only comes from on-field reps.

As the Bengals look ahead to their Monday night game against the Commanders, Lapham stresses the importance of correcting the mistakes made in the first preseason game. The key to preseason development is showing improvement and eliminating mental errors like false starts and illegal formations. With a few extra days of practice leading up to the game, the Bengals have a prime opportunity to refine their execution and continue building a roster capable of making a deep playoff run.

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Welcome back to "In The Trenches with Dave Lapham," presented by First Star Logistics! As the Cincinnati Bengals push deeper into their 2025 training camp, the initial excitement gives way to the grueling reality of the NFL grind. Dave Lapham was on hand for the weekend's practices and provides his expert analysis as the team enters what is notoriously known as the "dog days" of training camp.

In this episode, Lapham joins Dave Berk to break down the key takeaways from the practice field. Right off the bat, Lapham is incredibly impressed with the readiness of the Bengals' primary offensive weapons. He asserts that Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown look like they could play a regular-season game tomorrow. Their sharpness, understanding of the offense, and phenomenal physical condition are on full display, signaling that the core of this high-powered attack is primed for a big year. Lapham goes as far as to say he believes this 2025 Bengals roster, from top to bottom, has the potential to be the best in the entire National Football League.

A major focus of any Bengals discussion is the offensive line, a unit that has been under scrutiny in recent seasons. Lapham provides a nuanced perspective on their progress. He discusses the coaching staff's strategy of moving players around to different positions, emphasizing the critical importance of versatility. In the modern NFL, the ability for a lineman to play multiple spots—like guard and tackle, or on both the left and right sides—is invaluable. This not only creates depth but also forces players to elevate their technical understanding of the game. Lapham draws on his own extensive career to explain how mastering different positions is a hallmark of a long-term, successful player. He gives a special mention to younger players like Jalen Rivers, highlighting how this cross-training is essential for them to secure a roster spot.

On the defensive side of the ball, Lapham identifies a couple of position groups that have pleasantly surprised him with their depth and talent: the defensive ends and the secondary. He notes that the Bengals have a significantly larger number of athletes ready to compete at an NFL level in these areas than in recent years. This abundance of capable players is creating a fiercely competitive environment, pushing everyone to elevate their game. Lapham is particularly impressed with the mindset of these players, who are not just physically gifted but are mentally prepared for the fight, day in and day out.

The conversation also turns to the topic of injuries. While minor injuries are an unavoidable part of any training camp across the league, Lapham reports that the Bengals appear to be managing them well. He suggests that the current ailments are minor and shouldn't cost any key players significant time once the regular season begins. The medical and training staff are being cautious, ensuring that minor issues don't escalate into major problems, a testament to their proactive approach to player health.

A spotlight is shone on safety Tycen Anderson, who is taking advantage of increased reps to prove he's more than just a special teams ace. Lapham describes Anderson as a highly intelligent and competitive player who is "thirsting for more." His desire to understand the intricacies of the defense and his constant questioning of the coaches' schemes showcase a player with a high football IQ and a drive to become a significant contributor on defense.

Finally, Lapham offers a deep dive into the psychology of surviving the dog days of training camp. He explains that this is the period where mental fortitude is just as important as physical conditioning. The long days, the repetition, and the physical toll require a professional mindset focused on recovery, proper nutrition, and rest. With a Monday Night Football preseason game on the horizon, the Bengals face a long week of work, providing a perfect opportunity to instill game plans and test the team's focus before they face a short week leading into their final preseason contest.

Join Dave Lapham and Dave Berk for an in-depth analysis of the Cincinnati Bengals' 34-27 preseason-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. In this episode of "In The Trenches," presented by First Star Logistics, Lapham breaks down the highs and lows of the Bengals' first game action of the 2025 season.

The story of the night was the tale of two quarterbacks for the Bengals. Joe Burrow was in mid-season form, delivering a spectacular performance that had the hosts buzzing. Burrow finished his night an impressive 9-of-10 for 123 yards and two touchdowns, earning a stellar 157.5 quarterback rating. Lapham notes that Burrow's excellence in practice has clearly carried over, stating he's "preparing and bracing himself for a phenomenal season." His accuracy was on full display, with Lapham remarking, "he is so accurate, he puts the ball in the tightest spots."

The connection between Burrow and his star receivers was electric. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were running "unbelievably precise routes," and the chemistry they've built with their quarterback was evident. Lapham emphasizes the trust Burrow has in his targets, particularly highlighting the performance of tight end Tanner Hudson, who caught two touchdown passes, one from Burrow and the other from Desmond Ridder.

However, the narrative shifted dramatically once the first-team offense left the field. The backup quarterbacks, Jake Browning and Desmond Ridder, struggled to find a consistent rhythm. Browning went 6-of-14 for 62 yards with an interception, while Ridder was 7-of-16 for 91 yards and a touchdown. Lapham points out the stark difference in performance, acknowledging the significant drop-off from a quarterback of Burrow's caliber.

On the defensive side of the ball, there were notable concerns. The Eagles' offense found success on the ground, rushing for 132 yards and averaging over four and a half yards per carry. Lapham notes that the Bengals' defense, under the direction of Al Golden, had trouble containing the Eagles' rushing attack, allowing for some "big gaps to run the football in." He did, however, see some positive flashes from the rookie class, including defensive lineman Shemar Stewart, who he believes "has star power."

The special teams unit had a mixed bag of results. Evan McPherson was a perfect two-for-two on field goals, including a long of 51 yards, a positive sign for the veteran kicker. The return game also showed promise, with Jermaine Burton and Gary Brightwell providing some exciting returns. In this comprehensive breakdown, Dave Lapham provides his expert insights on individual player performances, offensive and defensive schemes, and what the Bengals need to work on as they continue through the preseason.

This is a must-listen for any Bengals fan looking for a detailed and knowledgeable perspective on the team's first outing of 2025.

Welcome to "In The Trenches with Dave Lapham," presented by First Star Logistics.[1] As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare to kick off their 2025 preseason, legendary Bengals offensive lineman and longtime broadcaster Dave Lapham joins Dave Berk to provide an in-depth preview of the first matchup against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

This episode is packed with expert analysis on key players, crucial position battles, and what fans should be watching for as the team begins its journey.

Joe Burrow: A Talent Aging Like 'Fine Wine' A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the exceptional talent of quarterback Joe Burrow. Berk, who has watched Burrow since his high school days, offers unparalleled insight into his development. Lapham describes Burrow's continuous improvement as being "like a fine wine," noting that every year he gets better. This isn't just about natural talent; it's about a relentless work ethic and a profound understanding of the game. Lapham breaks down the nuances of Burrow's mechanics, his pinpoint accuracy, and his flawless footwork.

He emphasizes that Burrow's ability to process defenses, both pre- and post-snap, is what truly sets him apart. According to Lapham, Burrow was "born and bred to throw a football," and his ability to place the ball exactly where it needs to be, with velocity, is a sight to behold. Berk and Lapham agree that the difference between Burrow and any other quarterback in camp is immediately obvious, highlighting his status as a truly elite, once-in-a-generation player.

The Trenches: A 'Huge Battle' on the Offensive Line The conversation naturally shifts to the men tasked with protecting the franchise quarterback. Lapham identifies the interior offensive line, specifically the guard positions, as the most critical area to watch this preseason. He calls it a "huge battle" that could very well determine the success of the Bengals' entire season. The guards were a weak link last year, and the team has made a concerted effort to address this through the draft and free agency.

A major focus is on rookie offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild from Georgia. Lapham is incredibly high on Fairchild, calling him one of the most "finished products" he's seen coming out of college in a long time. He praises Fairchild's technical skill, his powerful feet, and his hand usage. Having played in the highly competitive SEC and for a national championship-winning program, Fairchild has been tested against the best and understands what it takes to win. Lapham believes he is destined for an "outstanding career" and will likely start at guard for the Bengals. The development of depth at offensive tackle behind starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims is also a key storyline, as the long NFL season always tests a team's resilience.

New-Look Defense and Key Players to Watch Under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, the Bengals' defense is another area of intense focus. While the preseason schemes will be "pretty vanilla," Lapham explains that the coaches will be evaluating individual performances, consistency, and accountability. Golden is instilling a culture of meticulous detail, ensuring every player understands not just their assignment, but how it fits into the broader defensive concept. The goal is to build a unit where teammates can trust each other to execute on every snap.

The hosts also highlight specific players fans should keep an eye on, including Desmond Ritter, who is competing for a backup quarterback role, and the new, young linebackers who are expected to bring speed and energy to the field. Conversely, several key players are not expected to play in the first preseason game, including Dax Hill, B.J. Hill, Cam Taylor-Britt, and Mike Gesicki.

"In The Trenches" is proudly presented by First Star Logistics, one of the fastest-growing companies in Cincinnati. They are expanding their brokerage department and looking for individuals seeking a fast-paced career in the logistics industry. Visit FirstStarLogistics.com to learn more about joining their team at one of the top places to work in the area.

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What's the secret sauce for a Super Bowl team? It's more than just talent—it's about leadership, chemistry, and a relentless will to win. In this must-watch episode of "In the Trenches," Bengals legend Solomon Wilcots joins Dave Lapham to deliver a masterclass on what makes the current Cincinnati Bengals so formidable.

Drawing from his own Super Bowl experience, Wilcots breaks down the critical importance of locker room culture, the unique leadership of Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor, and why this team has earned the respect of the entire league

The Mindset of a Champion: Solomon Wilcots shares lessons on toughness and accountability he learned from legends like Ronnie Lott.

Building a Cohesive Unit: An inside look at the challenges and keys to success for the O-Line and secondary.

A True Contender: Solomon explains why no team in the NFL wanted to face the Bengals in last year's playoffs.

We want to thank Solomon for being a fantastic guest and for joining us today on In the Trenches with Dave Lapham brought to you by First Star Logistics. We also look forward to growing our new central channel, First Star Media Group, and having you fans follow us along the ride. A lot more content is coming soon so definitely hit that subscribe button so you never miss one of our uploads! As always Who Dey!

Want to win great prizes from First Star Logistics during the Bengals season? During the 2025 Cincinnati Bengals season, First Star Logistics will give away some great and unique prizes. Follow @FirstStarLog, @DLInTheTrenches, and @JoeGoodberry for details each week on how you can win.

Dave Lapham and First Star Logistics bring you the latest from Cincinnati Bengals training camp. The team is focused on getting ready for the 2025 NFL season. There's a lot of buzz surrounding the team as they prep for their first preseason game on Thursday night against the Eagles.

After Saturday night's Paycor practice and then Sunday's return to the practice fields, Lap talks about the latest injury news surrounding tight end Mike Gesicki and first impressions of newly signed tight end Noah Fant as well as defensive coordinator Al Golden's impressions of his defense as they go against the top quarterback in the NFL day in and day out.

Dave Lapham caught up with Dave Berk following a wild day of news surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals for the seventh training camp report on In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics.

The big news of the day (Recorded Before Official Bengals Release) was that former first-round draft pick Noah Fant was getting ready to sign a contract to wear stripes and give Joe Burrow another major weapon.

Lap talks about the former Iowa tight end and what he brings to the field as well as what happened during practice as the Bengals were forced inside the bubble due to the weather. Also discussed was how Joe Burrow continues to have the best training camp of his career, the defense fully understanding what new defensive coordinator Al Golden wants, and Lapham's time being able to question and learn from NFL on-field officials.