Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals

With the Bengals on a bye this week, it's a perfect time for a State of the Bengals show where we have some hard-hitting conversations about the most poignant aspects about the team and organization five games into a pivotal 2026 season.
Alex Frank, Coach Art Valero, Joe Goodberry, and FOX19 Sports Director Joe Danneman discuss what makes the Bengals contenders and the biggest concerns they have about the team.
Zac Taylor is in his eighth season as the Bengals head coach. Does he feel the pressure to get this Bengals team back to the Playoffs, and could he be on the hot seat now or later this season?
One member of the organization who doesn't get talked about as much with the continuity aspect is special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. But with special teams making some crucial mistakes so far this season, has the conversation around him started to change?
The Bengals may have unlocked something with their running game last week in Miami. It's actually similar to what the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes utilized in a run to the National Championship and what the 2025 Seattle Seahawks utilized in their run to the Super Bowl championship.
Photo Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
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The Cincinnati Bengals already made one big trade this year, and another could boost their championship aspirations. Should they trade for Derwin James or Khalil Mack to patch defensive gaps before the deadline? Jake Liscow and Joe Goodberry spotlight high-impact trade targets from teams like the Chargers, Bucs, and Saints, breaking down how players such as Budda Baker, Alvin Kamara, and Yaya Diaby could reshape the Bengals’ playoff outlook.
Plus, we're re-evaluating our preseason expectations as Jake and Joe still think the run game will bounce back, and Zac Taylor's track record promises midseason adjustments.
Photo Credits: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNFL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Apple
You can earn up to 3% unlimited Daily Cash back on every purchase you make with Apple Card using Apple Pay. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank, USA. Salt Lake City Branch. Terms and more at apple-card-dot-com.
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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
Get three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM
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The Cincinnati Bengals made big moves to improve their defensive front, and their swings on Dexter Lawrence and Boye Mafe have been home runs for 5 weeks. Jonathan Allen has been a hit, Bryan Cook should be an asset, and Dalton Risner’s performance proves to be free agency’s best value. But what about their decisions to extend Orlando Brown Jr, or not add linebacker help?
Jake Liscow and Joe Goodberry revisit the Bengals’ biggest offseason moves at the bye week, dissecting contract decisions, positional needs at linebacker and slot corner, and replacing Trey Hendrickson with Mafe and Lawrence. So far, it's more good than bad!
Photo Credits: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images, Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
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Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNFL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Apple
You can earn up to 3% unlimited Daily Cash back on every purchase you make with Apple Card using Apple Pay. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank, USA. Salt Lake City Branch. Terms and more at apple-card-dot-com.
https://learn.applecard.apple/unlimited-daily-cash?cid=apy-318-2000008800000-400000000000039&itscg=2030032&itsct=srvs-crd-P3004756-C3004897&mttnagencyid=c1a&mttnsiteid=133087&mttnpid=LockedOn%20%28Audio%29&mttnsubad=srvs-crd-P3004756-C3004897&mttnsubplmnt=&mttncc=US
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Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL and use code LOCKEDONNFL and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
Get three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Cincinnati Bengals have bye week adjustments to make, and will now need to account for Tanner Hudson’s season-ending injury and Swayze Bozeman’s trip to IR. That could mean opportunity for Jack Endries, while a waiver claim for Al Golden's former Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser backfills for Bozeman.
What else can the Bengals fix during the bye week? Jake Liscow and Joe Goodberry spotlight communication issues in the defensive secondary, concerns over tackling and explosive runs allowed, and stepping up when Dexter Lawrence isn't on the field.
Photo Credits: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images, Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=NFL&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNFL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Apple
You can earn up to 3% unlimited Daily Cash back on every purchase you make with Apple Card using Apple Pay. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank, USA. Salt Lake City Branch. Terms and more at apple-card-dot-com.
https://learn.applecard.apple/unlimited-daily-cash?cid=apy-318-2000008800000-400000000000039&itscg=2030032&itsct=srvs-crd-P3004756-C3004897&mttnagencyid=c1a&mttnsiteid=133087&mttnpid=LockedOn%20%28Audio%29&mttnsubad=srvs-crd-P3004756-C3004897&mttnsubplmnt=&mttncc=US
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL and use code LOCKEDONNFL and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
Get three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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The Cincinnati Bengals brought a flexible offensive game plan to Miami, maximizing 2 Tight End sets with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins battling through injury.
Jake Liscow and Joe Goodberry break down the film, spotlighting Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson’s red zone success, strong run-blocking from Dalton Risner and Amarius Mims, and the defense’s feast-or-famine identity. Key issues include second-and-long conservatism, costly turnovers, and the defense giving up explosive plays despite a league-best run stuff rate. What must improve as the Bengals eye an AFC North run?
Photo Credits: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Gameday Men's Health
Book your complimentary test and consult at https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/reasons_to_choose_gameday-1201?utm_source=lockedon&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=NFL&utm_network=lockedon&utm_adgroup=corp&ghl_tag=national,corp
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Butcher Box
If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNFL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.
Apple
You can earn up to 3% unlimited Daily Cash back on every purchase you make with Apple Card using Apple Pay. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank, USA. Salt Lake City Branch. Terms and more at apple-card-dot-com.
https://learn.applecard.apple/unlimited-daily-cash?cid=apy-318-2000008800000-400000000000039&itscg=2030032&itsct=srvs-crd-P3004756-C3004897&mttnagencyid=c1a&mttnsiteid=133087&mttnpid=LockedOn%20%28Audio%29&mttnsubad=srvs-crd-P3004756-C3004897&mttnsubplmnt=&mttncc=US
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL and use code LOCKEDONNFL and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!
KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.
FanDuel
Get three hundred fifty dollars in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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