by Chatterbox Sports
United Dairy Farmers presents Off the Bench, hosted by Chatterbox Sports CEO Trace Fowler. Elliot Riering and Casey McCollister produce Cincinnati’s first local sports show every day of the week. The show is on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube page Monday-Friday from 10 AM to 12 PM EST.
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9/1/2022
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April 29, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds are riding high on a five-game win streak in the 2025 season, showcasing a blend of young talent, veteran leadership, and pitching prowess that has fans buzzing. This streak, capped by a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on April 28, has improved their record to 16-13, securing a winning April and positioning them as contenders in the NL Central. Here’s a deep dive into what’s fueling this red-hot run. The streak began with a dominant sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighted by Hunter Greene’s masterful seven scoreless innings on April 13, allowing just two hits while striking out eight. The Reds’ offense complemented their pitching, with timely hits from Elly De La Cruz and Santiago Espinal. This momentum carried into a road series against the Colorado Rockies, where Nick Lodolo shone in an 8-1 rout on April 27, backed by 14 hits from players like Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer, and Gavin Lux, who extended his hitting streak to 11 games. The offense has been clicking, going 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position in the Rockies sweep, a stark contrast to earlier struggles. Back home, the Reds faced the Cardinals, with Nick Martinez delivering a quality start and Jose Trevino blasting a crucial home run. De La Cruz, now boasting a 12-game hit streak, and Marte’s three times on base kept the pressure on. The bullpen, including standouts like Emilio Pagán and Graham Ashcraft, has been nails, preserving leads and shutting down opponents. Defensively, despite De La Cruz’s sixth error of the season, the team has made clutch plays, with Marte stealing two bases in the Rockies series to spark rallies. Under manager Terry Francona, the Reds have shown resilience after a 2-6 start, going 12-8 in their last 20 games. The addition of veterans like Trevino and Austin Hays has bolstered a young core featuring De La Cruz and Marte, creating a balanced lineup. Social media is abuzz, with fans on X proclaiming, “Reds are now 3 games over .500!” This streak signals a turnaround, with the Reds 11-3 when scoring five or more runs. As they host the Cardinals next, the Reds aim to keep the fire burning and chase a playoff spot.
April 28, 2025
Did the Cincinnati Bengals Have a Strong Enough 2025 NFL Draft Class? The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 NFL Draft class has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with questions lingering about whether it was robust enough to elevate the team back to Super Bowl contention. With six picks, the Bengals focused heavily on defense and offensive line depth, but the class’s immediate impact and long-term potential remain under scrutiny. The headliner, first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M (No. 17 overall), embodies the draft’s high-risk, high-reward theme. Stewart’s athleticism—6’5”, 267 pounds, with a 40-inch vertical—screams elite pass-rusher potential, yet his college production (4.5 sacks over three seasons) raises concerns about his readiness to contribute instantly alongside Trey Hendrickson, whose future with the team is uncertain. Analysts like Drew Garrison gave this pick a C, citing other defenders who could have offered quicker returns. Second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. (South Carolina) and fourth-rounder Barrett Carter (Clemson) addressed a pressing need at linebacker, especially with Germaine Pratt’s trade request. Knight’s versatility and Carter’s speed bolster the unit, but Knight’s age (25) and Carter’s undersized frame question their ceilings. Third-round guard Dylan Fairchild (Georgia) was a fan favorite, earning praise for his wrestling background and fit with new offensive line coach Scott Peters. However, fifth-round tackle/guard Jalen Rivers (Miami) and sixth-round running back Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech) are seen as depth pieces rather than game-changers. Critics argue the Bengals missed opportunities to address the secondary or add a pass-rushing defensive tackle, leaving holes in Al Golden’s defensive scheme. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with grades ranging from B to D, averaging a C-. While the class emphasizes maturity and leadership, its lack of immediate impact players could hinder a team banking on Joe Burrow’s prime. Time will tell if this draft pushes Cincinnati forward or falls short.
April 25, 2025
The 2025 NFL Draft, held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, kicked off with high anticipation, and the Cincinnati Bengals, holding the 17th overall pick, made a strategic move to bolster their defense by selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart. This selection, announced on April 24, 2025, addressed a critical need for the Bengals, whose defense struggled in the 2024 season, contributing to their 9-8 record and missing the playoffs for the third straight year. With Super Bowl aspirations fueled by quarterback Joe Burrow’s MVP-caliber performances, the Bengals aimed to fortify their roster with immediate impact players. Shemar Stewart, a 6-foot-6, 280-pound defensive end, brings a blend of athleticism and potential to Cincinnati’s defensive line. Despite modest college production—1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons at Texas A&M—Stewart’s combine performance was exceptional, showcasing a 95th-percentile speed score and a 91st-percentile 10-yard split. His physical gifts, including an impressive wingspan and explosive first step, drew comparisons to elite pass rushers. Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden emphasized Stewart’s versatility, noting his ability to make plays away from the line of scrimmage and his ascending trajectory as a prospect. Golden dismissed concerns about Stewart’s sack totals, highlighting his disruptive presence and fit within the team’s revamped defensive scheme. The Bengals’ decision to draft Stewart was influenced by uncertainty surrounding star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 but was granted permission to seek a trade. Stewart provides immediate depth and a potential long-term starter opposite Hendrickson, should he remain with the team. Head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin prioritized defensive upgrades, with Stewart’s selection aligning with their goal of pairing him with Hendrickson to create a formidable pass-rush duo. Mock drafts leading up to the event projected various defensive talents for Cincinnati, including Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell and Georgia safety Malaki Starks, but Stewart’s raw potential and physical tools made him the choice. Fans and analysts, as seen in posts on X, expressed optimism about Stewart’s “unique physical gifts,” with some calling him a “tier 1” talent. As the Bengals look to capitalize on Burrow’s prime, Stewart’s development will be pivotal in elevating a defense that has lagged behind the team’s high-powered offense, setting the stage for a promising 2025 season
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