The Shemar Stewart saga for the Cincinnati Bengals dragged on far too long.The team wanted to add a clause that wasn’t in their previous rookie contracts that had become universal to other teams, and Stewart’s side wanted extra compensation for that clause being added.
Eventually both sides came to an agreement, but in an off-season filled with issues beyond just that, you could tell something was off. The vibes of that defense the whole season were terrible. Between the Trey Hendrickson saga as well
as linebacker Logan Wilson’s reaction to being benched. You could tell the opinions of the coaching staff and front office among players probably was not in the best place.
Well, now Stewart and the rest of the defense is singing a different tune after rebuilding so much of that defensive line and secondary with veterans. The message was simple, “we want to go play football and be the best defense we can be.“ That has seemed to do a world of difference for Stewart who comes in with a bright new attitude excited to join this new unit after being injured most of training camp.
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Bengals News
Quick Hits | Joe Burrow Practices On A Rainy Day That Matches A Gritty Rivalry
The fans have to be excited to see Joe Burrow is not on the injury report after spending the week as questionable for Week 2. Him being healthy will also be big as this offense goes to work against one of the better defenses this season so far in the NFL.
Sources: Bengals’ Andrei Iosivas expected to miss 4-6 weeks
This could be a very unfortunate injury for Iosivas, who is headed into the final year of his contract. The “WR3” spot has been heavily contested, and this gives opportunity to guys like Dohnte Meyers and Colbie Young ample opportunity. It also gives the team a chance to run more looks with and two tight ends out there between Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Erick All Jr. and Tanner Hudson. Gesicki, who had been primarily splitting with time Iosivas may eat up most of that usage, but it really opens the door for someone to get a hot hand in this offense.
Bengals’ Boye Mafe already among NFL leaders in key pass-rush stat
We will always probably headline Dexter Lawrence when talking about this defense from now on, but Mafe has been exactly what Cincinnati was looking for. They knew without Trey Hendrickson that they’d need someone to be disruptive off the edge. Through two weeks Mafe leads the NFL in quarterback hurries. That is a good start.
NFL News
NFL Power Rankings, Week 3: Bengals, Chiefs climb; Bears, Buccaneers plummet
The Cincinnati Bengals as a Top 3 team in the power rankings. They have certainly looked dominant defensively so far this year. You also have to imagine this offense has another gear they haven’t hit yet. It could get scary real quick.
Giants QB Jaxson Dart to undergo season-ending knee surgery
A promising Week 1 gets left as just that. Never like to see anyone’s season cut short. John Harbaugh’s job as the New York Giants’ head coach certainly just got a lot harder.
NFL QB rankings, Week 3: Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, Matthew Stafford heating up
Burrow remains at the top of the second tier, but he was hopped by four other quarterbacks who had incredible weeks. The only ones near the top that have stayed there are Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, though. Lamar Jackson also plummeted behind Burrow after falling apart against the New Orleans Saints last week. Burrow’ just needs a few weeks with some consistent productions to break through.
