Tag: Cincinnati

Tyler Scott says he wanted to end up with the Bears all along

The newest Bears wide receiver is thrilled to have been drafted by Chicago.

Years ago, former Chicago Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad once famously said Chicago “is where wide receivers go to die.” Don’t tell that to Tyler Scott though because he won’t listen to any of that negativity.

The Bears selected Scott with the No. 133 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, giving the team a speedy weapon at the receiver position. General manager Ryan Poles was clearly enamored with Scott and it seems the feeling was mutual.

After getting drafted, Scott posted the video of his reaction upon hearing the news with his family and said Chicago was always where he wanted to be. “EXACTLY who I wanted to draft me all along!!” Scott wrote in his tweet while tagging his new quarterback. “Time to get to work Justin Fields #DaBears #ChildofGod.”

Scott was overwhelmed by the news and got emotional as the former Bearcat put on his new Bears hat. Scott was sensational in 2022, catching 54 passes for 899 yards and nine touchdowns. He joins an overhauled wide receiver room that features D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool as the top options.

The Bears have done a phenomenal job of finding weapons and support for Fields this offseason and Scott is the latest example of that. It’s only a matter of time before these two get on the field together and make big plays.

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2023 NFL mock draft: Chargers 3-round projections

The Chargers address their biggest needs in the first two days.

We are just a little over a week away from finding out what general manager Tom Telesco, head coach Brandon Staley and the rest of the staff will do to complete the reconstruction of the Chargers ahead of the 2023 season.

With that, here is a three-round mock draft update for Los Angeles.

Cincinnati WR Tre Tucker talks about Chiefs S Bryan Cook’s competitiveness

Cincinnati WR Tre Tucker told @EdEastonJr that #Chiefs S Bryan Cook is one of the most competitive guys he knows.

The Kansas City Chiefs are always looking for speedy receiver options to pair with Patrick Mahomes and fulfill the creative play-calling of head coach Andy Reid. Each player is passionate about competing and playing within the team concept of pushing the other to improve.

Cincinnati wide receiver Tre Tucker will be a speedy, explosive weapon for any offense in the NFL. As a senior in 2022, Tucker served as captain for the Bearcats, recording 52 receptions for 672 yards and three touchdowns.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Tucker about his thoughts on former Cincinnati players finding early success in the NFL. He also dove deeper into his competitive friendship with Chiefs safety Bryan Cook.

“Bryan Cook, I actually went against him a lot because he’s a safety,” said Tucker. “Just seeing him, he has a Super Bowl. I mean, I was just running against him last year competitively in sprints, and now he has a Super Bowl. So it brings up close confidence to me knowing that the guys we had in Cincinnati were really, really good. And the program he had a really, really good, and I know I can go into the NFL and excel.”

Tucker maintains a friendship with Cook along with reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jets CB Sauce Gardner, with who he still competes in the offseason. He was proud of Cook’s contributions to winning a Super Bowl title as he later went on to dig deeper into their relationship.

“I congratulated him, but I plan to (see him) after this,” said Tucker. “I know he’ll be in Cincinnati soon. But yeah, that’s actually one of my guys because, like I said, we went against each other much. He’s probably one of the most competitive guys I know. And that’s how I am myself. So I can tell you it was heated with a lot of competitiveness.”

The Chiefs have added similar fiery receivers in the past, most recently the acquisition of Kadarius Toney at last year’s trade deadline. The front office won’t hesitate to add whoever will improve the team and add more Super Bowl titles.

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Cincinnati TE Leonard Taylor aspires to be like Chiefs TE Travis Kelce

Cincinnati TE Leonard Taylor told @EdEastonJr that he aspires to be like #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce both on and off the football field.

The evolution of the tight-end position continues to expand each year, with a new class of talent pushing the limits. The Kansas City Chiefs have arguably the best tight end in the game today, but he isn’t keeping the secrets to his success to himself, especially when his alma mater is involved.

Cincinnati tight end Leonard Taylor was an exceptional blocker and pass catcher during his time with the Bearcats. He showed more value with his chemistry alongside fellow tight end Josh Whyle as the duo was a feared combination throughout the 2022 college football season.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Taylor at the combine. He revealed that Travis Kelce’s had an influence on his college career and the he aspires to be like him in a number of ways.

“Travis Kelce has affected me tremendously; he always helps me out, man,” said Taylor. “He always gives me great advice when I need it. He’s been a real big role model I look up to, and you know, one day, I want to be just like him.”

Those aspirations extend beyond the impact made on the football field. Taylor also has taken notice of what Kelce has done off the field. Asked about his goals for the NFL, Taylor mentioned winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and giving back to his community.

“I want to help people in my community that struggle and give them a place to live, a roof over their head,” said Taylor. “Find some way to help people better themselves in my community.”

Taylor was a standout high school basketball player in Springfield, Ohio but chose football for his long-term career. It’s another path that he shares with Kelce. The movements from the basketball court have translated to success on the field for Taylor as he seeks to improve his draft stock at this year’s scouting combine.

“So basketball helped me out tremendously for football,” said Taylor. “They helped me with my route running. It helped me with my feet. And it helped me find a way to be agile and versatile in my game.”

Taylor knows he still has plenty of room for growth as he begins his journey into the NFL. His desire to follow in the footsteps of All-Pro like Kelce is certainly a good place to start.

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Cincinnati CB Arquon Bush stunned at Chiefs S Bryan Cook winning Super Bowl in rookie season

Cincinnati CB Arquon Bush told @EdEastonJr he was stunned when he realized his former Bearcats teammate Bryan Cook won a Super Bowl during his first season in the NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs were built over the years with players that understood how to play multiple roles. Success follows when those players sacrifice for the team at any time and do the least stat appreciated performances to help push the team forward.

Cincinnati cornerback Arquon Bush started every game during the 2022 season, wrapping up his career as one of the most productive players in team history. He ended his collegiate career seventh in school history with nine interceptions, sixth in passes defended with 31 and tied for the school record blocked kicks with three.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with Bush about his thoughts on former teammate Bryan Cook winning Super Bowl LVII. He also revealed his mindset during the NFL Combine scouting process.

“That was crazy to me because when I first (saw) it,” Bush began. “I’m like, ‘Hold on, the Chiefs just won the Super Bowl!’ I’m like, ‘This is (Bryan Cook’s) first year in NFL. That’s crazy.’ Congrats to him on doing that.”

Many prospects have taken over the Indianapolis area for the annual event, which can be tense for many trying to improve their draft stock. Bush didn’t seem rattled by the week’s stress as he calmly revealed his mindset through the process so far from his podium.

“(It) as been fun,” said Bush. “Just moving around, seeing all the pieces going to meetings and stuff like that, just taking it day-by-day, minute by minute.”

Bush also mentioned that he received advice from former teammates Sauce Gardner and Coby Bryant, who emphasized that he should just be himself. Bush’s positive mindset could be an excellent addition to any locker room as he prepares for next month’s draft.

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ACC honors galore for Notre Dame

So many Irish folks won awards that we had to make a listicle out of this story.

When you win the outright ACC regular-season championship, as Notre Dame did, many conference honors are sure to come. That’s exactly what happened when the ACC unveiled its annual honors. The best part is the honors weren’t limited to those who are on the court every game.

All of this is happening ahead of the ACC Tournament, which begins Wednesday in Greensboro, North Carolina. Having earned one of the top four seeds, the Irish received an automatic berth to the quarterfinals, which will take place Friday. As the top seed, they will play the winner of the second-round game between Syracuse and an NC State program that has given them problems over the past year.

Joe Lunardi’s latest Bracketology has the Irish holding steady as the No. 3 seed in the quadrant featuring undefeated and top-ranked South Carolina. Should the Gamecocks draw the Irish in the Elite Eight in that scenario, they’ll have to deal with these heavy hitters that have made the Irish such a force this season:

ESPN suggests a certain job could entice Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline to leave

Hartline has already impressed many #GoBucks

Although [autotag]Ohio State[/autotag] offensive coordinator [autotag]Brian Hartline[/autotag] has not yet coached a game at the position, some are already wondering what his next move might be.

There were rumors [autotag]Cincinnati[/autotag] was interested in him replacing another former Buckeye, [autotag]Luke Fickell[/autotag], who left for Wisconsin. But Hartline took to Twitter and let everyone know he wasn’t going anywhere, but for how long?

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg named Hartline as one of his coordinators to watch (subscription required) this season, and it wasn’t all about how he will perform for the Buckeyes.

Hartline, 36, will generate head-coach interest in the next few cycles but likely will be very selective about leaving Ohio State,” wrote Rittenbert. “He also ultimately might have interest in the NFL, where he played from 2009 to 2015.”

As much as we want Hartline to stay in Columbus for his entire career, it most likely will not end up being the case. We know he loves being here, and so does his family, but there is going to be a point where Hartline might want another challenge.

Head coach [autotag]Ryan Day[/autotag] leaving would open a path, but Day seems very comfortable in his position. Hopefully, Hartline stays for the foreseeable future, but we all have to know that in the back of our minds, he could end up moving on.

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Bills’ Josh Allen says elbow injury changed things ‘mechanically’ for him

#Bills’ Josh Allen says elbow injury changed things ‘mechanically’ for him:

As the Bills season concluded over the weekend, the team began the process of looking back on everything they overcame this year as well as how to improve.

One of the challenges for their offense lay in the right elbow of quarterback Josh Allen, who suffered an ulnar collateral ligament injury.

It happened on the last offensive drive during an uncharacteristic Week 9 loss to the Jets in New Jersey that added insult to injury.

The injury required him to alter his mechanics, and according to him it wasn’t until two weeks ago he was able to get back to his usual throwing motion.

The good news is that there appear to be no plans for offseason surgery. The QB said Monday that “rest and recovery is gonna be really good for it.”

After the Bills’ second-round playoff exit in a 27-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Allen was asked about the effect the injury had on him. 

“I mean, there was a period, obviously, right after for a few weeks, where it was pretty bothersome, but again, it didn’t affect me all that much,” Allen said. “Just kind of felt like maybe I was trying to throw it a little differently mechanically, had to change a few things and got away a little bit from how I’m used to throwing the ball. That’s just kind of a byproduct of that. But again, it didn’t affect me too much.”

Allen’s injury occurred on a play where a Jets defensive lineman got the best of backup right tackle David Queensberry, who was filling in for starting tackle Spencer Brown. The offensive line has been scrutinized at times in recent years for their protection of Allen as well as opening things up for the running game.

While he did not miss playing time following the Jets game because of the banged-up elbow, he was listed on the Bills injury report for the remainder of the regular season. It wasn’t until the playoffs that he felt like himself as a passer, he said.

“I think, really, two weeks ago is when I kind of felt like I got back to mechanically what I like,” Allen said when asked later about the specific impact of adjusting his mechanics. “Again, being the rotational thrower, it’s very kind of elbow prevalent, and maybe I got a little bit to more of a linear-type deal ’cause I just couldn’t really use all that much force and kind of flicking it out there, but, again, just adapting.”

On one hand, it’s good news to hear that surgery might not be required and that the injury can be rested and rehabilitated.

On the other hand, Allen’s answering the question as to whether it affected his performance during the season or not may have raised other questions about why the team didn’t advance and about the offense.

Among those questions might be the playcalling by first-year offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, as well as questions about QB coach Joe Brady and the performance and depth of the offensive line.

Dorsey has a tough act to follow in Brian Daboll, who is now the Giants head coach. Dorsey didn’t turn heads in his first full season in the new role. Allen appeared to look downfield for knockout-punch big plays instead of going to open receivers for shorter yardage.

While head coach Sean McDermott thew support behind Dorsey this week, noting there is a first-year learning curve for anyone, including the OC, Allen also mentioned in his press conference he doesn’t question the plays Dorsey calls.

When interviewing for the position prior to the season, the Bills brass notably looked at wide receivers coaches before going with Dorsey. Given some of his playcalling and overall game plans, but especially their results, the front office and coaching staff will need to give a close examination in assessing that shift in the offense. 

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Von Miller: ‘Proud to be a Buffalo Bill’ after resilient 2022 season

Von Miller: ‘Proud to be a Buffalo Bill’ after resilient 2022 season

As the Bills 2022 NFL season has come to a close, there will be plenty of opportunity for reflection and putting things under the microscope.

and while the team will look for ways to improve for different results and more success in 2023, they might also find something else… Pride.

Von Miller did.

“It was so many different things that made me feel proud to be a Buffalo Bill and made me feel proud to be a part of this community,” Miller said to the press this week. “So this adversity that was presented, I’ve always been a fan of adversity, reveals character and we have some high character guys in this locker room. Not only in a locker room, but in the front office in this community. And it’s just an honor and a privilege to be associated with the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park and the city of Buffalo.”

The Bills season concluded in an underwhelming loss to a now AFC Championship game-bound Cincy squad on Sunday in Orchard Park, which certainly was not the ending the team and its fans wanted.

While the team fell short of their goal of a Super Bowl win this season, there is a silver lining. They overcame a lot and turned in a solid outcome despite adversities and obstacles.

The tragic loss of tight end Dawson Knox’s brother,

More instances followed, such as the off-field matters that resulted in the loss of a player and sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft meant to be a long-term game-impacting special teams solution, the team playing three road games in 12 days, plus having one of their home games relocated one week, and getting stuck in Chicago on Christmas Eve during another, both due to weather. Not to mention challenges presented by issues with playcalling and overall performance.

And then there were injuries.

The team was already without star corner Tre White for about half the season but also saw an elbow injury hinder QB Josh Allen up until their final two games. And then there were the season-ending injuries to defensive staple and NFL star safety Micah Hyde, as well as fellow league-wide star and the Bills’ big free-agency acquisition, OLB Von Miller.

And of course, the near-fatal heart attack on the field for Damar Hamlin that required game cancellation and multiple resuscitations after a square hit. 

None of that was lost on Hyde, who echoed Miller’s sentiments as well.

“The weather issues, the injuries, just a lot of things that happened this year and to see these guys really keep fighting, keep coming to work, keep being positive, keep getting up in the morning, which is hard to do when the weather’s bad, it’s snowing,” the Bills safety said. “To see all that, I learned a lot about my teammates and I’m very, very proud of the players, the coaches, this organization.”

While each injury brought some bitter taste to a season that fell short of the sweetness a Super Bowl victory would have, there is still a silver lining.

Most professional sports teams do not face nearly as many adversities in a season.

Not to mention, most sports franchises haven’t been to and lost four consecutive championship games in the past, nor were many a Super Bowl favorite this year. But the Bills were.

And through it all, they endured and overcame to finish with a 13-3 record in the regular season, winning the AFC East for the third consecutive year and then advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

It won’t be enough for a team with championship aspirations but still speaks to how Buffalo battled throughout the season.

“There are no moral victories,” Miller added. “But when you look at what this team went through, what this community went through … the resiliency … that’s what stands out … I feel honored and privileged to be associated with the Buffalo Bills.”

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Chad Bowden is Notre Dame’s New Defensive Director of Recruiting

Notre Dame found itself a nice asset when Marcus Freeman left Cincinnati to become the Irish’s new defensive coordinator.

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Notre Dame found itself a nice asset when Marcus Freeman left Cincinnati to become the Irish’s new defensive coordinator. It turns out the Bearcats, from whom Brian Kelly joined the Irish, are not finished losing personnel to South Bend. Chad Bowden has been the Bearcats’ director of recruiting. Not anymore:

This move represents a shift in Bowden’s thinking. He recently told the Cincinnati Enquirer he was pleased with where he was at and who he was working for (Bearcats coach Luke Fickell). Now, he’s decided a change of scenery is in order. It makes the storyline for when these teams meet Oct. 2 at Notre Dame Stadium all the more intriguing.

Cincinnati also has lost associate head coach and running backs coach Dan Enos to Maryland, where he will be the offensive coordinator. All of this turnover on the coaching staff already has resulted in two de-commitments from the Bearcats. To say this has been a tumultuous month for that program would be an understatement. Alas, there’s no choice but to press on because college football stops for nobody, especially at the highest level.