Tag: D.J. Reader

DJ Reader’s words aim to guide Bengals through tough times

Wise words from Bengals locker room leader DJ Reader.

One of the biggest strengths of the Zac Taylor era for the Cincinnati Bengals has been the locker room culture constructed carefully over the years.

That’s a strength that will now be leaned on more so than at any other point of that era with Joe Burrow out for the season and the outlook grim this winter.

As such, the spotlight turns to leaders like DJ Reader — who had quite a bit to say about that outlook early this week.

“I hate that whole cliché look in the mirror thing, but we just have to bond together,” Reader said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “Just understand it’s going to take all of us to get a dub and how important it is and all the things that go into it. Just be ready for the moment.

“I don’t question anybody’s effort on this team. Just having those tough conversations with each other. Understanding what it’s going to be and what it’s going to take for us to get better.”

Many of those conversations will remain behind the scenes, with outsiders only seeing the results on the field. But Zac Taylor has openly talked about issues, such as the lack of touches for rookie running back Chase Brown. So has offensive tackle Jonah Williams, who says the running game must improve.

The locker room remaining strong through leaders like Reader is critical if the team is to make any kind of push at all in the conference the rest of the way. But it’s also imperative looking ahead to an offseason of roster turnover before Burrow returns next year.

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Bengals injury report features Higgins, Hubbard and Reader

The first Steelers vs. Bengals injury report is here.

The first Cincinnati Bengals injury report ahead of the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is a massive one.

There, big names like Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Sam Hubbard headline the list:

  • QB Joe Burrow (DNP)
  • WR Tee Higgins (DNP)
  • DL DJ Reader (DNP)
  • CB Cam Taylor-Britt (DNP)
  • LB Akeem Davis-Gaither (LP)
  • DL BJ Hill (LP)
  • DL Sam Hubbard (LP)
  • WR Andrei Iosivas (LP)
  • RB Chase Brown (FP)
  • WR Trenton Irwin (FP)
  • DL Cam Sample (FP)
  • OL Jonah Williams (FP)

Burrow has yet to be moved to IR, so the team’s listing him until that happens. Reader has been dealing with a sickness. Rookie running back Chase Brown is not technically a member of the 53-man roster yet, but has had his 21-day return window opened.

The report comes on the heels of a Zac Taylor press conference in which the head coach noted that both Hubbard and Higgins continue to trend in the right direction and should practice this week.

As such, it’s not too concerning that Higgins didn’t suit up on a Wednesday, a day usually reserved for veteran rest anyway. If he’s not practicing on the second or third day, then it’s fair to wonder if he’s a game-time decision.

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Bengals players were texting Lou Anarumo right after loss to Texans

Bengals defenders were texting their coordinator about improvements within an hour of the loss to the Texans.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo says players were texting him with corrections within an hour of Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans.

Led by DJ Reader, Anarumo says his phone was blowing up not long after leaving Paycor Stadium.

Anarumo added this about practice on a short week, per CLNS Media’s Mike Petraglia: “I wish I had the answer to that one… Yesterday, it wasn’t up to what it needs to be… we don’t have time for tackling drills.. but we’re going to find time.”

Cincinnati’s defense, while down Sam Hubbard, let up a stunning 17 explosive plays to a Houston offense led by a rookie quarterback, totaling 28 first downs and 544 total yards.

While the desire for improvement was immediate and apparent, Reader, Anarumo and all involved don’t have long to get things back on track before Thursday night against the Ravens on primetime — and likely without Trey Hendrickson given the latest update on his injury.

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Bengals pass rushers had impressive performance in Week 6

Sam Hubbard and the Bengals DL put on an epic show against the Seahawks — and the numbers prove it.

The defense led the way in the Cincinnati Bengals‘ 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, bringing the Bengals up to a 3-3 record going into the bye week.

In the game, the Bengals became only the fourth defense since 2020 to have four different players have at least six quarterback pressures in one game, according to Next Gen Stats.

Sam Hubbard led the way with nine, Trey Hendrickson had seven, and both D.J. Reader and B.J. Hill had six. Eight of Hubbard’s pressures came against Seahawks right tackle Jake Curhan.

“We have a lot of guys, and it starts with the starters, up front and then those guys coming off the bench,” head coach Zac Taylor said after the win. “Our starting group is just as good as any in the league. And so, again, a lot of credit to those guys up front and in the back end supporting them and making some big plays today.”

The pressure on Geno Smith was very effective, forcing him to throw two interceptions and no touchdowns despite having 323 yards.

In a game where the offense started quickly but wasn’t able to keep that pace up, it was huge for the Bengals that the pass rush was able to show up in such a big way.

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Bengals’ DJ Reader is big fan of Titans’ Peter Skoronski

Huge praise for a rookie from Bengals elite defender DJ Reader.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman DJ Reader has been a major deciding factor in the recent battles with the Tennessee Titans.

Notably, he’s the main reason the Bengals have been one of the only teams to completely shut down Titans running back Derrick Henry.

And before the matchup this weekend, Reader actually gushed about what could have been with a matchup against Titans rookie left guard Peter Skoronski.

“I like his Madden rating,” Reader said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “He’s a good player. He’s going to be a good one.”

Unfortunately for Reader (and the Titans), Skoronski — the draft’s 11th overall pick this year — is one of four key Titans ruled out for the game.

Let Reader tell it though, that doesn’t change the approach to tackling Henry and the Titans.

“Same thing. Read your keys and just play it,” Reader said, per Hobson. “They’ve got to run the ball. That’s the identity of their team. That’s how they’re built. We have to go out there and be more physical than them and just do our thing. Being physical and keying in on it. Eleven guys doing their job is always the key to stopping the run.”

The lack of Skoronski in the lineup could mean Reader sees the same interior offensive line he faced off against last year, which could be a good sign for a Bengals defense that needs to do some heavy lifting again this week.

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DJ Reader rips Elgton Jenkins for starting Bengals-Packers brawl

Reader calls Jenkins a JAG over the Bengals-Packers scuffle.

By the time the proverbial dust settled on multiple practice scuffles between the visiting Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals, one player was at the center of both — Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins.

One of those scuffles started with Jenkins and Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt getting into it. The other featured Jenkins and nose tackle DJ Reader, who was on the receiving end of a slap.

Jenkins was ultimately escorted off the field and Reader let his feelings on the matter be known after the fact, telling Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer that Jenkins is a “JAG (just a guy).”

He expanded on those thoughts, via Conway:

Reader then hit social media:

Like the fight with the Rams and Aaron Donald during joint practices, the Bengals don’t leave this one too happy with certain elements from the Packers.

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Ranking the interior DL the Colts will play in 2023

Ranking the best interior DL on the Colts’ 2023 schedule.

The Indianapolis Colts offensive linemen will be tested this season. Not only do they have a gauntlet of edge rushers but there are some of the best interior defensive linemen on their schedule. Including the best one to play at the position in the history of the NFL.

For this list, I took the top two interior defensive linemen from each team and cut the list down to the best 14 players.

Let’s take a look at how they rank:

Bengals haven’t approached DJ Reader about contract extension yet

So far, the Bengals haven’t approached DJ Reader like they did Trey Hendrickson.

The Cincinnati Bengals hit on a modern, savvy move with the recent short extension for defensive end Trey Hendrickson.

In one swoop, the Bengals updated Hendrickon’s pay to reflect his production, added another year to his contract and managed to reduce this year’s cap hit.

Rightfully, fans have started to wonder if a similar thing might happen for nose tackle DJ Reader.

Reader, 29, is a top-three player at his position and only has one year left on his current deal. A similar style of extension could, in theory, add more cap space while also keeping him in town beyond 2023.

But as Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer pointed out, the Bengals have yet to approach Reader about an extension:

These sorts of things can change in a hurry of course, but a ton of factors impact it, including Reader’s potential desire to hit an open market, the team’s non-rush to get something done while they focus on extensions for Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Logan Wilson, etc.

What won’t change is Reader’s impact on the overall scheme and if he can stay healthy, there’s no reason to think the two sides won’t link up and converse before he ever hits the open market next offseason.

For now, though, Hendrickson might’ve been a one-off before long-term extensions for younger players.

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Five NFL players who deserve big paydays

The pending free agent class of 2024 has many more proven players that will be looking for big contracts, many of whom have more than earned a nice payday. 

Within the next year, several big-name players are scheduled to become free agents. Kirk Cousins is the name most have circled, as he will be a free agent for the second time in his career, and first since 2018 when he originally signed with the Minnesota Vikings. 

The pending free agent class of 2024, though, has many more proven players that will be looking for big contracts, many of whom have more than earned a nice pay day. 

DJ Reader comments on Bengals’ offseason at charity event

Bengals DL DJ Reader with some thoughts on the team’s offseason so far.

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Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle DJ Reader was back in Houston for the Ultimate Dopest Charity Dodgeball Challenge, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, and commented on the offseason so far.

Reader said he feels the Bengals are looking good this offseason and he feels confident going into this year.

“We’re just working hard,” Reader said. “I feel like we have all the right pieces. It’s all about everyone putting it together. You have to go out there and execute every year, that’s how the game goes.”

While Reader said he does miss Houston since it’s where his roots are, he still believes he made a great decision signing with the Bengals.

The Bengals likely feel the same way since he has been able to help them along to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances.

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