Latest news with #JoeBurrow
New York Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Inside the Bengals' offensive line reset: Scott Peters ‘brings a breath of fresh air'
Even during the May OTA malaise, few drills draw the eye more than the athleticism and advanced drill work of the Bengals' skill players. Joe Burrow slips and slides through tackling dummies before leaping to uncork off-platform throws. Ja'Marr Chase goes airborne and casually snags a one-handed pass over his head. Tee Higgins accelerates, then toe-taps on the sideline with the same ease as he did catching the game-winning touchdown against the Broncos in December. Advertisement Off in the distance, however, away from the star spotlight, you can see the offensive line group. The action looks, well, different. In the early portions of practice, they can be seen merely standing, each with an arm extending into a partner's chest, seemingly holding each other up and keeping that pose for extended stretches. Not exactly advanced athleticism theater. Yet, that's 100 percent the point for this group under new offensive line coach Scott Peters. He's tasked with installing a new set of techniques designed to improve consistency across one of the most inconsistent units in football last season. For now, that has Peters dedicating valuable time and resources to the most foundational details. Sometimes it's as simple as recalibrating the expected body positioning of a Bengals offensive lineman. 'It's a drill we'll use to test someone's posture because if you have a bad posture, you won't be able to sustain that,' Peters said. 'You won't be able to hold them up. If your arm gets broken down, you shouldn't fall forward. If someone is leaning on them, I should be able to stop you with one arm and just breathe and relax. If you knock my hand down, I shouldn't fall.' Center Ted Karras calls Peters' approach a 'huge refresh' that finally formalizes what he's been trying to explain to young linemen for years regarding his hand technique and the importance of posture. But even he's still learning rather than teaching these days. 'A lot of it is brand new for me,' he said, 'so, Year 10, that's pretty unique.' Unique, indeed. The entire process achieves a rare accomplishment during the non-contact portion of the NFL schedule in making the Bengals' offensive line one of the most interesting position groups on the field. 'It gives a chance to build the fundamentals, then we talk about when and where you apply those things,' Peters said. 'You are building a toolbox.' Peters arrives in Cincinnati with a background in jujutsu, but his philosophy fills with baseball and boxing metaphors. He talks about throwing strikes, changeups, counter-punches and approaches. Embracing the sweet science and cerebral nature in this battle of the big boys is the essence of his coaching style. Advertisement When fans or even trained eyes watch the Bengals' offensive line this fall, there won't be a noticeable difference in what pass protection looks like. 'Maybe to the nuanced eye,' Karras said. 'Hopefully, it translates to more one-on-one wins.' That's the bottom line here. Peters wants to increase the Bengals' batting average in protecting Burrow. That doesn't mean winning with dominating blocks. It means not whiffing. 'We have to bat a thousand,' Peters said. 'We are not trying to hit home runs. We are trying to get base hits and high averages.' The Bengals ranked dead last in the NFL in ESPN's Pass Block Win Rate last season, winning just 50 percent of the time. The Broncos led the NFL at 74 percent. The league average was 60 percent. The team's offensive line posted an average finish of 27th in PFF's offensive line rankings over the last five years and never above 20th. Out of 143 qualifying NFL offensive linemen last season, only Karras (6th) finished higher than 79th for the Bengals in blocking efficiency on true pass sets. How effectively the Bengals' linemen adapt, implement and self-correct Peters' more aggressive techniques can change those numbers. At least, that's the theory those charged with protecting the franchise quarterback are buying. That's why conversations about how the early days of this recalibration are going quickly go deep into the weeds. The specificity and detail with which these new tools are taught is 100 percent what makes them effective. 'It's not easy to start from zero,' Peters said. 'Some of the techniques are new, it's not just go out there and throw your hands out there. It's how you do it, from what platform, from what foundation your body operates from so your strikes are impactful and you are doing it without having to compromise posture. Guys will throw heavy hands and get beat and wiped and stuff. It is teaching them a foundation of how you throw a proper strike. You throw a proper strike and do it with good mechanics and ramp up the speed it looks like you have more pop in your hands, you have more length, you can play with better posture so if they did wipe your hands or knock you hands down you wont' be staggering forward and get beat.' Guard Cordell Volson perks up when the conversation turns to posture. Volson, too often over the last three years, would be doing just what Peters described and falling forward if his hands were wiped away. The same can be said for Cody Ford and seemingly everyone who played guard. There's a belief that merely mastering a posture that keeps the battle alive, even if the defender successfully wipes the hand away while simultaneously bringing more power to the punches that do connect, can shift those win-rate averages from league worst to something more manageable. Advertisement Half of that battle lives in the confidence to take the fight to the opponent and add different tools so the lineman isn't doing the same thing every snap. 'You want to be able to confidently throw hands,' Peters said. 'Some guys don't throw hands because they are nervous about getting wiped. It's like a boxer going into the ring and not throwing a punch because he doesn't want to get hit. You are going to have to throw. We know what they are going to try to do. We want to try to build them a way to respond as part of an automatic response.' Former offensive line coach Frank Pollack was in Cincinnati for four seasons after replacing Jim Turner, head coach Zac Taylor's first offensive line coach. Pollack is 57 and played with Jerry Rice. Turner is 59 and came from a military background. Peters, 46, retired after seven seasons in the NFL in 2009. His hands-on style, approachable mentality and new-school tactics have resonated. 'Scott is a really open guy,' said Volson, who accepted a pay cut rather than a release because he says he believed in what Peters could do for his career after being benched last season. 'You can bounce ideas off him and ask him questions. We can play more toward our skill set. He instills a lot of confidence in us. I think he brings a good energy. We enjoy talking to him. We enjoy going into meetings with him. I think that's really cool. It definitely makes my day way more enjoyable, that's for sure.' Left tackle Orlando Brown enters his eighth season on his third NFL team. As a captain last year, he saw the toll of the season and the battles many of his linemates faced wear on them as the season progressed. The difference, even at this point, has stood out. 'It's good for a lot of guys,' Brown said. 'Especially those that maybe struggled recently. He brings a breath of fresh air.' Advertisement Fresh air and resetting expectations are why they are easing through the motions. The 32-year-old Karras said he was anxious to view tape of the first Phase 2 practice because he was purposely slowing down to work on applying the new styles, even as the oldest player on the entire roster. This might not make the summer sizzle reel on Instagram, but those days will come. 'The first thing is making the guys aware that the things are possible that we do,' Peters said. 'And teaching them how to move and the mechanics, because you are not going full speed. You have to teach them the mechanics of how to move, the tools and all the components. Then, as we go forward, you just apply this particular technique.' Offensive line junkies love this stuff. They could debate all day the value of two-hand punches versus one-hand, reactionary versus aggressive, vertical sets versus jump sets. Those details are everything for Peters' crew. To everyone else just wanting Burrow upright, it's much more basic in the endgame. 'What he is teaching is all we are trying to do is increase our win-percentage chances on a one-on-one block because we are going to have more one-on-ones than anyone else in the league,' Karras said. 'Whatever increases that threshold of percentage chance to win.' (Top photo of center Ted Karras and guard Dylan Fairchild practicing at OTAs: Albert Cesare / Imagn Images)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Behind Joe Burrow and Cincinnati Bengals struggle: Defensive woes and offensive line breakdown holding back playoff hopes
Burrow's Bengals held back by weak defense and O-line (Image via: Getty Images) Joe Burrow is undeniably one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks, leading a talented Cincinnati Bengals offense that features stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Despite this, the Bengals have repeatedly failed to make a deep playoff run due to a weak defense and a porous offensive line that continue to hold the team back. The real reasons behind Cincinnati Bengals' playoff disappointments — SharpFootball (@SharpFootball) Joe Burrow's elite quarterback skills are evident, but football is a team sport, and Cincinnati's supporting cast, particularly on defense and the offensive line, has been problematic for several seasons. The Bengals' defense has struggled due to poor draft choices, underinvestment, and a lack of key playmakers, leaving the team vulnerable against top NFL offenses. Adding to the frustration is the contract drama surrounding Trey Hendrickson, their top pass rusher and defensive leader. If Hendrickson sits out or leaves Cincinnati, the Bengals risk losing their best defender, which would further weaken an already fragile NFL defense. On offense, Burrow's offensive line has failed to provide the protection needed to maximize his potential and stay healthy. Burrow has been sacked far too often in recent seasons, putting both his health and overall performance at risk. Given Burrow's injury history, this lack of pass protection is especially concerning for the Bengals' hopes of making a Super Bowl run. Without a reliable offensive line, even an explosive Bengals offense featuring top wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins can't operate at full strength. The Bengals' struggles with defensive depth and offensive line consistency have been a major talking point among NFL analysts and fans alike. Cincinnati's front office must prioritize investing in defensive draft picks and free agency signings, as well as upgrading the offensive line in the offseason. These moves are crucial steps toward playoff success and, ultimately, a Super Bowl championship. Also Read: Scott Zolak drops bombshell on Stefon Diggs situation: 'It's not just the boat' — Uncertainty surrounds Patriots' star Until Cincinnati addresses these glaring weaknesses, the Bengals will remain a talented NFL team falling short of their true potential. Joe Burrow deserves a stronger supporting cast if the Bengals want to compete with the league's elite and finally break through to consistent playoff success.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bengals get another primetime game via preseason schedule reveal
Much has been written and analyzed about the Cincinnati Bengals' schedule in 2025, especially when it comes to primetime appearances. That story got another small update late this week, with the NFL officially revealing the national lineup for a handful of preseason games. Advertisement There, the Bengals get a national broadcast in the form of their Week 2 exhibition against the Washington Commanders. That Monday, August 18 game will broadcast on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET. RELATED: Bengals UDFA is already turning heads at OTAs While Joe Burrow has beef with the NFL schedule that most agree with, for fans, it has to be nice to not worry about trying to catch a preseason game on a tape delay on local networks or otherwise. Even better, this happens during an offseason in which Zac Taylor says he plans to play starters more than usual as they attempt to fix the annual slow starts to regular seasons. RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals players missing OTAs list ahead of training camp This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals get another primetime game via preseason schedule reveal
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Livvy Dunne and Olivia Ponton stun in bikini picture for model's birthday
Social media sensation Livvy Dunne helped celebrate the birthday of Joe Burrow's rumored flame, Olivia Ponton. The stunning model turned another year older Friday when she celebrated her 23rd birthday with a series of Instagram stories. Ponton, who has been linked to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Burrow since December, shared a number of birthday messages from friends and family to her profile for the special day. And Sports Illustrated Swimsuit peer Dunne was among them, with the former LSU gymnast posting a photo of the gorgeous duo dressed in skimpy bikinis as they embraced each other. 'love you twin,' Ponton wrote in response as she reposted the snap to her own story. Both blonde beauties have stunned for Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit edition in the past with Ponton making her debut in 2022, while Dunne earned the honor of being a cover model this year - two years on from her rookie appearance in 2023. The pair appear to have struck up a close friendship from their photoshoots, regularly posting snaps together and commenting on each other's posts. Ponton made headlines last December when rumors of a romance with Burrow first began to swirl after she was said to be the one who reported the burglary at his $7.5 million mansion to the police. Ponton was at Burrow's home back in December when he fell victim to a break-in by a group of reported illegal immigrants while he was playing a game in Dallas. While the call to 9-1-1 dispatchers claimed that Ponton was an 'employee' of Burrow's, rumors have suggested that two have been 'hooking up' for months. Ponton - who boasts eight million followers on TikTok - is said to have told officers that she noticed 'a shattered bedroom window and the room ransacked' when she arrived at the property. When she arrived at Burrow's house and discovered that someone had broken in, the TikTok star reportedly phoned her mother, Diane, who then called police. Ponton could later be heard saying in a separate call: 'Someone broke into my house... It's like completely messed up.' The call came as a shock as any indication of a split between Burrow and his longtime girlfriend, Olivia Holzmacher, hadn't been made public. But the model and internet personality remained tight-lipped when quizzed on her rumored relationship with the former No. 1 overall draft pick. Ponton was spotted heading to a Met Gala afterparty earlier this month in New York City, where the signal caller had also graced the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art earlier in the evening. The blonde beauty's appearance in the Big Apple added fuel to the rumors but she refused to acknowledge them as she stepped out in an extremely revealing outfit. But she remained silent when she was questioned by paparazzi on the status of her relationship with Burrow. The pair's individual New York appearances come just days after they were spotted together during the Miami Grand Prix weekend. Burrow was among the many famous faces in town for the Formula One festivities and was seen stepping out of a Sprinter van with a number of women, including Ponton. Meanwhile, Dunne enjoys a high-profile relationship with her own A-List athlete beau. The Tiger alumna, who called time on her gymnastic career at the end of her fifth and final season in Baton Rouge, has been dating MLB pitching sensation Paul Skenes. It has been a busy month of birthdays for Dunne as the Pittsburgh Pirates star celebrated his own on Thursday. As Skenes also turned 23, Dunne wished him a happy birthday in a post with never-before-seen photos of the pair.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Joe Burrow blasts NFL for unfair Ravens rematch in Baltimore on Thanksgiving
Joe Burrow voices concerns about playing against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore for the fourth consecutive year Image via AP) Joe Burrow isn't holding back about the NFL's 2025 schedule. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback is voicing frustration over having to face the Ravens in Baltimore for the fourth straight year — this time on Thanksgiving night — and his criticism has struck a chord with both fans and league officials. Joe Burrow calls out NFL over Ravens schedule as Bengals head to Baltimore for fourth straight year For the fourth consecutive year, Joe Burrow and the Bengals will travel to Baltimore to face off against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens — this time on Thanksgiving night in prime time. While the spotlight of a standalone holiday game might excite fans, Burrow is less than thrilled with the repeated road trip. 'Playing in Baltimore for the fourth straight prime-time year isn't ideal,' Burrow, 28, said during a recent interview, as reported by ESPN. 'Maybe we can get one of those in Cincinnati next year. Please.' Burrow's comments resonated beyond the locker room. Mike North, the NFL's vice president of broadcast planning and scheduling, addressed the quarterback's concerns directly, acknowledging the validity of the complaint. 'It's fair,' North said in an interview with the Bengals' team website. 'Once you start getting to the same thing three years in a row, four, or five years in a row — whether it's a short week Thursday on the road or opening on the road — when trends like that emerge, we probably have to adjust at some point.' Despite the scheduling gripe, North emphasized that the Thanksgiving night matchup was the result of what the league believed was the best overall schedule. He even joked about the reaction from fans, saying, 'I'm sure the Bengals fans are a little surprised and probably a little disappointed. Which puts them in the same category as all 31 other teams.' Cincinnati hasn't had much success recently against Baltimore, losing their last three matchups — including a heartbreaking 35–34 loss last season. Still, the chance to play under the national spotlight carries its own kind of weight. 'Playing on Thanksgiving night in a stand-alone game with the whole world watching, sitting on their couch, is really exciting,' Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told 'It's why you're in this business.' North, despite acknowledging the flaw, couldn't resist adding a playful note: 'I'm sure Bengals fans would have preferred it in Cincinnati, but it should be fun for you guys to ruin Baltimore's Thanksgiving.' Also Read: Was Jason Kelce the real reason the Tush Push survived? Inside his bold move to save the Eagles' signature play Whether or not the Bengals can deliver that upset remains to be seen — but Joe Burrow has already made sure the league knows he's ready for a little more home cooking next time.
