In this episode, Stone Shields dives headfirst into one of the most polarizing topics surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals: the continued usage of safety Geno Stone — and the eye-opening comments made by defensive coordinator Al Golden.
Stone breaks down why Geno Stone has remained in the lineup despite persistent struggles, missed tackles, and effort concerns, and why those decisions raise serious questions about roster evaluation and accountability. He reacts to Al Golden’s public defense of Stone, exploring whether those comments were genuine belief, organizational messaging, or an attempt to help a struggling player find a future elsewhere in the league.
From free-agency expectations to contract realities, Stone explains how the Bengals misread warning signs coming out of Baltimore, why the team should have moved on sooner, and why there is no scenario where Geno Stone should return to the roster next season. The discussion also touches on leadership, communication value, and the fine line between human empathy and football reality.
The episode then shifts to a much more positive storyline: the rapid development of offensive tackle Amarius Mims. Stone reacts to reporting from Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, breaking down why Mims has quietly become one of the Bengals’ biggest long-term wins. From draft-night risk to year-two growth, Stone explains why Duke Tobin deserves credit for getting this pick right — and how Mims’ toughness, pass protection, and willingness to play through injury have directly impacted Joe Burrow.
The episode also tackles common national narratives about the Bengals’ offensive line, explaining where criticism is fair — and where it’s lazy. Stone breaks down the current state of the offensive line, contract timelines, depth concerns, and why continuity up front may actually be the smartest move this offseason.
Why Geno Stone’s role became indefensible
Al Golden’s comments and what they really mean
The Bengals’ failure to cut bait sooner
Accountability vs. empathy in pro sports
Amarius Mims’ growth and why he’s a cornerstone piece
Offensive line stability, contracts, and offseason decisions
Separating real problems from lazy Bengals narratives
Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPQ5TSyzkNM
OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:
Chatterbox Reds: https://linktr.ee/chatterboxreds
Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/
The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424
Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062
The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522
513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr