Merry Christmas even though this podcast is being published two days before then! Still, Paul, Jay and all of us at The Athletic wish you a happy holiday! Was the victory over Pittsburgh a job-saving game for Zac Taylor and this coaching staff, or are some members resigned to their 5-24-1 fate? Tis the season to give gifts, and that's exactly what the guys do. PDJ and JM, generously, present personalized gifts to members of the Bengals. The duo discuss Jessie Bates' contract situation, and hear form the Bengals' safety, himself, about what his future holds. Where does Cincinnati sit in the NFL Draft? With a Jets win and Jaguars loss, and other teams' win-loss columns fluctuating, where will Cincy pick? Stats, Growler, RPB and a Texans-preview wrap up today program.

Rundown:

(6:30) Fool's gold; Job-saving game?

(18:00) Gift giving!

(27:00) Jessie Bates' future

(35:15) Draft update

(40:45) Stats, Texans preview + Growler

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Follow Jay on Twitter: @JayMorrisonATH

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Paul Dehner Jr. and Jay Morrison update everyone on recent Bengals news, including Geno Atkins being placed on the injured reserve. The guys discuss what's next for Atkins, and detail Cincinnati's unfulfilled return on investment from their last free agent class. A fist for HTPG: ANGRY Steelers stats, but don't worry, they're still a little sad. Paul welcomes former NFL Executive of the Year and co-host of The Athletic's 'Football GM Podcast', Randy Mueller, to provide perspective on an array on Bengals-related topics, including: coaching cohesion, dearth of trades and more. Next, The Athletic's Pittsburgh Steelers wordsmith Mark Kaboly shares his insight into the AFC North-leader's season. What gives with the slump? Is Ben Roethlisberger's deep ball wavering? Could we, conceivably, see a new QB next season, and how much does this defense miss Bud Dupree? Lastly, RPB and Growler time, baby!

Rundown:

(:30) Bengals waiting for return on investments

(14:30) Angry Steelers stats

(20:30) Randy Mueller on GM perspective

(27:30) Mark Kaboly shares Steelers insight

(44:30) RPB, Growler

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Paul and Jay react to Monday night's thrilling AFC North contest between Baltimore and Cleveland, and the duo attempt to gauge the gap in talent between the division's other three teams and Cincinnati. PDJ updates us on Joe Burrow's condition via Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed Burrow's procedure. Dr. ElAttrache shared some promising words about the rookie quarterback's condition on Adam Schefter's podcast, but is there any indication as to when he'll return to playing form? Wait...we discuss the defense? No, this isn't a fever dream, but you may feel a tad woozy listening to what changes Cincinnati may have to make to become competitive. Who would the guys like to see earn more reps next season? Of those with expiring contracts, who could rejoin the team? RPB number of starters next year who are currently on the roster. Is Lou Anarumo out the door? What about Zac Taylor, and if Anarumo is dismissed, who could fill that DC vacancy?

Rundown:

(8:45) Burrow update

(17:30) Future of Bengals' defense

(35:15) RPB

(39:15) Potential new defensive coordinator

Follow Paul on Twitter: @pauldehnerjr

Follow Jay on Twitter: @JayMorrisonATH

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We thank you for tuning in even through the low, lower and lowest points of the season, we're glad to share this dour ride with you. From "dour" to "sour", is A.J. Green and Cincinnati's relationship soured past the point of reconciliation? Paul and Jay discuss if there's any way the orange-and-black can resuscitate Green's production in its offense, and what's next for the former stud wide out? Andy Dalton is set to play in Paul Brown Stadium under a different team's banner for the first time in his career on Sunday. What will the emotions be like for the 33-year-old who spent his first nine season with the Bengals? Staying with the topic of familiar faces, could Marvin Lewis make another run at the NFL? If so, would he return as a head coach, what would his role be, and could he reunite with Cincinnati? The Athletic's Dallas Cowboys scrivener Jon Machota hops on the line to preview this weekend's 'Suck for Sewell Bowl'. Machota shares his thoughts on Andy Dalton's performance this season, the demonstratively bad defense, Mike McCarthy's first season at the helm and Dallas' draft strategy. Lastly, RPB, an easier Growler and predictions for Cowboys-Bengals.

Rundown:

(5:30) What's next with Green?

(13:00) Dalton's return to Cincy

(19:15) Marvin Lewis to rejoin NFL ranks?

(28:45) Jon Machota joins the show

(46:00) RPB, Growler & predictions

Follow Paul on Twitter: @pauldehnerjr

Follow Jay on Twitter: @JayMorrisonATH

Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota

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The Bengals fan base is in the throes of another disappointing season, but fear not! Paul and Jay are here to inject optimism into the Cincinnati collective's veins! The duo project the Bengals' 2021 roster, including potential draft picks and free agent acquisitions. It's high time the club invests in a competent, backup quarterback. Especially since Joe Burrow may not be back at the start of next year. Maybe a veteran like, I don't know, Andy Dalton? Will the complexion of the backfield next year be similar to 2020? Tee Higgins is enjoying a strong rookie campaign, but Cincinnati could use another playmaker to line up next to him. Is 2021 a bull or bear wide receiver market, and what about A.J. Green? Is there a late-round draft pick that could bolster the receiver room? Arguably, the most disheartening area of Cincy's roster is in the trenches. Is Penei Sewell enough to sure up the squad's lackluster offensive line, or is a high price-tagged free agent on their way? Is Carl Lawson a must-keep player? PDJ and JM dive into Lawson's performance and gauge whether the Bengals should re-sign the "disruptor". Before clocking out, the guys chat sad stats and plate a RPB.

Rundown:

(6:00) Projecting '21 roster: QBs/skill positions

(23:30) '21's offensive line

(34:00) Future of the defense & Carl Lawson

(50:15) Stats + RPB

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Follow Jay on Twitter: @JayMorrisonATH

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In honor of, arguably, the greatest game to ever grace Bengals fans' eyes, Paul and Jay welcome columnist for The Ringer and host of "Slow News Day", among other series, Kevin Clark! Kevin helps reflect on 2019's Dolphins-Bengals epic that would end up being a watershed moment for both franchises, as each selected their faces of the franchise in this past draft. The guys explore how Cincinnati and Miami were on opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to handling their tank, the micro impact of the game, the majesty of the contest's last few minutes and the philosophy behind keeping an underperforming coach for a third season. PDJ and JM hook you up with some sad stats before welcoming The Athletic's Miami Dolphins beat writer Josh Tolentino. Josh lays out the Dolphins' formula for development, the improved defense and whether or not Tua Tagoviloa will play versus Cincy. To close today's show, RPB, a Growler you might actually be able to win this week and predictions.

Rundown:

(9:00) Kevin Clark joins HTPG

(33:00) Sad stats

(40:30) Josh Tolentino previews Miami-Cincinnait

(54:00) RPB/Growler/Predicitions

Follow Paul on Twitter: @pauldehnerjr

Follow Jay on Twitter: @JayMorrisonATH

Follow Kevin on Twitter: @bykevinclark

Follow Josh on Twitter: @JCTSports

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Is the third time really a charm? Paul and Jay examine head coaches' third seasons and debate the merit of giving Zac Taylor at least one more turn at the helm. Plus, Taylor, himself, dishes on how to evaluate his team in a year such as this. A myriad injured reserved-related decisions are going to answers soon. What will Taylor and company elect to do with Joe Mixon and John Ross, among others returning from IR? Let's update our Bengals House of Cards! It's #BengalTime for PDJ and JM! Jay elaborates on late-season Bengals stats that are sure to...possibly...maybe brighten your day! Lastly, the guys discuss Cincinnati's current draft position and the odds they'll land Oregon offensive lineman, Penei Sewell.

Rundown:

(5:00) Zac Taylor on team evaluation & 3rd year growth?

(24:30) IR Moves

(31:00) Bengals House of Cards

(34:30) Stats & Is Penei Sewell Cincinnati's go-to?

Follow Paul on Twitter: @pauldehnerjr

Follow Jay on Twitter: @JayMorrisonATH

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