In The Trenches with Dave Lapham

In The Trenches: Bengals vs. Eagles 2025 Preseason Preview with Dave Lapham


Listen Later

Welcome to "In The Trenches with Dave Lapham," presented by First Star Logistics.[1] As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare to kick off their 2025 preseason, legendary Bengals offensive lineman and longtime broadcaster Dave Lapham joins Dave Berk to provide an in-depth preview of the first matchup against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

This episode is packed with expert analysis on key players, crucial position battles, and what fans should be watching for as the team begins its journey.

Joe Burrow: A Talent Aging Like 'Fine Wine'

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the exceptional talent of quarterback Joe Burrow. Berk, who has watched Burrow since his high school days, offers unparalleled insight into his development. Lapham describes Burrow's continuous improvement as being "like a fine wine," noting that every year he gets better. This isn't just about natural talent; it's about a relentless work ethic and a profound understanding of the game. Lapham breaks down the nuances of Burrow's mechanics, his pinpoint accuracy, and his flawless footwork. 

He emphasizes that Burrow's ability to process defenses, both pre- and post-snap, is what truly sets him apart. According to Lapham, Burrow was "born and bred to throw a football," and his ability to place the ball exactly where it needs to be, with velocity, is a sight to behold. Berk and Lapham agree that the difference between Burrow and any other quarterback in camp is immediately obvious, highlighting his status as a truly elite, once-in-a-generation player.

The Trenches: A 'Huge Battle' on the Offensive Line

The conversation naturally shifts to the men tasked with protecting the franchise quarterback. Lapham identifies the interior offensive line, specifically the guard positions, as the most critical area to watch this preseason. He calls it a "huge battle" that could very well determine the success of the Bengals' entire season. The guards were a weak link last year, and the team has made a concerted effort to address this through the draft and free agency.

A major focus is on rookie offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild from Georgia. Lapham is incredibly high on Fairchild, calling him one of the most "finished products" he's seen coming out of college in a long time. He praises Fairchild's technical skill, his powerful feet, and his hand usage. Having played in the highly competitive SEC and for a national championship-winning program, Fairchild has been tested against the best and understands what it takes to win. Lapham believes he is destined for an "outstanding career" and will likely start at guard for the Bengals. The development of depth at offensive tackle behind starters Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims is also a key storyline, as the long NFL season always tests a team's resilience.

New-Look Defense and Key Players to Watch

Under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, the Bengals' defense is another area of intense focus. While the preseason schemes will be "pretty vanilla," Lapham explains that the coaches will be evaluating individual performances, consistency, and accountability. Golden is instilling a culture of meticulous detail, ensuring every player understands not just their assignment, but how it fits into the broader defensive concept. The goal is to build a unit where teammates can trust each other to execute on every snap.

The hosts also highlight specific players fans should keep an eye on, including Desmond Ritter, who is competing for a backup quarterback role, and the new, young linebackers who are expected to bring speed and energy to the field. Conversely, several key players are not expected to play in the first preseason game, including Dax Hill, B.J. Hill, Cam Taylor-Britt, and Mike Gesicki.

"In The Trenches" is proudly presented by First Star Logistics, one of the fastest-growing companies in Cincinnati. They are expanding their brokerage department and looking for individuals seeking a fast-paced career in the logistics industry. Visit FirstStarLogistics.com to learn more about joining their team at one of the top places to work in the area.

Don't forget to LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel for more exclusive Bengals content, and SHARE it with fellow fans! Who Dey

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

In The Trenches with Dave LaphamBy First Star Logistics

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

124 ratings


More shows like In The Trenches with Dave Lapham

View all
First Draft by Mel Kiper Jr., Field Yates, Mike Greenberg

First Draft

1,456 Listeners

Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals by Locked On Podcast Network, James Rapien, Jake Liscow

Locked On Bengals - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Bengals

839 Listeners

Lance McAlister by 700 WLW (WLWAM)

Lance McAlister

68 Listeners

Bengals Booth Podcast by Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Booth Podcast

484 Listeners

CinciNatter - The Bengals UK Podcast by Paul Hirons

CinciNatter - The Bengals UK Podcast

32 Listeners

Locked On Reds - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Reds by Locked On Podcast Network, Jeff Carr, Steven Offenbaker

Locked On Reds - Daily Podcast On The Cincinnati Reds

256 Listeners

The Jim Day Podcast by MLB.com

The Jim Day Podcast

2,327 Listeners

Lettermen Live: Ohio State Football Podcast by Lettermen Row

Lettermen Live: Ohio State Football Podcast

173 Listeners

Bleav in The #1 Bengals Podcast by Bleav

Bleav in The #1 Bengals Podcast

37 Listeners

Jungle Roar by Mike Petraglia

Jungle Roar

12 Listeners

Bleav in Bengals by Bleav

Bleav in Bengals

48 Listeners

Mo Egger by ESPN 1530 (WCKY-AM)

Mo Egger

34 Listeners

Wincinnati Podcast by Wincinnati

Wincinnati Podcast

90 Listeners

Chatterbox Reds: Cincinnati Reds Daily Game Recaps by Chatterbox Sports

Chatterbox Reds: Cincinnati Reds Daily Game Recaps

194 Listeners

The Growler by Paul Dehner Jr.

The Growler

176 Listeners