Stone Shields sits down with Geoff Hobson, senior writer for Bengals.com, for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of the Cincinnati Bengals and the road ahead.

Hobson shares insight from his recent offseason awards piece, including why Ja’Marr Chase earned team MVP honors and what the future may hold for breakout running back Chase Brown. The two dive into contract extension possibilities, the impact of new offensive line coach Scott Peters, and how improved protection helped unlock the Bengals’ offense in 2025.

The discussion shifts to the defensive side of the ball — linebacker concerns, potential free-agent additions, and why fixing the defense is priority No. 1 this offseason. Hobson also weighs in on Joe Burrow’s mindset, Duke Tobin’s offseason strategy, the importance of retaining Joe Flacco as a backup, and what the Bengals might do with the No. 10 pick in the NFL Draft.

Plus, thoughts on the AFC North’s coaching shake-up, memories of past Bengals roster builds, and a bonus detour into Hobson’s (frustrated) Red Sox fandom.

A must-listen for Bengals fans looking for insider perspective, offseason clarity, and a little humor along the way.

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