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00:00James Newby, the rookie's seventh rounder out of New Mexico.
00:04And this is his first preseason action.
00:07You'll see him right there.
00:09Watch the adjust here.
00:10Watch his change of direction.
00:11Reads it, left foot, play it, get back out there, chase him down.
00:15He's an undersized edge rusher.
00:18So if you're going to be undersized, you need to be able to redirect like that,
00:24change direction, and run quarterbacks down.
00:26Because he's not a guy you want when they run right out.
00:30Missed most of training camp with an ankle injury.
00:33Johnson dancing around again, throws this one off his back foot and throws it away.
00:38Pressure was coming from Ty Robinson, who has three sacks in the first two preseason games for Philadelphia.
00:47And it really started with James Newby coming around the edge.
00:51He was able to beat Javon Foster, who's probably for a lot of Bengals fans,
00:57one of the guys they're watching the closest.
00:58He's got the lead right now for the swing tackle role,
01:01but James Newby, the rookie, went right around him.
01:04That's why Johnson had to try to step up and buy time.
01:14He's got the lead right now for the Bengals.
01:15Third down and 10.
01:18Johnson and it's incomplete.
01:20Noah Thomas could not hold on this time.
01:23We're going to see Evan McPherson trot out again for the Bengals.
01:28Yeah, I think the ball just got on him quicker than he thought.
01:31That ate him up.
01:31That's a good throw by Johnson.
01:32Bottom of your screen, in-breaking route against zone cover.
01:35Hit him in the face mask.
01:36He looked up.
01:37I mean, hit him right in the face mask.
01:40He looked up and thought maybe it was there.
01:42I don't know if he would have been able to get the first down,
01:45but he would have had a shot.
01:47Instead, McPherson comes out for a 34-yard field goal attempt.
01:55The high snap, McPherson still knocks it through.
02:01So we've got three Evan McPherson field goals here in the first half.
02:09Rico getting the job done.
02:11Nine-nothing Cincy.
02:14Approaching the final weekend of August.
02:17Here in Philadelphia, the Bengals have a nine-nothing lead
02:22with 6.08 to go in the second quarter.
02:25And A.J. has corralled Joe Burrow on the sideline.
02:30That's right.
02:30Three-time pro bowler Joe Burrow.
02:32You always seem so calm, cool, and collected, Joe.
02:35But you've used the word urgency recently in interviews.
02:38You've said it's a now-or-never year.
02:40Isn't every year now-or-never?
02:41What makes this one, year seven for you, so different?
02:45I'm just trying to bring a different mentality to my game and to my preparation.
02:49And I try to treat every day like it's now or never.
02:55Trying to treat every day like it's my last and try to go make it happen.
03:00You know, you're the only team in the AFC North that has not had a head coaching change.
03:05What can you say about the relationship with you and Zach Taylor and the chemistry and the culture you've been
03:10able to build over the years?
03:11I really think we have a great coaching staff.
03:13You know, those guys work really hard and give us a lot of answers to the test before we take
03:18it.
03:18But they put us in great positions to go and make plays, and it's our job to go and execute.
03:23I really think we have one of the top staffs in the league.
03:25You have an excellent quarterback room as well with two guys who are redefining what it means to be 40
03:30in Joe Flacco and Josh Johnson.
03:33What's it like having those season stages back there for you?
03:36Yeah, it's been a fun training camp.
03:37It's been fun to have those guys around.
03:39Obviously, Joe is a unique character.
03:41We've gotten to know each other over the last, you know, 10 months or so.
03:44That's been fun.
03:46And then Josh has come in, and he has a career record for most teams played on.
03:51And so to have a guy with that much experience has been great.
03:53A lot of headlines this offseason have been made about your offseason moves on defense especially.
03:59What excites you most about this D-line now with Dexter Lawrence and Cassius Howe and, of course, Voye Mafé,
04:05the whole group?
04:06Yeah, they, you know, the guys that we brought in have really just brought a lot of leadership to the
04:10team, to the defense.
04:12Brought a sense of urgency over there and are really setting a standard for those young guys.
04:18And then we just have so many, we're just so deep at D-line now.
04:23It's been fun to watch these preseason games guys going and making plays.
04:27And then in practice, you know, one guy doesn't practice, another guy steps right in, and they really don't miss
04:31a beat.
04:32So that's been fun to watch.
04:34Zach talked about wanting you guys to bond in this first road trip of the season.
04:39Were you able to get a good meal in Philly?
04:41What did you guys do last night?
04:42Yeah, we got a little delayed on the tarmac, so we got in a little late.
04:45But fortunately, a little oyster bar in town stayed up for us, and we had a nice dinner.
04:50And then we got some cheesesteaks today for lunch.
04:53So we had a good time.
04:54I love it.
04:54Best of luck this season.
04:55We're looking forward to it, Joe.
04:57AJ, thanks.
04:58And Zach Taylor did tell us earlier this week that with the starters not playing tonight,
05:04he wanted them to go out and bond and have dinner in Philadelphia last night.
05:08And curfew was a hot topic in Cincinnati.
05:13Well, yeah, I asked him because he wanted the guys to go out and hang out with each other.
05:17I said, are they going to have curfew?
05:19You say, well, we're still figuring that out.
05:21We're still in negotiations about what time curfew will be.
05:25We never did find out what time exactly it was last night for the Bengals starters.
05:31You had dinner with your mother.
05:34Imagine it was an early curfew.
05:35That was very early, yes.
05:38That's actually late for her to eat dinner, I think.
05:41There's Jones on the return.
05:43He's got some daylight down the side.
05:45Cuts it back at the 40 and then hit from behind and down at the 41.
05:494.04 to go second quarter.
05:51We'll be back in 30 seconds after this from Progressive Insurance.
05:56This is Zach.
05:57He's a social media influencer.
06:00There's a lot young homeowners don't understand about the Internet.
06:03People just watch you watching videos?
06:06Yeah, it's a reaction video.
06:07You must be good at reacting to videos.
06:10What are you doing there?
06:11Oh, this is me trying on hats.
06:13So you sell hats?
06:14Uh, no.
06:15So you work for the thrift store?
06:16I was just trying them on, film myself.
06:18Why'd you do that?
06:19Progressive can't save you from becoming your parents,
06:21but we can't save you money when you bundle home an auto with us.
06:24This is just you opening a box of sneakers.
06:29Good stuff with AJ and Joe Burrow,
06:32and so much was made of his comments.
06:34And, you know, Ross, some people interpreted it as,
06:37oh, if Burrow doesn't win this year, he wants out of Cincinnati.
06:40But I think if you really listen to what he was saying,
06:43that was not the point he was trying to get.
06:45No, and I've talked to several people in Cincinnati about that.
06:50That's not the messaging that they got at all.
06:52Even Zach Taylor told us that he talks with Joe Burrow every day,
06:57and he loves that Joe Burrow has the urgency
07:00and is making sure everybody is totally in line with what they're doing.
07:05But he's not worried at all about Burrow wanting out after this year
07:09if it doesn't go well.
07:10I mean, look at what they've done.
07:11The trade for Dexter Lawrence,
07:13bringing in several veterans on the defensive side of the ball,
07:17restructuring Burrow's contract so that they could afford these guys,
07:20so they could give Dexter Lawrence that one-year extension.
07:29Good job defensively by Sean Wade.
07:32Mitch Tinsley's trying to say that he held on to it.
07:38They are saying it's a completion for Tinsley.
07:42Let's see the ball.
07:44Man, they both had it.
07:46I mean, it had to hit the ground somewhere there, right?
07:50But then it hit the ground again.
07:51I mean, it's a win.
07:56Sean Wade is trying to tell Sirianni it's incomplete.
07:59Sirianni has the challenge flag in his hand
08:01because they have called it.
08:03He threw a catch.
08:04I think Sirianni was thinking maybe replay assist
08:06would come in quickly and overturn this.
08:09Old Alpheus challenging rolling on the field with a pleated pass.
08:15Instead, Sirianni has to throw the challenge flag.
08:20I think it hit the ground twice.
08:25Now, this feels like an expedited review.
08:30It's an incomplete pass.
08:32We're down.
08:33There you go.
08:34That is one of the best things the NFL has done over the last few years.
08:40The expedited review.
08:42Remember back in the day, Andrew,
08:45the referee would always have to go under the hood to look at everything.
08:49Why?
08:50We all can see that it was clearly incomplete.
08:53They just saved us a bunch of time.
08:55And with every passing year, the expedited review is going up
08:59in terms of how often they're using it and the full review going down.
09:02I think that's something we could all get on board with.
09:05No doubt.
09:06Third down and eight and some movement up front.
09:09And it looks like a false start against Cincinnati.
09:12False start.
09:1369, Alkins.
09:15Five-yard penalty.
09:16Third down.
09:17It's on Jacob Baer.
09:20First-year center out of Arkansas State.
09:22Well, and he's playing guard for the first time since high school.
09:26And that might be why he was a little bit jittery there.
09:29The Eagles were showing blitz to that side.
09:31And I can tell you from experience, third and long,
09:35the difference between center and guard is significant.
09:38Center usually have help.
09:39Guard, he is worried about blocking Ty Robinson 95 across.
09:51He's got a completion.
09:53It's Keyshawn Williams into Philadelphia territory.
10:00Gushikin on the tackle, but not before Williams goes for 22.
10:04Williams is another guy I like.
10:06Watch Williams.
10:07They've had a lot of success with their slot receivers.
10:10Eagles are in a zone coverage.
10:13Loved the end of that route where he came back to the middle.
10:18Sam thought it was going to be an out-breaking route.
10:20And Johnson put it right on him.
10:22A homecoming for Williams, a Philadelphia native.
10:25He attended Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
10:29And the ball has come out.
10:31The Eagles are indicating that they have it.
10:37Good job by the crowd yelling, ball.
10:39Did you hear that?
10:40Did you hear that?
10:40Did you hear that?
10:41They're well trained by their high school coaches.
10:44Do not have a signal yet.
10:47Eagles still pointing their way.
10:48And they do have it.
10:58Another look is Gary Brightwell lost to football.
11:02It didn't even look like somebody punched it out.
11:05You know, Deontay lost in the rookie linebacker from Alabama was in there.
11:09But Zach Taylor frustrated.
11:12You'll never see a coach, no matter preseason, I don't care what string the running back is,
11:19they will never be happy about turnovers.
11:21And in particular, fumbles like that.
11:23Andre Sam recovered the football for Philadelphia.
11:27And the Eagles offense takes over at their own 38-yard line with 2.25 on the clock
11:33and two timeouts for Tanner McKee to work with.
11:36And let's face it, Ross, this is a big drive for Tanner McKee.
11:40Trying to secure that number two backup three-three job.
11:43And he starts with a completion to Carson Steele.
11:46Clock is rolling.
11:48Eagles still have two timeouts.
11:50Plenty of time.
11:51My guess is they'll take it to the two-minute warning.
11:54Because they know with two minutes and two timeouts,
11:56they've got plenty of time to try to score on the other side of it.
11:59They don't want to leave a whole lot of time for Josh Johnson and the Bengals.
12:03Eight-yard pickup as we hit the two-minute warning.
12:109-0 Cincinnati here at the two-minute warning.
12:14And coming up, the Verizon Halftime Report.
12:16Ross Tucker sat down with Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni earlier this week.
12:21You'll hear that conversation.
12:23Both men in shorts will also have an update from the PGA Tour Championship.
12:27It's all coming up in the Verizon Halftime Report.
12:30Wait, was that a faux pas to wear shorts?
12:32Nah, I don't think so.
12:33I mean, it is hot tonight.
12:35I'll say that.
12:36Well, first of all, I've never done a sit-down interview before,
12:38so I didn't know they would show my legs.
12:40Usually on TV, they don't show our legs.
12:42That's fair.
12:42I was dressed like a golfer.
12:45I had a nice polo tucked in.
12:47But you don't golf, though.
12:48I had it tucked in and everything.
12:49But you don't golf.
12:50No, but I can look the part.
12:51Not a problem.
12:53McKee over the middle.
12:54Caught by Steele.
12:55Slips a tackle.
12:56And runs free inside the 40-yard line.
12:59Ross, we said it before.
13:00Big drive for Tanner McKee.
13:01But it does kind of feel that way for him in this battle with Dalton.
13:05No question.
13:06At this point, the receivers are really struggling to get open.
13:09I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if he threw the check down to Steele a few more times on this
13:12track.
13:13This time, the ball comes out.
13:15And for now, no whistle.
13:17And it looks like it's McKee who's the one who comes over to recover.
13:23Antoine Powell-Ryland was applying the pressure in the backfield.
13:27Let's take another look.
13:29Left side of your screen.
13:31Yeah.
13:32Powell-Ryland hits his elbow.
13:34He's had a good game, and they're going to take a look at this.
13:38Previous play is under review.
13:41It's under two minutes, Andrew.
13:43So this is not a situation where Zach Taylor had to challenge it.
13:47Under two minutes, only the booth can stop it.
13:52This is really just about how many yards happens.
13:55And that's a nice job by Powell-Ryland.
14:00He's had a big night.
14:01Is it going forward at all?
14:04No, I don't think so.
14:06That's tough.
14:08You know what?
14:08He hit him before McKee started going forward with it, but he kept a grip on the ball.
14:16I'm going to go incomplete pass.
14:17What do you think?
14:20This is one where you feel like the call on the field will stand.
14:24Does the ball move at all?
14:27I mean, I don't know.
14:28He's going forward with a pretty darn good grip on that thing.
14:31After review, the quarterback's passing hand was moving forward before he lost possession.
14:35Second down.
14:36Big flea pass, second down.
14:37Good call, Ross Tucker.
14:39One for one.
14:39Although, I don't know if preseason stats are official.
14:42Please reset the game block at 137.
14:45It all counts.
14:46Andrew, it all counts.
14:47You can chalk that up.
14:48Unless I'm wrong, and then I say it doesn't matter.
14:51It's preseason.
14:53So an incompletion for McKees.
14:56Now 9 of 16 for 43 yards in the interception.
15:02Empty set.
15:03Expect him to get rid of the ball quickly.
15:09He does.
15:11The sideline.
15:12Gray trying to slip away.
15:14He cannot.
15:15Braylon Lux makes the tackle.
15:18Right decision here by the Eagles to not call timeout.
15:21Actually, Zach Taylor's going to call timeout on the other side.
15:27It is a Cincinnati timeout, stopping the clock with 1.24 to play.
15:33Don't forget, coming up, Verizon Halftime Report.
15:36Ross sits down with Sirianni, and we'll have an update from Atlanta and the PGA Tour Championship.
15:44So that timeout by Zach Taylor is, I think, a really good indicator of how much the game has changed
15:51in recent years.
15:52You know, the Eagles are in their territory.
15:54The Eagles are at the 37-yard line.
15:56It's third down.
15:57Back in the day, they would not have called the timeout there, I don't think.
16:02You know, because you might end up helping the Eagles.
16:04What I think happens is they look at it and say, Eagles have plenty of time regardless.
16:09Let's try to make sure we have as much time if we do get to stop here on third down.
16:13I like the timeout on Zach Taylor.
16:19They're down at 11.
16:22McKee throws.
16:24He's got a man.
16:25And it's cut for a first down.
16:26Cameron Latu, a tight end from Alabama, extends the drive for Tanner McKee.
16:33Latu got up a little bit gimpy after that play.
16:37You said extend the drive.
16:39Credit to McKee for extending the play to be able to get that throw.
16:43Shoot Cam Latu.
16:44Looks like he's hurting in some regard, putting that right hand up on Cameron Williams' shoulder pack.
17:00Buck 20 to go, first and 10.
17:03McKee, and that one's incomplete.
17:06Tried to zip one in to Latu again, and that stops the clock.
17:12I don't know why Latu stopped his route there.
17:16I mean, if he kept running, I think that would have been a perfect pass from McKee.
17:20I think McKee said something to him after the play.
17:24Right in the middle, he stops.
17:26And wasn't looking for the ball.
17:28He was kind of looking what was ahead of him.
17:30You can't do that.
17:31You can't fool the quarterback.
17:38Latu looked to be shaken up on the previous play.
17:40Now on the sideline for second and 10.
17:42McKee taking a deep shot down the field.
17:44Incomplete.
17:45He was trying to connect with Britton Covey, and now it's third and 10.
17:50Jalen Kimber had the coverage for the Bengals.
17:53He had him.
17:54He had him.
17:55That was a heck of a route.
17:56Watch Covey, top of your screen.
17:57Watch this.
17:58I mean, he is by him.
18:01That's a tough miss from Tanner McKee.
18:04I mean, Britton Covey had two steps on him.
18:07Lead him and put the ball in the middle of the field.
18:10That should have been a touchdown for the Philadelphia Eagles.
18:16Instead, it's third and 10.
18:20McKee toward the sideline.
18:22Flag is down.
18:23Jackkins is tackled hard by Matthew McDoom.
18:29But there is a penalty marker down.
18:31Eight-yard pick up for now.
18:53Prior to the pass, holding.
18:55Number 20 in defense.
18:57Five-yard penalty.
18:58Automatic first down.
19:00Ticario Davis, who had the interception earlier in the half, has whistled for the penalty.
19:05Well, he's had a heck of a first half, but that's a tough penalty because of the automatic first down.
19:11And so now, the Eagles have plenty of time and a new set of downs, which is the key part
19:16of that.
19:24Carson Steele remains the running back next to McKee.
19:31McKee's steal.
19:33And he stopped at the 20.
19:37Shaka Hayward on the tackle for the Bengals.
19:40As the clock continues to tick, 50 seconds to go.
19:43These Eagles receivers are struggling to get open other than that puppy play.
19:47That's why McKee just keeps going to check there.
19:50He shoots off on the top of the field.
19:52McKee directing traffic.
19:55Throwing, and it's incomplete.
19:58That's a smart decision by McKee.
20:00That's the type of decision that Nick Sirianni will like.
20:04He did not try to force the ball, potentially get the turnover.
20:08Look at that.
20:09There it is.
20:11It's Howard Cross, the third, who only played that play with one shoe on.
20:18I don't think I've ever had to do that.
20:21Probably not ideal.
20:23No.
20:25Especially if you get your foot stepped on by a 320-pound guy.
20:32Third down at eight.
20:34Tenth play of the try from McKee.
20:39He's tripped up in the backfield.
20:42Isaiah Foskey was able to get him down to the ground.
20:47Former second-round pick for the Saints was a sack machine at Notre Dame.
20:54Watch him right here going against Ajuku.
20:57Nice rip move with that inside arm.
21:01McKee staying out there on fourth down and 15.
21:04Yeah, they're just letting the clock go down.
21:11And so McKee will walk off 12 of 22, 55 yards in the interception, and his shoe is off now.
21:19What is going on with the shoes?
21:27Yeah, I think that's the odds of two shoes coming off on back-to-back plays, or at least on
21:33the same drive, are pretty slim.
21:35I think that speaks to just how humid it is here, and how sweaty their socks are.
21:42I mean, if I'm sweating up here a little bit, they're really sweating down there.
21:47So Jake Elliott comes out to attempt a 45-yard field goal with two seconds to go in the first
21:55half.
21:59First field goal attempt to the preseason for the NBA, who was drafted by the Bengals in 2017, and this
22:07kick is good.
22:09And we've hit half, with Cincinnati up 9-3.
22:16And really, in preseason games, you'll take any little victory you can for the Eagles to get.
22:22A field goal attempt for Elliott, for him to hit it, is good.
22:25He's coming off of a rough year here in Philly last year.
22:40A.J. Ross is down on the sideline with Zach Taylor.
22:43Hey, Coach.
22:44Josh Johnson with 156 yards in that first half, spread it around the nine different guys.
22:49What did you think about your execution in that first half?
22:51What do you want to see from Sean Clifford coming up here in the second half?
22:53I thought Josh was outstanding.
22:54Managed it really well.
22:57Really, I thought he played about perfect.
22:59And unfortunately, we kicked three field goals instead of scoring touchdowns.
23:02Would have been great to finish out that half with the ball.
23:05We got the fumble.
23:06I thought our defense played outstanding.
23:08Part of the way the guys played, we just got to get the ball in the end zone.
23:10Thanks, Coach.
23:10Thank you.
23:12That's the end of the first half, with the Bengals leading 9-3.
23:15Halftime next, after these first half highlights from Verizon, and a word from your local station.
23:23And for the start of the third quarter, between the Bengals and Eagles, we take a look at the
23:28first half stats.
23:29Cincinnati with over 200 yards of offense.
23:33And back in the booth with Ross Tucker.
23:36I'm Andrew Catalan.
23:37We're from A.J.
23:38Ross in a moment.
23:39So from A.J.
23:40Ross to Ross Tucker.
23:41Thoughts on the first half?
23:43Well, in this instance, the stats don't lie.
23:45A very impressive performance by the Bengals, including by some of the guys they really wanted
23:50to see out there.
23:51Takario Davis, Dante Myers.
23:53It really started on that first drive.
23:55Josh Johnson, the 40-year-old quarterback, he was looking at Dante Myers early and often.
24:02First, it was an in-breaking route.
24:03Then he said, you know what?
24:04I can go outside, too, for another big gain.
24:08And then finally, on the crossing route, Johnson hit him in stride.
24:12That is the Eagles really struggled to try to stay with last year's CFL star in Myers,
24:17who's been the talk of camp in Cincinnati.
24:20Three catches, 51 yards for Myers.
24:23Do not expect to see him again, as it looks like he has locked up a spot on this roster.
24:29It'll be Cincinnati football to begin the second half.
24:34Heard Zach Taylor very pleased with Josh Johnson.
24:3712 of 19, 156 yards in that first half.
24:48It's Elliott to kick it away for Philadelphia.
24:52And it's Brooks on the return for Cincinnati.
24:55From his own three-yard line, Brooks across the 30 and still going.
24:59And the ball comes out.
25:01And the Eagles have it.
25:11Philadelphia comes away with it after the forced fumble on the kick return.
25:16Sam, again, coming away with the football.
25:20Top of your screen.
25:22You'll see 41 comes in there.
25:25Wow.
25:26What a punch-out right there.
25:29Jordan Mims.
25:31They just signed him a couple days ago.
25:33He's a running back.
25:35It's one of the best punch-outs by a running back I think I've ever seen.
25:39Signed on Monday.
25:42Brought in just to help out here for this final preseason game.
25:46And he makes a play on special teams.
25:48We weren't even sure what number he was going to be.
25:50We had been told 41.
25:51We had been told 45.
25:52He's making sure we know what number he is.
25:5441.
25:55Welcome to the preseason as Andy Dalton is now in a QB for Philadelphia.
25:59And he hands off the steal on first down.
26:02We talked about the competition for the backup quarterback job here in Philadelphia.
26:07Now it's Dalton's turn as he battles it out with Tanner McKee.
26:11He was acquired in March in a trade with the Carolina Panthers for a seventh-round pick.
26:17And numbers have not been impressive in the first two preseason games for Dalton.
26:22He's been 6 of 16 for 64 yards.
26:25And it's always still got to be a little bit weird for him.
26:28I know he's done it before.
26:29But to play against the Bengals.
26:31I mean to be the starting quarterback for a team for that long.
26:34And now you're on the other side.
26:36I don't care how many other teams he's played for.
26:38It's still the law.
26:42Nobody home here.
26:43And Dalton just throws it away.
26:45He was drafted by Cincinnati in the second round back in 2011.
26:49He spent his first nine years with the Bengals.
26:52A three-time pro bowler.
26:55This has been a big theme of the game.
26:57No matter who the quarterback is.
26:59Let it roll.
27:00And let's see if anybody really gets separation.
27:03You can freeze it there.
27:04That's not good.
27:06Every single guy is totally covered.
27:10Andy Dalton has to try to buy time.
27:12That has been a common occurrence in this game for the Eagles.
27:16Is their receivers not getting separation against this Bengals backup secondary.
27:22Third and five for Dalton.
27:24Fires high incomplete.
27:26And that happened last week in New England.
27:28He had a couple of open throws that he threw high.
27:32That one was not only high.
27:33It was behind his intended receiver, Britton Covey.
27:40Dalton will turn 39 in October.
27:45He has started seven games over the last three years.
27:48And he's one and six in those starts.
27:51So Elliot comes back out.
27:53And this one is from 56 yards away.
27:56Trying to push it over on the opening kickoff of the second half.
28:01And this one is good.
28:05So Elliot knocks through his second field goal of the night.
28:09And now it's a three-point game here in Philadelphia.
28:15Legendary voice of the Eagles, Merrill Reese.
28:19This will be his 50th season.
28:21Wearing the Marion shirt.
28:23He's a member, had a chance to talk to him before the game.
28:26And he said, Merrill, have you been able to get out there at all and play some golf?
28:30And he said, no, not since yesterday.
28:32So Merrill is still getting out there.
28:36What an unbelievable gentleman and announcer he is.
28:40As we check in with A.J. Ross.
28:42Well, Andrew, I spoke with Nick Sirianni at the half.
28:44And he said the defense stepped up in the first half,
28:47holding Sensi to just three field goals.
28:49But he wants to see better execution offensively.
28:51Specifically, he wants to see explosives here with Andy Dalton, under center guys.
28:58Well, he certainly didn't get that on the first drive there.
29:01And it's going to be tough to get explosives if they're not getting more separation.
29:04Although, in fairness, you know, Covey's gotten open a couple times.
29:08And they've just missed him.
29:09They haven't given Covey a chance to make a play on the football.
29:13New Cincinnati quarterback is Sean Clifford in his second year out of Penn State.
29:20First down, Kentrell Bullock is the ball carrier.
29:26Clifford, a Cincinnati native.
29:28Won a state title his senior year at St. X for the Bombers.
29:33And he was on the practice squad a year ago.
29:37Zach Taylor was raving about his dedication and commitments as he always walks in the locker room.
29:44And Clifford is talking to some receiver or tight end just always trying to get on the same page.
29:48And looking forward to playing here in the second half.
29:57First pass is broken up.
29:59And a good play by Sean Wade, who's been active tonight for the Eagles.
30:03Well, certainly a lot of people in this area are very familiar with Sean Clifford.
30:10His time at Penn State broke several records there and really just conducted himself
30:16like a professional before the college players were actually professional and getting money.
30:22I don't know why.
30:24I don't even know if we're connected.
30:25But his LinkedIn posts keep showing up on my LinkedIn when I go in there.
30:30He's already working for the next angle when football's over.
30:33Coming for your job.
30:35Clifford's pass is...
30:38And they're calling it a catch.
30:40Yes, they are.
30:42Charlie Jones.
30:43Nice job by Charlie Jones.
30:45To slide down and get that catch.
30:47He needs to show that he can be a little more than just a return guy.
30:53Clifford gets rid of it to Williams.
30:55He holds on.
30:56But gets back to the line of scrimmage.
30:59He mentioned Clifford at Penn State.
31:01Finished his career with school records and passing yards.
31:05Passing touchdowns and victories for a quarterback with 32.
31:10That is pretty darn impressive.
31:13Speaking of Penn State, there's Saquon Barkley.
31:22Second and ten.
31:24Second and ten.
31:28Pulling.
31:30Crosses from his feet.
31:32Still going before he's slammed down by Gushikin.
31:39Both of the international pathway program guys were in on that play.
31:43And who are Bernard?
31:44Kind of got in on the tackle.
31:46Again, the seventh-round pick from North Nigeria.
31:49Let's watch him get involved in this play.
31:52Good lockout.
31:53Extends.
31:54Gets down there.
31:56The tackling needs a little bit of work.
31:58But in fairness, I talked to him last week.
32:00In week one, when he tried to tackle the Ravens running back, he had never tried to tackle anyone before
32:05in his life.
32:06Think about that.
32:08It's amazing.
32:08I mean, the tackling and training camp practices are so limited that he really had not really taken someone to
32:15the ground, or at least attempted to, until the first preseason game.
32:19They should have just put someone like you out there.
32:22Just let them tackle somebody.
32:23Not much of a challenge, Russ.
32:25I know, but still, just so we can see what it feels like, put a helmet and shoulder pads on,
32:29so.
32:31I don't think that would give him much satisfaction.
32:35Same side again.
32:36Here they are.
32:41Rippert fakes the pitch.
32:42Pressure's coming.
32:43And it is on time to Charlie Jones again.
32:49That is a nice throw by Sean Clifford, under duress, because Weru was right up in his face.
32:57And Clifford, watch Clifford, he puts his head around.
32:59Watch 46.
33:00He's closing fast.
33:02Clifford knows he's about to get hit and still delivers a strike.
33:08Good redirect by Weru to get in Clifford's face there.
33:14Weru runs a 4-4-5-40.
33:17And he saw some of that speed there.
33:21Bullick.
33:22Weru run on the tackle along with David Bley.
33:28Bernard is mad after that play.
33:30He is really frustrated with that play.
33:34I'm telling you, Andrew, I could watch these guys every play, because every play here is like a lesson.
33:39Let's watch him double-team, threw him away.
33:43He can't tackle.
33:45And it's your fault, Andrew.
33:46Somebody should have given the poor young man a chance to make a tackle.
33:51You're busy calling golf.
33:53He could have been at Eagles training.
33:55Have you ever been tackled?
33:57He has some touch-football.
34:00What are the hours?
34:01Accidental.
34:01How are you just tackled and touch-football?
34:03Well, I mean, you know, they can say it's touch, but the ball doesn't go to the ground.
34:07And so did the ball right there.
34:13Andre Sam, very active again for this Philadelphia defense.
34:2031, Sam.
34:21Yeah, he puts his helmet right on the ball.
34:24Andre Sam, the third-year man who went to three colleges, ended up at LSU, has been one of the
34:30major bright spots for the Eagles in this game.
34:34Jack Endres, the rookie tight end, is down for Cincinnati.
34:37And we'll step aside here in Philadelphia.
34:43Back in Lincoln Financial Field, Bengals up by three.
34:47And rookie tight end Jack Endres going right into the Cincinnati locker room.
34:53So some concern for the seventh-round pick out of Texas.
34:57Began his career at Cal, where he played with Fernando Mendoza.
35:02Headed to the locker room.
35:03He did have a touchdown in the preseason opener against Detroit.
35:09So far, Sean Clifford, three out of four for 36 yards.
35:12This is the tenth play of the drive.
35:15Third and three for the Bengals.
35:22Eagles showing pressure from the top, from the slot.
35:26Clifford saw it.
35:28He's going to try to take a shot here.
35:30Oh, wow, he's trying to change it again.
35:34Play clock winding down.
35:40Clifford looking.
35:41He's got a man.
35:41It's Williams spinning at the five and taking it in for a touchdown.
35:46Keyshawn Williams.
35:47Williams, what a play.
35:48An 11-yard score.
35:56That was absolutely masterful from Sean Clifford.
36:01That is high-level quarterback play.
36:04The inside receiver, out-breaking route against Gushikin.
36:08Williams makes one guy miss.
36:10Powers through Thomas for the touchdown.
36:12But that was made before the snap.
36:17Clifford saw the pressure coming.
36:19Changed the protection.
36:21Got it picked up so he knew he had man-to-man.
36:24That's an impressive drive by Clifford and the Bengals.
36:29McPherson's extra point is good.
36:31What a play by Clifford.
36:32And Keyshawn Williams, the Philly native, with the touchdown.
36:36We'll be back in 30 after this from Verizon.
36:43Clifford, four out of five, 47 yards on that touchdown drive.
36:48Tapped off by Keyshawn Williams.
36:50Finding the end zone.
36:52Good locally.
36:54Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.
36:56Philadelphia native coming back home and getting in for six.
37:00Clifford all smiles after that 10-play 70-yard drive.
37:05Getting a lot of love from his fellow quarterbacks that saw what he did there pre-snap.
37:11That's where all that experience at Penn State, starting for four years, came into play.
37:17He knew he had time on the play clock.
37:19He changed the play, changed the protection.
37:21That was pretty count, but he's going to try to score a touchdown.
37:24That's that audible.
37:25Washington returned from Philadelphia.
37:28He was tackled at a 24-yard line.
37:31And Foskey and Anderson in on the stop as we go back to the touchdown.
37:37Well, it was really what he did before the snap.
37:39And then once he had it, he knew he had it picked up.
37:42That is a tough cover.
37:44You know, when you're playing nickelback like Gushikin, and the receiver has a two-way go, that is so, so
37:51hard.
37:53And I thought Williams did some positive things last year for the Steelers.
37:58And when they tried to put him down on practice squad, the Bengals pounced because they needed a return to
38:03Charlie Jones.
38:07He's got steel.
38:09He was tripped up by him.
38:11He's seen four on the play.
38:14Steel's going to have more catches tonight than he did last Saturday when he had a bunch against the Patriots.
38:19Already six catches tonight.
38:21He had six a week ago, including the touchdown against New England.
38:29What did you say last year?
38:31Carson, man of steel.
38:32Or made of steel.
38:34Yeah, I don't know if I should use it again or not.
38:36It's okay.
38:37You can recycle.
38:38New audience.
38:39Second and six.
38:42Carson, made of steel.
38:4531.
38:47Can I use it, too?
38:49Absolutely.
38:50Okay.
38:51He had to make a cut there behind the right guard, Michael Jordan.
38:59Former fourth-round pick by Cincinnati in 2019.
39:03Spent his first two years with the Bengals.
39:05You're a basketball guy.
39:07How about Philly having Michael Jordan and LeBron James at the same time?
39:11Who would have ever thought?
39:13Yes.
39:14Very good, Ross.
39:15Was that a real laugh or was that a fake laugh?
39:17No, it was both, actually.
39:21It's Halton as the first down.
39:23Good throw there as Quez Watkins moves the chains.
39:29We talked about Tanner McKee needing big drives in the first half.
39:33And Andy Dalton, certainly, whether it's to stick around and be the Eagles' number two
39:37or maybe another team wants to acquire him in a trade.
39:42You know, the only time my daughters, who are both teenagers, really cringe
39:46is when I go for it with a dad joke like that.
39:49And that's when they're really, Dad, you're embarrassing us.
39:54But isn't that kind of the point when you have teenage daughters, to find a way to embarrass them?
39:58Yeah.
39:59Most people don't do that on national television.
40:01But Dalton, and that pass is incomplete.
40:07Latu could not hang on.
40:08And good coverage by Isaiah Foskey.
40:11Well, from the executive producer of The Pit comes a new era of NCIS.
40:17LL Cool J and Scott Kahn star in NCIS New York.
40:23New series, Tuesday, October 6th, is part of CBS Premier Week and streaming on Paramount+.
40:40Balton over the middle.
40:42And a good throw there as Toure rings it in.
40:48Nine-yard pickup.
40:49Well, this didn't embarrass your daughters as you and your beautiful wife attended, well,
40:56just some wedding over the summer.
40:59That was a magical night.
41:00You know what's funny?
41:01We had to tell them the day before, because they were going to be with my wife's parents.
41:06Their initial reaction was, what?
41:08You're going?
41:09How did you get invited?
41:11Why can't we go?
41:12We're like, there's no kids.
41:14Are you sure?
41:15Are you sure?
41:16Of course, we're talking about the Taylor Swift wedding, which Ross grew up in the same area as Taylor Swift.
41:24Yeah, while missing Pennsylvania, it's about an hour west of here, right outside of Redding.
41:31I did see that my beloved Spartans lost tonight, but I'm not going to let that affect my performance
41:36the rest of the game, Andy.
41:37You did comment about that at halftime.
41:39The night was ruined.
41:40Week one in high school football.
41:43That's how I roll.
41:45First and ten.
41:46Play action for Dalton.
41:47Over the middle, he's got a wide open man and plenty of room to run for Danny Gray.
41:52Good throw and run after catch.
41:5526 yards for Philadelphia.
41:58And Andy Dalton's heating up a little bit.
42:00But you'll see Gray working against zone coverage, middle of the field, wide open, and Dalton with
42:08a nice fake.
42:09That's a big part of this offense.
42:11Play action fake there puts it right on him.
42:14When there's two deep safeties, you want to throw the ball in the middle of the field because
42:18those guys are getting ripped.
42:24Here's Mims, who forced a fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half, and he's taken down by Liam
42:29Anderson.
42:33You know, you made a good point earlier before I told the Michael Jordan joke about Dalton.
42:40You know, for the Eagles, they probably value their number three quarterback more than any other team in the league.
42:47You know, Sirianni pointed out two years ago when they won the Super Bowl, they had three quarterback start games
42:52that year.
42:54They highly, highly value their backup quarterbacks here.
42:59But also, it does give them optionality in case there was some other team that wanted to trade for one
43:03of these guys.
43:04Dalton to Covey at the 10, and Covey slips his way down to the six-yard line.
43:09Jack Dingle on the tackle, but a good-looking drive for the veteran Andy Dalton.
43:14That one goes for 11 yards.
43:16And all of a sudden, guys are wide open.
43:18You know, we went from all these series of plays where none of the receivers could get separation
43:24to now they have found something in the middle of this zone defense for the Cincinnati Bengals.
43:31Almost exclusively, they're playing too deep, which is why you want to continue to hit the middle of the field.
43:36They call that middle of the field open.
43:39First and goal.
43:40Here's Steele.
43:42Filed up at the line, trying to push his way forward,
43:44and he's not going to do it against McKinley Jackson.
43:47A game of two.
43:53So, if you have a pet alligator,
43:56does someone else have to watch the pet alligator while you're playing professional football?
44:00Or can you just leave a pet alligator home alone?
44:05We did talk about Steele's alligator in the first half,
44:08because if you weren't joining us then, you're probably wondering,
44:10what is Ross talking about?
44:13I would imagine that at 100 pounds,
44:15the alligator is fairly self-sufficient if you leave him some clue.
44:19Play action for Dalton.
44:21He's got Steele, and he is made of Steele.
44:24Carson Steele, a touchdown.
44:26He's down.
44:27He's going to shoot you down.
44:32That's the one answer.
44:33Let's go.