Cincinnati Reds Making Amateur Mistakes, DJ Turner Setting Tone For Bengals, Brendan Sorsby Eligible

Cincinnati Reds Making Amateur Mistakes, DJ Turner Setting Tone For Bengals, Brendan Sorsby Eligible

On today's show, we discuss an abysmal 7th inning for the Reds in a 6-2 defeat against the Padres, how DJ Turner is setting the tone for the Bengals, Brendan Sorsby's eligibility and the Spurs taking Game 3 of the NBA Finals.  The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 The Cincinnati Reds had this game exactly where they wanted it Monday night in San Diego. Through six innings, they had scratched out a 2-1 lead behind a solid outing from Andrew Abbott and appeared poised to snap a frustrating losing streak. Instead, one disastrous inning turned a winnable game into another painful defeat. The unraveling began in the seventh. After Gavin Sheets tied the game with an RBI double, the Reds completely lost control of the situation. What followed was a sequence that perfectly captured Cincinnati’s recent struggles: three consecutive Padres bunts created chaos, defensive mistakes mounted, and a tie game quickly became a deficit. Samad Taylor reached on a bunt that produced the go-ahead run, exposing a Reds defense that seemed unable to execute even the fundamentals in a high-leverage moment. The collapse didn’t stop there. Cincinnati’s bullpen and defense failed to regroup in the eighth inning as Taylor delivered a two-run single and the Padres added another insurance run. A 2-2 game suddenly became a 6-2 Padres lead. What makes the loss especially frustrating for Reds fans is that the offense actually generated opportunities. Cincinnati collected nine hits but stranded nine runners and went just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Time after time, chances to build on the lead slipped away. When the game tightened, the Reds lacked the timely hit that could have changed the outcome. The 6-2 defeat marked Cincinnati’s fifth straight loss and continued a miserable stretch in which nearly everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. Injuries, inconsistent offense, bullpen issues, and defensive lapses are all contributing to a season that is beginning to drift in the wrong direction. Monday night wasn’t just another loss—it was a textbook example of a team finding ways to beat itself. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals Get More Good News With Myles Garrett Trade, Reds In Shambles, AJ Brown To Patriots

On today's show, we discuss how the Bengals got more good news after Myles Garrett was traded to the Rams. Plus, the Reds are in shambles after getting swept by the Cardinals, AJ Brown officially traded to the Patriots and remembering Chicago Bulls legendary broadcaster Stacey King. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 For the Cincinnati Bengals, the trade is still largely good news, even though Cleveland got a significant return. The biggest reason is simple: Garrett was a uniquely difficult matchup for Cincinnati. He recorded the record-setting 23rd sack of his 2025 season against Joe Burrow in the season finale and had become the one defender who could completely alter the Bengals' offensive game plan. Verse is an excellent young pass rusher, but he's not Garrett. Garrett was coming off a Defensive Player of the Year season and an NFL-record 23 sacks. Replacing that level of production is almost impossible, even with a player as talented as Verse. The trade also signals that Cleveland is thinking more about the future than maximizing its chances right now. Acquiring draft capital and a younger edge rusher aligns with a longer-term roster build, while the Rams clearly made the move to chase a championship immediately. That doesn't mean the Bengals should celebrate too much. The Browns didn't get fleeced. Verse is already a high-end young defender, and Cleveland added a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and a third-round pick. Several analysts have argued that Verse softens the loss considerably and fits the Browns' timeline better than a 30-year-old Garrett. So the Bengals' view is probably: Short term: huge win because Garrett is gone. Long term: less clear because Cleveland acquired a potential star in Verse and valuable draft assets. If you're a Bengals fan, the best part isn't that the Browns got worse overall—it's that you no longer have to face Myles Garrett twice a year. That's a meaningful change in the AFC North. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Ja'Marr Chase Breaks Silence, Elly De La Cruz Injury, Joey McGuire Responds To Steve Sarkisian

On today's show, we discuss Ja'Marr Chase breaking his silence at his youth football camp on his absence from Bengals OTAs and Cincinnati's offseason moves. Plus, Elly De La Cruz left Sunday's game vs. the Braves with a hamstring injury and Joey McGuire responds to Steve Sarkisian.  The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Elly De La Cruz gave the Cincinnati Reds and their fans a scare Sunday when he exited a 6-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves with right hamstring tightness. The injury occurred in the fifth inning at Great American Ball Park when De La Cruz drove a ball into right-center field that appeared destined to be an extra-base hit. As he rounded first base, however, he suddenly slowed, grabbed at his leg area, and retreated to first rather than attempting to stretch the hit into a double. Trainers quickly came onto the field, and De La Cruz was removed from the game as a precaution. Before leaving, De La Cruz had been one of the Reds’ most productive players on the afternoon. He went 2-for-2 with a walk, stole a base, and scored two runs, helping Cincinnati avoid a series sweep against Atlanta. His departure immediately raised concerns because of his importance to the Reds’ lineup and his reputation as one of baseball’s most dynamic athletes. After the game, De La Cruz sounded cautiously optimistic. Through an interpreter, he explained that he felt tightness while making the turn around first base and chose to stop running because continuing might have caused more serious damage. Reds manager Terry Francona echoed that sentiment, saying the club hoped the star shortstop had recognized the issue early enough to avoid a significant strain. An MRI was scheduled for Monday to determine the extent of the injury. The timing is especially concerning because De La Cruz has been remarkably durable, appearing in 276 consecutive games and starting all 58 Reds games this season. Entering Sunday, the 24-year-old was batting .280 with 12 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases, positioning himself for another All-Star campaign. Any absence would be a major blow to Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. For now, the Reds are waiting on MRI results, but the initial reaction from both De La Cruz and the organization suggests cautious optimism that the injury may be minor rather than a long-term setback. #Reds #Bengals #TheStoneShieldsShow

Zac Taylor On Hot Seat Entering 2026? Ja'Marr Chase Not At OTAs + Reds Players On Pace For Awards, Vikings QB Controversy

On today's show, we discuss how much pressure is on Zac Taylor entering 2026, whether Joe Burrow should change his play style, Ja'Marr Chase's absence from OTAs, and a possible year 2 leap for Shemar Stewart. Plus, 3 Cincinnati Reds on pace for season-long awards and QB controversy in Minnesota. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Entering the 2026 NFL season, Zac Taylor may be facing the most pressure of his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals. While Taylor helped guide Cincinnati to a Super Bowl appearance and back-to-back AFC Championship Games earlier in the decade, the Bengals have struggled to maintain that momentum in recent years. Consecutive disappointing seasons, paired with growing expectations around franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, have many analysts wondering whether 2026 could be a make-or-break year for the head coach. Several national outlets have already identified Taylor as one of the NFL coaches under the most scrutiny entering the season. FOX Sports and Bleacher Report both placed him near the top of recent “hot seat” rankings after the Bengals failed to return to playoff contention. Critics argue that Cincinnati has too much offensive talent to continue underachieving, especially with Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins still forming one of the league’s premier offensive cores. The frustration largely stems from inconsistency. The Bengals’ defense regressed badly over the last two seasons, and questionable game management decisions have frequently drawn criticism from fans and media alike. Even though ownership has historically been patient with coaches, another losing season could force the organization to reevaluate its direction. Some reports have even suggested there is concern about keeping Burrow satisfied long term if the franchise continues to stagnate. Still, Taylor retains support within the organization because of the culture he helped build after years of irrelevance. Players have consistently praised his leadership, and ownership values stability more than many NFL franchises. But in a league driven by results, patience can disappear quickly. If Cincinnati misses the playoffs again in 2026, Taylor’s seat may go from warm to impossible to survive. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Bengals Ring Of Honor, DJ Turner Extension? Reds Drop Finale But Win Series Ft. Another Andrew Abbott Quality Start, Travis Steele Extension

On today's show, we discuss the latest Bengals Ring Of Honor nominees and break down why the system is flawed. Plus, the Reds strand 17 men on base to drop the finale in New York. Also, Travis Steele inks an extension with Miami. The Stone Shields Show sponsors: Book an appointment at Richter & Phillips today: https://richterphillips.com/pages/chatterbox-sports Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com  Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigars! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-munoz-78-cigars   Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 The Cincinnati Reds missed a chance to complete a three-game sweep Wednesday night, falling 4-2 to the New York Mets at Citi Field. Despite plenty of opportunities, Cincinnati could not deliver the big hit when it mattered most, stranding 17 runners in a frustrating offensive performance. The Mets struck early when Juan Soto launched a solo home run in the first inning off Reds starter Andrew Abbott. New York added another run in the second on a solo shot from Eric Wagaman, giving the Mets a quick 2-0 advantage. Abbott settled down after the rough start and kept Cincinnati in the game, finishing with six innings pitched while allowing three runs, only two of them earned. His outing snapped a personal four-game winning streak, though he continued what has been a strong month overall. The Reds chipped away in the third inning when Nathaniel Lowe drove in a run with an RBI single. Cincinnati tied things closer again in the sixth after rookie Sal Stewart delivered another RBI hit. However, every time the Reds appeared ready to seize momentum, the Mets answered. Rookie Carson Benge proved to be the difference-maker for New York, collecting two clutch RBI singles, including an insurance run in the seventh inning. Cincinnati’s biggest issue was situational hitting. The Reds repeatedly put runners on base but failed to capitalize, leaving scoring chances wasted throughout the night. In the ninth inning, the Mets nearly opened the door again when closer Devin Williams loaded the bases, but he recovered to strike out the final two Reds hitters and secure the save. Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Holy (Trap). Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ Track Name Exercise (Rock). #Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow