Bengals Bytes (9/28): Magic of the Mullet

The Two Big Guys in Ross' Corner
John Ross is taking the heat, but go to the top and see where the franchise’s two all-time receiving leaders are in his corner. Chad Johnson says there's no reason Ross can't be the Bengals' version of Tyreek Hill.

Andy Dalton wants NFL’s new roughing the passer rules called ‘fairly’
The Bengals QB once again has something to say about officiating, but he is speaking in fairness to his counterparts on the defensive side of the ball.

'Mullet power' has led Tyler Eifert to his best start since 2015 - Cincinnati Bengals Blog- ESPN
Tyler Eifert isn't saying he grew his hair out to distract reporters from asking about his injuries, but his mullet and his play are coming along.

Joe Mixon running and cutting, says knee “feels great” – ProFootballTalk
Bengals running back Joe Mixon had his knee cleaned out surgically after the team's Week Two win over the Ravens and there was some hope that he'd be able to return to action in Week Four against the Falcons. Mixon did not take part in practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he has made progress.

NFL Week 4 picks: Saints beat Giants in shootout, Jags stifle Jets; Bengals a lock as underdogs rule again | Newsday
This season, underdogs are 26-19-1 against the spread on the season with a whopping 17 of them winning outright. The Bengals are currently five point underdogs to the Falcons heading into the weekend, and are a good bet to cover that spread.

Bengals' Kirkpatrick & Falcons' Jones resume Alabama rivalry

Even though Kirkpatrick status for Sunday’s game is in jeopardy from a groin injury, he has much to play for against Atlanta. The Falcons best player on offense is someone who Kirkpatrick is quite familiar with, and Sunday maybe the first time the two play one another.

Random Bytes

Everson Griffen 'focused on resolving personal issues' - NFL.com
Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen released a statement on Instagram on Thursday as he continues to deal with a serious mental-health related issue.

Panthers sign ex-49ers safety Eric Reid to 1-year deal - NFL.com
The Carolina Panthers announced Thursday they have signed free-agent safety Eric Reid. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the two sides agreed on a one-year deal. The former 49er last played in the NFL in 2017, and was courted by the Bengals this past offseason.

Todd Haley on taking 'Philly Special': 'I have no shame' - NFL.com
Browns offensive coordinator Todd Haley admitted Thursday to reporters that he “absolutely” used the two-point conversion attempt trick play in Week 3 from the Eagles’ “Philly Special” in Super Bowl LII.

NFL Not Changing Roughing the Passer Rule Amid Widespread Criticism, Controversy | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
One of the biggest storylines of the 2018 NFL season has been the excessive penalty flags for roughing the passer under the points of emphasis to improve safety. Unfortunately, the league has no interest in adjusting the current rules...

Will the NFL Ever Stop Manufacturing Passing Efficiency? - Optimum Scouting
Three weeks and 48 games into the 2018 regular season, we are witnessing the greatest increase in passing efficiency in the post-merger NFL. The NFL’s business model is clear: They want high-flying, frequent scoring games. The question now is if it sustainable.

Rishard Matthews of Tennessee Titans asks for release
Rishard Matthews cited a decrease in playing time as a reason for him asking to be released by the Tennessee Titans.