Bengals News (11/21): Unexpected source for trouble running the football

Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou has emerged as a powerful force in run defense.
Eason, the Bengals defensive line coach, is also showing you why the NFL is a coach’s league in the run up to Sunday’s rematch (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Local 12) against the Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. It is after Wednesday’s practice and Eason is talking to you, no, make that raving to you, about third-year defensive tackle Josh Tupou.

Offensive tackle Cory Glenn looks to be the Bengals' starting left tackle against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12.
After being sidelined all season with a concussion and enduring a one-game suspension for disciplinary reasons, Cordy Glenn surfaced as the odds-on favorite to be Bengals starting left tackle for Sunday’s game (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Local 12) against the Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium.

News conference transcript: Zac Taylor and Ryan Finley met with the media to preview Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“You look at the miscommunication on the first sack when we ran a play-action. We had a miscommunication on who we were targeting and we just gave up a free runner, which is unacceptable. We had a sack in the red zone where we got off on the cadence. We check out of a play and got off on the cadence and put ourselves in a tough spot there. You need to learn from those things. As the game went, I think we were down 24-3, 27-3, we were throwing the ball a lot and they were just teeing off. They have a hell of a pass rush. They can get it with their front four, they can pressure you, but those guys are really doing a nice job up front. If you end up dropping back (to pass) like we did, it turned into a bit of a horror show there. We need to learn from that.”

Bengals receivers need a little space -- and an upgrade in talent
With blue resistance bands clipped to his back, veteran wide receiver A.J. Green ran in short bursts while a member of Cincinnati's training staff pulled the bands. It was the latest development in Green's attempt to come back from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for the first 10 games of the season and counting.

Week 12 Injury Report (Bengals)
But there was good news. Diontae Johnson, Benny Snell and Ola Adeniyi were all on the field on Wednesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex as the team began preparation for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. And they were all full participants.

Bengals single out WR blocking as issue in the running game
At one point, Mixon was leading the NFL in number of rushes without a score and his averages were tame. Over the course of two games after a bye though, Mixon has rushed for 200 yards and a score over 45 attempts.

Race for No. 1 pick in 2020 NFL Draft: Bengals, Redskins have winnable games in Week 12
For much of the first half of the season, the Dolphins appeared to be on their way to securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft. Not only did they lose their first seven games (in historically bad fashion), they also acquired two more first round picks after trading Kenny Stills and Laremy Tunsil to the Texans and Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Steelers.

Around the League

Rams' Eric Weddle won't share inside info on Ravens
The Los Angeles Rams' safety faces off against the Baltimore Ravens Monday night in a pivotal tilt for both squads. Yet, after spending three seasons with John Harbaugh's team, Weddle won't be spilling any state secrets to Sean McVay about how the Ravens defense operates.

Aaron Rodgers: Packers need to win in San Francisco
"We're all aware of where we're at in the seeding going into Week 12 and what's in front of us and the opportunities," Rodgers said. "There's still a lot of football to be played and a lot can happen. I think you're just in denial if you don't think about the implications with a 'Dub' or an 'L' this week and how that affects stuff down the line. That's why I said, the way we look at it, we're going to have to win there one time the rest of the year. It would be nice to get it done this week."

Hopkins studied Edelman's ability to move the chains
Outside of his other-worldly hands and physical skillset, Hopkins' ability to move the sticks stems from his precise route-running. The wideout always makes himself available to Deshaun Watson in key moments.

Lions QB Stafford wants to play again this season
"Because this is what I do," Stafford said Wednesday when asked why he should play again in 2019, via the team's official website. "I understand your question, but this is what I love to do. I love playing football. I appreciate all the hard work that all the guys in this locker room and in this organization put into going out there and trying to win games on Sunday and I love being a part of that."