Bengals News (11/4): Players making most of their opportunity in 2019

Overlooked No Longer, These Bengals Are Making The Most Out Of The Opportunity
As Brandon Wilson raced toward the goal line during the opening kickoff, he looked up at the scoreboard in M&T Bank Stadium and raised his right hand in the air. For the first time in his NFL career, he was no longer looking over his shoulder.

Bengals Founder Paul Brown Named the NFL's No. 1 Game Changer
As part of the #NFL100 campaign celebrating the league’s centennial season, NFL Network on Friday named Bengals founder Paul Brown the league’s No. 1 Game Changer.

Coffee runs about more than caffeine for Bengals coach Zac Taylor
When Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor was an assistant with the Los Angeles Rams from 2017-18, he made it a habit of joining the morning crew before he drove east on U.S. Highway 101 to the team facility. Sometimes, it was for a quick exchange. In other cases, Taylor chatted for a few minutes before heading into work.

NFL trade deadline a dud due to bizarre demands by Redskins, Bengals and other losing teams
After a flurry of trade activity all season, the NFL's trade deadline passed without a single transaction of note, a surprising turn of events that multiple general managers attributed to last-place teams over-valuing their potential returns. Conversations with six NFL team officials who were actively pursuing multiple deals revealed a consistent refrain.

Bengals Receive a Win on a Bye Week
The Dolphins improve to 1-7 on the season - leaving the Bengals as the only winless team in the NFL with their 0-8 record. This could potentially have a significant impact on Cincinnati, as it strengthens their odds of landing the number one overall pick in the 2020 draft.

NFL mock draft 2020: Bengals, Dolphins go QB
Burrow has enjoyed a meteoric rise as the new Heisman Trophy favorite and appealing top QB prospect in this class. At 6-3, 215 pounds, he combines his mental and physical toughness in the pocket with a strong arm and accurate delivery. His leadership skills also have flourished in Baton Rouge. Coach Zac Taylor will see some Jared Goff qualities in Burrow as a traditional passer, which makes sense for the Bengals after their benching of Andy Dalton, assuming Ryan Finley doesn't pull a Gardner Minshew.

Andy Dalton eager for offseason trade after benching, and Buccaneers could be best option
Longtime Bengals starter Andy Dalton was forthright in his displeasure with the team for not attempting to trade him before benching him this week, and eagerly anticipates an offseason trade, league sources said. Dalton, the second-highest passer in franchise history who is tied for the Bengals' record for touchdown passes (197), will have a viable trade market, several GMs said, and should land a second-round pick in return.

Bengals last winless team in NFL in 2019 after Dolphins beat Jets
The Bengals have the inside track for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft as they are now the only winless team in the NFL this season following the Miami Dolphins 26-18 win over the New York Jets on Sunday.

Around the league

Ravens' Lamar Jackson makes his case for MVP
In somewhat of a role reversal, Jackson needed a lift -- and oh, man, did he get one. Suddenly, Orlando Brown Jr., the Ravens' 6-8, 355-pound right tackle, was pulling Jackson up by his shoulder pads, and then by his neck. Given new life on this third-and-goal play with 3:12 remaining, Jackson seized the moment, reaching behind him with the football to break the plane as he fell to the turf.

The real Chargers? L.A. resembles contender in win over Pack
His media obligations done, Rivers trekked back onto the field in Dignity Health Sports Park and subbed one daughter for another while the rest of the family milled around. It is not uncommon for Rivers to bring his children onto the field after a home game, but neither is it customary. Perhaps the 16-year veteran was seeking to create memories that are not guaranteed to him beyond this season, which is the last on his contract. Will he retire in the offseason or play another year? And if he does return, will it be in Los Angeles?

Jacoby Brissett exits with knee injury vs. Steelers
Guard Quenton Nelson was pushed back into the quarterback and stepped right on Brissett's left leg. The QB went down in obvious pain but was able to make his way to the sideline without assistance before ultimately going into the blue medical tent. Brissett never returned to the game.