Bengals News (10/21): Running into recognition

Randy Moss sees "magic" with Bengals Ja'Marr Chase
"They put on some great shows," Moss recalled Wednesday. "But they were overshadowed by damn Ray Lewis and them (in Baltimore). You got Troy Polamalu and (Ben) Roethlisberger winning Super Bowl championships (in Pittsburgh). The Bengals were good back then, but they were overshadowed by how good the guys in the division were. But guess what? They're in the top of the division."

Bengals running back Chris Evans finding his way in the NFL
Antaiwn Mack, the head coach who hired Evans to coach his special teams two years ago and help revive the Huron High School program, didn't get a chance to catch his old assistant's breakdown of the Lions. He's only about a half-an-hour away in Ann Arbor, but Mack's Sundays, and every other day for that matter, are reserved for crafting game plans in a breakout season of his own where the River Rats have seven wins for the first time in two decades.

“Bengal Jim” Foster Named Bengals Fan Of The Year
Congratulations to "Bengal Jim" who is the Bengals nominee for NFL Fan of the Year. The NFL began the Fan of the Year contest to "celebrate extraordinary fans who inspire others through their love of football and bring an 'original spice' to what it means to be a fan." A staple in section 158, "Bengal Jim" Foster embodies everything that is Who Dey Nation.

Bengals Jackson Carman will face a big test against the Ravens
When the Bengals are in a loud road environment, they need to go to a silent count and use a nonverbal cue to signal for the snap. Whether or not it was a five-year veteran like John Miller or a rookie making his first start in Jackson Carman, the right guard has always tapped the center on the right shoulder.

QB Joe Burrow still dealing with effects of throat contusion as Cincinnati Bengals prepare for 'noisy' matchup at Baltimore
For the second straight week, Burrow did not participate in his weekly Wednesday media availability because of lingering effects from a throat contusion. According to a team spokesperson, Bengals doctors advised the quarterback to stay on voice rest because of throat soreness.

Cincinnati Bengals: Which WR has been underperforming this season?
Chase has been downright terrific through six games. The rookie has hauled in 553 receiving yards, which ranks second all time given the stage of his career. He’s averaging 20.5 yards per reception and has five touchdowns to boot. He just might be the most well-oiled offensive wideout on the Bengals team this season.

Bengals featured in interesting trade-deadline idea with Patriots
The Cincinnati Bengals might be one of many teams that get active before the NFL’s trade deadline early next month. And with the interior of the line still something of a problem, it only makes sense that the Bengals feature in some interesting trade ideas for that area.

Around the league

'Thursday Night Football' preview: What to watch for in Broncos-Browns
Call this one the Band-Aid Battle, as the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns both have bleeding that needs to be stopped. Denver opened the season 3-0, albeit against three teams that began a combined 0-9, and have since nosedived to 3-3 against a schedule that eventually stiffened. The defense that was supposed to anchor this team just allowed a season-high 34 points to the Raiders. The Broncos, in a word, are reeling. Onto Cleveland’s failing brakes: an already injury-riddled team gave its medical staff another busy afternoon in Sunday’s loss to Arizona, leaving the Browns with a short week to assemble patchwork availability. Cleveland opened the season 3-1, only to have its defense shredded the last two weeks to join Denver among the NFL's seven 3-3 teams.

Ten buyers and sellers ahead of 2021 NFL trade deadline
Much like the buzz around free agency, trade speculation brings a cornucopia of discussion topics for fans and media to digest between actual games. Fans love the prospect of the new, the optimism that comes with adding a critical piece, and what it can mean for the future.

Browns QB Baker Mayfield expected to need shoulder surgery following the season
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Mayfield is expected to require surgery to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder, but the belief is that he can deal with the injury through the season. However, incurring more damage could make that plan challenging.