Bengals News (9/23): Returning to Pittsburgh

Bengals Notebook: Expecting Healthier Steelers; All Things Burrow; Boyd, Hilton Plant Pittsburgh Connections In The Slot
Naturally, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, like he seems to be every week, is on the injury report and since it is his left pectoral muscle that was hurt Sunday and not his throwing pec no one is going to be surprised when Roethlisberger draws his 35th start against Cincinnati as he tries to prevent losing his fifth game at home against them.

Six Bengals Among Nominees For The Pro Football Hall of Fame
Four-time Pro Bowler. Bengals first round draft selection in 1996. Played in 181 Bengals games, tied for eighth place on the team's all-time list. Helped set club record for fewest sacks allowed in 2007 at 17. Recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award in 2004, given to players who best demonstrate commitment to values of sportsmanship and courage.

Empty Sets and the Key Passing Concepts the Cincinnati Bengals Should Utilize
There have been a few passing concepts that the Bengals have used this year that should be part of their future game plans. These are designs that are either working very well, utilize a player's skill set perfectly, or sometimes both. On the other end, the Bengals have made life difficult with their pass protection. Let’s look into what the Bengals did in Chicago, including what they should and should not bring into this week's matchup against Pittsburgh.

Chad Johnson one of 6 Bengals Modern-Era Hall of Fame nominees in 2022
The 2022 class will be enshrined in August of that year. Whether Bengals greats will get more respect from the committee than they have in the past remains to be seen, though the team itself making a better effort by establishing a Ring of Honor this year certainly helps.

Ex-Steeler Mike Hilton returns with Bengals, in possession of something he nabbed from Joe Haden
During his time with the Steelers, I always found Mike Hilton to be one of the more friendly and genuine players in the locker room. An engaging person who really appreciated the role he earned while he was here.

Ja’Marr Chase could hit another big historical landmark vs. Steelers
If Chase catches another touchdown in Week 3, he can be only the eighth player to accomplish this feat. He should get plenty of chances — Bengals coaches have heard the complaints from Chase, Joe Burrow and fans that they aren’t opening up the offense enough down the field.

Around the league

Steve Smith, Andre Johnson lead 122 modern-era nominees for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022
Smith shined for the Panthers and Ravens, Boldin was an instant sensation for the Cardinals, Johnson was a Texans all-time great and Hester is arguably the greatest kick returner in history, having starred for the Bears to begin a memorable career.

2021 NFL season: One challenge each undefeated team must overcome
In 2020, the Panthers' defense ranked 18th overall, 18th in points allowed, 18th against the pass and 20th against the run. To say they've improved significantly in 2021 is an understatement; two games in, Carolina ranks first in all four categories. The Panthers have made an even more dramatic jump in third-down defense, which coach Matt Rhule told me last week was a real focus, leaping from 31st in 2020 to first this year.

Lions exploring trade options with veteran LB Jamie Collins
The club is exploring trade possibilities for Collins, fielding calls from other clubs as part of a youth movement at the position, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The emergence of linebacker Derrick Barnes, a rookie fourth-round draft pick from Purdue, has made Collins more expendable, per Rapoport. Collins was listed as a DNP on Wednesday's practice report because of a "personal matter."