The Growler PD&Jay: News insight and faith in the defensive rebuild
Dec 9, 2025
Mo Egger, an ESPN1530 personality, joins to provide insider insights on the Cincinnati Bengals. They tackle a busy week of news, including the implications of waiving Jermaine Burton and the impact of Tee Higgins' concussion protocol. Egger rates the Bengals' chances of rebuilding their defense by 2026 and discusses the fan distrust surrounding front office decisions. The trio debates which defensive free agents might return next season, revealing a mix of optimism and caution about the team's future.
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Burton Cut After Repeated Trust Breaks
- Paul recounts the Bengals finally releasing Jermaine Burton after repeated trust issues and missed opportunities.
- He highlights Burton's tiny on-field production and the clubhouse breakdown that made the parting inevitable.
Concussion Protocol Relies On Independent Docs
- T. Higgins re-entered concussion protocol after hard hits but was cleared by independent neurologists during the game.
- The hosts stress NFL guardrails exist to keep teams and players out of the decision loop and avoid blaming team medical staff.
Hendrickson Chooses Surgery, Targets Free Agency
- Trey Hendrickson opted for surgery on his core/hip issue and will miss about six weeks, prioritizing readiness for free agency.
- Jay and Paul detail Hendrickson's place in Bengals history and his high sacks-per-game rate.
