Constructing the Cave Episode 3

Episode 3 of the Constructing the Cave series. 

AEW Revolution 2021 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on AEW Revolution 2021. 

Cincinnati Bengals 2020 Team Set Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a 2020 team set of Cincinnati Bengals cards. 

WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on the WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 event. 

Constructing the Cave Episode 2

Episode 2 of the man cave construction series. 

Constructing the Cave Episode 1

Episode 1 of the man cave construction series. 

Royal Rumble 2021 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on the 2021 Royal Rumble event. 

Jim O'Toole Bobblehead Review

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone reviews a 2014 Jim O'Toole bobblehead from the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. 

Frank Robinson Bobblehead Review

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone reviews a 2007 Cincinnati Reds Frank Robinson bobblehead. 

Tom Browning Bobblehead Review

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone reviews a 2008 Cincinnati Reds Tom Browning bobblehead. 

Bengals Recap 2020

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone recaps the 2020 Cincinnati Bengals season.

WWE TLC 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE TLC 2020. 

A Cincy Fan Zone Update

 

Hey guys! It has definitely been a minute since I last wrote a post for my website. 2020 has no doubt been the craziest year of everybody’s lives and it has definitely impacted the way I upload content to the Cincy Fan Zone website. A lot has changed for me in my personal life and combining those changes with the chaos that has been 2020 has been nothing short of stressful. To be completely honest, I kicked around the idea of ending the site as finding the time to consistently create content for it became increasingly difficult throughout the year. 

 

For the first time ever, there was a major lack of written posts as I only had time to upload a weekly video and was unable to carve out the time necessary to write and upload a post. And even though there was at least one video uploaded each week, the number of videos I usually film each year dropped as there were no fans allowed at Reds games which meant there was a sharp decrease in new bobbleheads to unbox. Redsfest was also cancelled which meant no vlog of the event, and Bengals autograph shows obviously did not make a return in 2020 due to social distancing guidelines. 

 

So with the year coming to a close and 2021 on the horizon, I decided to write a quick update post on the status of the Cincy Fan Zone website. After the WWE TLC 2020 review video, I will be taking time for the holidays. As of now, the first video of the new year is scheduled to be the 2020 Bengals recap video followed by a few bobblehead review videos I uploaded in 2014 but never published. January is then scheduled to end with the 2021 Royal Rumble review video before I reassess things for February. 

 

Thank you for continuing to check out my website and sticking with me during this insane year. I hope everybody stays safe and has a healthy and happy holiday season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cincinnati Reds 2020 SGA Sonny Gray Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds 2020 SGA Sonny Gray bobblehead. 

Trevor Bauer Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Trevor Bauer bobblehead. 

Marty Brennaman Microphone Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Marty Brennaman microphone. 

WWE Survivor Series 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE Survivor Series 2020. 

Joe Burrow NFL Draft Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Bengals NFL Draft Joe Burrow bobblehead. 

National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum 2020 Member Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum 2020 member bobblehead. 

FC Cincinnati Recap 2020

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone recaps the 2020 FC Cincinnati season. 

AEW Full Gear 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on AEW Full Gear 2020. 

Jeff Brantley Dual Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Community Fund dual Jeff Brantley bobblehead. 

Cincinnati Reds Pint Glasses Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a pair of Cincinnati Reds Community Fund pint glasses. 

WWE Hell in a Cell 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE Hell in a Cell 2020. 

Cincinnati Reds Community Fund MVP Package Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Community Fund MVP package. 

Nick Senzel Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Nick Senzel bobblehead. 

Edd Roush Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Edd Roush bobblehead. 

Reds Recap 2020

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone recaps the 2020 Cincinnati Reds season. 

Cincinnati Reds Batman Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Batman bobblehead. 

WWE Clash of Champions 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE Clash of Champions 2020. 

Cincinnati Reds Superman Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Superman bobblehead. 

Sonny Gray Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Sonny Gray bobblehead. 

Aristides Aquino Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Aristides Aquino bobblehead. 

Cincinnati Bengals 2020 Season Outlook

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone previews the 2020 Cincinnati Bengals' season.

AEW All Out 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on AEW All Out 2020. 

Glenn Braggs Bobblehead

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Glenn Braggs bobblehead. 

WWE Payback 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE Payback 2020. 

Hal Morris Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Hal Morris bobblehead. 

WWE SummerSlam 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE SummerSlam 2020. 

Mr. Redlegs Eekeez Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Mr. Redlegs Eekeez. 

Who Day Eekeez Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Who Dey Eekez. 

Paul Derringer Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Paul Derringer bobblehead. 

Peter Warrick Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Bengals bobblehead of Peter Warrick. 

Justin Vaive Riding the Beast Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Cyclones bobblehead of Justin Vaive riding the Beast. 

WWE Extreme Rules 2020

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE Extreme Rules 2020. 

Bobby the Bobblehead Hall of Fame Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a National Bobblehead Hall of Fame Bobby bobblehead. 

Buddy the Elf Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Buddy the Elf bobblehead. 

Batman Puckchop Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Cyclones Batman Puckchop bobblehead. 

WWE Backlash 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE Backlash 2020. 

Derek Dietrich Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Derek Dietrich bobblehead. 

Welcome to FC Cincinnati, Jaap Stam!

FC Cincinnati’s fifth season may currently be on hold, but that did not stop the team from naming a new head coach before play resumed. Jaap Stam was officially introduced as the club’s new manager, the team’s fifth in as many years. Stam takes over as head coach following the dismissal of Ron Jans earlier this year. 

Stam comes to FC Cincinnati with some coaching experience under his belt. He was the head coach of Reading from June 2016 to March 2018 and PEC Zwolle from December 2018 to May 2019. Stam looks to right the FCC ship after the team started the season with an 0-2-0 record. Assuming the season restarts and star player Jurgen Locadia is still with the orange and blue, Stam might have the greatest chance to succeed in MLS compared to the team’s previous head coaches. The 2020 FCC roster is unquestionably better than the inaugural team of last season and with proper guidance, could be a good squad.

As I write this, MLS and the Major League Soccer Players Association are reportedly working on a new collective bargaining agreement which could lead to the resumption of the sport in America. Early reports say that the MLS might conduct the rest of the 2020 season in Orlando, Florida via a tournament. Should that tournament come to fruition, Stam will have the opportunity to endear himself to FCC fans everywhere by leading the team to a tournament title. 

Richmond Webb Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Bengals bobblehead of Richmond Webb. 

Joe Mixon Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Bengals Joe Mixon bobblehead. 

AEW Double or Nothing 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on AEW Double or Nothing 2020. 

Jesse Winker Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Jesse Winker bobblehead. 

Yasiel Puig Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a FOCO Cincinnati Reds bobblehead of Yasiel Puig. 

WWE Money in the Bank 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE Money in the Bank 2020. 

Man Cave Tour

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone gives a tour of his man cave. 

Thank You, Andy

Last week, the Cincinnati Bengals officially released Andy Dalton making the Red Rile an NFL free agent for the first time since he entered the league in 2011. Dalton was the starting quarterback for the Bengals ever since the team drafted him out of Texas Christian University. Even though Bengals fans knew this day was coming ever since the “Bungle for Burrow” mantra took over Cincinnati last season, it was still a bit of shock as Dalton had been with the team for nearly a decade. 

As a lifelong Bengals fan, I can honestly say I have never had more fun watching this team than during Dalton’s nine years behind center. In 2011, he and fellow rookie draft pick A.J. Green gave fans hope after Chad Johnson wound up with the New England Patriots and Carson Palmer threatened to retire if the Bengals did not trade him. In his first season, Dalton helped lead the team to a 9-7 record and a playoff appearance as a wildcard team when everybody thought the Bengals would finish last in the league. This playoff appearance was the first of five consecutive seasons in which the Bengals would qualify for the postseason.

The Bengals would earn wildcard berths again in 2012 and 2014 and would win the AFC North Division in 2013 and in 2015. During that stretch, Dalton and the Bengals had some of the most exciting wins in franchise history. In 2012, they marched into Pittsburgh and won on a late field goal that knocked the Steelers out of playoff contention while clinching a playoff spot for the Bengals. During their 8-0 home record season of 2013, the Bengals beat the Green Bay Packers in comeback fashion. In 2014, the Bengals beat the Denver Broncos in a Monday night thriller that clinched a postseason spot. In 2015, Dalton helped lead a furious late game come from behind victory over the Seattle Seahawks in overtime which I still consider to be my all-time favorite Bengals game. 

Despite Dalton’s regular season success, the one knock on his career with the Bengals is the lack of postseason victories. The Bengals were 0-5 in the playoffs during that five year stretch, and Dalton was often blamed for the team’s postseason losses. However, Dalton will still go down in Bengals history as one of the franchise’s best quarterbacks. He set a few franchise records and is more than deserving of a Bengals Hall of Fame election (if the Bengals ever create a team Hall of Fame).

If I could say one thing to Andy Dalton, it would be thank you. Thank you for coming to the Bengals when the team was in turmoil and helping establish a culture of winning. Thank you for all your work in the community and helping make the city of Cincinnati a better place. Thank you for being an excellent representation of the Bengals franchise for nearly a decade. Thank you, Andy. 

Who Dey Draft 2020

The moment that the city of Cincinnati had been waiting for since last December finally came to fruition. Heisman Trophy winner, national champion, and local kid Joe Burrow is officially the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals. The 2020 NFL Draft happened last weekend and although it was a virtual format, that did not dampen the excitement of Bengals fans everywhere as the team chose the cornerstone of the franchise for the next 10-15 years. Aside from Burrow, key pieces that will shape the team’s future and launch the Bengals to championship success were also drafted. 

The Bengals had the number one overall pick in the draft by virtue of the horrendous 2019 season. Selecting Burrow as the top pick was the easiest decision of the entire draft process. Burrow had the greatest college football season in the history of the sport and was a no-brainer to be the face of the franchise. Aside from his incredible resume, Burrow is also a local kid as he grew up in Athens, Ohio, which Is about a three-hour drive from Cincinnati. If everything goes according to plan, Burrow will lead his local childhood team to multiple Super Bowl championships.

The Bengals have their quarterback, but he needs to targets to throw to on the field. The Bengals got him one in the second round of the draft by selecting wide receiver Tee Higgins out of Clemson. Higgins and Burrow reportedly did some training together before the draft and the rookie duo are poised to be the next big offensive combo for the Bengals for years to come. Higgins has said he became a Bengals fan after the team drafted his favorite player, A.J. Green, in 2011. Higgins grew up modeling his game after Green, and he now has the opportunity to play alongside his idol. 

The Bengals have not had the best linebackers the last few years and used this year’s draft to address that need. In the third round, they selected linebacker Logan Wilson out of the University of Wyoming. Considered to be one of the more athletic players at his position in the draft, the team jumped at the opportunity to select Wilson with their third-round pick. Wilson already has some experience with the Bengals as their staff met with Wilson while coaching the Senior Bowl.

The Bengals went back to the linebacker well in round four by drafting Akeem Davis-Gaither out of Appalachian State. The team clearly looks to rebuild its linebacker squad as any Bengals fan could easily tell you that it has been an absolute disaster for the past few seasons. Like Wilson, Davis-Gaither met the Bengals coaching staff at the Senior Bowl and was named a captain of his Senior Bowl team.

The Bengals stayed on the defensive side of the ball by drafting Khalid Kareem in the fifth round. Kareem played collegiately at Notre Dame as a defensive end. The Bengals need another guy to rush into the backfield, and Kareem looks to fill that spot as he racked up a total of 13 sacks for the Fighting Irish. 

The sixth-round pick selected by the Bengals was Hakeem Adeniji, an offensive tackle who played at the University of Kansas. Adeniji was the only lineman selected by the Bengals during the entire draft which was odd considering how poor the offensive line has been in recent years. He was a four-year starter for the Jayhawks and seemed to make a good impression on the Bengals coaching staff at the Senior Bowl.

The seventh and final pick of the Bengals in the 202 NFL draft was Markus Bailey, a linebacker out of Purdue. Bailey was the third linebacker taken by the Bengals in the draft despite missing his entire senior season with a torn ACL. With the position being a big need, it is no shock that the Bengals loaded up on linebackers in this year’s draft.

The Bengals addressed most of their needs in this year’s NFL draft. They stocked up on defense, drafted an offensive line, and added two possible franchise cornerstones that could lead to championship success. I do wish that they would have selected an offensive lineman earlier in the draft, but I cannot help but feel excited about the players they have added to the roster. Tee Higgins could be the heir apparent to A.J. Green, and Joe Burrow is shaping up be the biggest star in the history of the franchise. I can honestly say I have never been this hyped to be a Bengals fan. The only things that could top this feeling are a playoff win and Super Bowl championships, and this draft class has the potential to accomplish both of those things. 

Who Dey!

Gary the Lion Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes an FC Cincinnati Gary the Lion bobblehead. 

Cincinnati Reds 150th Anniversary Ken Griffey Jr. Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds 150th Anniversary Ken Griffey Jr. bobblehead.

Ted Kluszewski Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Ted Kluszewski bobblehead. 

FC Cincinnati Retro Bobble Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes an FC Cincinnati Retro Bobble bobblehead. 

WWE WrestleMania 36 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE WrestleMania 36. 

Kendall Waston Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Kendall Waston bobblehead. 

Cincinnati Reds 2020 Season Outlook

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone previews the 2020 Cincinnati Reds season.

Vada Pinson Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Vada Pinson bobblehead.

Cincinnati Reds 150th Anniversary Johnny Bench Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds 150th Anniversary Johnny Bench bobblehead.

WWE Elimination Chamber 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE Elimination Chamber 2020.

AEW Revolution 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on AEW Revolution 2020.

Cincinnati Reds 150th Anniversary Tony Perez Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds 150th Anniversary Tony Perez bobblehead. 

FC Cincinnati 2020 Season Outlook

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone previews the 2020 FC Cincinnati season.

Yasiel Puig Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Yasiel Puig bobblehead.

Gus Bell Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Gus Bell bobblehead. 

150th Anniversary Barry Larkin Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds 150th anniversary Barry Larkin bobblehead. 

Black Panther Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Black Panther bobblehead. 

Bengals Recap 2019

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone recaps the Cincinnati Bengals' 2019 season. 

150th Anniversary Joe Morgan Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds SGA 150th Anniversary Joe Morgan bobblehead.

WWE Royal Rumble 2020 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on the 2020 WWE Royal Rumble event. 

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Joe Nuxhall Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Joe Nuxhall bobblehead.

National Bobblehead Hall of Fame Kids Club Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a National Bobblehead Hall of Fame Kids Club bobblehead.

National Bobblehead Hall of Fame White Jersey Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a National Bobblehead Hall of Fame white jersey bobblehead. 

National Bobblehead Hall of Fame Gold Jersey Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a National Bobblehead Hall of Fame Gold Jersey bobblehead. 

Mr. Redlegs World Series Championship Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Mr. Redlegs World Series Championship bobblehead. 

Redsfest 2019 Day 2

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone vlogs about day 2 of Redsfest 2019.

2014 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Barry Larkin Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a 2014 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Barry Larkin bobblehead. 

WWE TLC 2019 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE TLC 2019. 

Redsfest 2019 Day 1

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone vlogs about day 1 of Redsfest 2019.

2014 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Sparky Anderson Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a 2014 Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Sparky Anderson bobblehead. 

Ready for Redsfest 2019

It's the most wonderful time of the offseason for members of Reds Country! Redsfest 2019 will happen this weekend at the Duke Energy Center. Cincinnati Reds fans from all over the country will gather for the one of a kind fan fest that celebrates the very first franchise in Major League Baseball history. 

The fun gets started on Friday, December 6, and will continue through Saturday, December 7. Fans can buy passes for either one day or both. In order to get the full Redsfest experience, I recommend purchasing the two day pass. If you are a Reds Hall of Fame and Museum member or a season ticket holder, your two day ticket pass is free. 

Once you check in at Redsfest, you will receive a Reds lanyard to hold your ticket as well as a free Reds swag bag with a free gift inside. Past gifts have included a winter hat, socks, and an ornament. After you check in, you can finally enter the convention center and behold the glory of the Redsfest event. 

Inside are tons of Reds memorabilia such as jerseys, autographs, bobbleheads, and even the World Series Championship trophies. There is a stage area where you can watch Reds Family Feud, ask the players questions, and get your picture taken with the mascots. There is a game area, wiffle ball fields, and booths where you can get your picture taken with players. You can play Redsfest Bingo and participate in the Reds Community Fund Poker Tournament that features current and former Reds players. 

It wouldn't be a fan fest without autographs, and the signing sessions are my favorite part of Redsfest. You can get autographs from current players and Reds legends. There are multiple signings happening at the same time throughout the event so you are pretty much guaranteed to get at least one autograph during your time at Redsfest. 

I cannot wait for Redsfest 2019. I have a free two day ticket because of my Reds Hall of Fame membership, and I plan on being there from open to close on both days. I'm hoping to get a lot of autographs and maybe a few bobbleheads if I can find some good deals. If you see me, come say hi!

150th Anniversary Ernie Lombardi Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds 150th anniversary Ernie Lombardi bobblehead. 

Nazo No Sakana Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Nazo No Sakana bobblehead. 

Survivor Series 2019 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on WWE Survivor Series 2019.

Ichiro Suzuki Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes an Ichiro Suzuki bobblehead. 

AEW Full Gear 2019 Thoughts

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone shares his thoughts on AEW Full Gear 2019. 

Minneapolis Miracle Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Minnesota Vikings Minneapolis Miracle Case Keenum and Steffon Diggs double bobblehead. 

Football Frustration

The Cincinnati Bengals are beyond a shadow of a doubt the most frustrating team to be a fan of in the Queen City. The team is often regarded as stale, stubborn, and behind the times. Last Tuesday showcased that sentiment in spades.

With the NFL trade deadline approaching at 4PM on 10/29, the only news to break from the Bengals front office was that quarterback Andy Dalton would be benched after the bye week in favor of starting rookie Ryan Finley who was taken in the fourth round of the draft. I support the move. Dalton is essentially a lame duck quarterback at this point and the Bengals need to see what they have in Finley before the 2020 NFL draft. Unfortunately, that was the only move the Bengals made.

Reports were swirling that other teams had reached out to the Bengals regarding Carlos Dunlap, Geno Atkins, Dre Kirkpatrick, Tyler Eifert, and A.J. Green. Some serious draft picks could've been acquired in exchange for any of the guys listed and yet the Bengals did not pull the trigger on a single trade. Green alone could have garnered a first round pick and considering how he can walk away at the end of the season, it is baffling that this team did not move him as there is no guarantee he will sign another Bengals contract.

Coach Zac Taylor was heard multiple times throughout the week leading up to the trade deadline that they want to evaluate the current roster. I really hope somebody was telling him to say that, as bad as that sounds. When your team is 0-8, what is there to evaluate? The Bengals suck this season. That is your evaluation. Expecting something different with the same aging cast of characters next season? That's insanity. What's more insane than that? Being a Bengals fan.

Despite all the frustration the Bengals give me every week and the absolute incompetence demonstrated by the ownership and front office, I am still a fan. For some stupid reason, I am still invested in this franchise and want to see them succeed. That is why it is beyond infuriating to watch this franchise do nothing at the trade deadline. Instead of trading away players to gather draft picks that can help rebuild the franchise, the Bengals stayed stagnant and appear consent with the way things are.

Obviously, the fans are not content. The city of Cincinnati is not content. There needs to be a big change or shakeup within the Bengals organization. Something that would revitalize the fanbase and take this team to the next level is desperately needed. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen. As for now, expect more of the same old, incompetent Bengals.

Who Dey...

FC Cincinnati Recap 2019

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone recaps the 2019 FC Cincinnati season. 

Pat Moran Bobblehead Unboxing

Ryan of Cincy Fan Zone unboxes a Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Pat Moran bobblehead.