Defense Defines Ohio State, Bengals Search for Answers, Browns Battle Injuries

A defense that refuses to blink, a roster searching for its voice, and a unit trying to hold together at the edges—Ohio football gave us a full spectrum week. We open on the Buckeyes’ 24–6 road win at Washington, spotlighting a defense that travels, suffocates, and sets a championship floor. Caden Curry headlines a relentless front that stacks sacks and tackles for loss, while the secondary strangles red zone options. On offense, Justin Sand’s quiet efficiency and a clearer rotation with Bo Jackson, Peoples, and Donaldson signal a workable blueprint—especially if the red zone clicks under the lights against Minnesota. Penn State and Michigan loom, with Illinois circled as a quiet trap.

Then we pivot to the Bengals, where scoreboard pain meets structural fixes. We get honest about quarterback trade options—Russell Wilson’s mobility vs. Cousins’ processing—and why the answer must pair with design changes: two-step timing, tight end hot routes, and flats that punish blitz depth. Penalties and O-line leakage demand empathy in the playbook, not hero ball. Leadership matters when your franchise QB isn’t there; sideline strain can’t become your identity.

We close with the Browns’ reality check: both tackles down, turnover tax up, and an offense capped at 14 points. Dylan Gabriel gets the nod, and the mission is clarity—protect with chips and slides, feed Jerry Jeudy with motion and cleaner stems, and let Jim Schwartz’s defense cash in field position rather than rescue it. London against Minnesota offers a chance to reset tempo and belief. We wrap with locks, upsets, and a quick look at Guardians and Reds postseason hopes, where keeping big bats under five and testing thin bullpens could swing a series.

If you enjoy smart, straight-shooting Ohio football talk—Buckeyes breakdowns, Bengals solutions, Browns grit—hit follow, share with a friend, and leave a review telling us your bold prediction for the weekend.

Tune in every week for a new episode!

Chapters

• 0:00 Kickoff: Ohio Football Scope
• 0:49 Buckeyes’ Elite Defense Statement
• 3:19 Offense: Red Zone and RB Roles
• 5:22 Schedule Traps and Night Game Predictions
• 8:07 Bengals Slide: QB Trade Debate
• 11:10 Scheme Fixes, O-Line Woes, Locker Room Heat
• 14:12 Browns Struggle: Injuries and Identity
• 17:14 Locks, Upsets, and NFL Injury Talk
• 19:19 Ohio Baseball Postseason Hopes
• 28:45 Sign-off

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:01

Welcome to the Scarlet, Orange, and Brown podcast, the show that brings you the best of Ohio football every single week. From the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Cincinnati Bengals to the Cleveland Browns, we've got every inch of the Buckeye State covered. Insight, passion, and plenty of bold opinions. Because here it's all football, all Ohio, all the time. Here's your hosts coming to you live from the Dublin bubble, Chris Usman and Ken Carpenter.

SPEAKER_01: 0:35

Hello, and welcome to the SLV Scarlet Orange and Brown Podcast. I'm Ken Carpenter.

SPEAKER_02: 0:41

And I'm Chris Usman.

SPEAKER_01: 0:43

And we are moving into week five for the Ohio State Buckeyes. They uh come away with a 24-6 win over the Washington Huskies up at Washington. And right now, going into the season, they have yet to give up a touchdown. What's your take on the Buckeyes after playing at Washington?

SPEAKER_02: 1:07

Um, they're good. They're the number one team in the nation. Um, it's not even close. Um, for them to say that Oregon is a debatable number one, not in my mind, not after watching that game against Penn State. Um Penn State and Oregon, I don't think, are in the same same boat um as Ohio State uh just because of their defense, Kenny. Um, you know, an elite defense, um, you know, they held Washington, who's scoring, I think, 40 points a game in their 22-game home win streak, hold them to six points. Um on the season, 5.5 points uh per game. You know, they're giving up on average. And you know, they played probably the class of the Mac, which was Ohio University, who scored the most points against them. Um, you know, I know there's gambling out there, but you know, Washington, um, that quarterback for Washington, they made out to be the second coming of uh um you know the quarterback for Arizona Cardinals, you know, Kyler Murray. And um said he could run all over the place and has a cannon for an arm, and you know, they scored six points. And um you had Texas with Arch Manning coming in here, they scored seven points. So I just think to me that you know, with Caden Curry, by the way, I think he was just named Big Ten uh defensive player uh of the week. And um, you know, you got Reese, you got Kenyatta, you got McDonald, um, you know, those guys they combined for six sacks, Kenny, nine tackles for loss. Their red zone defense was just um impeccable. Um, you know, I have nothing but great things to say about them. Uh, you know, offensively, if I had to pick some stuff, you know, I really think that um, you know, Saiyan's really starting to find his rhythm. And I don't know about you, but I saw the other day that, you know, he was third, I think, in the Heisman race right now, if I'm saying that right. I think he was way up there. But, you know, just thought his numbers, 21 for 27, 189 yards, two TD. That's what we need out of Justin Sand. I mean, we don't need, you know, um 30 for 44 passing, you know, with 350 yards, and you know, that's just way too much. I mean, we have to find that balance, and I think Heartline is is trying to find that good balance um there. The O is close. You know, we struggle in the red zone just a little bit, that efficiency. Um, but they did make more of an effort to get the ball to Jeremiah Smith. And that was impressive. So, you know, I think they're starting to figure out these running backs. Um, you know, if they want to burst the speed, quick hitter, it's gonna be Bo Jackson. Uh Peoples, uh, to me, I thought was really good catching balls out of the backfield. You know, Donaldson's a good mix of both. So, yeah, you know, we'll we'll see what happens.

SPEAKER_01: 4:22

Yeah, I think as long as everybody stays healthy, they'll they'll be in a good situation. And, you know, going into the rest of the season, uh you know, in my mind, the only two tough games that are that are gonna be a challenge for them is going to be probably Penn State and um well, we get Penn State home and then have to travel to Michigan, and just because it's Michigan, it's always gonna be a tough game. But uh they get Minnesota this week, who's three and one, and they're averaging thirty three points a game. But you know, they have yet to play Ohio State type of a defense. So I think it's going to be a a huge challenge for for Minnesota. And you know, if I if I were to nitpick, you know, the the two things that I just wonder about that they've got to really master is the red zone. When they get inside the red zone and uh I I just would like to see the offensive line open up uh some more holes because we have yet to really break one, it seems like, you know. I mean Bo Jackson's doing a pretty solid job, and CJ Donaldson's your you know inside the five type of running back, but I still think they need to uh get these uh running backs to really uh jump out and and break a couple of uh loans for him for them to really get going. But you know, as as much as Jeremiah Smith's getting the ball, I mean they still they need to keep uh you know spreading it around because they just got too many weapons to to just lock in on Jeremiah Smith.

SPEAKER_02: 6:07

Well, you know, a couple things you mentioned, you know, the the games remaining. Totally agree with the Penn State, totally agree with Michigan. Don't sleep on at Illinois. I mean, um, you know, they looked terrible against Indiana, and then all of a sudden they turned it around against USC and just looked, I thought they looked really solid. I thought that quarterback was solid. So, yeah, we can't sleep on Illinois at all. We can't sleep on anybody. I mean, but you know, Minnesota, some things I'd really like to see, you know, maybe some improvement on special teams. Let's shear that stuff up. Like you said, let's break off a couple long runs. We got to remember, I mean, last year we we had the best backs in the nation. I mean, Trevion Henderson, he's he's dominating right now for the New England Patriots. Uh just broke off a long touchdown run the other night. Um, look what Judkins is doing for the Browns. I mean, and that was our 1A, 1B. We're rolling out there in college, you know, and you talk about guys that could hit a hole hard, but they had the mass, you know, uh to bring in. I just don't think Bo Jackson has that mass yet, you know, to hit that. I mean, he hits the hole hard, but once he gets in the weight room for a couple years at Ohio State, I mean, you know, his junior year is just gonna be monstrous for us. Um I want to see him to maintain that defensive, be an elite uh against Minnesota, just don't let up that pressure. Um, you know, one thing that's gonna be different is it's gonna be a night game. I think it's what, a seven o'clock game at Ohio Stadium. And, you know, my prediction on this one, Kenny, if you had to nail me down to one, I think it'd be 44-13 Ohio State.

SPEAKER_01: 8:01

Yes, I I figured that the Buckeyes are gonna win and I got them going uh 35-10 winners. So yeah, transitioning over to the Cincinnati Bengals. They uh suffered another another uh tough loss to the Broncos 28-3. And they're off to a shaky start and the offense is struggling big time. But the good thing is they're in the AFC North and 2-2 gets you second place. So I think they're gonna have to pull the trigger and make a trade. And whether that's going out and getting uh Wilson and Cousins or even Jameis Woodson, I mean, uh I think they just need somebody that's gonna get them to Joe Burrow.

SPEAKER_02: 8:56

Well, you know, you you said it, Kenny. I I mean it's just uh here we are, you know, what is this? Week it's coming into week five in NFL, you know, and we're talking about how bad the Bengals and the Browns are. And uh it's just Cleveland's had some success uh lately, you know, uh as far as you know, they've had some decent teams out there. They were in the playoffs not too long ago. Same with Cincinnati. I mean, we had our Super Bowl run, um, but that consistency is not there for these Ohio teams. Um, you know, you mentioned the quarterback play. Yeah, it's terrible. It's terrible for both teams. Matter of fact, for the Browns, they just named Dylan Gabriel the starter um about four or five hours ago from CBS Sports.com. So, you know, that'll be different. You know, I don't think he's uh an elite arm, but neither was Joe Flacco. Um, you talk about a height difference, you know, between those two. Um it's just, you know, I don't think Joe's um arm is where it needs to be, but you know, we'll talk about the Browns when we get to them next. But you know, getting back to the Bengals, you know, our first four out of six games were on the are are going to be on the road. You know, and then our next five of seven are gonna be home. I mean, I think we need some home cooking. And you mentioned, you know, how bad everybody talks about how bad the Bengals are, and they are bad. I mean, they they warrant nothing, no kudos at all the past two weeks. But if the playoffs started right today, Kenny, we'd be six, six seat. And, you know, I mean, I know the playoffs didn't start now, but you know, I mean, you're right. I mean, we're second place in the in a uh division. Um, you know what people aren't talking about, in my opinion, are how bad are the Ravens. How bad are the Ravens defense? I mean, the Ravens defense has given up 35 points a game. I mean, that's just that's worse than last year's Bengals. And um, you know, we're in this. If you're right, if we can get a quarterback, and here's the asterisk. The asterisk is he has to be able to run. I think Russell Wilson can do that. Um, you know, cousins cannot do that. Um, I don't know about Jameis, you know, but I I know Russell Wilson can run. To me, it's a no-brainer that you trade for Shador Sanders, just simply because this kid was running for his life at Colorado, and he would still throw up points and hit his receivers and get killed and then hop back behind. You know, to me, that's like that's the perfect quarterback that we need right now is Shador Sanders. And the bad news for that scenario is they just named um Gabriel, you know, the the starter. So that means, in theory, I suppose that Sanders is the backup.

SPEAKER_01: 12:16

Believe it or not, I read this morning they announced that Flacco's the number two.

SPEAKER_02: 12:21

Okay, well, you know, so you're saying there's a chance, the old dumb and dumber movie, you know. So to me, that's where I would head. I mean, you know, um uh O-line needs help. How you help an O-line is you get back a little bit farther on your shotgun, you take a two-step drop, and you got to get rid of the ball. Where do you get rid of the ball? You get rid of the ball to your tight end who just simply turns around, or you have the backs go in the flat. Um, as a defense, as a linebacker, you got to decide, am I gonna cover this tight end? All right, and then as a cornerback, you got great receivers back there. You can't one-on-one Chase, you can't one-on-one T, you can't one-on-one um Iosovic. So that leaves a cornerback to say, do I come up and guard the flat? And we're just we're not we're not thinking. And um, you know, uh, I can't remember the last time we threw the ball in the flat. And you know, we need to utilize that more. Our offensive line, terrible. We can't even line up without getting uh illegal formation. I mean, Mems, Amarius Mems can't even look down the line and be like, oh my god, I think I'm two yards off the ball. You know, I mean, our our tackling angles are just absolutely filthy, terrible. Um, you know, it there's just a lot of things right now that um, you know, comes down basically to our O-line. 11 penalties and only nine first downs doesn't help. Uh, you know, giving up 534 yards over the last two games, uh, which is the worst different differential um in franchise history, you know, a minus 63 point differential, another franchise low record. Um, and how about this one? Um, you get rewarded by playing the Detroit Lions. You know, they got a two-headed beast with um those two running backs um that are there. Um, you got debatably one of the top receivers in the game, and um St. Brown, um, you got one of the best tight ends in the game. Um, you know, defensively, you got Aiden Hutchinson. Um, you know, I mean, these guys, I mean, this could get this, you know, they might have to do a running clock on this one. And uh if our class blocking does not get better, or you know, I mean, I know you can't run block all day long, but you know, you got to win in the trenches, and we are just getting physically whipped. Uh, and here's the other thing, Kenny. I want to mention this too. Watching that game against Denver, our players were not motivated. There was no leadership. People were complaining. Zach and Jamar Chase get into it on the sideline. Um, you know, and then you see that people on the bench looking around and shrugging their shoulders. You got people chirping and talking in the background, you got players coming up and questioning the coach on national TV instead of behind closed doors. You know, all that breeds negativity. And, you know, the Bengals of all teams should know that. And just because we've had one man, and I know he's Superman, all right, Joe Burrow go down, the whole organization implodes. I don't I know I don't buy that. Not for a second. I know he's good, I know he's one of the most elite quarterbacks in the universe, but my God, let's have let's have some heart and desire.

SPEAKER_01: 16:12

And yeah, and and have a plan B. Because it's the NFL where all these elite uh players in the league are all getting injured, and you know, going getting back to the quarterback, I I like your idea about trying to trade for uh Shadow Sanders, but something tells me that something must be going on at practice because if he doesn't get elevated to the number two, what exactly is he doing? And if you're getting moved over to Cincinnati, is he gonna be able to take all of that in and and you know flood that hole where I think if I were to pick I would go with the Kirk Cousins because one Atlanta has already said they will not put him in this season unless Penix is out of the game. So they they wanna they want to moving, but then you gotta deal with the big contract he signed with uh with Atlanta. So it you know, they're they're in a situation where they they if they could just get a quarterback in there, there's no reason why they can't win the win the AFC North because Pittsburgh's good, but they're all gonna be right around 500 when it's all said and done.

SPEAKER_02: 17:30

So 100%, 100%.

SPEAKER_01: 17:32

Well, you know, moving on to the Cleveland Browns. Uh one and three after losing to the Lions, uh their their problem, you know, you can say Joe Flacco's got two touchdowns, six interceptions, but both tackles are injured. And the guys they have are backups are not very good. And their offense is ranked 31st right now, and they cannot get past 14 points. They cannot put up more than 14. And I heard them talking this morning and I had to look it up because I was like the Browns are 32 and 11 when they win the turnover battle since Defensive's taken over. You know, the defense is playing good enough, but when you throw interceptions and fumbles and you know, maybe maybe Gabriel's answer. I I don't know, but you you gotta at least try and see if it's gonna work. But you know, they play in London against the Vikings this weekend, and there's potential that could be a winnable game.

SPEAKER_02: 18:46

Yeah, I'm right there with you, Kenny. How about this? I mean, I'm watching that game. They methodically go down the field against them and score a touchdown on the first drive, and I'm thinking, my God, they just figured everything out. They, you know, they beat Green Bay last week. They just drive down the field on their first drive, get a T D like it was nothing, and it's just the inconsistency. And you're right, they you know, they can't get over that 14-point hop. You know, Jerry Judy need, you know, to me, with that big contract extension, needs to be more consistent. You know, his route running, I mean, he could be an elite receiver, to me, in my opinion. And you know, I think he needs to get better on the routes. And, you know, what are people going to do? I mean, let's face it. I mean, they the teams that you know they've played against, I mean, they've had some elite corners and they just double Jerry Judy, you know, because Cedric Tillman, what he's been out with what, hamstring? Um, still, and I mean, you know, there's there's another weapon out. Um, but I just think they'd leave that defense on an island because of the lack of you know, zero-yard drives. And, you know, I mean, Judkins has been good, but I mean, the guy's a rookie, you know, and you know, besides his personal life situation, I mean, he's got some issues going on there. But, you know, um that O-line was expected to be that strength of that uh that that offense, and you're right, now it's a weakness. I mean, you know, Conklin with the elbow and Dewan with uh knee, um, and the two replacements, Lucas and uh Levinston, they've been struggling, you know, like you said, but you know, they did recently pick up um Cam Robinson, I think from the Texans. So um, you know, that that's a plus, in my opinion. And, you know, I think that guy, he's been good. I mean, he was uh late fifth rounder, um and I think he's gonna be good. But you know, hey, they got a home game um, you know, against Minnesota uh at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 9 30 a.m. And then, you know, the the last thing I want to mention too is I I just can't help but not like I don't know if I said that right, but Stefanski. I like this guy. I mean, I really I would trade you Stefansky in a heartbeat for Zach right now. You know, I just think somehow or another he keeps the team together, he keeps them playing hard, he keeps them motivated, you know, and you know, I think they're defensive coordinator, I like that guy too. What's his name, Kenny?

SPEAKER_01: 21:51

Jimmy Schwartz, yeah.

SPEAKER_02: 21:52

Yeah, Jimmy Schwartz, man. This guy's a former NFL head coach. Um I mean, they got good coaching going on in Cleveland, so they just need some breaks, man. They do.

SPEAKER_01: 22:05

Yeah, hopefully um it starts this weekend with uh Dylan Gabriel and uh we you know you never know. So let's jump to our locks and upsets for the week. Who do you have as your lock for the week? And I get the impression it might be the same as what I have.

SPEAKER_02: 22:25

My lock for the week is the Detroit Lions. I mean, dude, uh they this is gonna be I don't know what the spread is, but take it. All right, if the if the spread's 20, take it. All right. Um, what did you say the spread was? Like 12 and a half?

SPEAKER_01: 22:43

Something like that, I I believe, but I'm not 100%.

SPEAKER_02: 22:46

It's way too low. So take the Detroit Lions minus whatever points they're giving up, and you will win money. Um my upset special, and it's funny because this team is three and one, they look really good, and their only loss is to the Cincinnati Bengals, and it's the Jacksonville Jaguars. I'm telling you, these guys are good, and um I think they are going to go into Arrowhead, I think it's in Arrowhead, and they are gonna win this game, they're gonna upset the Kansas City Chiefs. That's my upset special.

SPEAKER_01: 23:31

Well, like like you said earlier, I I agree with you on my lock is gonna be the Lions over the Bengals, and my upset, it it's not much of an upset, but I think that uh Carolina over the Dolphins, and the only reason I'm picking that is Carolina plays better when they play at home. So I'm taking Carolina over the Dolphins on that one.

SPEAKER_02: 23:55

Yeah, Tyreek Hill, that was a pretty ugly injury, wasn't it?

SPEAKER_01: 23:59

Yeah. And I I heard John Gruden talk about all these guys are getting injured because they don't they limit all their practice time throughout the week.

SPEAKER_02: 24:09

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01: 24:10

And you have to pretty much prepare year-round so the body's never truly getting a chance to rest and recover. And it's amazing how these guys are just blowing out their Achilles just with no contact, and they're just coming out of their stands sometimes.

SPEAKER_02: 24:28

100%. And who'd you say said that, Kenny?

SPEAKER_01: 24:31

John Gruden.

SPEAKER_02: 24:32

And look what hat I'm wearing. There you go. University of Dayton Flyers. That's where John Gruden went out there. The Dayton Fly. Go Dayton Fly, yes. I love it. Um, yeah, you're right, Kenny. I think that's that's a big that's a big one. You know, I remember remember back when the bus ran for the Steelers, Jerome Bennett, they said he had to move his bed downstairs because he couldn't walk upstairs after the game. And he stayed in bed for two or three days after the game, and then he would come in on a Thursday, start hydrating, get an IV, start walking around a little bit, go through a walkthrough here and there, and that was just to be ready for a game. He never practiced, uh, just to be ready for a game. I mean, it takes a toll on your body. I mean, it's it's crazy. It takes a toll on your body. You and I both know that. It's just, you know, you're right. With the with the technology today, and and you know, sports medicine getting better, and athletic trainers getting better, and all these apparatuses and these sport drinks, and these therabands, and these weight lifting routines, and you know, all the supplements that these guys can take. I mean, there's got to be a way that we get these guys, you know, back a little bit um, you know, in good shape enough to play a game uh once a week.

SPEAKER_01: 26:18

Yes, definitely. And you know, to finish up here, uh, we're you know about 15 minutes away from the Cleveland Guardians playing game two of their their uh their playoff game against the Detroit Tigers, and then tonight your Cincinnati Reds are going up against uh just an unbelievable powerhouse of a team in the Los Angeles Dodgers. Let's just since both of you and I have been baseball coaches forever, what's our what are you saying is gonna happen with the the Cleveland and Tigers and then tonight with the Reds and the Dodgers?

SPEAKER_02: 26:57

Well, it it it's a two-game series now, I mean, for Cleveland and Cincinnati. And basically what you have to understand is, you know, Cleveland went against Scoobyl. I mean, that guy, you know, that guy might be the best pitcher in the major leagues. And I mean, you know, it was a close ballgame. And the Reds, you know, they go against um, you know, Snell, who the last time he faced the Reds for San Francisco when he was pitching for them, feeling no hitter. So, I mean, you know, there was two, not I mean, hey, Los Angeles can hit a fastball. You know, and I think it's gonna be a little, you know, I think Luttrell tonight, um, he'll he'll have some success. If he spots his ball and keeps it out of the middle, he'll have some success tonight. Um, but when you guys got Shovay Atani and people like that, I mean, it's just so tough. You know, but don't put it past, I wouldn't put it past either the Indians or the Reds to win stone to win tonight.

SPEAKER_01: 28:06

Yes, that's what I'm hoping for. At least uh you know, I think uh you know, the manager there for the for the Guardians uh vote, he just yeah, he says we've had our back against the wall the whole last half of the season, basically.

SPEAKER_02: 28:22

So yeah, same with the Reds, and you know, and and this. I mean the Dodgers, you saw what happened last night. I mean, the Dodgers have no bullpen. That's the reason they won't win the World Series. They have no bullpen. So they'll they'll outhit people. I mean, they scored 10 against Cincinnati Reds, you know. But if you can hold them under five, you get a really good chance of winning.

SPEAKER_01: 28:47

Well, that's all we can do is hope and uh you know get get the TV turned on and watch the game, and you know, hopefully good things will happen. It'd be ideal to have a uh I-71 World Series, but uh it's it's obviously a long shot, but one of these days.

SPEAKER_02: 29:03

One of these days.

SPEAKER_01: 29:05

Well, that's all we have for today. And as always, uh, I'm Ken Carpenter.

SPEAKER_02: 29:11

I'm Chris Usman.

SPEAKER_01: 29:13

And thanks for listening to the SOB Scarlet Orange and Brown podcast.