Cincinnati is six degrees from a Lombardi Trophy after pulling away from the reigning NFL Champions last Saturday. To win beat a contender like Tampa Bay in the postseason and vie for an actual title, the Bengals are going to need every tool possible, like the deep ball. And that's where Paul and Jay start today's show, with a Burrow-Chase and co. long ball update. What did Brian Callahan think of Jackson Carman's preseason outing? Will he remain shelved on the second unit? Is D'Ante Smith a viable candidate for a starting o-line job? In lieu of Jamal Adams inking a deal to make him the highest-paid safety in NFL history, PDJ and JM contemplate whether Jessie Bates will receive a similar contract. Will Cincinnati try to pinch pennies with Bates, or will they pay him what he's worth? Lastly, Joseph Ossai's injury; RPB buyers or sellers; preseason Q&A; Friday's Growler bet & Jay's got stats. 

Rundown:
(3:00) Deep ball insight
(18:00) O-line unknowns: Carman's learning curve & Smith's hopes
(35:45) To sign or not to sign Jessie Bates
(47:45) Ossai's injury; RPB buyers/sellers
(54:15) Q&A; Growler & Stats

Follow Paul on Twitter: @pauldehnerjr
Follow Jay on Twitter: @JayMorrisonATH
Save 33% on an annual subscription to The Athletic by visiting: theathletic.com/hearthatpodcastgrowlin
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices