Bengals Laser-Focused on Playoff Return, Says Tee Higgins
Tee Higgins isn't sugarcoating it - the Bengals are frustrated about missing the postseason. But don’t mistake that frustration for chaos or finger-pointing. According to the wide receiver, the team is channeling that energy into something more productive: focus.
“I definitely think it will be more on the hyper-focused side than, you know, pissed off,” Higgins said during an appearance on the Orange and Black Insider Bengals podcast. “Obviously, we’re pretty upset we haven’t made the playoffs in a long time, but I think it’s more hyper-focused because most of the guys on the offensive side of the ball are coming back.”
That continuity on offense is no small thing. In an NFL where roster turnover is the norm, the Bengals returning most of their core offensive players gives them a real shot at reestablishing the rhythm that made them contenders in recent seasons.
Higgins emphasized the need for cohesion across all three phases - offense, defense, and special teams - if Cincinnati wants to make noise down the stretch. “You need all of that,” he said. “As long as we do that, I feel like we’ll be OK and make that run late in the season.”
It’s clear the Bengals aren’t dwelling on what went wrong - they’re looking ahead, locked in, and ready to get back to playing the kind of football that earned them back-to-back playoff berths not too long ago.
Browns Get Methodical in Coaching Search, Schwartz’s Future Still Unclear
The Browns are taking a different approach this offseason, and it’s not just about Xs and Os. According to reports, Cleveland is putting coaching candidates through a series of evaluations - including personality assessments like the Hogan test - in an effort to avoid past missteps.
This revamped process is a response to previous hires that looked great on paper but didn’t pan out on the field. Among the questions posed to candidates: how would they develop quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders? Other players like Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson were also part of the evaluation process.
One big question still looming over Cleveland’s staff is the future of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Sources indicate that Schwartz has told those close to him he would only return to the team if he were elevated to head coach - a scenario that didn’t materialize. He still has a year left on his current deal, but time is running short if he plans to land another DC role elsewhere.
At this point, it doesn’t appear the Browns will try to hold onto Schwartz if he’s looking to move on. And with several teams familiar with his work, there’s a good chance he’ll have options.
Meanwhile, the Browns are closing in on a new offensive coordinator. Former Akron and Ravens assistant Travis Switzer is reportedly the frontrunner for the job.
Ravens Retain Key Assistant, New HC Jesse Minter Outlines Vision
The Ravens are moving forward under new head coach Jesse Minter, and they’re keeping some familiar faces along for the ride. Special teams assistant Randy Brown has agreed to stay on staff, continuing his work with Baltimore’s specialists.
General manager Eric DeCosta shared that the Ravens cast a wide net in their coaching search, speaking with at least 20 candidates before settling on Minter. “It became apparent quickly that Jesse Minter was the right guy to lead our football team,” DeCosta said.
Minter, who brings a defensive pedigree to the job, made it clear he’ll be hands-on with that side of the ball. “I do plan on calling the defense,” he said.
“I think that’s a strength of mine. I think that’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
But don’t think Minter’s focus stops with defense. He’s already had multiple conversations with quarterback Lamar Jackson and emphasized his commitment to building an offense tailored to Jackson’s strengths. “I look forward to creating a team identity that allows him to thrive and reach his ultimate goal of bringing a Super Bowl to Baltimore,” Minter said.
The Ravens are betting on continuity and vision - keeping key assistants while empowering a new head coach who knows the building and the roster. With Minter at the helm and Jackson still under center, Baltimore isn’t looking to rebuild - they’re looking to reload.