In The Trenches with Dave Lapham
Dave Lapham brings his unique view from the worlds of football and broadcasting to his ”In The Trenches” podcast presented by First Star Logistics. Lapham, a 3rd Round selection of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1974 NFL Draft, spent ten seasons with the Bengals before playing two years for the USFL New Jersey Generals and owner Donald Trump. After his playing career, Lapham became the Bengals color commentator, a position he’s held for over 30-years. Dave uses connections made in sports and broadcasting to bring an exciting and energetic podcast to the masses with ”In The Trenches” presented by First Star Logistics.
Episodes

16 hours ago
16 hours ago
The biggest news this offseason for Cincinnati Bengals fans was the free agent signing of left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., a four-time Pro Bowl selection giving Joe Burrow a major anchor to help protect his blind side.
A lot will be expected of Brown after the Bengals signed the unrestricted free agent to a four-year contract that runs through the 2026 season worth a reported $64 million, including a $31 million guaranteed at the signing, the most for an offensive lineman in NFL history.
Brown fully understands the pressures of the NFL growing up around the game and learning from his late father, Orlando "Zeus" Brown, who played with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens (1993-2005) after going undrafted out of South Carolina State.
After a standout career at Oklahoma, Brown decided to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL Draft, where the Ravens selected him in the third round, pick No. 83. After three seasons and two Pro Bowl selections; Brown was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs where he'd earn two more Pro Bowl selections and help the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles to give him the first of what he hopes will be several Super Bowl rings.
In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics, enjoyed spending some one-on-one time with Brown to discuss his football journey and his excitement to be coached by Frank Pollack, play next to Cordell Volson, and protect Joe Burrow, who Brown was able to spend some quality time with in New York a few weeks ago.

23 hours ago
23 hours ago
For Cincinnati Bengals fans, the early stages of NFL free agency had many scratching their heads and wondering what the Bengals were thinking as multiple players on both sides of the ball left for other teams.
However, soon afterward, Duke Tobin and the Bengals' front office went to work, making a significant splash in signing left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to add more protection for quarterback Joe Burrow.
More recently, the Bengals added another offensive lineman, Cody Ford, to go with safety Nick Scott, cornerback Sidney Jones IV, and tight end Irv Smith Jr., leaving Bengals fans excited about the team's direction as we count down the days to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Dave Lapham was in the First Star Logistics studio and looks at the newest members of the Cincinnati Bengals signed during free agency.

3 days ago
3 days ago
We welcome authors Scott Burson and Sam Smathers to In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics, to discuss their new book, From Bulldog to Bengal: The Joe Burrow Story Through the Eyes of His Hometown (now available for preorder) from Orange Frazer Press.
Both Burson and Smathers have deep ties to Athens County and bring two different perspectives to the journey of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow from his days playing for Smathers in the area's youth football program and Burson's background growing up in Athens with a father who organized the areas youth recreation programs back in the '60s.
Both could bring a great deal of information on the growth and development of Burrow. However, much like the standout quarterback, both looked to bring those who've watched Burrow rise from local high school standout at The Plains (Ohio) Athens High School to Heisman Trophy winner and College Football National Champion at LSU after a three-year stay at Ohio State to the overall No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Bengals.
While interviewing over 60 people from Burrow's hometown and the blessing of Joe's parents, Jimmy and Robin Burrow, who read each chapter as the book was coming together.
Smathers, who was Burrow's first football coach, and Burson have put together, in great detail, the stories and experiences of what it was like to watch the kid everyone still calls Joey, just a kid from The Plains, go from neighborhood kid to NFL Superstar.

6 days ago
6 days ago
On this episode of In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, we join Ken Riley II to honor his late father Ken Riley who is a Bengals icon and one of the best defensive backs in NFL history.
Later this summer Ken Riley will become the 2nd player in Bengals history to be elected to the NFL Hall of Fame. After his college career at Florida A&M Riley was drafted in the 6th round by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1969 NFL draft. Riley became a cornerstone of the Bengals defense recording 65 interceptions which is still 4th most in NFL history. Riley is regarded as the best defensive player in franchise history and was a major contributor to the Bengals first Super Bowl run in 1981/82. Riley also was part of the inaugural class of the Bengals Ring of Honor. Riley sadly passed away in 2020 before he saw his name called for the Hall of Fame, but his legacy will now live on forever.
Ken Riley II and Dave not only talk about "The Rattler's" legendary on-field performance but also about how special of a dad and roll model Riley was to his son and grandchildren. You won't want to miss this very special episode of In The Trenches with Dave Lapham!

7 days ago
7 days ago
Be ready to get In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics, for a special "LIVESTREAM" Replay from the First Star Logistics Studio from Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
We'll be talking about the latest news surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals, as we're sure you'll have some questions surrounding all the Free Agency news surrounding the Bengals over the past week.
While the Bengals might have seen a handful of starters depart during the early NFL free agency period, they've also signed a few key players like left tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Nick Scott, with the possibility of a few other targets still being looked at.
Be sure to listen to this replay as we take questions about the free agent signings and the upcoming NFL Draft.

Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Wednesday Mar 22, 2023
Bengals Safeties Coach Robert Livingston joins Dave Lapham In the Trenches for today's episode. A big question mark last week during free agency was the loss of the Killer B safeties; Von Bell and Jessie Bates. Coach Livingston is here to calm the storm.
Coach Livingston talks about the young safeties that the Bengals drafted in the 2022 draft; Dax Hill and Tycen Anderson. Coach knows that losing Von Bell was a bit of a surprise but trusts in himself and his defensive staff to build and adapt a strong safety room to compete at the highest level for 2023.
Lap and Coach Livingston also talk about free-agent targets and upcoming draft-eligible safeties. After signing Nick Scott from the Rams do the Bengals make any other moves to improve the safety position in 2023 and beyond? You guys will defiantly want to check out this episode of In The Trenches with Dave Lapham.

Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Cincinnati Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack enjoyed a big week with the signing of Orlando Brown Jr. to take over at left tackle.
This episode of In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics, was taped before Brown signed his contract and was not part of the conversation.
However, Coach Pollack spoke on how Alex Cappa, La'el Collins, and Jonah Williams are working on rehab to prepare for the 2023 season, along with how rookie left guard Cordell Volson did this past season.
Most of the conversation gives an early look at nine of the top offensive linemen in the upcoming NFL Draft the Bengals could be scouting as possible new franchise members.
Get early insight into what the Bengals' offensive line coach thinks about the following players.
PETER SKORONSKI - NORTHWESTERNPARIS JOHNSON JR. - OHIO STATEDAWAND JONES - OHIO STATEANTON HARRISON - OKLAHOMABRODERICK JONES - GEORGIACODY MAUCH - NORTH DAKOTA STATEDARNELL WRIGHT - TENNESSEEBLAKE FREELAND - BYUMATTHEW BERGERON - SYRACUSE

Friday Mar 17, 2023
Friday Mar 17, 2023
When you want the latest on what is happening in the National Football League, the main NFL Insider is Peter King, who returns to In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics, to talk about the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals made a significant move this week when they signed offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to a major deal to help add more protection to Joe Burrow as the Bengals work to reach another Super Bowl.
Besides signing Brown, King and Lapham discuss who the Bengals could look at to replace the Killer B's, Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell at the two safety spots. King talks about some names Bengals fans are hearing about and a name not being talked about.
While fans are caught up in the free agency moves made by Duke Tobin, King stresses that future success will be determined by the actions the Bengals make in the upcoming NFL Draft.
As always, this is an episode you won't want to miss of In The Trenches for all fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Dave Lapham Talks Orlando Brown Jr
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
The past 24 hours have seen the Cincinnati Bengals fan base go from upset and confused by the loss of safeties Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell to over the moon about the signing of 4x Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who won a Super Bowl this past season with the Kansas City Chiefs.
We went directly to Bengals offensive line coach Frank Pollack to get his reaction. Now, Dave Lapham jumps In The Trenches, presented by First Star Logistics, to give his thoughts on the significant signing of one of the top free agents this offseason and the newest protector of Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow for the next few seasons.
How do you see the Bengals' offensive line shaping up for next season with Brown in the fold?

Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Bengals OL Coach Frank Pollack | ”Orlando Brown Jr Is Our Left Tackle Of The Future”
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Thursday Mar 16, 2023
Finally! The Bengals finally make a splash in this years free agency. Signing the best offense tackle available in Orlando Brown Jr. Brown has played for the Ravens as a right tackle and then switched to left tackle with the Kansas City Chiefs.
A 4x Pro Bowler in the last four seasons Brown automatically becomes the Bengals best offense lineman. Probably the best since Andrew Whitworth sadly left the Bengals in 2016. After a slow first two days in free agency the Bengals make one of the biggest moves of the young year.
Brown will make history with this signing, the largest signing bonus for an offense lineman in NFL history with 31 million.

Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell Leave Void In Bengals Secondary
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Wednesday Mar 15, 2023
Each year an NFL roster will see changes. Some are good, some not so good. This week, the Cincinnati Bengals saw two significant hits to their secondary when the Killer B's, Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell, left in free agency for more significant contracts.
Bates is headed to the Atlanta Falcons on a four-year deal at $64.02 million, including $23 million in the first year and $36 million over the first two years. The deal makes Bates the fourth highest-paid safety in NFL history for the time being.
The Bengals originally drafted Bates out of Wake Forest in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. During his career, Bates would start 79 regular-season games. Last season the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Bates.
Bell will head to the Carolina Panthers on a three-year, $22.5 million contract with a $5.835 million signing bonus and $13 million guaranteed.
Bell was initially drafted out of Ohio State in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. The Bengals signed Bell in March 2020 to a three-year, $18 million contract. Bell started 41 games for the Bengals during the past three seasons.
Jump In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics as Lap looks at the departures of both players and the direction the Bengals may head to replace Bates and Bell on the field.

Monday Mar 13, 2023
Bengals TE Coach James Casey Talks 2023 NFL Draft Tight Ends
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Great having Cincinnati Bengals tight end coach James Casey back to In The Trenches with Dave Lapham, presented by First Star Logistics.
Since joining the Bengals, Casey has seen a few changes in his tight end room. However, Casey knows there could be changes this offseason as Hayden Hurst and Drew Sample are unrestricted Free Agents, and Mitchell Wilcox, while a restricted Free Agent, has not been tendered a contract.
While Casey knows the Bengals still might look to bring a combination of the trio back into the fold, the 2023 NFL is proving to be one of the deepest tight end drafts in recent memory after several players posted impressive results at the recent NFL Combine.
Lapham and Casey discuss ten top names in this draft class, including the following players.
Luke Musgrave - Oregon StateDalton Kincaid - UtahMichael Mayer - Notre DameDarnell Washington - GeorgiaLuke Schoonmaker - MichiganTucker Kraft - South Dakota StateBrenton Strange - Penn StateSam LaPorta - IowaWill Mallory - Miami (Fla)Josh Whyle - Cincinnati

DAVE LAPHAM
Dave Lapham brings his unique view from the worlds of football and broadcasting to his ”In The Trenches” podcast presented by First Star Logistics. Lapham, a 3rd Round selection of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1974 NFL Draft, spent ten seasons with the Bengals before playing two years for the USFL New Jersey Generals and owner Donald Trump. After his playing career ended, Lapham became the Bengals color commentator, a position he’s held for over 30 years. Dave uses connections made in sports and broadcasting to bring an exciting and energetic podcast to the masses with ”In The Trenches,” presented by First Star Logistics.