Bengals Coordinator Al Golden Lauds Geno Stone Amidst Mixed Performance
CINCINNATI — In the aftermath of a crucial victory, Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of veteran safety Geno Stone. Despite a season marked by struggles, particularly with missed tackles, Stone has played a significant role in Cincinnati’s defensive efforts, especially during the final stretch of the regular season.
Stone’s Rollercoaster Season
This season has not been without its challenges for Stone. A notable low point came in Week 17 during the Bengals’ 37-14 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals, where a critical missed tackle on wide receiver Michael Wilson allowed a touchdown that could have shifted momentum. Nonetheless, Golden remained steadfast in his praise for Stone’s leadership and communication skills on the field.
“The success that we’ve had in the final eight games can be attributed to Geno,” Golden remarked. “He’s been a really good leader for us. His communication is exceptional, and he consistently puts us in the right defensive positions when it counts.”
Acknowledging Inconsistencies
While Golden’s comments highlight Stone’s positive impact, he also recognized the inevitable frustrations shared by players and coaches alike. “I think Jordan, Geno, myself included, would all say, ‘Man, we’d like to have one play back here, one play back there,’ but that’s part of the game,” he noted. Golden emphasized that the focus remains on improvement, both for Stone and the team as a whole. “I see a path forward for him to get better, and we’re going to keep coaching him,” he added.
Stone’s stats tell part of the story. With a career-high 101 tackles—four for loss—alongside two sacks and two interceptions this season, his contributions have been significant despite the occasional lapse in execution.
Looking Ahead
As the Bengals gear up for their upcoming clash with the Cleveland Browns, Golden was careful not to speculate about next season. In response to questions regarding Stone’s future with the team, he stated, “If I’m being completely honest, I’m focused on Geno and the successes he’s had. I’m not going into next year, really. We’re trying to beat Cleveland, and we’ve got our hands full.”
Stone, who signed a two-year, $15 million contract on March 11, 2024, has been a consistent presence on the field, having started 33 consecutive games since joining the Bengals. However, as he approaches free agency this offseason, his future remains uncertain.
As the Bengals prepare for their next challenge, the focus will be on tightening up their defensive strategy, with all eyes on Stone and his ability to bounce back from his previous missteps.
