On the list of things not to say as an NFL player before a game, this is one of them.
The Cincinnati Bengals are set to visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday as they seek to improve on their 2-2 record. They apparently discovered an information advantage regarding Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis, whom they believe tips off when he’s about to pass.
Let Bengals safety Jordan Battle explain:
Jordan Battle on Malik Willis: “He has a little slight little tap before every throw though, so I feel like we could use that as a key to break on the ball. He likes to tap the ball before he throws it, or he takes his hand off, and that that gives the read the break. He’s… pic.twitter.com/hI4hfjzm6t
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) October 8, 2026
“He has a little slight little tap before every throw though, so I feel like we could use that as a key to break on the ball,” Battle told reporters at his locker on Thursday. “He likes to tap the ball before he throws it, or he takes his hand off, and that that gives the read the break.”
That’s useful information that, if accurate, gives the Bengals a leg up on defending passes and creating turnover opportunities. It’s really useful if Willis and the Dolphins aren’t aware of it or aware the the Bengals are aware of it.
But now, thanks to Battle, the Dolphins are surely clued in on what the Bengals believe is Willis’ tell. And if it’s true, they’ll have something to work on in Friday’s practice ahead of Sunday’s game. This appears to be a notable misstep from Battle.
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Are Bengals up to something?
That is, unless, Battle and the Bengals are up to some serious subterfuge, and they want the Dolphins to think that this is what they think. As in, I know that you know that I know what’s going on, therefore the advantage is mine.
But what if the Dolphins realize that tactic and respond accordingly? This is what’s known in poker as a leveling war, which can lead to some extreme plays and exciting outcomes. Or for fans of “The Princess Bride,” this.
But are Battle and the Bengals playing poker here? Or did Battle just give away part of the game plan?