Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp Recap
Last night, the Cincinnati Bengals held their practice at Paycor Stadium. This session felt the most like a real game so far in training camp. The team moved into intense “move-the-ball” drills towards the end of practice, where the plays were unscripted, making it a true test for the players.
Many have noticed the defense’s strong performance this camp, but it was clear that Joe Burrow and the offense excelled when the plays were spontaneous. Burrow completed 20 of 24 passes over four drives, leading to three touchdowns. Among the scores, Samaje Perine had a 1-yard run, and Burrow threw touchdown passes to Ja’Marr Chase and Tanner Hudson. Some argue that Burrow could have finished 21 of 24, thanks to a close call on a catch made by Tee Higgins that was ruled incomplete.
During the practice, the Bengals took chances on fourth downs multiple times, showing a fearless approach even in practice scenarios. Burrow wowed the crowd with three consecutive touchdown drives following a questionable call.
On the other hand, backup quarterback Jake Browning struggled initially but rallied to lead two successful touchdown drives in the later part of practice, showcasing his resilience and skill.
The defense, often praised, had to adapt without two top cornerbacks, which may have contributed to the offense’s success.
Play of the Day
There was a stunning moment even if it didn’t count. Burrow fired a pass to Higgins in the end zone. Higgins made an impressive catch, outmaneuvering cornerback DJ Ivey. While the play was called back, Ivey acknowledged it’s a catch regardless and highlighted Higgins’ talent in making contested catches.
Looking Ahead
The Bengals have strong talent across their team. Joe Burrow continues to demonstrate why he is a key player. Hailing from a strong draft pick, rookie Shemar Stewart showed versatility and energy during practice, leaving coaches excited about his potential impact.
Yet, all is not perfect. Right tackle Amarius Mims returned to practice but didn’t finish, raising concerns about his injury lingering. DJ Turner had a recent defensive holding penalty, which popped up at a crucial moment in practice.
In contrast, players like Kris Jenkins are stepping up, showcasing growth in their performance. Golden, the defensive coordinator, expressed optimism about Jenkins, noting he’s getting healthier and is more energetic.
As training camp continues, fans and analysts are eager to see how these developments unfold. The competition is heating up, and there’s much to watch as the Bengals prepare for the season.
For more insights on NFL practices and team developments, check out sources like ESPN and NFL.com for the latest updates.