The Bengals started training camp on July 24, and are now four practices into things. This is a crucial time, not only for chemistry to be built, but also for middle-roster players to battle for higher spots on the depth chart, and for fringe players to battle for a roster or practice squad spot. Through these first four practices, we are starting to get a glimpse of how things might play out.
From day 1, Burrow was out there running drills, and looked good in the process. Accuracy was good for the most part, but he did overthrow Tee Higgins once on a deep shot. But coming off a surgically repaired wrist, you can certainly see the positive, even on a play that didn’t work out.
Burrow’s chemistry with Mike Gesicki seemed to be good early on, as he was looking for him on several pass attempts. The big TE’s receiving ability is evident.
Jake Browning was working with the two’s, and had some solid completions. However, there was also a play that tipped off of the hands of Trayveon Williams, resulting in a pick for rookie S Daijahn Anthony. Allan George was also able to snag an interception.
Charlie Jones is battling for a spot, and he made a couple of plays on day 1, catching a back shoulder pass from Joe Burrow during 11 on 11 drills, and then one in 7 on 7 drills in traffic over the middle.
Chase Brown worked as the starting RB, which isn’t a total surprise, given that Moss is the new face. He has been taking advantage of this, looking explosive with the ball in his hands.
Tee Higgins, despite being in a tough situation contract wise, has been out there and making plays throughout camp. Burrow and Browning have found him at different areas of the field, and he has made some impressive grabs.
Andrei Iosivas has been turning some heads thus far. Back shoulder catches have been his thing, going back to college, and he made some nice ones in the first few practices. He also got a lot of work in the slot, which was a little bit unexpected. But being able to diversify his game certainly would not be a bad thing.
OT Trent Brown started camp on the active/NFI list, which allowed rookie 1st rounder Amarius Mims to take the first team reps at RT. This experience will be good for his development. Brown, meanwhile, got some work in on the rehab field.
On day 2, we saw Joe Burrow showcase his ability to scramble, as he evaded pressure from Sam Hubbard to find his checkdown option in Chase Brown.
Also on day 2, we saw a rare Shedrick Jackson sighting with the first team. He beat Hill down the sideline, and Burrow hit him for a 30 or so yard completion.
In the first few days of camp, rookie receiver Jermaine Burton also showed some flashes, demonstrating the ability to elevate and secure the ball in the air. He also looked pretty smooth going through his routes. One knock on him so far was a fumble committed as he was trying to run with the ball.
The Bengals punting battle is going to be interesting. Austin McNamara looked good from what I was able to see. But Brad Robbins has added 15 or so pounds of muscle, and also seems to have a stronger leg. New addition Ryan Rehkow is also talented, and shouldn’t be counted out completely.
The CB battle between DJ Turner and Daxton Hill will be interesting. Both have been battling. Turner was a great leaping pass breakup on Tee Higgins, at one point. However, both have also been beaten on some occasions. Iosivas got the best of Turner on one play, but the coverage was still pretty tight. The one with Jackson beating Hill can also be referenced from earlier on. While both Turner and Hill have been beaten at times, their coverage, overall, hasn’t seemed bad. The traits for both have really stood out.
With the new kickoff rule being implemented this season. The Bengals got to work early running some drills. Will be interesting to see it for the first time in a game when the preseason rolls around.
On day 3, Joe Burrow took the practice off, which was scheduled. Jake Browning worked with the 1’s, and seemed to have some chemistry with Tee Higgins. However, there was also a forced ball or two, which allowed Turner to get in for a pass breakup.
Browning also found Andrei Iosivas on a deep ball, as the young wideout kept his good start going. He beat Hill on the play. Hill then made up for it later by breaking up a pass in coverage against Higgins.
With Browning working with the 1’s, we saw a few under centre plays. On one, he found Mike Gesicki on a short route, off a play action fake. Myles Murphy was in his face on that play. Despite the size mismatch, Mike Hilton was able to make a play on the ball while covering Gesicki. The slot CB has a lot of fight.
On day 4, in just his second practice with the Bengals since signing, Hakeem Butler made a few impressive plays, including one down the sideline from Logan Woodside. His size was evident as an asset, and his speed might be underrated too.
Trenton Irwin was also impressive, making a deep catch from Burrow on day 4, while going up against DJ Turner. Not to be left out amongst a crowded TE unit, Tanner Hudson made a few nice plays, himself.
McPherson had a good day of practice on day 4, going 5/6 on field goals, with a make and a miss from beyond 50.
Looking at the injury side of things for the Bengals, Joe Burrow, as mentioned, looked good in his return to action. Ja’Marr Chase has not participated in practice thus far. Though Chase himself has not commented on the reasoning, nor has any member of the team, it seems to be related to his contract situation. The star WR is looking for an extension, and this seems to be a “hold-in.”
Trent Brown, as mentioned, is on the active/NFI list. DT Devonnsha Maxwell, meanwhile, remains on the active/PUP list, as does CB DJ Ivey.
DE Trey Hendrickson missed a couple of practices earlier on, but there doesn’t seem to be anything going on with him. Fellow DE Sam Hubbard left practice on a cart on day 4. He appeared to pull up after pressuring Joe Burrow on a play. He then was walking around under his own power, which was a good sign. According to Dan Graziano, he later had an MRI done, and the test results did not reveal anything negative. He is expected to be fine.
Rookie TE Erick All was activated off of the active/NFI list prior to day 4 of practice. It was good to see him participating in his first practice with the Bengals, after tearing his ACL last season.
