The Bengals have completed their first four training camp practices, with Saturday being their “Back Together” day, which was held inside Paul Brown Stadium. As things progress, we will be able to come out of these practices with more takeaways. Nevertheless, there are still some valuable insights that can be drawn from these first four days.
Recap:
Burrow, Hopkins, Uzomah ready to go
Joe Burrow and Trey Hopkins both suffered torn ACL’s last year but were ready to go for training camp. Hopkins’ injury came later in week 17, so he was more limited. However, Burrow has a solid workload and seemed to be moving well.
Uzomah, meanwhile, suffered a season ending achilles injury back in week 2. He is also good to go. Like Hokins, he is limited and did have some practice time off. Nevertheless, it is good to see him out there.
Burrow and Chase get going early
The Burrow to Chase connection seems to be picking up right where they left off in college. Chase has gotten plenty of targets from Burrow and the two have connected on some long bombs.
There is still some rust to shake off, as Burrow underthrew Chase on one route, and Chase dropped the ball on another. It is still early, however, and these small miscues are nothing worth losing sleep over.
Boyd and Higgins also doing well
Tyler Boyd has also seen his fair share of targets, including a completion up the seam. Higgins was able to go up for a nice grab in the back of the endzone.
Tyler Boyd mentioned that Higgins seems a lot more confident this year, and also in better shape.
Trent Taylor the star through four days
Trent Taylor might be the Bengal that has stood out the most thus far. He has made a number of good catches, including a diving one handed catch on Friday, and another one handed catch for a TD on Saturday. He has also gotten extensive work as a punt returner.
It is early, but he seems to be securing his spot on the team.
The other Trent turning heads too
In addition to Trent Taylor, Trent Irwin has been making a few plays. It will be tough for him to make the roster, but early on, he is doing his part. Could also go a long way to securing a spot on the practice squad.
Surprise: Auden Tate has strong hands
Well, it is actually to no one’s surprise.
As in previous years, Auden Tate has been showing off his strong hands and great body control. A couple plays of note were a catch over the middle and an impressive back shoulder grab.
Joe Mixon and Trayveon Williams stand out at RB
Joe Mixon has been looking like his old self, after missing most of last year with an injury. His cuts have been sharp and he turned some heads with a 70 yard TD run. As well, Mixon has been applauded for his great attitude — he is constantly cheering on teammates.
Trayveon Williams has also looked sharp and seemingly much improved. This could help give him an edge in what should be a tight competition with Chris Evans and Pooka Williams.
Starting OL includes two vets at G
The starting OL (left to right) consisted of
Jonah Williams – Quinton Spain – Trey Hopkins – Xavier Su’a-Filo – Riley Reiff
Rookie Jackson Carman is firmly in the race to start at RG. Frank Pollack is making him earn it, however.
Awuzie the star on defence
Chidobe Awuzie has looked the part so far. He has broken up a few passes, including a couple intended for Ja’Marr Chase.
Don’t forget about Waynes
Trae Waynes was also applauded for sticking step by step with Chase, leading to the pass going incomplete.
Logan Wilson to wear the headset
Second year LB Logan Wilson will be wearing the headset on defence this year. This locks him into a major role and shows that the coaching staff has a lot of trust in him to take on more responsibility.
Kareem got some reps with the first team defense
This was thanks to a scheduled day off for Trey Hendrickson. Kareem reportedly looked solid in what was a good opportunity for him. Him getting those reps is also significant because it shows that he is currently ahead of Joseph Ossai. However, considering Carman is also behind Su’a-Filo, it should come as much of a surprise.
Kicking battle ongoing with McPherson slightly ahead
Evan McPherson has been close to perfect. He was perfect on the opening day, before missing his final kick, which was a 60 yarder. He did have the distance, though.
Austin Seibert did miss a kick on his first day, as well as one on Saturday. Overall though, it seems he has been pretty solid. But solid likely won’t be enough to beat out the rookie.