After a much-needed afternoon of the week day, the Cincinnati Bengals took to the practice fields once again on Thursday morning with their first checkup just a day away. Tuesday’s clear skies were long forgotten because clouds could not be found above downtown Cincinnati.
Such pleasant weather served as quality provision for how the second padded practice of Bengal underwent. Here are our takeaways of the day.
Burrow’s bounce back
Heisman Trophy winner, NCAA record holder, and national champion Joe Burrow did not experience much downtime during his legendary 2019 season at LSU. And every time he came down, he never stayed long.
As Tuesday constituted as an off-day for Burrow, he treated it with grace and moxie in his press conference afterward. But the tribulations are over.
In the first period of the 11-on-11 practice, veteran agent Josh Bynes signed a late over-the-middle throw from Burrow. Bynes said after practice that he saw the scene right before his eyes and was just waiting for the throw.
Burrow was down, but again, not out.
Today was apparently the first day that the playbook gave Burrow a chance to throw deep to his receivers and he took advantage of the opportunity. Immediately after the interception, Burrow connected with three different receivers deep in the field, one of whom resulted in a touchdown to Tyler Boyd.
After being intercepted by Josh Bynes, Joe Burrow showed great touch on deep completions to Tyler Boyd, Mike Thomas, and CJ Uzomah
– Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) August 20, 2020
Everything looked after Bynes’ interview the part of a good oil machine. According to Dan Hoard of Bengals.com, Burrow was 15-19 in both periods from 11 to 11.
Back at the Bynes interception, the veteran linebacker told reporters that Burrow came to him after the play and talked about what had happened. Bynes, who has been in the league for the last decade, said it was the first time he had seen a rookie quarterback do such a thing.
Josh Bynes points out that he and Joe Burrow were talking about the INT when they walked off the practice field. Bynes said he can not return as a rookie QB has done before.
– Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) August 20, 2020
Add it to the list “what makes Joe Burrow special”.
Burrow also spotted fellow rookie Tee Higgins joining the rally today. Higgins had a minor hamstring injury last week or so, but officially returned to practice today after going through individual drills on Tuesday.
Reader leading the charge
Trae Waynes ‘injury, the rise of Mike Thomas, and the intensity of Vonn Bell all receive worthy attention, but the Bengals’ free signing of this year’s free agency is not to be forgotten.
DJ Reader turned heads in the second day of true 1-on-1s between the offensive and defensive line.
DJ Reader is offensive lineman in one on one drill. It’s like he’s getting a lead. #Bengals
– Jed DeMuesy (@ Local12Jed) August 20, 2020
2019 was the year that Reader showed remarkable improvement as a pass rusher with the Houston Texans. It is one of the primary reasons why the Bengals pursued him so aggressively in free agency. To see him take part in the early days of training camp with how many hits the defensive line has taken this past month is nothing short of promise.
But, this is the reality with 1-on-1s in camp, it always favors the pass rusher. If the whole line comes together in a really simulated environment, then it’s when the real evaluations can begin.
We also had two days to see how Jonah Williams works against edge defenders Carlos Dunlap and Carl Lawson as well, and Williams continues to show strength and speed against those expert veterinarians.
To turn or just turn
The back six / seven of the defense experiment with different groupings at cornerback and linebacker. Several rookie linebackers are paired with veterans at that spot, and the rotation at cornerback is still ongoing.
With Darius Phillips taking the lead on Monday and Tuesday, it was LeShaun Sims’ turn to take reps with the starters on Thursday.
LeShaun Sims has received the most reps today as the third starting cornerback (with Mackensie Alexander and Will Jackson). Darius Phillips got them on Tuesday
– Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) August 20, 2020
Sims got chances at cornerback along with Winston Rose earlier this week, but the coaching staff brought Sims out today for a change. Expect Phillips to start checking in Friday, as he has the most work to do there.
The position group that does not seem to change is offensive line. Xavier Su’a-Filo and Bobby Hart have been consistent with the starters right and right tackles respectively. If Fred Johnson gets a chance to start with the right approach, it may have to come after Hart proves he needs competition in the eyes of offensive line coach Jim Turner.
Until then, Hart’s job does not seem to be in one kind of danger.
