The Cincinnati Bengals have had pads on training camp for a while and are through the first check of the team.
Without pre-season games, camp is the only way to get a good idea of the winners and losers before final cuts and the start of the regular season.
Here are some of the biggest winners out of camp since padded play began.
RB Jacques Patrick
Aug 17 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, United States; Cincinnati Bengals run Jacques Patrick (31) back at training camp at the team training facility. Required Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
The running back took a hit when the team had to deviate from Rodney Anderson.
But Jacques Patrick, a former XFL star, has had no trouble stepping into the void.
In fact, while Burrow stole the headlines, it was Patrick who had some massive runes and it’s now pretty clear why the team locked him up on a three-year deal.
OL Jonah Williams
Offensive tackle by Cincinnati Bengals Jonah Williams stands on the sidelines while training with the NFL football team, Wednesday, June 12, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo / John Minchillo)
When it comes to Jonah Williams, quiet is good.
Williams has not had any major red marks on his play since his camp, which is what coaches want to see from a first-round technical debut on the field as a rookie.
The Alabama product has impressed coaches with his playing in camp, especially against some of the strong pass rushers he has to make.
OL Mike Jordan
Official guard Mike Jordan, Cincinnati Bengals, performs a drill during NFL football training camp, Monday, July 29, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo / Bryan Woolston)
Mike Jordan bulldozed Geno Atkins on at least one play at camp last week.
Jordan who does that would have to say it all. Coaches say he is slimmer and in better pro form this year, not to mention healthier. He has yet to face challengers for his starting spot left by Trey Hopkins.
With health provided, it feels like Jordan could be heading for a breakout year.
WR Mike Thomas
Aug 29 2017; Thousand Oaks, CA, US; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Mike Thomas (88) grabs a pass at training camp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Thomas was a quiet signing by the Bengals this offseason, especially compared to some of the bigger names they went and got.
But it was very clear that Thomas was important due to his previous connection with Zac Taylor.
That’s proven now – Thomas is one of those key depth guys who are already big and forming a great connection with Joe Burrow.
WR Auden Tate
Aug 17 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, United States; Cincinnati Bengals wide Auden Tate (19) during training camp at the teams practice facility. Required Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Bengals fans know all about Auden Tate at this point.
Tate was the big-play artist for the Bengals last year, humming for highlights from left and right on a bad offense when he played at AJ Green’s place.
To the surprise of no one, he does it again in camp, this time he also forms a good connection with Burrow. Tate will not start, but it’s clear he’ll be the first on the bench.
DL DJ Reader
DJ Reader of Cincinnati Bengals after a practice of the NFL football camp in Cincinnati, Tuesday, August 18, 2020. (AP Photo / Aaron Doster)
DJ Reader would always have a big impact for the Bengals.
But it was not so easy to predict that he looked unblocked at training camp.
Reader is one of the rising defensive stars in the NFL and the Bengals want to use him as a way to keep Geno Atkins more effective. Clearly… that will work.
S Vonn Bell
Safety of Cincinnati Bengals Vonn Bell (24) walks between drills during training camp at the Paul Brown Stadium training ground in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, August 17, 2020.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp
Vonn Bell had a ton of bargains to his leadership game before camp actually began.
Now he shows a lot of bite.
So much so, coach asked him to stop attacking players so hard.
Bell will start alongside Jessie Bates and in addition to his playing on the field, it is clear that he is one of the team’s most important additions, just for the leadership qualities he brings to the locker room.
QB Joe Burrow
Aug 17 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, United States; Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during training camp at the teams practice facility. Required Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
It’s hard to recall just how impressive Burrow has been.
Burrow cut the defense of Bengal into great control, and did exactly what he wanted. He responded to setbacks like a turnaround by immediately turning around and throwing a touchdown on the next play. He escapes the bush and makes plays as well.
Best of all? Burrow does all this with a ton of backup widgets. And he does it himself, after making checks on the line of scrimmage, because coaches have given him complete control to do what he wants.
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