What's Happening?
Dylan Fairchild, a rookie drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, is expected to start as left guard when the season opens on September 7 against Cleveland. Fairchild has shown promising performance during the first two weeks of training camp, and he, along with other starters, is set to play at least one quarter in the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. Offensive line coach Scott Peters emphasized the need for Fairchild to adapt quickly to the professional level, highlighting the differences between college and professional football. Fairchild, who started 14 games at Georgia last season and was an Associated Press All-America second-team selection, is adjusting to the speed of the pro game and refining his footwork. He is committed to contributing immediately to the team, which struggled with protecting quarterback Joe Burrow last season.
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Why It's Important?
Fairchild's development is crucial for the Bengals, who are aiming to improve their offensive line after Joe Burrow was sacked 48 times last season. His ability to adapt and perform at the professional level could significantly impact the team's performance and protect their star quarterback. The Bengals are looking to avoid another slow start, as they dropped four of their first five games last season. Fairchild's progress and the overall improvement of the offensive line are vital for the team's success in the upcoming season.
What's Next?
The Bengals will continue to evaluate Fairchild's performance during the preseason games, with the starters expected to receive significant playing time to prevent a slow start to the season. Coach Zac Taylor plans to give the first unit extended playtime, especially during the August 18 game against Washington, to ensure effective communication and coordination among the starters.
