The news from Monday’s training camp session was once again about the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense making plays. After an offseason of additions, this is music to fan’s ears. As the pads came on, the impact of free agent signing Jonathan Allen and the blockbuster trade for Dexter Lawrence II was felt all over the practice fields outside of Paycor Stadium.
While the performance of the defense has been applauded, some are wondering if concern for the offense is warranted. Reports state that Zac Taylor’s
offense has been operating from under center more than we’ve seen in any training camp, but the results seem mixed. While the run game had success Monday, the defense appeared to win more of the passing situations.
We’re in early August, so it isn’t time to panic about the offense, but coming out of training camp with confidence and momentum could do wonders for a defense that ranked at or near the bottom of the NFL in 2025.
Bengals News
Dexter Lawrence making instant impact at Bengals camp: ‘Honestly, he’s been terrorizing practice’
“A maligned Bengals defense loaded up on offseason upgrades to the tune of a practice group that offensive players say is more intense and competitive than Cincinnati’s defense flashed last training camp.“
Could one player make that big of a difference on a defense? It appears that it could. Add that to the other offseason additions and it is easy to see why the offense can see a difference in the 2026 defense as training camp ramps up.
Joe Burrow, Bengals find camaraderie on unusual battlefield
“Cincinnati’s first week of training camp has featured a few spirited practices, a noted practice scuffle and an intense edge from a team sick of missing the playoffs. But as it has looked to put the rest of the AFC North in check in 2026, the first days of the season have also featured a chessboard.“
Plenty of work takes place on the field during training camp, but connections are made in the locker room just as much, if not more. Players are spending tons of time with one another and finding ways to connect beyond the game are crucial. This year, the thing that is bringing them together appears to be a chessboard.
Training Camp Report | A Dax Hill Vignette As Bengals Put On The Pads
“I feel like we can play a lot faster, be more confident and play faster knowing the ball has to come out. Simple as that,”
Monday was reportedly a great day for Dax Hill. With all the talk about DJ Turner II’s contract, Hill is entering a contract year as well. Hill has battled injuries and played several different positions in his time in Cincinnati, but that experience and versatility were on full display for the first day in pads.
Bengals experience false alarm in first padded practice of training camp, Joe Burrow and the offense struggle in specific area
“The 25 year-old is eligible for a big-time payday before the regular season begins, which is when Cincinnati traditionally finalize its biggest internal contracts. He’s been completely locked in despite the potential distraction and it’s great to see him push through what appeared to be a cramp.”
A scare at training camp to say the least. For DJ Turner II, it comes while contract negotiations are presumably going on behind the scenes. Thankfully, Hill was able to get back on the field quickly. Meanwhile, the Bengals’ offense struggled in an area it would really benefit them to succeed at.
