The Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears shared the practice field on Thursday, ahead of their preseason matchup. Joint practices have been happening around the league, and in some circles, people will tell you those reps are more beneficial for starters than preseason games.
It appeared to be a back-and-forth affair on Thursday. Here is a recap from some of the beat reporters in attendance.
There was no video allowed, so these recaps will just be the reporters sharing what they saw. It appears the Bengals started off still practicing their under center game, something we’ve seen throughout camp.
Joe Burrow started off sharp with three straight completions. This is likely going to be Burrow’s most extensive work against another team this preseason, so it is good to see him start out hot.
The Bengals’ defense looked to be getting consistent pressure throughout the day. T.J. Slaton having a strong day is important as the defensive tackle room is deep and could force some tough decisions on cutdown day.
Second-year linebacker Barrett Carter made a nice play in 7-on-7 work, which is something to be encouraged about. The note about the pressure the defensive line got is always nice to see.
Josh Newton has reportedly been “in the doghouse” this training camp. With Dax Hill sidelined, Newton has gotten more action as of late and appears to be making the best of it.
There were a few scuffles on the day, but Joe Burrow normally isn’t involved in them. Apparently, a Bears defender held his jersey, leading to Burrow shoving him and a small scuffle. Burrow responded well with a strike to Ja’Marr Chase. Something you love to see.
A big year looms for Myles Murphy, while the Bengals may look to Cashius Howell to play a lot of snaps as a rookie. From the reports at camp, both of them had a strong day and were getting consistent pressure against Chicago.
There may be a battle for the kick return position. Ke’Shawn Williams had a nice play in preseason Week 1, and Thursday, Dohnte Meyers made a splash as well. That could be the path to a roster spot for the former CFL product.
It sounds like the Bears were getting far more pressure on Burrow than anyone would like to hear.
Dexter Lawrence II started to make his presence felt, and this time, it was an interception rather than a pass rush or a tackle. Cashius Howell knocked the ball into the air, and Lawrence found it.
Lawrence then got into the backfield for a would-be sack. Lawrence is continuing to prove to be a real problem for opposing offenses.
As the sides moved to two-minute drills, Myles Murphy came up huge.
The Bengals ended practice on a high note. After Murphy’s back-to-back sacks, Jalen Davis finished the day with an interception.
It seems the Bengals defense again had success and the offense had highs, but more sputters than you like to hear about. All in all, it sounds like a good day of work and, most importantly, no injuries.
