The Cincinnati Bengals just started putting the pads on at training camp.
These early portions of camp can be sloppy at times as both sides of the ball experiment with layering new things around new faces in new places.
Hence, onlookers might see reports that so-and-so struggled or one side of the ball really had an advantage over the other. But these things can change in a hurry.
As camp keeps ramping up toward preseason games and beyond, here’s a quick look at the early highs and lows for the Bengals.
Bengals training camp highs and lows
High: Dexter Lawrence’s defense is booming
The Bengals have rarely had a player like Dexter Lawrence on the defensive side of the ball. Most teams haven’t. It shows on almost every play he’s on the field. The edge rushers are freer than before to create pressure. And secondary stars like Dax
Hill have admitted their jobs are now easier.
Low: Joe Burrow’s under-center offense
Here we go again? The Bengals have constantly struggled with under-center looks with Zac Taylor. But it’s a wrinkle they need to add and Joe Flacco showed how good it can be in spurts last year. The bad news? It’s a tough time to try and get it right with Lawrence and an improved defense in town. One would think as camp goes on, this gets better. If it doesn’t, it might be time to panic.
High: Bengals rookies shine
Early signs say the Bengals have a draft class of hits on their hands. Cashius Howell, their first pick this year, keeps getting interesting looks in pass coverage in addition to his pass-rushing stuff. Receiver Colbie Young keeps making big plays and could be in the running for base-offense snaps. Don’t forget third-rounder Tacario Davis, whose massive frame keeps showing up big in coverage. And undrafted free agent wideout Noah Thomas even got praise from Ja’Marr Chase for making some highlight plays.
Low: Logjams on Bengals’ depth chart
There’s going to be some really tough calls and disappointments when it comes final-53 time. Look at cornerback, where draft pick Josh Newton had some hype in recent years but can hardly crack the lineup now. Or defensive line, where Kris Jenkins could be in the danger zone. Even tight end, where appealing upside names like Jack Endries might not stand a chance. That’s to say nothing about wideout, where Mitch Tinsley, Kendric Pryor and capable returners like Ke’Shawn Williams, never mind the mentioned Noah Thomas, could have some problems. So it goes in training camp…and it’s a good problem to have. But this is going to be one of the toughest 53-man cuts onlookers have seen in Cincinnati.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals training camp’s highs and lows after Week 1
