Reviewing the First Three Phases of the Cincinnati Bengals Offseason
By Jason Marcum
May 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) stands with head coach Marvin Lewis (right) during organized team activities at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
With the completion of their latest OTA session, the Cincinnati Bengals are now approaching Phase 4 of the NFL Offseason Training Program. I ncas e you missed it, here’s an explanantion of it:
May 20-23: Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
Phase one of the offseason workout program, the first two weeks being a maximum of three days. Coaches permitted but no live contact allowed.
May 28-31: Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
Phase two of the offseason workout program, the first two weeks being a maximum of three days. Coaches permitted but no live contact allowed.
June 3-6: Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
Phase three of the offseason workout program, the third week allows a maximum of four practices. Coaches permitted but no live contact allowed.
June 11-13: Mandatory Minicamp
Phase four of the offseason workout program, the fourth week allows three practices. Coaches permitted but no live contact allowed.
The Bengals won’t be hitting the practice field again until mandatory minicamps begin on June 11th. Here are some of the biggest headlines from the week that was:
With several offensive lineman out with various ailments, the rookies are already getting plenty of reps, particularly fifth-round pick Tanner Hawkinson. Andrew Whitworth is out due to offseason knee surgery and Andre smith was a no-show during the first OTA session. Head Coach Marvin Lewis said Andre Smith’s absence was not related to conditioning issues and that it was other matters that he was taking care of.
If he isn’t present at next week’s mandatory workouts, then there is something going on behind the scenes, but we suspect Smith was just skipping out on the voluntary portion of workouts.
Quarterback Andy Dalton loves what he’s seen from first-round pick Tyler Eifert, and knows how important these minicamps are for rookies like he and running back Giovani Bernard.
When it comes to contract talks with impending free agents, the bengals seem to be putting all of their focus into re-signing defensive tackle Geno Atkins, but even that may not be enough to get the All-Pro re-signed before the start of the season.
Special Teams Coordinator Darrin Simmons is a big fan of what fourth-round linebacker Sean Porter has to bring to the table, but knows the 6-1, 237-pound Porter has to bulk up if he’s to hold up in his rookie year:
"“But he’s got to bulk up. He’s got to get bigger. He’s got to be stronger,” Simmons says. “He’s going to find out the AFC North is a tough butt division.”When you’re drafting players that improve the bottom of your roster and don’t have to play right away, then that’s a good thing.”"
Tight end Orson Charles continues to get snaps at fullback with Chris Pressley still rehabbing. If Charles performs well enough here during training camp, Pressley could be an unfortunate roster casualty, though when he’s 100%, he’s a an invaluable asset at FB, despite only getting around 30% of the offensive snaps per game.
Cornerbacks Adam jones and Leon Hall have missed OTAs due to injuries. Hall is expected to practice next week after suffering a torn thumb ligament during a weightlifting session, while Jones is likely out for a little longer with a calf strain.
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