Bengals OTAs: Starting Another Championship Run
By Emile Pierce
It’s a new year for the Bengals. It’s time to prepare for greatness.
It’s time to gear up the smack talk and get the rumors flying. The Bengals began OTAs at Paul Brown Stadium, on Tuesday morning. The fireworks have been lit and the fuse is burning. Though the intense nine sessions of organized team activities won’t be as grueling as Training Camp, the Bengals will get a good feel for the new warriors. The ground is being broken for a championship run.
Offensive coordinator Ken Zampese will have the chance to debut his scheme. The new toys will be available for tinkering and Andy Dalton will be back in action. It all points to another exciting year filled with big accomplishments for the Bengals.
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There’s no need to worry about Dalton. As stated before, he’ll be fine. The thumb has healed and he’s zipping the football like a madman. He’s hitting his fellow Bengals in stride. Dalton will have the same connection with Zampese as he did with Hue Jackson. In fact, the only thing that may change is the language of the philosophy.
Dalton and Zampese have an understanding that goes beyond the current year. But, as things are played forward, the evolution of thoughts will take on another dimension. If you think Mr. Spock and the Vulcan mind meld, you’ll probably be on the right track. Dalton explained the connection, per Cincinnati Bengals.
"“I’ve been fortunate that there’s been a lot of give and take with every coordinator I’ve had. And since I’ve been with Zamp for a long time I feel like we understand each other. We’ll see. It’s kind of going to evolve as time goes.”"
The concern for the offense has been centered on the departure of Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones. The two speedsters had come of age, in the Bengals system. Now, the play calling will be predicated on what Brandon LaFell, Tyler Boyd and A.J. Green can do together. Green is a proven commodity. But, he needs the slot position to draw the heat away. Zampese (The Greatest Show on Turf, Jr.) will have an opportunity to give the wow factor to Bengals faithful.
Dalton feels comfortable with LaFell. That’s a huge check mark, to begin the season.
“Ever since he walked in it feels like he’s been here the whole time,” Dalton said of LaFell. “When we’re calling plays it’s not like he’s second guessing himself. He knows what he’s doing. He’s going to help us a lot this year.”
The ability to go with the flow is a championship trait. That feeling will be prevalent, this year. The show must go on. The Cincinnati Bengals are setting the tone for another winning season.