As the Bengals kick off training camp, there are many storylines to follow leading up to Cincinnati’s first game of the season against the Chargers.
Cincinnati Bengals’ training camp has officially opened as veteran players report to Paul Brown Stadium post-COVID testing. As the Bengals and all teams around the NFL deal with new rules and regulations, there are other top storylines to watch as Zac Taylor and company prepare for the upcoming season.
Zac Taylor’s Development
Zac Taylor jumps into his second season as Head Coach of the Cincinnati Bengals miles ahead of where he was this time last year. Not only did he actually have a complete staff months before the draft, but he also is finally beginning to develop his own players, starting with none other than first overall pick, Joe Burrow.
Following a massive free agency and draft, it’ll be crucial for Taylor to adapt to this new roster and build the Bengals into a more complete team. Taylor is also charged with the heavy task of developing Heisman winner, Joe Burrow. As Cincinnati enters a new era of its franchise, it is imperative that Burrow gets off on the right foot, one led by Coach Taylor.
It will also be interesting to watch the impact of Coach Taylor’s new culture at Paul Brown Stadium. For the health and safety of not only the team but their family members, Taylor must set clear boundaries and hope that the team leaders help keep everyone accountable during these uncertain times.
Joe Burrow’s Rapport with His New Wide Outs
Joe Burrow is coming from the most dominant offense that college football has ever seen. The receivers at LSU helped put Burrow on the map, with 2020 first-rounder Justin Jefferson and 2021 first-round prospect Ja’Marr Chase leading the way.
Now in Cincinnati, Burrow must engage with his new wide receivers. A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd will help lead the charge, but speedster John Ross, newcomer Tee Higgins and 2019 star Auden Tate will have to emerge in order for this offense to truly be successful.
Burrow stated in his post-contract press conference that it will take “six to seven” throwing sessions to understand how each receiver differs in their route running and pass-catching abilities. Obviously, game speed will be much faster than training camp, which could provide a few bumps in the road for the first couple of games this season.
Offensive Line Position Battles
It is no secret that the offensive line is the Achilles heel of the Cincinnati Bengals. Last season, injuries depleted an already lackluster offensive line. Jonah Williams at left tackle and Trey Hopkins at center will be the only two positions that are clearly defined from day one of training camp. The left guard, right guard, and right tackle positions should be wide open and provide for quality roster battles throughout camp.
It is presumed that Bobby Hart will continue to start at right tackle. However, late bloomer Fred Johnson showed flashes towards the end of last season and will give Hart a run for his money for the starting gig. Rookie Hakeem Adeniji may also throw his hat into the conversation if he plays as well as offensive line coach Jim Turner expects him to.
Xavier Su’a Filo signed during the Bengals’ active free agency and looks to have a lock on the right guard position, but Adeniji and former first-rounder Billy Price could make a push, especially as Su’a Filo begins training camp on the PUP list.
Left guard was a hot mess during the 2019-2020 debacle of a season. Billy Price and Michael Jordan went back and forth throughout the year and neither fully lived up to their expectations. Late in the offseason, Zac Taylor stated that they fully expect Jordan to make a leap in his second season. Bold strategy, but hopefully it pays off.
John Ross’s Job Security
John Ross had so much potential following his selection as the ninth overall pick of the 2017 NFL draft. With his record-setting speed, Bengals’ fans were given hope that they finally found a playmaker to complement A.J. Green. Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite panned out as Ross battled injuries over his first three seasons in the NFL.
The Bengals declined to pick up Ross’s fifth-year option, a statement that he needs to have a breakout campaign if he plans on playing in stripes much longer. With A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd secured, Ross will have to battle it out with Auden Tate and Tee Higgins for playing time.
Joe Burrow was able to work out with Ross over the offseason, giving Ross a small lead in the race for playing time. However, it will be up to Ross to keep the mental side of the game in check, and hopefully live up to his expectations.
Joe Mixon Contract Negotiations
The Bengals’ best player the past two seasons has been star running back, Joe Mixon. Following an AFC rushing title in 2018, Mixon started 2019 on a rough note. Luckily for Cincinnati, he finished with a bang, ending the season with 1,137 yards and five touchdowns. As the market for running backs depreciates, the Bengals have made it clear that they intend to keep Mixon around for the long haul.
In a press conference on Monday, Duke Tobin reinforced the idea of extending Mixon before the beginning of the season. Joe Burrow loves to check down and look for his running back in the passing game, and Cincinnati would be wise to keep a star like Mixon to help make Burrow’s life a little easier.
The 2020 training camp will look much different than anything that the NFL has ever seen before, and it will be a tense couple of weeks as the Bengals and the league begins to understand what their “new normal” will look like.