The Cincinnati Bengals welcomed fans to the first of three practices open to the public on Saturday, or Day 4 of training camp, and the optimism was palpable throughout the stadium.
On Saturday, Bengals fans flooded to Paul Brown Stadium for the first of three training camp practices that were open to the public. There were an estimated 15,000 fans in the stadium and the energy was electric.
The roar of the crowd as Joe Burrow and Trey Hopkins walked out of the tunnel was second to none, and that was before the majority of the crowd had made it into the stadium. The roughly two-hour practice was heavily scripted, but this is what Bengals fans should take away from the practice.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp – Joe Burrow looks fantastic
Fans have read so many stories and watched every possible video of Joe Burrow’s recovery, but on Saturday, they were able to feast their eyes on the franchise quarterback.
It’s clear that Zac Taylor and company are not holding anything back from Burrow as he recovers from his knee injury. Burrow was rolling out and launching passes to Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tyler Boyd, a sight that we’re hoping to get used to in 2021 and beyond.
Dan Hoard tweeted that Burrow went 14 of 20 in team drills but the highlight play of the day came when Burrow tossed a perfectly thrown ball to the back pylon for Higgins to make a play on. Higgins came down with the contested catch and the crowd went wild for the biggest play of the day.
The offense still has a way to go in terms of getting in sync, but it is very early in training camp. The speed and explosiveness on the offense are extremely noticeable and will have a chance to take the league by storm this season.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp – Lou Anarumo’s defense looks much faster
Last season, the Bengals had difficulty working against speedy teams such as the Ravens, Browns, and Cowboys, but this season looks to be much different.
Trae Waynes came into the NFL he clocked a 4.31 40-yard dash, and he hasn’t lost a step heading into his seventh year. Waynes had no issues keeping up with Chase, Higgins, or anyone who lined up against him. The same goes for Chidobe Awuzie, who was clocked at 22.81mph by Next Gen Stats in 2019.
The defense was flying all over the field during team drills. It’s difficult to simulate the run game without full pads on, but the defense was closing all running lanes almost immediately.
The linebackers and speedy secondary surrounded the ball carrier instantly almost every running attempt. It will be interesting to watch how the defense plays when the full pads come on this Tuesday.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp – Trent Taylor is making this roster
Trent Taylor was a late offseason addition to the Bengals after his term with the 49ers came to an end this offseason. During OTA’s Darrin Simmons of Bengals Wire noted that Trent Taylor was the favorite to win the punt returner gig, but of course, things could change.
To ensure his spot was worth more than returning punts, Taylor has come out and dominated in camp.
In Friday’s practice, Taylor dove and made a one-handed catch to the excitement of fans. He continued his run of form on Saturday as he reeled in another one-handed touchdown catch during the red-zone portion of practice. He also was on the receiving end of a few catches on Saturday during the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
Trent Taylor.
— Keith Jenkins (@MrKeithJenkins) July 31, 2021
Remember the name, Bengals fans.
Bengals fans should get used to seeing No. 11 as Trent Taylor looks to be a near-lock to make the final 53-man roster, barring any unforeseen injuries, of course.
Cincinnati Bengals Training Camp – Evan McPherson has a cannon for a leg
The Bengals had a clear need for a difference-maker at kicker and hope they found their man as they drafted Evan McPherson in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
On Wednesday, McPherson went 6-6 in practice with a long of 48 yards. He continued his stellar camp by going 5-6 on Saturday, missing only a 60 yarder during team drills. However, while the offense was practicing red zone drills, McPherson and Austin Seibert both lined up for 60-yard field goals. While both made the attempt, McPherson’s cleared the crossbar and could have been good from 65+.
While watching the two kickers compete on Saturday, one thing is very clear, McPherson has a cannon for a kicking leg. The ball absolutely jumps off his foot and even makes a different sound than when Austin Seibert kicks.
Cincinnati Bengals fans have been begging for an upgrade at kicker and it looks like Evan McPherson can be that man. It will be interesting to see how this competition finishes up, but there’s no way that the Bengals waste a fifth-round pick and pull another Jake Elliot-like debacle.
Saturday’s practice was a fun one for Bengals fans, who left the stadium feeling giddy about what’s to come this season.