Bengals: 5 questions that must be answered in training camp

The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into their second week of training camp and there are five questions that desperately need to be answered.

Cincinnati Bengals training camp questions

Is the offensive line good enough to stay upright in the AFC North?

The Bengals’ most significant question mark entering this season is whether their improvements to the line were enough. Over the last several years, the consistent struggles have been one of the dying needs the Bengals have to fix.

We need to know if this offensive line is good enough to protect Joe Burrow and maintain pass rushes, especially in one of the toughest divisions in football. And so far in training camp, the Bengals’ offensive line has struggled.

Over the first 11 games last year, Burrow got sacked 32 times, tied for the second-most in the league, and tackle Jonah Williams was the only player to record a pass-blocking grade higher than 70.0 (75.8).

However, the Bengals hired offensive line coach Frank Pollack, who has an excellent track record and is known for his widespread blocking scheme, plus the additions of veteran Riley Reiff, second-round pick Jackson Carman, and re-signing Quinton Spain, they should have an improved line—especially being fully healthy. And if need be, they’re still free agent lineman to consider.

This will continue to be the biggest concern going into the season and will leave Bengals fans on the edge of their seat once Burrow takes that first snap under center Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Cincinnati Bengals training camp questions

Who will be the second-string running back?

We all know Joe Mixon is the top dog in the running back room, and that has been clear since day one. But with the departure of Giovani Bernard, the Bengals will need to find that clear-cut number two back who will take Mixon’s place when he needs a break, shaken up, or in certain blocking situations.

The most realistic answer would be Samaje Perine, but rookies Chris Evans and Pooka Williams have started to create a lot of joyous noise in training camp so far. Williams has also been lining up as a wide receiver in the slot, and his natural speed gives him a lot of flexibility which has made him stand out.

The Athletic‘s Jay Morrison considered Pooka a top storyline so far through Bengals camp (must be a subscriber to read the entire article).

Perine is a strong-willed, downhill runner. He won’t dazzle you with slick moves and fancy footwork, but he will pick up the yardage he has too. Plus, he was very imposing while Mixon was injured last season, so this will be a growing interest as training camp and pre-season develop on who the number two back will be.

Cincinnati Bengals training camp questions

Is Joe Burrow healthy enough yet to compete at the highest level?

Joe Burrow is a fierce competitor, and we all understand that. Yes, he’s been cleared for all football activities by the medical staff but if the Bengals decide to put Burrow on the field behind an untrusted, shaky offensive line, and if he plays zero preseason games (which remains up in the air), it may not be the most logical idea.

So far in camp, he’s been favoring the knee and hasn’t looked entirely comfortable in the brace. It’s understandable coming off the injury he went through, but could that mean he’s not healthy enough yet to compete at the highest level?

The Bengals have struggled on offense mightily so far in camp, and it is early but consistent days of error and miscues make you wonder if the Bengals are playing with fear of injury or if they are trying to force something that may not be ready yet.

There is no question Burrow’s rehab process and mentality have been elite throughout the last several months, but it was a very gruesome injury. Knowing he is the franchise cornerstone and the most essential player in orange and black since Carson Palmer, it should raise a red flag.

Again, I’m no doctor, but making sure he is safe behind the line and capable of competing at the best of his ability should be the main priority before letting him drop back, take hits, and throw 30 to 40 passes a game against very physical defenses in the division and around the league.

Cincinnati Bengals training camp questions

Who is the Bengals kicker: Evan McPherson or Austin Seibert?

The competition for the starting kicking job between rookie Evan McPherson and Austin Seibert has been in full swing through the start of training camp.

The Bengals selected Evan McPherson from Florida in the fifth round. When selecting a kicker that high, the usual motive is to be the starter right away. Although bringing young Austin Seibert on late last year, it seems he is getting an equal shot at proving himself for the job.

So far, it feels like McPherson is winning the job, which most Bengals fans probably want to see. Over the last two years, Cincinnati has lost multiple games down the wire to missed kicks, making this decision even more vital for them to figure out.

The competition will likely run through the majority of the preseason because kicking against an opposing defense in a real game will show more than kicking in practice but will continue to be a question that will be answered as Week 1 nears.

Cincinnati Bengals training camp questions

How important will the linebackers be to the defense?

Cincinnati did not address the linebacker position much this offseason. Instead, they added multiple Edge rushers, defensive linemen, and secondary players. This shows that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will be running a defense that shies away from linebacker play.

Yes, you will see Logan Wilson as he should be the leading vocalist for the defensive unit. I would also bet on seeing Germaine Pratt as well as the two forms as a tandem.

The Cincinnati Bengals scheme usually resembles a 5-2, which means five defensive linemen and two linebackers. Although, they often use their defensive ends as outside linebackers, making it look more like a 3-4 hybrid.

Ultimately, with the strong safety play that the Bengals have with Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell, along with the addition of Mike Hilton, who is known as a slot corner providing a blitz, I don’t expect Cincinnati to favor the linebacker position outside of a few players. There could be a few options via free agency if they decide they want to boost the position.

Nonetheless, it will still have to be a key question they have to answer as training camp rolls along and when they start making cuts. Determining how many pure linebackers will make the 53-man roster will be very interesting.