Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Jordan is building momentum to start

For the Cincinnati Bengals, there is not much clarity about who will start at both guard positions on the offensive line. Cincinnati continues to try several combinations at both right and left guard.

Michael Jordan, Xavier Su’a-Filo, and Jackson Carman are all competing for the chance to start at right guard. The only safe bet right now is Quinton Spain starting at left guard, but even Spain is seeing some second-team reps.

One right guard could be separating himself from the rest of the pack. Jordan has impressed over the course of a few weeks, putting him in contention to start at right guard.

Michael Jordan changed a lot this offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the past, Cincinnati has played Jordan at left guard. This offseason, he was moved over to right guard. When switching any position in the NFL, players may struggle for awhile. However, Jordan seems to be excelling at right guard.

Offensive linemen have always said switching from left to right guard or tackle is a big difference. After switching, linemen are going to feel out of place and will need time to transition to their new spot. It is quite impressive Jordan was able to transition to right guard so smoothly.

Jordan’s change in mentality could be one reason he made the switch quite easily. Cincinnati’s Offensive Coordinator, Brian Callahan, discussed Jordan’s approach when switching from left to right guard.

Many have credited Frank Pollack, the Bengals’ Offensive Line coach, for Jordan’s improvement this offseason. Pollack is entering his 15th season coaching offensive lines in the NFL, he clearly has a lot of experience. This will be Pollack’s second stint in Cincinnati, he has returned and emphasized the line needs to be physical and should “bully” the defense.

Of course with a new offensive line coach also comes new technique. Pollack has come in and tweaked some linemen’s technique, Jordan’s improvement is proof of this. Jordan talked about how he has focused on his hand placement this offseason and how Pollack has helped with that,

"Coach Pollack has given us a plethora of techniques to use with hand placement, so it’s really now just picking one and running with it."

Pollack’s vast experience in the NFL was a big help here. He had plenty of different hand placement techniques Jordan could use, and now Jordan has improved after picking a new technique.

Jordan has also changed his body this offseason. Last season, Jordan said he dealt with some fatigue issues and wanted to change that. He said he cut some fat and added more muscle to his frame, leading to better conditioning.

Michael Jordan is now in position to start for the Cincinnati Bengals

Between a position change, changing technique and mentality, and working on his body, Jordan has put in a ton of work this offseason. In turn, Jordan’s play has improved and he is now in a position to start at right guard.

His improved play was seen in Cincinnati’s first preseason game. Jordan only had eight pass blocking snaps against the Buccaneers, but posted an above average PFF pass blocking grade of 80.0. He took second-team reps during the second preseason game with Xavier Su’a-Filo getting the start over him at right guard.

Jordan’s work has paid off though and he has a good chance to start this season, but his work is not yet finished. Players like Su’a-Filo, Carman, and D ‘Ante Smith (there is some speculation Smith could move to right guard) will continue to fight for the chance to start.

After making several changes this offseason, Jordan has steadily built momentum to start. Cincinnati will continue to shuffle their guards through camp and the preseason to find the best two starting guards for the season.