The Cincinnati Bengals are now on Day 4 of training camp and it was an extremely exciting day at Paul Brown Stadium this Saturday.
Day 4 featured a little bit of everything and it was the first time for many to see the defending AFC champion Bengals in action. Saturday brought the whole city together as a team once again as the AFC trophy was on display for fans. The city of Cincinnati can not wait for the season to start!
Bengals fans poured into the stadium for Back Together Saturday
The attendance for the fourth day of training camp was absolutely insane at Paul Brown Stadium. 28,283 fans filled up the entire first level and excitement raged through the city. Downtown Cincinnati has not seen this much excitement about a team perhaps in their entire history so expectations will be high for this season.
Bengals first-round pick Dax Hill forces a fumble during team drills. Next play, Eli Apple gets an INT.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) July 29, 2022
Yeah, us too 😊
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) July 30, 2022
Presented by Swift Meats pic.twitter.com/8hZQBVkGDV
Plenty of the team’s superstars were at practice putting on a show for fans including Joe Mixon and the big three wide receiving core. We even saw Ja’Marr Chase whip out the famous Griddy dance for the first time this season.
Did we miss football? Yes.
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) July 30, 2022
Did we miss The Griddy? Absolutely. @Real10jayy__ pic.twitter.com/pFky0PUKq8
Bengals secondary up to the task
Saturday’s practice featured a lot of star power but the secondary was an unlikely bright spot during practice. Newcomer Daxton Hill forced a fumble just one play before Eli Apple jumped a route.
Bengals first-round pick Dax Hill forces a fumble during team drills. Next play, Eli Apple gets an INT.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) July 29, 2022
The secondary is thought to be one of the team’s biggest weaknesses coming into the 2022 season so it is great to see a good report from camp. Apple will be fighting for his CB2 spot with 2nd round pick Cam Taylor-Britt this camp while Dax Hill will likely be the successor to Jessie Bates. Both Apple and Hill have started out strong these first couple of days.
No concern over injured stars
A couple of key players continue to sit out at practice due to injury but Zach Taylor does not appear concerned about their return. Taylor does not appear concerned about Joe Burrow who suffered from appendicitis or their offensive lineman signings who both have minor injuries. The team is taking it slow with these veterans and will ease them back into drills.
Burrow’s return could take a couple of weeks and it is likely we will not see him in a preseason game this August. Rappaport suggests that Burrow will return to non-contact drills soon.
Generally, it’s 2-4 weeks for an appendectomy. Joe Burrow won’t be hit in practice, so as soon as he’s able he’ll be out at practice throwing. Safe to say, unlikely Burrow plays in a preseason game but plenty of time to be ready for the season. https://t.co/DyINjQKYE5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2022
Mcpherson hits a 65-yard field goal
The most exciting part of the practice was the finale where Evan Mcpherson nailed a big field goal to end practice. The young kicker out of Florida has become a fan favorite and a crucial part of this team. Mcpherson hit game-winning field goals in the divisional and championship rounds of the playoffs and today he showcased his incredible kick range.
MONEY MAC 💰
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) July 30, 2022
Easy 65-yarder by yours truly @McPherson_Evan pic.twitter.com/X6GFF3BPmv
Do not be surprised if Taylor sends Mcpherson out for a 65-yarder or longer this season. Coach Taylor’s trust in his kicker is through the roof