The Cincinnati Bengals entered the weekend on the heels of quarterback Joe Burrow’s most electric practice throwing the ball downfield. They now exit the weekend with the defense matching that energy.
Several key players on that side of the ball remain working on the rehab field. A talented youngster on offense even returned from an injury scare a few days ago.
But Sunday’s 91-degree session was a strong statement from Lou Anarumo’s ever-evolving defense. Here are some of my observations after attending Sunday’s practice.
The first notable play went for the offense as Joe Burrow connected with Trenton Irwin on a fade route over rookie cornerback Josh Newton in the end zone. Irwin subtly pushed off Newton to gain separation for the first points of the day.
The battle had only just begun.
Following the second-string’s first series of the afternoon, the ones went back onto the field with subs coming in on both sides of the ball. This doesn’t include Vonn Bell, who made the first of a few run stops on the day on this rep.
As the offense gave receivers Charlie Jones and Kendric Pryor time on the field and called a variety of screens and runs, they had their hands full moving the ball against the defense. Ultimately, the drive ended with another shot at the goal line, this time broken up by free safety Geno Stone.
The ones didn’t hog all the big plays. During the final 11-on-11 period, rookie safety Daijahn Anthony stepped in front of a Jake Browning target intended for Shedrick Jackson and notched his second interception of training camp.
A few weeks ago, Anthony may’ve had the longest odds of any Bengals draft pick to make the roster. Stringing together impact play after impact play during training camp is the perfect way to boost his standing.
Overall, the defense can hang its hat after today. Burrow has had better days throwing the ball. Sometimes the other side just makes more plays.
