Bengals Training Camp Observations: Joe Burrow Shines, Rookies Standout and O-Line Steps Up

Cincinnati had their first training camp practice on Wednesday.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Jul 26, 2023 7:56 PM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals took the practice field on Wednesday for the first time during training camp, but star quarterback Joe Burrow was in midseason form.

The 26-year-old threw the ball all over the field. He connected with Tee Higgins on what would've been a 70+ yard touchdown. He found Ja'Marr Chase on a crossing route on the sideline and placed the ball perfectly where only his wide receiver could catch it.

"Pretty damn good," Burrow said when asked about his performance. "I put all the balls where I wanted to. I made good reads. I made good checks. Good first day."

He's made it clear that he wants to be the best player on the planet. A title that he says is currently held by Patrick Mahomes.

"I just love the game. I would say I love the guys in there. I do it for them. That’s my favorite part of the game is being around those guys," Burrow said. "One of the reasons I work so hard is so the people that help get me here can watch me on Sundays and be proud of what I’m doing and be proud of what they did to get me here."

Here are more observations from Wednesday's session:

Offensive Line

The offensive line had a good first day together. Jonah Williams looked comfortable at right tackle and Orlando Brown Jr. made his presence felt on the left side.

He got into a bit of a scuffle during the 11-on-11 portion of practice with Trey Hendrickson.

“I never want to be the guy my teammates look at like that,” Brown said afterward. “I was really fired up in the moment, and things got a little intense. I just blacked out. It just happens. That’s football. I can’t even describe it any other way.”

Hendrickson and Brown have went head-to-head four times over the past two seasons. Now they'll get to make each other better during training camp and in practice.

The skirmish was quickly broken up and practice resumed.

DJ Turner II Impresses

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Kwamie Lassiter II (18) and cornerback DJ Turner II (20) reach for a passes ball during a training camp practice at the Paycor Stadium practice field in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. — © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Bengals took Turner in the second round because they believe his speed and athleticism could be a weapon in their secondary.

That was on full display on Wednesday. He had two pass breakups—one while guarding Andrei Iosivas and the other in coverage on Kwamie Lassiter.

Lassiter was hoping to catch a back-shoulder throw on the sideline, but Turner ran the route for him and was able to knock the ball away.

Ups and Downs For a Rookie at Camp

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas (80) runs from safety Jordan Battle (27) with a catch during a training camp practice at the Paycor Stadium practice field in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. — © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Iosivas had a couple drops on Wednesday, but he wasn't alone. Higgins and Chase had drops of their own.

The rookie wide receiver also had a nice catch and run that showed everyone why the coaching staff is so high on his ability. His speed and athleticism is rare.

Other Notes

Zachary Carter had a nice rep against Cordell Volson during the first team period. He beat Volson to the inside and would've likely sacked Burrow.

Sidney Jones was targeted a lot with Chidobe Awuzie not practicing. He had a nice breakup on a Burrow pass intended for Iosivas.

Awuzie worked out on the rehab field and is hopeful he'll be playing before Week 1.

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