Linebacker Manny Lawson, after signing with the Bengals last year during Cincinnati's rash of injuries at linebacker, returned this year on a one-year deal worth $2.1 million and a base contract of $1.5 million. Not long after the announcement was made, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said in late-March:
Manny was a big part of our success last season, and I look for him to take his game to a higher level this year," said Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer in a statement. "He moved to essentially a different position with us, playing outside in a 4-3 (scheme) after being in a 3-4, and he kept getting better as the year went on. He was very good against the run and in coverage, and this year I think we can take better advantage of him as a pass rusher."
Well. It's definitely starting out that way early during training camp, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Lawson said during the first week of practices he has been rushing off the edge more, especially in base packages.
Last season Lawson rushed the quarterback 45 times during 529 defensive snaps, generating 1.5 quarterback sacks, two hits on the quarterback and three hurries. Rather pedestrian, if that.