Vontaze Burfict on Giovani Bernard: "We've got to toughen him up a little bit"

Giovani Bernard has been increasingly impressive during Cincinnati's training camp. Selected in the second-round of the 2013 NFL draft, the first running back selected, Bernard is projected as the "two" in Cincinnati's one-two punch.

Some are speculating that Jay Gruden intends to implement a 50-50 split between he and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. From a fleet-footed back bouncing around, finding miniature lanes in the offensive line to a dependable receiver out of the backfield, there's no doubt that Bernard has been an impressive rookie after only three practices this year.

On Saturday, Bernard took a shot from safety George Iloka. Vontaze Burfict started jawing at Bernard and the rookie running back responded, "Keep coming. It's an all-day service, 24-7." Eventually Andrew Whitworth dragged Bernard back to the offensive huddle.

"I don't know what he was saying. I was talking as loud as he was, "Bernard told Bengals.com after practice. "Me and (Burfict) always go at it. He's a great guy. I love his intensity. I wish I could match his own intensity. Every day, that's what I'm trying to do; match his intensity. He's a linebacker, he has so much fire. That's how I want to play."

Burfict, who wasn't even involved in the play, admitted after practice that he'll probably get into trouble, but added that Bernard needs some toughness too.

"Yeah, I’m going to get in trouble in film tomorrow but at least I was running to the ball, "Burfict said per Fox Sports Ohio. "Actually, 25 (Bernard), you hit him and he falls. We’ve got to toughen him up a little bit."

Everyone will have the opportunity to lay massive hits during Sunday's practice. It's the first in full pads with the traditional Oklahoma drill approximately scheduled for around 3:30 p.m.