Bengals Bytes (7/23): What will Cincinnati’s defense look like Week 1?

AFC North stories Bengals fans will want to know
While the Cincinnati Bengals haven’t reported to camp yet, some such as the Baltimore Ravens have. Those Bengals are selling fans on the idea an overhaul of the coaching staff is going to work — but it’s hardly the most extreme thing going on in the division.

Egger: The Bengals have plenty of questions as training camp gets underway
The same old Bengals have a few new wrinkles. Will it make a difference on the field in 2018?

Final Bengals 53-Man Roster Projections: Defense
We did final offensive projections for the roster a few days ago, so it’s time for defense. Defense has been a strong point for the Bengals in recent years. However, the unit hasn’t been the same the last couple seasons. I attribute some of those failures to former DC Paul Guenther, but there were injuries and age as well. Now, with everyone healthy and an infusion of young talent, the defense should be strong once again.

Bengals 2018 Position Breakdown Part V: Defensive Line
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - This part takes a look at defensive linemen who are locks to make the 53-man roster when it's finalized on Sept. 1, who are likely to make it and who are long shots to make it:

A.J. Green has few equals when the defense blitzes
Maybe so by his own standards, though 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns aren’t the end of the world and perhaps almost impressive given the disaster unfolding around him.

AFC North Bytes

Ravens OC Marty Mornhinweg Calls Lamar Jackson 'Way Ahead of the Curve'
Don't read too much into Mornhinweg's comments in terms of a potential controversy, though, as Hensley pointed out there is a "well-defined" quarterback depth chart in the early portion of training camp with Joe Flacco still comfortably ahead as the starter. However, he listed Jackson as the second-stringer ahead of Robert Griffin III and Josh Woodrum.

Jarvis Landry: Browns are “definitely a playoff-caliber team”
Wide receiver Jarvis Landry didn’t go quite as far as Kirksey, but he shares his teammate’s optimism about the year to come. Landry told Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com that the Browns are “definitely a playoff-caliber team” when it comes to talent and that things like leadership and accountability will determine whether they can actually advance to the postseason.

Random Bytes

Scenes from a bar with Jon Gruden and nearly 600 Raiders fans
Gruden, 20 years after his rookie season as an NFL head coach, 16 years after he last donned the Silver and Black, threw a raucous party for Raider Nation at Ricky’s Sports Theatre and Grill, the prodigal son not only returning to the streets of Silver and Blackdom but also footing the bill for fans while whipping them into a frenzy.

Vikings OL Coach, Ex-Dolphins, Raiders HC Tony Sparano Dies at Age 56
“Our hearts go out to Jeanette and the entire Sparano family as we all mourn the loss of Tony. Tony was a passionate and driven individual who cared deeply about his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Tony's presence within the Vikings organization will be deeply missed. We are only thinking of Tony’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that the entire NFL and Vikings family keep the Sparanos in their thoughts."

Biggest Fantasy Football Busts to Avoid in 2018
The wait for football is nearly over, folks. NFL training camps are about to get underway, and preseason kicks off Aug. 2. Naturally, this also means fantasy football season is right around the corner. Now is the time to start zeroing in on which players you want to target early, and, more importantly, those you want to shy away from.