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Bengals fans are one step closer to football season! The Cincinnati media met with Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and owner/president Mike Brown on Tuesday in Cincinnati, just ahead of the team reporting to Paul Brown Stadium for training camp this week.
The Bengals media luncheon was one more item to check off the list before we can watch large men in pads and tight pants hitting each other. Brown, Lewis, and other members of the Bengals’ coaching staff had a lot to say. They discussed last season, this upcoming season, new coaches, new and returning players, and even the 1988 Super Bowl team. This is one of two times per year Brown speaks to the media, so it’s always a big moment.
Here are some of the highlights from Tuesday’s luncheon.
Mike Brown
As the owner of the Bengals since 1991, Mike Brown has faced the media a time or two in his career. As the man who makes all the big decisions and signs all the checks, we always want to hear what he wants to say, even if it sounds a little off at times.
Brown is back ... in the kitchen?
Mike Brown: “This is all I know. I’m back in the kitchen being a cook. I like cooking.” #Bengals pic.twitter.com/kCdxCFPxzZ
— Mark Slaughter (@MarkVSlaughter) July 24, 2018
Brown on why he loves this time of year: I'm cooking dinner. I cook football
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
Mike Brown appearing at what he figures to be at least his 65th year of training camp activities
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
On Marvin Lewis:
Mike Brown on Marvin Lewis: “We have a very sturdy relationship.”
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 24, 2018
Brown expresses confidence in Marvin Lewis while acknowledging a lot is different with new offense and defense
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
Mike on retaining Marvin: I know it was controversial. I think it was the right decision. I’m sticking to that. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 24, 2018
Brown expresses confidence in Marvin Lewis while acknowledging a lot is different with new offense and defense
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
The Bengals’ offensive coordinator is back after taking on his role in Week 3 last season following the firing of Ken Zampese. The team also hired a new defensive coordinator in Teryl Austin, so both units have changed since last season. Both coordinators had the chance to talk to the media later on in the day (more on that below).
Mike Brown on His confidence in Marv: we've worked together well. I put my bet down . We'll see how it works out
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
Bengals owner Mike Brown told me "it wasn't about changing the head coach," but added they needed to find better pieces to build around Marvin Lewis. Says their relationship is still great, still has faith in him. pic.twitter.com/pnDuySn618
— Brandon Saho (@BrandonSaho) July 24, 2018
On the 2017 season:
Mike Brown: “We weren’t as far off last year as people thought. Was evidenced at end of year.”
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 24, 2018
Brown says he believes they weren't as far off as people think, pointing to wins that knocked Lions and Ravens
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
On player’s protests during the national anthem:
Brown on anthem: we'll be quiet while NFL and NFLPA work it out
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
Mike Brown on anthem issue: We’re at a standstill on that. I’m going to stand down and be quiet. Does no good for me to sit here and stir the pot. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 24, 2018
Brown says NFL has to get beyond distractions. The other stuff turns everybody off, he says
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
He then finished discussing the national anthem issues by saying he would not discuss the national anthem issues.
Mike Brown not going to talk about anthem issues. Says doesn’t do any good for him to comment at this time.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 24, 2018
He then continued to discuss it.
Mike Brown on players kneeling during national anthem: NFL has asked us to stand down on talking about it while they talk with the players' association. But, I do think it's important something uniform is in place by week 1 because it's a distraction for the league.
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 24, 2018
On winning the Super Bowl:
Mike Brown: “We (#Bengals) still ache to do what we really want to do, and that’s to win the whole thing.”
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) July 24, 2018
On the 1988 Super Bowl team, which will be honored in Week 2 this season, at the Bengals’ home opener:
Mike on 88 Super Bowl team. In all honesty we were not the better team. The 49ers were. But we had it in our hands. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 24, 2018
Mike Brown on Billy Price:
Brown on Billy Price: he'll make us better . He has the attitude you want
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
Mike Brown on young Bengals:
I like what I see in young guys. Jackson, Ross, Mixon. I think they'll contribute
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
Bill Lazor
Then Bill Lazor spoke with the media about his first season as the Bengals full-time offensive coordinator.
#Bengals Offensive Coordinator Bill Lazor said it became very evident to him a few years ago that every year in this league you have to build a new team. Said they started that process in the spring.
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) July 24, 2018
On some of his young players:
When asked if a rookie can be a leader on this team Lazor said “absolutely”. Added it’s important to have leadership up front and if he can gain credibility with his teammates then his age won’t matter. Spoiler alert: Lazor was talking about first rd draft pick center Billy Price
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) July 24, 2018
Lazor said he has high expectations for #Bengals last year’s first round draft pick John Ross. Ross is entering his second year in the league after fighting injuries his rookie season.
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) July 24, 2018
Lazor on Marvin Lewis:
Bill Lazor on Marvin Lewis: “He has a way of affecting people in a really positive way.” #Bengals
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) July 24, 2018
Teryl Austin
Austin made his first appearance at the Bengals’ media luncheon since joining the team this offseason and coming over from Detroit, where he held the same role.
DC Teryl Austin said he was excited to come to the @Bengals because of the players. “I’m really impressed with the talent base here (Cincinnati).”
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) July 24, 2018
DC Austin says No. 1 priority to improve is run defense. Also says one goal is to be the best tackling team in the league
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
“We’re going to be an aggressive defense. I want to be the best tackling team in the #NFL.” - Teryl Austin #Bengals
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) July 24, 2018
Marvin Lewis
Marvin taking his turn. Expectations have never won or lost a game and it’s not going to start now. We have to go to work. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/7wyb8TQe5W
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 24, 2018
On Bengals quarterbacks:
Lewis on his 16 seasons: from Jon Kitna to Carson to Andy been blessed to be with QBs that allow you to do that
— Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 24, 2018
Marvin says biggest charge for Dalton this year is to convert on vertical plays. We used to be one of the best in the league. Last year it didn’t happen. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 24, 2018
On the new additions to the coaching staff:
#Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis: “I’ve been pleased with our new coaches and the fact they’ve put things together for our players to understand.” Added he’s excited for training camp to start to continue to see progress being made. pic.twitter.com/1p7wb5M2Hb
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) July 24, 2018
Overall, the Bengals’ decision makers are optimistic about this season, even though they didn’t think last season was as bad as people think. Brown and Lewis are excited about their new coordinators, and all of the coaching staff is excited about how the young players will step up.
Training camp is the next item on the calendar, which begins on Thursday. The season will be here before you know it!