New O-line goes on-line
In the most sweeping off-season playbook changes engineered by Marvin Lewis in his 16 years head-coaching the Bengals, all eyes are on the biggest change of them all when the rehabbed, revamped and what many believe is a re-energized offensive line takes its bow in Thursday night’s pre-season opener (7-Cincinnati’s Channel 12) against the Bears at Paul Brown Stadium.
5 things to watch for in Cincinnati Bengals preseason opener
Look for the majority of the Bengals starters to play one series, maybe two if the first is a three and out. Head coach Marvin Lewis confirmed Tuesday that linebacker Vontaze Burfict will not play with just two practices under his belt after coming off the Non-Football Injury list. It’s unlikely tight end Tyler Eifert will play any snaps as well.
Blockers in the spotlight as Bengals open preseason vs Bears
The line became the offseason priority after the Bengals (7-9) finished last in the NFL on offense for the first time in franchise history. The line was the biggest problem, creating few holes for running backs and giving Andy Dalton little time to throw.
A.J. Bouye: Bengals’ William Jackson is a top 5 CB
Take Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye, for example. When one of the NFL’s top corners was asked to name the top five at his position, he didn’t hesitate to bring up Jackson, per Sports Illustrated’s Jonathan Jones:
Lakota West grad excited for opportunity with Cincinnati Bengals
Standing on the field inside Paul Brown Stadium for his first practice as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday morning, Hamilton native Kayaune Ross’ eyes were drawn to a specific spot — the section he sat in five years ago as a fan watching his hometown team upset the New England Patriots.
Random Bytes
The truth about the lowering the helmet rule may be hiding in plain sight
As the effort to understand the most prominent new helmet rule continues, here’s a thought: Why not simply give the rule the plain and obvious meaning of the words used to articulate it?
Rams GM Les Snead on Aaron Donald Contract Talks: 'We're in the Same Zip Code'
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that Donald had "no plans to rejoin the team" in the near future. If that were the case, 2018 would not count as an accrued season and he would be a restricted free agent next offseason rather than unrestricted if no new deal gets done.
NFL Training Camp Notes: Browns Are NFL's Most Interesting Team
Fresh off the second 0-16 season in NFL history, the Browns have already had plenty of action this week. They sent a 2016 first-round receiver packing for a bag of Chili Cheese Fritos. Another wide receiver ran afoul of the law—again.
Chasing Alvin Kamara: The NFL's Reluctant Star
Alvin Kamara knew it was time to go. He spent this muggy Atlanta day entertaining spectators at his friend Quavo's star-studded flag football game, "Huncho Day of the NAWF," by scoring the first touchdown and penning as many autographs as he could. Once the game ended, and Julio Jones was named most valuable player, Kamara walked inside the locker room and ghosted out the back door.