John Ross talks about Zac Taylor’s new offense and stepping up vs. Seahawks

The Cincinnati Bengals have high expectations for wide receiver John Ross III this season. Now entering his third season in the league, Ross is used to having the bar raised after setting a record-breaking 40-yard dash time at the rookie combine.

After battling injury and misuse under Marvin Lewis’ reign, Ross is finally ready for the breakout season that fans have been waiting for. He knows that under new head coach Zac Taylor, he’ll finally be able to shine as well.

Bengals.com senior writer Geoff Hobson caught up with Ross, discussing with him his potential in Taylor’s system.

“Just looking at it on paper, if you can get excited on paper, it says a lot about what could happen in real life,” Ross said before Monday’s practice. “I’m excited to see what Zac has in store for us. I’m pretty sure with the talent we have around here, we’re just ready to put it all together and put it on the field.”

With fellow receiver A.J. Green out for Week 1 and probably the following two weeks as well, the Bengals will be preparing Ross for high usage the first few weeks. For the team to stand a chance against a stout Seahawks roster, they need an electric performance from Ross.

As he prefaced, the opportunity will be there. However, Ross didn’t stop there though. He’s expecting at least one big moment from himself this upcoming season.

“I feel like it’s one of those things like my first game back off my ACL surgery in college…I thought I was overthrown, but that adrenaline kicks in and you take that extra gear and you catch up to the ball. I think I’m going to have one of those moments this year. Some things, you feel.”

The former Washington Husky was Cincinnati’s first-round pick back in 2017. Since then, he’s totaled just 21 receptions on 60 targets.

Despite the slow start to his career, Ross is certainly expecting to finally have the season fans have wanted from him after two straight disappointing seasons.