Bengals News (6/28): Covering up

Bengals will have to cover first 6-8 rows of seats in 2020
The move will aid in social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic but also help all NFL teams recoup some of the financial losses of not being able to fully pack the stands with sold tickets. Revenue losses could potentially have a big impact on future salary caps.

Bengals' OC says Joe Burrow is commanding his teammates' attention
Ever since the beginning of Joe Burrow’s senior season at LSU, he’s commanded the attention of the entire football world. Whether it be the battle with Alabama, the impeccable playoff performances that led to a national championship, or the Heisman Trophy ceremony, the 23-year-old phenom has captured the eyes of coaches, scouts, and opposing teams. Now, according to the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, he’s doing the same with his new teammates.

Joe Burrow’s work ethic keeps turning heads of Bengals teammates
“The guys see his preparation and work ethic. His knowledge of an offense that he’s new to, that always grabs people’s attention. When they come in and know what to say and how to do it and all the things that are required of a quarterback in an NFL offense, he’s exemplified all these things and that gets everyone’s attention first. Plus, his past precedes him. He’s got some pelts on the wall and these guys see all that.”

Dolphins 2020 Opponent Breakdown: Week 13 - Cincinnati Bengals
Zac Taylor's first year as head coach pretty much was a disaster from start to finish. Among the setbacks, top 2019 draft pick Jonah Williams missed the whole year with a torn labrum sustained in minicamp and seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green also didn't play because of an ankle injury. The Bengals lost their first 11 games, though the opener was a 21-20 decision at Seattle and there also were four- and six-point losses against playoff participants Buffalo and Baltimore, respectively. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton was benched at some point in favor of rookie fourth-round pick Ryan Finley, but Cincinnati reversed course after Finley struggled. Cincinnati's two victories came against the Jets in Week 9 and against the Browns in Week 17. Defensive tackle Geno Atkins, the son of former Dolphins safety Gene Atkins, was the only Bengals player selected to the Pro Bowl.

Cincinnati Bengals' biggest roster need heading into 2020 season
Andy Dalton, whose his orange hair and turnover-prone lifestyles fit into the plans for the Bengals at the time of him being drafted, is no longer a member of this team’s quarterback room. He’s been replaced as the No. 1 option by LSU Tiger signal-caller Joe Burrow. The suave, cigar-smoking rookie is going from what can be looked at as the best collegiate football team last year to what can easily be looked at as the worst team in the NFL this year.

Bengals’ D.J. Reader worked in Von Miller’s pass rush summit
New Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman D.J. Reader has already made a few notable headlines splashes this offseason as he strives to be even better.

Around the league

Broncos' Von Miller holds virtual pass rush summit
Miller hosted his fourth annual pass rush summit Thursday, holding a virtual session with a number of notable NFL edge rushers. The summit was held virtually this year due to COVID-19 and was produced with the help of the NFL Network features department.

Antonio Brown’s potential 'Hawks fit; Should Jets pay Adams?
If you're surprised by the Seattle Seahawks' interest in Antonio Brown, you haven't been paying close attention to how Pete Carroll and Co. have built a perennial contender in the Pacific Northwest. The Super Bowl-winning head coach isn't afraid to take on ultra-talented players with troubled backgrounds if they are hardworking, competitive and willing to buy into a team-first attitude.

Ten NFL players who most deserve new deals: Dak Prescott No. 3
There are a lot of factors that come into play when signing long-term, big-money contracts. A variety of market dynamics facing individual players -- like positional scarcity, teams' cap situations, years left on the contract and the player's relationship to the organization -- can carry weight. And, of course, this offseason, there is uncertainty stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic to contend with, as well. However, performance and production as they relate to wins is almost always the main measuring stick that drives the value of a deal.

Rhule: Teddy Bridgewater has 'arm strength' to throw deep ball
What Bridgewater was asked to do in five starts last season for the Saints was take care of the ball and keep the New Orleans offense afloat in relief of an injured Drew Brees -- and he did that with aplomb. Bridgewater went 5-0 as Brees rehabbed a broken thumb, throwing nine touchdowns to just two interceptions over that span to go along with 1,205 passing yards and a 69.7 completion percentage.

Building the best NFL team money can buy under the 2020 salary cap
Using the salary cap and players' cap numbers for the 2020 season, NFL Media Researcher Anthony Holzman-Escareno attempts to piece together the best team money can buy this fall. Have a comment or question about the squad he's put together? @FrontOfficeNFL is the place to reach him.