Bengals News (9/9): Feeling the roar

Matchup Of The Game: Burrow Faces Familiar PBS Landmark In Vikings Defense
Burrow begins his second season as one of the hot young things of the Zooming '20s with more input in the game plan and freedom at the line of scrimmage than his rookie year. Zimmer, the crusty old school head coach in his eighth season in Minnesota, returns to the building for the first time in a regular season game where he built the Bengals a string of playoff defenses during the previous decade.

Zac Taylor, Joe Burrow excited to tap into the energy of the fans at Paul Brown Stadium
Burrow led a torrid fourth-quarterback comeback last season that Cleveland extinguished in the last minute before 9,732. Joe Burrow Stadium seats 3,500, but clearly with the gates fully open both settings are going to be dwarfed by Sunday's 1 p.m. NFL opener (Cincinnati's Channel 19) against the Vikings.

The AllBengals Team Gives Our Predictions for the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals
CINCINNATI — The Bengals start the 2021 season on Sunday against the Vikings at Paul Brown Stadium. Joe Burrow is healthy, Tee Higgins looks like he took a step forward and this defense has plenty of new faces.

Joe Burrow Praises Jessie Bates, Star Safety Prepared to Begin Season Without Contract Extension
Safety Jessie Bates will be on the field and all signs point toward him playing out the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. The team could sign the 24-year-old safety to a long-term deal, but the two sides haven't been able to come to an agreement.

Bengals make QB roster move on practice squad before Week 1
Browning, a former undrafted free agent out of Washington, spent last year with Minnesota and was on the roster until final cuts. Cincinnati grabbing him doubles as potentially getting a bit of info on the Week 1 opponent, but also merely adding an insurance quarterback.

Where do Bengals slot in power rankings before season opener?
While undergoing a massive roster overhaul, the Bengals have won just six games under Zac Taylor over two seasons. It stands to reason that most power-rankers are taking a wait-and-see approach to the team.

Gambling podcast struggles to find 2 wins for Cincinnati Bengals
It is NFL prediction season. It is also gambling and fantasy season. If you are sure of a team or player, now is the time to get in on the action. It is also a good time to see how people really feel about things because money is on the line. One sports gambling podcast does not think highly of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Around the league

2021 NFL Kickoff: What to watch for in Cowboys-Buccaneers
It should come as no surprise that the NFL schedule makers pitted the defending Super Bowl champions against the traditional draw of the franchise known as “America’s Team” for its 2021 regular-season lid-lifter. After a preseason in which the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys combined for a dismal 1-6 record, and held back their star players with limited -- if any -- action, Thursday night will finally unveil what kind of engine both truly have under the hood to begin the 2021 campaign.

Aaron Rodgers says uncertain future doesn't add pressure but focus: 'We're going to enjoy this year'
Things have cooled after an offseason of rumors and a high-profile spat between NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers and the team brass. But boiling under the surface remains the red-hot question about the long-term viability of how the club is constructed with Rodgers under center.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (hamstring) sits out Wednesday practice
Five days ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers' season opener against the host Washington Football Team, a potentially major injury concern has popped up. Bolts standout running back Austin Ekeler did not practice Wednesday due to a hamstring injury, per the team's injury report.

Jimmy Garoppolo confirms he's 49ers' starter, even if Kyle Shanahan won't say it
Still, it bears asking who the team's starting quarterback will be for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. The quarterback position is of utmost importance to any team's chances, and the 49ers did trade multiple picks to move up to take Trey Lance, a move that typically indicates a changing of the guard under center. Shanahan isn't budging, though, and it sounds as if his stubbornness is now solely out of principle.

Jameis Winston 'grateful' for second chance to be a starting QB: 'I'm not taking anything for granted'
Officially confirmed the New Orleans Saints starting quarterback, the former No. 1 overall pick by Tampa Bay last started a game with the Bucs on Dec. 29, 2019. On Sunday, when Winston takes the first hike under center, it will mark 623 days since that start.