Cincy Jungle - Cincinnati Bengals OTAsWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2021-05-26T19:50:00-04:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/84238702021-05-26T19:50:00-04:002021-05-26T19:50:00-04:00The Orange and Black Insider Bengals podcast: A New Hope
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<figcaption>Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bengals took the field for the first set of 2021 OTAs this week and Joe Burrow returned with a bang. John and Anthony break all the sights and sounds from the first down on this week’s episode!</p> <p id="PVPA8T">OTAs have kicked off and they did so with a bang, as it goes with the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>. Not only is Joe Burrow back practicing for the first time since his 2020 midseason knee injury, but he’s doing so at a higher intensity than most figured. </p>
<p id="suMh4P">We’re back this Wednesday to talk about that, the other sights and sounds from OTAs and another new defensive addition that was made in the middle of this week. For it being just before Memorial Day Weekend, there sure is a lot of Bengals football to discuss!</p>
<p id="tMcOV9">On tap this week:</p>
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<li id="illaEP">Joe Burrow returned to practice and, in short, it was glorious. He participated heavier than expected and worked with his talented receiving corps. </li>
<li id="v6RcPM">Burrow also had some interesting words for the media after the initial practice, which was the center of our “Soundbite of the Week”. </li>
<li id="az10Dd">The Bengals had 100 percent attendance at OTAs. What does that say, if anything, especially when the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> were reported to have just a 75 percent attendance. </li>
<li id="QzmOnt">Cincinnati also grabbed linebacker Joe Bachie off of waivers on Wednesday. What does he bring to the table?</li>
<li id="xK0N5a">Carson Palmer re-entered the news this week and his ability to reside in Bengals fans’ heads, rent-free, is something in which to marvel. </li>
<li id="rvnw6q">And more!</li>
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<p id="YvTD6R">Our thanks to those of you who joined John and Anthony for the live show. You can always join us at our usual kickoff time of 8:30 p.m. ET at our YouTube channel (subscribe through watching the above-embedded video), on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/CincyJungle">the Cincy Jungle</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BengalsOBI">Orange and Black Insider Twitter</a> accounts, or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CincyJungle">CJ’s Facebook page</a>! </p>
<p id="8Nlkf0">As always, if you’re unable to join us live, download the program on your favorite platform afterward. Thanks for listening!</p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2021/5/26/22455634/the-orange-and-black-insider-bengals-podcast-a-new-hopeAnthony Cosenza2015-06-24T16:49:44-04:002015-06-24T16:49:44-04:00Uzomah lit it up in OTAs, should make final roster
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<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>C.J. Uzomah is now in a great position to not only make the final roster, but get significant playing time if no other tight ends are added before the NFL season begins.</p> <p>One of the biggest revelations of Bengals OTAs was rookie tight end C.J. Uzomah.</p>
<p>A fifth-round pick out of Auburn in this year's NFL draft, the 6'5", 260-pound Uzomah was primarily a blocking tight end in the Tigers' offense, but did catch six touchdowns during the past two seasons. His size and athleticism made him an attractive prospect for the Bengals, and he's doing his best to reward them.</p>
<p>Uzomah was a standout performer in OTAs who consistently drew praise from coaches and media. Geoff Hobson not only gave him a strong endorsement, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Hobsons-Choice-QB-corner/957d08cd-a565-436c-9181-e767254a0fbb">but sees Uzomah making the final 53-man roster</a>.</p>
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<p><span>"In the last part of the spring, fifth-round C.J. Uzomah lit it up a bit with some catches down field and that looked impressive because he’s a very large man (6-5, 265 pounds) who can really get down field (4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash). Third-rounder Tyler Kroft still has the edge going into training camp because he’s the most experienced blocker, a skill not on display in the shorts and helmets of the spring. But both guys ought to make the final 53-man roster."</span></p>
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<p><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/17682/bengals-mario-alford-jake-fisher-cj-uzomah-rookies-could-start">ESPN's Coley Harvey</a> took another step, saying he thinks Uzomah may start at some point in 2015:</p>
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<p><span> Although still comparatively raw, Uzomah -- a fifth-round selection -- seems to have a better handle on things than Kroft, who dropped his share of passes during organized team activities and minicamp. Because the Bengals likely will employ some two-tight end sets, look for Kroft, Uzomah (or even undrafted rookie Matt Lengel) to be among the rookies who potentially get playing time this year.</span></p>
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<p>Before you right Uzomah off and say "it's just OTAs," remember that seventh-round pick James Wright was in a similar position last year. He was an unknown commodity who no one expected to be drafted (he didn't catch a pass his senior year), but had an impressive spring that continued in training camp and eventually ended with him making the 53-man roster.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/24/8839501/c-j-uzomah-lit-it-up-in-bengals-otas-should-make-53-man-rosterJason Marcum2015-06-22T15:01:35-04:002015-06-22T15:01:35-04:00Pryor tweets videos of himself during Bengals OTAs
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<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Okay then...</p> <p>Terrelle Pryor is taking an odd approach to voicing his excitement over his move from quarterback to receiver.</p>
<p>After his latest failed stint as a QB, this one coming in Cincinnati, Pryor took to Twitter on Monday to say how he was already working hard at wide receiver.</p>
<p>His proof?</p>
<p>Pryor <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/TerrellePryor">tweeted videos of himself during Bengals OTA practices</a>...while playing quarterback.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Terrelle Pryor is celebrating his move from QB to wide receiver by....tweeting practice videos of him at QB... <a href="http://t.co/t2z6M5deER">pic.twitter.com/t2z6M5deER</a></p>
— Jason Marcum (@marcum89) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcum89/status/613056786313162752">June 22, 2015</a>
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<p>We're posting screenshots of these because it's only a matter of time before the Bengals make Pryor take these videos down, at least that's what they'll try to do. They definitely don't want the whole world seeing how they practice, even if it is just OTAs.</p>
<p>Then again, what's to stop a player from going rogue and posting practice videos of himself for public consumption on a platform such as Twitter?</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/22/8825667/terrelle-pryor-tweets-videos-himself-bengals-otasJason Marcum2015-06-21T14:10:06-04:002015-06-21T14:10:06-04:00Dre Kirkpatrick shined and was starter throughout OTAs<blockquote>
<p><p>Expect Kirkpatrick to start at the left cornerback position. Not only does he unequivocally believe that will happen, but he essentially was the starter there all throughout the spring. Dennard wasn't lacking in confidence the last few weeks, Kirkpatrick wasn't short on it, either. He was one of the better performing defensive players, clearly picking up where he left off late last season when he picked off Peyton Manning twice in three minutes at the close of a late-season Monday night win.</p></p>
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<div class="source"><p><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/17710/bengals-darqueze-dennard-dre-kirkpatrick-solid-spring-helped-themselves">Coley Harvey on Dre Kirkpatrick standing out in OTAS</a></p></div>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/21/8821337/dre-kirkpatrick-shined-and-was-starter-throughout-otasJason Marcum2015-06-21T10:00:03-04:002015-06-21T10:00:03-04:00POLL: Biggest takeaway from Bengals OTAs
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<p>Which storyline from Bengals OTAs will matter most as the Bengals inch closer to the season?</p> <p>The Bengals have wrapped up their OTAs, and now it's time for rest and recovery before training camp begins in late July.</p>
<p>While it's hard to put much credence into what goes on in pad-less practices, several intriguing developments came out of these workouts. On the injury front, Marvin Jones and Tyler Eifert look healthy and ready to rock after each missed last season.</p>
<p>There also appeared to be no major injuries in OTAs, though George Iloka and Margus Hunt were noticeably absent. It seems like each should be participating in training camp, but it will be a concern nonetheless until they're back on the field.</p>
<p>As for players who emerged, AJ McCarron went from developmental third-stringer to likely backup behind Andy Dalton in 2015. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/20/8818693/bengals-believe-aj-mccarron-can-be-starting-caliber-qb-in-nfl?_ga=1.34097953.1283041562.1433093174">McCarron was easily one of the biggest winners of OTAs</a>, as too was running back Rex Burkhead, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/3/8718099/bengals-using-rex-burkhead-at-wr-could-increase-his-playing-time">who's now trying his hand at wide receiver</a>. Burkhead did end minicamp with what appears to be a minor knee injury, but that shouldn't hold him back from being ready to participate in training camp. Rookies Derron Smith and Mario Alford have also had their fair share of OTA compliments and praises.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/21/8819497/poll-biggest-takeaway-from-bengals-otasJason Marcum2015-06-20T16:30:02-04:002015-06-20T16:30:02-04:00Bengals believe McCarron has starting QB potential
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<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bengals' faith in AJ McCarron has continued to grow this offseason. Will he one day be a starting quarterback in the NFL? The Bengals think he can be.</p> <p>The AJ McCarron hype train continues to pick up steam.</p>
<p>According to a report from NFL.com, the Bengals believe McCarron is "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000498117/article/aj-mccarron-can-be-startingquality-qb-for-bengals">fully capable of becoming a starting-quality player</a>." This is just the latest vote of confidence in the second year quarterback coming from the Bengals.</p>
<p>Hue Jackson has expressed his content with McCarron over the past few weeks saying, <i>"</i>He's done well. I've been really impressed with him. He's taken the challenge. He works hard at it."</p>
<p>One of McCarron's Bengals teammates and fellow Alabama alum, Wallace Gilberry also talked up the young quarterback a few weeks ago. "The kid is doing awesome," <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/7/8742839/wallace-gilberry-on-aj-mccarron-the-kid-is-doing-awesome" target="_blank">Gilberry said</a>. "When I say awesome, that's kind of an understatement."</p>
<p>The Bengals have been so impressed with McCarron that they went ahead and cut Terrelle Pryor this week, <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/15/8785071/aj-mccarron-may-be-only-backup-qb-to-make-bengals-roster" target="_blank">and may be willing to go with only Dalton and McCarron as the lone QBs on the 53-man roster</a>. That means McCarron will be a snap away from becoming the full-time starter if Dalton gets injured or benched.</p>
<p>So what does all of this McCarron hype mean?</p>
<p>Absolutely, 100% nothing... if Andy Dalton plays well or the Bengals keep up their winning ways in 2015. If Dalton continues to falter though in 2015 and if Cincinnati struggles, the quarterback picture could change.</p>
<p>It's not unthinkable to see the Bengals taking a step back and losing six, seven or even games this year with as difficult a schedule as they have. If they go on a skid while Dalton is playing poorly, McCarron could start to see playing time.</p>
<p>Still, it's highly doubtful McCarron gets thrown into a starting role with the Bengals with no regular-season NFL experience. They're not paying Andy Dalton more than $9 million this year to sit on the bench. McCarron will need to get tossed into some games in relief of Dalton before Marvin Lewis is willing to even consider starting the second-year pro. And keep in mind, McCarron has yet to play one down in the NFL.</p>
<p>When it comes to the regular season, it's unlikely McCarron will get any starts in Cincinnati in 2015. 2016 is another story though, one that we'll have to wait out to see how it plays out.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/20/8818693/bengals-believe-aj-mccarron-can-be-starting-caliber-qb-in-nflJason Marcum2015-06-19T18:00:02-04:002015-06-19T18:00:02-04:00Wallace Gilberry ready to reinvent himself
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<p>Wallace Gilberry, Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson terrorized opposing QBs when all three were on the field. </p> <p>For three straight offseasons, Wallace Gilberry has prepared for a new role within the Bengals' defense.</p>
<p>In 2013, Gilberry was entering just his first full year in Cincinnati after joining the team three games into the 2012 season. His role was simply as a situational pass-rusher who gave Michael Johnson and/or Carlos Dunlap a breather while also occasionally lining up at defensive tackle on obvious passing downs. That was a role Gilberry thrived in while racking up 15 sacks over his first 31 games with the Bengals.</p>
<p>However, Johnson left in free agency last offseason, forcing Gilberry into a full-time role he wasn't suited for in 2014. More snaps wore Gilberry down, to the point he didn't have as much gas to rush the passer. He also didn't get to rush from the inside as much with two quality pass-rushers drawing attention on the outside.</p>
<p>With Johnson now back, Gilberry could go back to his situational role, which allowed him to save most of his energy for pass-rushing. That said, Gilberry is always willing to reinvent himself into whatever is best for the team, and this year is no different.</p>
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<p><span>"I've been like that since I've been in the league," Gilberry said, </span><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/17661/for-wallace-gilberry-and-other-bengals-this-is-the-time-for-reinvention" target="_blank">via ESPN</a><span>. "I'm always proving myself and always having to reinvent myself. Everybody should feel like that, starter or not. You have to go out and compete, and you have to go out and reinvent yourself every year. Because at the end of the year, it may be the same guys, but we're definitely a new team. It's a new feeling, a new mindset."</span></p>
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<p>The Bengals love having versatility on their team, but especially in the trenches. Having a guy like Gilberry who can line up inside to rush passes allows the Bengals to keep him on the field with Dunlap and Johnson on passing downs, to get their three best pass-rushers on the field at the same time.</p>
<p>This play against the Colts last year was just one example of how that lineup could work (even though they didn't have MJ):</p>
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<p>Notice how Gilberry starts from the inside, but he and Dunlap execute a beautiful stunt that nearly results in a safety. This is the kind of lineup Cincinnati can use more of now with Johnson back in the fold, which should have the Bengals once again terrifying opposing QBs in 2015.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/19/8815917/wallace-gilberry-ready-to-reinvent-himselfJason Marcum2015-06-19T16:30:02-04:002015-06-19T16:30:02-04:00Derron Smith impressed coaches at Bengals OTAs
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<figcaption>Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Derron Smith drew favorable reviews for his performance in Bengals OTAs. Will it translate into a strong showing in Training Camp? </p> <p>One of the biggest steals Cincinnati got in this year's NFL Draft was Fresno State safety Derron Smith.</p>
<p>Regarded as one of the top safety prospects, Smith was <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/15/8780101/assessing-derron-smith-draft-value" target="_blank">projected to go anywhere between the second and fourth rounds</a>. He ultimately fell to the Bengals near the end of the sixth round, and now he's showing flashes of why he should have gone sooner.</p>
<p>During OTAs, Smith has consistently been praised by coaches and media alike for how he's performed. Earlier in the week, <a href="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Big-time-campers/4d73ad22-f153-4551-9c06-463faa8607f3" target="_blank">Geoff Hobson wrote</a> how Smith and fellow rookie DB Josh Shaw were two of the most impressive Bengals during spring workouts.</p>
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<p><span>The two drafted players that have shown up the most appear to be West Coast roommates, sixth-round safety Derron Smith of Fresno State and fourth-round cornerback Josh Shaw of USC. Smith has impressed with his ability to be in the right place at the right time and Shaw has been a physical presence as a 200-pounder who has been playing the slot as well as outside.</span></p>
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<p>Co-defensive backs coach Vance Joseph noted how Smith's four years of starting experience in college has helped him adjust to the NFL game quicker than most.</p>
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<p><span>"He was a four-year starter at Fresno State so he has played a bunch of football," Jospeh said, </span><a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641763&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincinnati.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Fbengals%2F2015%2F06%2F18%2Fbengals-rookie-derron-smith-impresses-at-minicamp%2F28940147%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincyjungle.com%2F2015%2F6%2F19%2F8790157%2Fderron-smith-impresses-at-bengals-otas" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">via Cincinnati.com</a><span> You can kind of tell that when you watch him play. He has great savvy for the game. He's very, very smart, a quick runner. He's going to help us."</span></p>
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<p><span>Though Smith drew favorable reviews for how he performed in Bengals OTAs, how it translates into training camp will determine if he even make the 53-man roster. Safety isn't exactly a thin position, and you can't assume a player even as talented as Smith makes the final roster.</span></p>
<p>George Iloka and Reggie Nelson have spots locked up, and it appears Shawn Williams does too with as much praise as he's drawn this offseason from the coaches as well. Shiloh Keo is no slouch with starting experience in Houston under his belt in addition to being a solid special teams player.</p>
<p>Smith needs to keep up his play in Training Camp and into the preseason to secure his roster spot, but thus far, he's made a great impression, which will certainly help his cause.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2015/6/19/8790157/derron-smith-impresses-at-bengals-otasJason Marcum