Bengals Camp Chaos: Burrow's Stars Set to Shine, Defense Finally Has Bite?
The Cincinnati Bengals are back on the grind, and if training camp is any indication, this ain't the same old Bengals. The defense is flying around, the offense is tinkering, and the kids are making noise. Buckle up — this could get interesting.
Stars Aligned for Preseason Opener
Coach Zac Taylor confirmed the big dogs will see the field Thursday against Detroit. Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and new wrecking ball Dexter Lawrence II are all expected to get snaps. “Fans will get a chance to enjoy some of our players,” Taylor said. Translation: The marquee names are coming out to play, even if it's just for a cameo.
Defense Is Playing With an Edge
Coordinator Al Golden's unit has been the story of camp. After two seasons of getting carved up, this group looks different. Boye Mafe has been a menace off the edge, rookie Cashius Howell keeps turning heads, and the secondary is communicating like a veteran crew. Safety Jordan Battle picked off Burrow on a pass meant for Chase — yeah, it's been that kind of camp.
“I think as a defense, we have an edge,” Golden said. “We gotta continue to have that edge. We haven't done anything.” Humble words from a unit that's been stacking days.
Offense Searching for Explosions
The passing game has had its ups and downs, but the ground attack is showing life. Chase Brown ripped off a long touchdown run, a huge sign for a team that ranked near the bottom in explosive runs last season. Burrow has been living under center more than usual, and OC Dan Pitcher is all about adding wrinkles. “We just wanna have a lot of tools at our disposal,” he said.
Burrow also raved about Brown's all-purpose ability, saying he's the guy to get the ball to after Chase. And on the injury front, Burrow's foot feels great — he'll keep the protective plate in his shoe forever, just to be safe.
Rookie Watch: Cashius Howell Is the Real Deal
The second-round pick out of Buffalo has been the breakout star of camp. He's been living in the backfield, getting pressure on Burrow, and taking first-team reps. If this keeps up, he's going to force his way onto the field early.
Rookie receivers Colbie Young and Noah Thomas are also making plays. Thomas pulled off a wild contested catch that got Chase hyped. The future is now in Cincinnati.
Injury Report & Bubble Watch
Safety Bryan Cook and corner Dax Hill are dealing with muscle tightness — nothing major, but they'll sit out against Detroit. Rookie center Connor Lew got first-team reps with Ted Karras resting. DT B.J. Hill is on the PUP list but progressing, and DE Shemar Stewart is recovering from a hyperextended knee.
One wild story: TE Erick All Jr. got hit by a moped in Greece over the offseason. He says it actually helped his confidence coming back from ACL surgery. Now that's a comeback story.
The Bottom Line
Cincinnati's defense looks hungry, the offense has weapons, and the rookies are flashing. If the line can keep Burrow upright and the defense keeps this edge, the Bengals might just be a problem in 2026. Camp isn't over yet, but the vibes in Cincy? They're dangerously good.