If there has been one constant from Cincinnati Bengals training camp so far, it’s a dominant defense shutting things down — and letting the Joe Burrow-led offense know about it.
Which isn’t to say the offense hasn’t had its moments. Burrow looks great. Ja’Marr Chase, Auden Tate and even Trent Taylor have made huge highlight-worthy plays.
But the first week of training was overall dominated by the defense, especially in the redzone. And now on Monday, let’s just say the Jessie Bates-led unit was on fire, forcing turnovers and pressures and generally frustrating the offense.
One note for Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic says it all:
#Bengals defense rightfully talking all kinds of trash as they have owned another practice.
Germaine Pratt puts exclamation point on a dominant day with a pick of Joe Burrow over the middle.
Lot of frustration showing on the offensive side. Long list of superlatives on D.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 2, 2021
That Germaine Pratt interception wasn’t the only high note. There was at least one other near-pick due to pressure, great coverage from names like Chidobe Awuzie and a forced fumble after a Chase reception.
There is one important thing to note — the defense should be winning most of these early camp battles and it’s not a cause for concern. The coaches are trying to install an offense, never mind the red zone looks, plus the quarterback is just getting back from an injury.
But things like great coverage and making the most of every opportunity are things that have missing from Bengals defenses lately, so it’s a good early sign that this remade unit is already doing these things — with some trash-talking confidence, too.
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