The Cincinnati Bengals might really have something on their hands with rookie guard Michael Jordan.
For the second time in training camp, the Ohio State product took reps with the first team on Monday, manning left guard. On one hand, coaches have told the media this is simply a part of everyone getting a chance with the ones.
But on the other? Someone like offensive line coach Jim Turner is stressing that — but also saying this is all quicker than anticipated because Jordan is playing so well, per the team’s website:
“It has nothing to do with who is actually going to be the starter. You have to give them all a chance to play with the 1s. This is Mike’s time to get a shot with the 1s. It really comes down to that. It’s a little quicker than we thought it was going to be because he played so well in the first game. Because he played so well in the first game we want to see what he can do with the first team. When you play with those better players on the first team, you should have more of a chance to shine yourself. We want to give him that opportunity.”
Which leads to this idea:
The Bengals might only be able to sugarcoat this for so much longer. Jordan is on the inside scrapping with the likes of Geno Atkins every day. He’s seeing first-team reps over a veteran like Chrisitan Westerman and a new arrival like John Jerry. Trey Hopkins, starter material at all three interior spots, has been shoved aside twice now, too.
And this is nothing but a good thing for the Bengals, of course. If Jordan locks down left guard, it frees up Hopkins and Jerry. Maybe Hopkins starts at center and Billy Price moves. Maybe Jerry kicks out to right tackle, where he saw some work in the first preseason game.
No matter how it ends up shaking out, the Bengals have more options than anticipated in the offensive trenches. Chalk Jordan’s progression up as a good problem to have.
