It didn’t take long for D.J. Reader to make an impression on the Cincinnati Bengals.
Most had to know that would be the case given the high-profile nature of his arrival via free agency. And he already turned some heads by making it clear he’s ready to enforce what Bengals coaches want from him.
But what about those coaches?
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo singled out Reader first while talking about some of the new arrivals to his unit, according to Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer:
“The new guys have communicated well. D.J. Reader has spoke up in the d-line meetings. Josh Bynes has done a good job as a veteran communicating in the linebacker meetings. In the backend, you have a bunch of guys who like to stick their chest out, if you will, in Vonn Bell and Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander. All those guys have done well.”
Bynes deserves a nod here too — he’s already the most experienced player in the linebacker room and taking command of it.
But it’s Reader, now the highest-paid nosetackle in football, who figures to make the biggest splash. Character was a massive part of the organization’s approach this offseason and he’s clearly already meeting expectations.
If Reader matches on-field expectations in the same manner, he’s going to be one of the standout Bengals in 2020.
