6 takeaways from the second day of Bengals training camp
It turns out things are only going to get more interesting as Cincinnati Bengals training camp continues.
Which isn’t to say Day 1 wasn’t interesting. But Thursday’s session? It featured Ja’Marr Chase getting in gear, plenty of interesting defensive plays and even a scuffle that onlookers had to break up because it went to the ground.
So to say things are just getting started might be an understatement — quarterback Joe Burrow has yet to arrive and take part after needing surgery to remove his appendix.
The following is a look at some of the best moments, highlights and takeaways from the second day of camp.
The Vonn Bell show
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Bell’s in an interesting spot now. The team hasn’t extended Jessie Bates and he might be gone. Bell is also a free agent after the season. Might it be extension time for him instead?
The veteran certainly made his case early on Thursday, picking off a Brandon Allen pass in 11-on-11 work and taking it back for what might have been a touchdown. We know he’s a critical leader too, so he’s on the right path.
Chase in midseason form
Ja'Marr Chase dances past Eli Apple and Dax Hill on 60-yard TD. #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/xZhhcDpfF3
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) July 28, 2022
Chase told reporters there’s no chance he’s going to encounter drop issues like he had roughly one year ago.
He sure proved that on Thursday while making play after play, including torching the coverage on what would have been a touchdown bomb in the above highlight.
Hayden Hurst might be a sleeper
Impressive catch by Hayden Hurst today at camp.
He's getting a ton of targets early. #Bengals @fox19 pic.twitter.com/3QRXxAgzOM
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) July 28, 2022
When talking Hayden Hurst this offseason, we’ve largely focused on how he might hover in the same statistical area as C.J. Uzomah, the guy he’s replacing.
Or maybe not.
Hurst had that wicked grab seen in the above highlight and frankly, it’s reasonable to expect plenty of that from the former first-rounder while defenses focus on the three star wideouts.
Jessie Bates there in spirit
Dax Hill said Jessie Bates texted him after the #Bengals first camp practice yesterday.
"He said it's a blessing to be out there the first day of camp when everything's exciting, and if there's anything you need, just reach out to me."
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) July 28, 2022
Bates might be using the last little leverage he has before signing to the franchise tag by not showing up just yet.
But he’s got the backs of those currently there.
Notably, Bates hit up Dax Hill, the first-rounder currently playing in his spot and offered some encouragement. Barring a stunner, they’ll be on the same field together before long.
Don't sleep on Chido
Chidobe Awuzie with a solid PBU against Ja’Marr Chase pic.twitter.com/Ykue9D5GGs
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) July 28, 2022
Awuize doesn’t get the national attention he probably deserves but he’s again making his presence felt — even while in coverage on Chase. That’s a money matchup sure to make both guys better all summer long.
Punches thrown
Syndication: The Enquirer
The Bengals had their first fight of training camp on Day 2, a to-the-ground-with-punches scuffle between right tackle Isaiah Prince and rookie defensive end Jeffrey Gunter.
Big deal? No. Common across the league? Sure. But it’s cool to see guys so hungry already in something as simple as early camp 11-on-11s.
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