Irv Smith Jr. wants to show the Bengals 'that they can believe in me'

Before one training camp practice in August, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan asked new tight end Irv Smith Jr. what his favorite routes were in the Bengals’ offense. The Bengals ran all of those plays that day, and Smith showed his upside as a playmaker over the middle of the field.

In other practices, the Bengals’ coaches designed specific opportunities for Smith to face certain types of coverages. Smith had the challenge of learning the Bengals’ offense while quarterback Joe Burrow was injured. The Bengals simulated different looks and different situations so Smith would know what to look for when Burrow was back.

The Bengals executed a specific, well-thought-out plan to get Smith acclimated to the Bengals’ offense. But entering Week 1, Smith is still the new guy and the unknown piece on the Bengals’ offense.

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In a scheme that thrives because of its continuity, Smith is the wild card.

“Every offense that I’ve been a part of, I’ve been a difference-maker,” Smith said. “No tight end can do what I do and be the type of player that I am. I just want to show my team on Sunday.”

Smith, a second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, has averaged 23.2 yards per game over his NFL career. Injuries prevented him from finding a rhythm and developing into a full-time starter. He missed three games in 2020, the entire 2021 season and nine games in 2022.

When Smith signed a one-year deal with the Bengals, Cincinnati’s coaching staff and front office saw a fast player for his position, a shifty route runner over the middle of the field and the type of deep ball threat that the Bengals haven’t had at tight end during Burrow’s career.

Smith signed with the Bengals because he saw the best set of circumstances to prove himself and get his career back on the track he expected.

“As a competitor, I just wanted to show the coaching staff and my teammates that I’m a willing blocker, a winning learner and a willing player,” Smith said. “Whatever I can do to help my team win, that’s what I’ll do. Tight ends have to do so many different things. I want to show my team that they can believe in me.”

The Bengals have followed a similar plan heading into the season to what they did with former Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst in 2022. Last year, Hurst was the veteran tight end on a one-year deal. He had a career year, had 555 receiving yards between the regular season and the playoffs and then signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.

The Bengals signed Smith to fill Hurst’s role in the offense.

“Irv brings the same thing as Hayden Hurst,” Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase said. “Hayden was hyped every single second. It’s the same thing with Irv. He brings energy. He loves football. He’s smart. He’s an overall athlete. Those things are helpful.”

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While Hurst had a reputation as a better blocker, a more physical route runner and a better-contested catch winner, Smith brings the Bengals more versatility. Smith said he takes a lot of pride in his ability to line up out wide, in the slot, in the backfield or as an in-line tight end.

Smith is one of the better tight ends in the NFL at breaking tackles and picking up yards after catch. His breakaway speed will give him the chance to connect with Burrow on deep throws that Burrow didn’t attempt with Hurst in 2022.

Smith’s biggest strength is his ability as a receiver. But this week, the Bengals need his biggest contributions to be his blocks on double teams against Cleveland Browns' star pass rusher Myles Garrett.

“We’ve been focusing on Myles Garrett all week,” Smith said. “As a tight end, that’s my job. It’s not going to be an easy task, but we’ll be ready for it.”

Smith will make his Bengals debut after sharing the field with Burrow for just seven full practices. Smith had a quiet training camp because the Bengals’ backup quarterbacks rarely tested the middle of the field, and now Smith has only had two weeks to get a feel for how he fits in the Bengals’ offense with Burrow.

Smith said the keys with Burrow have been communication and trust. Even when Burrow was out with a calf injury, he talked with Smith about routes and concepts in the Bengals’ offense.

“It’s his team,” Smith said. "We’re just out there getting open and making plays. He’s the one that’s leading the show. He’s a great communicator and a great leader. He sets the example the right way. We’re very connected. Throughout the season, we’ll build on that and get more and more confident. There’s nothing like the games.”

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr. a versatile playmaker