The atmosphere at the Bengals training camp reached new heights on August 2 as fans gathered for a two-hour practice session at PayCor Stadium. The energy was palpable, reminiscent of a regular-season game, as packed stands filled with supporters and lively commentary from radio broadcasters Dan Hoard and Dave Lapham set the stage.
One consistent theme has emerged throughout the training camp – the impressive performance of the defense. Just days after D.J. Turner II made waves with five pass break-ups, teammates Daijahn Anthony and Josh Newton showcased their skills by intercepting quarterback Jake Browning during a 7-on-7 segment. Defensive standout Geno Stone made a significant defensive play as well, almost leading to an interception by Jalen Davis with a break-up on a pass from Joe Burrow to Tee Higgins.
The defensive line has equally shone, with T.J. Slaton dominating in one-on-one drills before rookie Shemar Stewart demonstrated promise during an 11-on-11 segment. Stewart managed to get a hand on a Burrow throw and later pressured Browning, showing that his time working with veteran Trey Hendrickson is paying off.
Kicker Evan McPherson had a noteworthy performance, finishing practice with a 5-for-7 record on field goals. He had started training camp strong, nailing 18 consecutive field goals across the first three practices. During the showcase, he successfully kicked two field goals from 37 yards and one from 42 yards, as well as two additional longer kicks from 45 and 50 yards. However, he did miss on both of his 56-yard attempts, which is a trend to keep an eye on moving forward as consistency will be crucial.
The Bengals are building momentum as they prepare for their upcoming season, and the excitement from fans is a strong indicator of the team’s potential. As the training camp continues, the synergy between the players and the fans could be the spark that propels the Bengals towards a successful season.