On the third day of mandatory training camp at Paycor Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals delivered a series of eye‑catching moments on both offense and defense that suggest early momentum for the season ahead
Veteran signal caller Jake Browning connected with rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton on two red‑zone touchdown catches, one against zone coverage and another in man-to-man drills. Burton, now in his second NFL season, appears to be taking a major step forward in training camp. Meanwhile, star wideouts Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase continued to impress. Higgins hauled in a perfectly placed toe-tap TD from Joe Burrow, and Chase made what many onlookers called the “play of the day,” a jaw‑dropping one‑handed touchdown catch in the back corner of the end zone
On the defensive front, new coordinator Al Golden brought fresh energy and creativity to practice. In lieu of traditional pass‑rush routines, Buffalo lines and defensive backs participated in dodgeball-style drills designed to sharpen their ability to bat down passes, as well as turnover training stations focusing on strip sacks, fumble recoveries and punch-outs. The results were noticeable: safety Geno Stone disrupted a would-be touchdown with a pass breakup, while Dax Hill showed controlled physicality in drills, demonstrating solid tackling technique without over-aggressiveness
Golden, who has emphasized urgency since taking over the defense, has pushed players to cross-train in multiple positions—particularly in the secondary—to improve adaptability and awareness during live action. That emphasis on fundamentals and versatility is part of his effort to transform a unit that ranked 25th in total defense last season into a technically sound and opportunistic group
There were also encouraging sightlines regarding health: tight end Erick All Jr., sidelined for the season after his second ACL surgery, returned to the practice field in a limited role, building esprit de corps with teammates. Center Lucas Patrick, in contention to start at center, worked through a minor injury and left practice under his own power, suggesting no long-term concerns.
Burton’s red-zone production and versatility may well elevate his status as the team’s third receiving option behind Chase and Higgins—a make-or-break moment for his career. Golden’s unorthodox yet purposeful approach has energized players and elevated the intensity of practice. Head coach Zac Taylor and veterans have praised his work ethic and strategic acumen, citing a promising shift in culture. With Chase and Higgins making every touch look routine and Burton flashing big-play ability, the receiving corps appears deeper and more dangerous than ever
With training camp only in its infancy, the Bengals are already showcasing the kind of execution, innovation and team-building that suggests they’re determined not to repeat the slow season-opening starts that derailed several past seasons
