Today's camp was definitely more involved than Friday's camp. We were back to helmets and pads and actual running in the routes. A lot of the day was the individual groups working with their coaches; lines, backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers, etc. They practiced a lot of special teams again. The team continued working on on-side kicks and punt returns. Again, Marvin Jones was a big stand out, catching a couple long zingers down the sideline, putting in some good footwork against Newman. This kid is ready. He is really going out there for these catches and he isn't afraid to lay out. He has nice feet and is fast. Jones may be our answer on the other side, opposite Green. Sanu and Hawkins continued to look solid, catching most of the balls thrown their way. Watching camp today, I think Sanu is going to really compliment Hawkins underneath. They both have great ball handling skills, they are elusive and reliable. Where Baby Hawk and can sneak around since he is so small, Sanu and can take some hits in tough coverage since he is built like a TE. Of course, Binns and Tate looked good and both made some pretty tough catches. Tate really has stepped up. Today he just kept coming up with the ball even during big hits. Really, there were a lot of great catches out there from the whole WR corp. The quarterbacks were airing out the ball and looking pretty good also. They were intercepted a couple of times, though. However, I never know if I should be happy that the backfield looks so good or sad that the passers were off base? A little note: The QB's had to run sprints after practice. I don't know if this was why, some other reason, or they just like to run back and forth across the field.
Jermaine Gresham didn't dress, but was out on the field before practice began. In his absence, Donald Lee really looked good and Orson Charles was solid, as usual. The running backs redeemed themselves a little during this practice. They were really protecting the ball and finding a few holes. Boom Herron looked pretty good, running well and catching a couple of of short passes, working with the second and third team offenses. Green-Ellis didn't practice again, so hopefully he is resting to get himself back out there. I don't need any more fumble festivals during the regular season. I was very pleased to see Kirkpatrick was out there FINALLY, suited up, playing with everyone. It is nice to see him working on the field and healthy, getting up to speed. He got beat a few times, but that is to be expected since he has missed so much. Aside from that he looked good on routes and cutting.The rest of the backfield looked pretty good too. Nelson got another interception and just continues to position himself for the big plays. He is going to have another great season back there. Burfict was back out there too. He spent time before the actual camp start on the bike and came out suited up and ready to play with everyone else. Mays was probably thanking his lucky stars since Maualuga has yet to return to the field because him. He is a one man wrecking ball.
I have to say, as excited as I was for camp to get started so I could get a little taste of football, I am even more excited for it to be over! In the next couple of weeks the teams will start to slim down their rosters, the battles will be won and over, the preseason will wrap up, and before you know it the regular season will be here! I don't know about you, but I absolutely cannot wait for that first Monday night in Baltimore! It is like Christmas. You wait impatiently with anticipation for the morning to come so you can see what Santa left for you. I feel those same feelings welling up waiting to see what this team is going to do when it counts. Can we make back to back play off appearances for the first time in 30 years? Can we dominate our division again? Will A.J. and Andy make it through their sophomore slumps? I really think all of these questions have no reason to not have a positive answer from what we've seen so far. Hell, I think I am as excited for this season, as ESPN is to see Tebow's pectorals! And we all know, that is pretty damn excited!
Thursday is another preseason game at home. This time the Packers are coming through. Leading up to the game, I think some moves will be made on the roster with the deadline coming up. The team has to shave down from 85 to 75 players by August 27. So this week and the game are going to decide some fates, if they weren't already decided. I am still standing by Sims to be the next possible cut. He has yet to practice with the team. Though he is very good at what he does, the 8 guys they have there are very solid right now. Not to mention, Hayden has had a really good camp. If Hayden were to stick around with the team, that would be 9, not including Sims. The Bengals did add a rookie free agent, Luke Black from Fairmont State, at DE to help alleviate some stress with all of the injuries for the game on Thursday. Note to Mr. Mays...We do not need your help here, stand back Son!
I will leave you with some of today's camp pictures. Thanks for reading, remember to follow through Google or signing up for emails. Who Dey!
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