Bengals HC not worried about Joe Burrow struggles, OL

Despite reports that Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offensive line are not clicking, Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor says it is too early for legitimate concern. 

“I think it’s the whole unit right now. We’re just getting a feel for each other.” Taylor said on Wednesday. “But there’s no cause for panic for any reason for that. We’ve still got 39 days before our first game. We’ve got a lot of practices left to be had. I’m excited because I know we can continue to get better and be more detailed, and that’s gonna come.”

Rookies might need to step up along OL

Offensive line coach Frank Pollack returns to Cincinnati after two years with the Jets, and he is already facing injuries amongst his position group. 

BengalsWire reported this morning that new starting right tackle and Pro Bowler Riley Reiff missed practice yesterday after suffering an injury on Monday, and backup tackle Fred Johnson will be out for at least a week with a quad injury. While neither injury is severe, two key blockers are missing valuable snaps in padded practice as they try to make a young offense function. 

The Bengals drafted wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase with their first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft instead of top offensive lineman Penei Sewell, but they picked up three offensive lineman in later rounds: Clemson’s Jackson Carman (second round), East Carolina’s D’Ante Smith (fourth round) and Georgia’s Trey Hill (sixth round). The rookies may have to step up sooner rather than later if the starters’ bad luck with injuries continues.

Joe Burrow may not be 100% just yet

When Joe Burrow went down with a torn ACL and MCL last season, it was pretty unsurprising. Burrow was sacked 32 times, tied for the 11th most in the NFL despite only playing in 10 games. He faced pressure on 32.3% of his dropbacks, which was 15th in the league. 

Burrow should be ready to play this season, but it will take some adjusting before he is back to 100%. Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd commented on his quarterback’s status on Wednesday. 

“I think he looks good. Just watching him move around in the pocket, his pocket presence seems great. I think he’s kind of a little iffy on his knee, but it’s kind of hard to tell. I feel like he’s ready to go, but I also think he doesn’t want to do too much,” Boyd said, per ProFootballTalk.

Joe Burrow spent an extra 5-7 minutes after practice working on deep balls with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/HyhstEbov1

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) August 2, 2021

In the 10 games prior to tearing his ACL last season, Burrow threw for 2,688 yards and 13 touchdowns with a completion percentage of 65.3%. He was heavily in the rookie of the year conversation.

Image courtesy of Dylan Buell/Getty Images