Rival Report: Three takes from week one of Bengals camp
The Cincinnati Bengals spent their first week of training camp this year like so many other teams; prepping their rookies to join the veterans on the squad, welcoming guys back from injury and preparing for another push for dominance in the AFC North. Through the first week of camp, three story lines popped that showed what stripes the Bengals may show in 2017.
The Return of Giovani Bernard
During the offseason, Giovani Bernard spent all but two weeks of family time rehabbing a surgically-repaired left ACL with Bengals trainer Nick Cosgray. After tearing his right ACL as a freshman at the University of North Carolina, Bernard – one of the Bengals’ best all-around athletes in the versatility department and the top run-blocking running back – understood what it would take to get back onto the field in 2017.
Still, his ability to get on the field on Friday was a welcome sight for many. Bernard joked that his Haitian heritage may have played a part in his quick return; referencing an X-men comic book hero.
It’s something I joke around with…like a Wolverine kind of thing, I don’t know…I’ve got two bionic knees now. Not they’re even.
Bernard credited strength and conditioning coach Chip Morton for allowing him to break down the group and build on the camaraderie after spending much of the offseason in isolation. Observations of his on-field activity showed he has regained speed and cutting ability and that bodes well for the Bengals offense.
For all the work Bernard has put in to get back to 100 percent, though, someone should have told veteran linebacker Vontaze Burfict that mauling his own teammates isn’t a team-building option. On Tuesday, with guys in full pads, Burfict zeroed in on Bernard in an 11-on-11 drill right at knee-level and took him to the ground hard in what was to be a non-tackling drill.
#Bengals Giovani Bernard spends months rehabbing torn ACL only to have Vontaze Burfict go for the knees in no-tackle drill at camp #AFCNorth pic.twitter.com/FE7tMVbFxK
— Christina Rivers (@3Rivers_Writer) August 2, 2017
Although the incident created a scrum, Bernard didn’t have much to say to the media about his teammate. “He slipped,” Bernard said. “Guys, stop looking for the quote. You’re not getting it out of me.” In Coach Marvin Lewis’ words (paraphrased), it’s time that Cincinnati got back to work and knock off the extracurricular activities.
Kirkpatrick balancing cautious play with competitiveness
Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick suffered a “freak accident” in May – his words – and the result was a broken hand that doctors cautioned him to protect in his first weeks of practice. The cast is gone and Kirkpatrick’s confidence level high enough that he felt comfortable getting competitive in the defensive backfield during drills.
On Saturday, late in the practice session after watching Andy Dalton throw the ball around to A.J. Green, Brandon LaFell and Cody Core, the final sequence of 11-on-11 drills gave Kirkpatrick an opportunity to shine. Jumping a route, Kirkpatrick grabbed an interception and returned it to the end zone; spiking the ball and giving a healthy shout in celebration.
I couldn’t resist that one…Those plays I’m going to take.
Kirkpatrick was aware that the risk to his hand being injured by another player or contact with the ball was low and admitted that he respects the team’s policies on limiting injury. “At the end of the day it was natural instinct,” he said. “We’ve got great receivers. They’re making good plays. They’re making us compete every day, and just going out there making plays, that’s my job.”
Iloka could miss 3-4 weeks
On Sunday, starting safety George Iloka was pursuing a play and suddenly fell to the ground, grabbing at his right knee. The 27-year-old has been a steady force in the Bengals secondary since Cincinnati drafted him in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
On Monday, Iloka had an MRI on the knee. The results showed no ligament tears, but the sprain reportedly will sideline the veteran for the remainder of training camp. The Bengals may choose to rest him during the preseason as well in order to have him at 100 percent health for their season opener.
In 2016, Iloka recorded 74 total tackles, three interceptions and broke up seven passes in 16 games.
It was the second day of full pads at practice.
The intensity went ⬆UP⬆! #Bengals50
Here's what you need to know: pic.twitter.com/w0yYYPrQr5
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 2, 2017
