The Cincinnati Bengals entered the weekend on the heels of quarterback Joe Burrow's most electric practice throwing the ball downfield. They now exit the weekend with the defense matching that energy.
Several key players on that side of the ball remain working on the rehab field. A talented youngster on offense even returned from an injury scare a few days ago.
But Sunday's 91-degree session was a strong statement from Lou Anarumo's ever-evolving defense. Here are some of my observations after attending Sunday's practice.
Defense gets its get-back
The first notable play went for the offense as Joe Burrow connected with Trenton Irwin on a fade route over rookie cornerback Josh Newton in the end zone. Irwin subtly pushed off Newton to gain separation for the first points of the day.
The battle had only just begun.
Following the second-string's first series of the afternoon, the ones went back onto the field with subs coming in on both sides of the ball. This doesn't include Vonn Bell, who made the first of a few run stops on the day on this rep.
As the offense gave receivers Charlie Jones and Kendric Pryor time on the field and called a variety of screens and runs, they had their hands full moving the ball against the defense. Ultimately, the drive ended with another shot at the goal line, this time broken up by free safety Geno Stone.
The ones didn't hog all the big plays. During the final 11-on-11 period, rookie safety Daijahn Anthony stepped in front of a Jake Browning target intended for Shedrick Jackson and notched his second interception of training camp.
A few weeks ago, Anthony may've had the longest odds of any Bengals draft pick to make the roster . Stringing together impact play after impact play during training camp is the perfect way to boost his standing.
Overall, the defense can hang its hat after today. Burrow has had better days throwing the ball. Sometimes the other side just makes more plays.
3 starting defensive linemen working to return
The starting defensive line today featured Myles Murphy, Zach Carter, B.J. Hill, and Joseph Ossai. Only one of those names is projected to start Week 1.
Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and Sheldon Rankins were all seen on the rehab field working. Hendrickson and Hubbard were revealed to have minor injuries by head coach Zac Taylor , but Rankins has been with them on the far field for the past two practices and it's unclear as to why.
Rankins told ESPN's Ben Baby that his being on the rehab field away from practice "isn't anything to be concerned about."
Hendrickson and Hubbard will be reevaluated this week for potentially returning to practice. Hubbard looked to be moving well in the exercises he was conducting.
I was unable to confirm whether or not edge defender Cam Sample was also on the rehab field. Sample suffered what appeared to be a lower leg injury last Thursday and was seen moving around with a scooter after practice that day.
Punters are very much people, too
The rehab field is also where the punters get the majority of their work done, and the newest one in town looked really good.
Rookie Ryan Rehkow, whom was signed by the Bengals last week, had probably the most consistent day between him, incumbent Brad Robbins, and fellow rookie UDFA Austin McNamara. Robbins was a close second from my judgement.
The air Rehkow is able to get with his punts without seemingly exerting much more force is impressive. During a drill in which all three were attempting "coffin corner" kicks (pin the ball near the goal line and sideline), Rehkow boomed the ball into the end zone from 66 yards away from the goal line (the field is only 90 yards long).
Placement and hang time are both vital in deciding which of the three punters get the job come later this month. Rehkow will need to keep those reps in play to further stand out, but he's probably got the most power out of the three-man battle. It's impressive watching the lift he generates.
He even got to punt to Adam "Pacman" Jones, who made an appearance at camp.
How special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons divvies out the reps for all three punters during the preseason will be very interesting, but it wouldn't shock me if Rehkow is second behind Robbins right now.
Related: Cincinnati Bengals roster hopeful catches an absolutely beautiful pass from Joe Burrow on Day 8 of training camp
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