Joe Burrow did not need long to establish his expectations for the Cincinnati Bengals this summer.
Cincinnati’s first training camp practice featured sharp throws, an evolving offense and even a scuffle between Ja’Marr Chase and DJ Turner. Burrow welcomed the energy, but he also delivered a warning that should follow the Bengals throughout camp.
“If the intensity isn’t great on Day 1, then you are in trouble,” Burrow said in a post-practice press conference.
In other words, celebrating an energetic opening practice would be a little premature. Everyone arrives at camp rested, excited and ready to hit somebody other than a teammate. The more revealing test comes after the initial buzz disappears.
Burrow wants to know what Cincinnati will look like on Day 20.
Joe Burrow is looking beyond the opening practice
Training camp intensity is hardly unusual. Chase and Turner became involved in a heated exchange during 11-on-11 drills, with Chase reportedly grabbing Turner’s helmet and throwing it across the field.
Burrow did not appear bothered by the confrontation. He seemed encouraged that two of Cincinnati’s best players were already pushing one another.
That fire will only help if the Bengals carry it into the season. Cincinnati has spent the past three years falling short of the standard it established with consecutive trips to the AFC Championship Game after the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Injuries have contributed to the decline, especially Burrow’s absences. They do not explain everything.
The Bengals have repeatedly put themselves in difficult positions with sluggish starts. Waiting until late in the season to find a rhythm has become an exhausting tradition. It makes for entertaining December football, but it is a lousy long-term strategy.
The Bengals are already changing their offense
Burrow also spent more time under center during the opening practice as Cincinnati explored ways to create a more explosive running game. That change could give the offense additional play-action opportunities and make it less predictable.
The Bengals quarterback is willing to adjust.
“I can do whatever is asked of me,” Burrow said.
That flexibility could become important. Cincinnati already knows Burrow can pick apart defenses from the shotgun. Building a more dependable running game would ease some of the pressure on him while forcing opponents to defend more than one version of the offense.
Burrow reportedly looked sharp, connecting with Chase and Tee Higgins downfield. New defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence also made his presence known by collapsing the pocket and forcing Burrow to deliver a few throws without a clear view.
It was a productive beginning. Nothing more.
The Bengals have looked talented enough to contend before. Their problem has been turning that talent into consistent football before the season begins slipping away.
Burrow is not asking for one emotional practice in July. He wants the same urgency several weeks from now, when camp becomes repetitive and nobody feels fresh.
That is when Cincinnati will begin finding out whether this season is actually different.
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