RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Jul. 29—Joe Burrow can already see the impact of some of the moves the Cincinnati Bengals ma
de to improve the defense this year after just one day of training camp.
The seventh-year quarterback doesn't know yet how much work he will get in preseason games against an actual opponent, but the Bengals' defensive line looks to provide a different kind of test with 6-foot-5, 350-pound Dexter Lawrence lining up inside.
That's a new challenge he welcomes as he tries to prepare for imposing defensive lines he will face during the regular season.
"The D-Line, certainly, size difference from last year is the most glaring thing," Burrow said after the first practice Wednesday. "The pocket was a little different today. Tough to tell when you don't have pads, but I'm excited to see what those guys can do."
Lawrence said he looked Burrow "in the eyes a couple times but didn't say much." He looks forward to competing with Burrow in camp as Lawrence tries to get pressure on him and Burrow tries to evade that.
Burrow said it's good practice being forced to get the ball out quickly.
"He got back there pretty quick a couple of times," Burrow said. "We're going to have to get that thing out. Made some blind throws today because of how big he is. And he pushes that pocket and gets close to you. You have to be able to throw without seeing. I think it's great for the games, but that's a challenge. That's going to be a big part of our team this year. I'm excited to watch it."
Seeing Lawrence coming at him in 11-on-11 drills was a nice reminder to Burrow of the investments Cincinnati made into the roster this offseason to try to reach goals of getting back to the playoffs.
Burrow wants to see the team maximize the opportunities in front of them with a loaded offense and a lot of work put into improving the defense.
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Cincinnati Bengals: Burrow still ranks among best QBs in NFL
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Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Brown among middle tier of NFL running backs
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Cincinnati Bengals: Receiving corps looking for more production in 2026
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Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive line looking to continue climb in 2026
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Cincinnati Bengals: Overhauled defensive line caught attention
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Cincinnati Bengals: Linebackers expected to make leap in Year 2
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Cincinnati Bengals: Are the safety concerns a thing of the past?
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Cincinnati Bengals: Depth improved at cornerback
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How do the Bengals position groups stack up against the rest of the NFL?
Laurel Pfahler breaks down the Cincinnati Bengals position groups heading into the 2026 season in this 8-part series.
Cincinnati Bengals: Burrow still ranks among best QBs in NFL
Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Brown among middle tier of NFL running backs
Cincinnati Bengals: Receiving corps looking for more production in 2026
Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive line looking to continue climb in 2026
Cincinnati Bengals: Overhauled defensive line caught attention
Cincinnati Bengals: Linebackers expected to make leap in Year 2
Cincinnati Bengals: Are the safety concerns a thing of the past?
Cincinnati Bengals: Depth improved at cornerback
"We know that we have all the pieces that we need," Burrow said. "We just have to make sure that we're pushing each other each and every day to grow and improve and get better and get to where we want to get to."
Lawrence was the marquee addition this offseason, as the Bengals traded a No. 10 overall pick to acquire him from the Giants. There was already a buzz around some of the other moves made in free agency, like signing defensive end Boye Mafe, safety Bryan Cook and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, but Lawrence felt like the key missing piece.
Fans in attendance Wednesday, July 29, expressed their excitement by cheering as Lawrence walked by, and a bunch of them were treated to an autograph signing afterward, as he said he signed a lot of items.
"It means a lot," Lawrence said. "They believe in me, and you know, I believe in myself just as much. And my and my whole goal is just to prove myself and make the fans happy and just do my job. It's good excitement."
As much as Lawrence can help the defense, the Bengals still go as Burrow goes. All eyes remain on him after a healthy preseason last year didn't last long into the regular season.
Burrow said his foot, which suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2 last year, is feeling good, but he still plans to wear protection in his cleat, just to make sure it doesn't happen again. He's hoping he gets a similar ramp-up to the season as last year because he went into 2025 feeling as good as he ever has.
That included playing more in preseason, parts of two games, and that seemed about right for what he needed to feel ready for Week 1. In the meantime, Burrow will take advantage of the competition in camp from what looks to be an improved defense.
"You have to go best on best if you want to get better, and the better players that are on the other side the better you are going to be day in and day out and the more improvement you are going to have by the end of camp," Burrow said. "Guys kno...
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