“D-line, certainly size. Size difference from last year is the most glaring thing,” Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters after Wednesday’s practice (h/t Cleveland.com). “You know, the pocket was a little different today. Tough to tell when you don’t have pads, but, you know, I’m excited to see what those guys can do.”
In team practices, Burrow isn’t used to seeing a defensive line as promising as the one Cincinnati built this offseason.
The Bengals have had a potent edge-rusher in Trey Hendrickson, but their defense overall has been beyond underwhelming in recent seasons. Last year, it ranked 31st overall and 30th in points allowed.
However, Cincinnati made an aggressive pre-draft trade for standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence while signing Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe in free agency. With those three leading the defensive line, the Bengals’ defense is bigger up front and might actually stand a chance of challenging Burrow and Cincinnati’s potent offense in practice.