The Bengals are leaning more heavily into under-center work this summer, and Joe Burrow says he’s ready for it.
Burrow called himself “very comfortable” taking snaps under center and made it clear he’ll adapt to whatever Cincinnati asks of him as the offense continues to evolve in training camp.
“ I’m very comfortable (under center), ” Burrow said, via Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. “I can do whatever is asked of me.
I have, and I will. And we haven’t done it quite as much over the last several years, and we’ll see what we evolve into this year.
But if that’s what’s needed, that’s what I’ll do.”
In Baltimore, the focus is on Calais Campbell, who is dealing with a deeply personal situation after his mother was murdered by his brother. Ravens HC Jesse Minter said the team is giving Campbell all the time he needs as he works through what Minter described as a mentally difficult stretch.
“Obviously, he dealt with personal tragedy over the summer. From a preparation standpoint, that took up a lot of his time and his mental focus and energy,” Minter said, via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. “Again, we’re here for Calais to get ready at the rate that he can get ready at.
Minter said Baltimore has a plan in place to help Campbell be ready when the season arrives.
“This guy - it’s different than a 25-year-old that’s played maybe only a year or two. This guy has so many banked reps of experience of getting himself ready in camp. We’re going to work together with Calais to have a great plan to have him ready for September, December, January, February.”
In Pittsburgh, Michael Pittman is settling into a new start after being acquired from the Colts in March, and he knows nothing from his past in Indianapolis will carry him on its own. He’s got a new offense to learn, a new quarterback to sync with, and a new standard to meet.
“You’ve gotta prove it every single year,” Pittman said, via SteelersWire. “I guess the guys who have been comfortable here, I mean, I’m definitely not comfortable because I have to learn a new playbook.
I have to learn all of Aaron’s signs. So I’m just trying to get it all in and have fun.”
Pittman said the adjustment has already taught him plenty about playing alongside Aaron Rodgers.
“Let’s just say I thought that I knew football and then I met Aaron, and then I realized that I have a lot more football to learn,” Pittman said.
In Other News...
Drew Allar Is Giving Steelers Fans A Reason To Watch Closely
Drew Allar has been one of the more interesting developments in Steelers camp, the kind of rookie quarterback who can make a practice field feel a little more consequential. He has turned heads with a strong showing in training camp, drawing notice for the way he has handled live reps and for the poise that has stood out to the coaching staff.
Mike McCarthy and Brian Angelichio have both spoken positively about Allars progress, and the first live preseason game against the Packers will offer a better look at how that growth translates when the hits are real. The deep ball remains a focal point in his early work, and the idea of watching him carry that camp momentum into game action gives Pittsburgh plenty to keep an eye on. [Read more 🡒]
Michael Pittman Jr Sees Something Different In Steelers Offense
Michael Pittman Jr. has barely had time to settle in after arriving in Pittsburgh via an offseason trade from Indianapolis, but he already sounds encouraged by what he has seen in training camp. The veteran receiver has spoken positively about Aaron Rodgers and the direction of the offense, and he sees a group around him that could give the Steelers a different look this season.
Pittman singled out the potential in the receiving room, including DK Metcalf, as part of what makes the unit intriguing. From his perspective, the mix of talent gives Pittsburgh a more varied attack, and he believes the offense has the ingredients to be something special if it all comes together. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Night Practice Put Their Defensive Upgrades In The Spotlight
The Steelers annual night practice at St. Vincent College drew nearly 8,500 fans and gave the crowd a better look at how this roster might come together on defense. Behind veterans Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, the young quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard showed promising moments, but the more noticeable gains came on the other side of the ball, where the secondary looked sharper and more disruptive than it has at times in camp.
Jamel Deans interception return for a touchdown stood out as the play of the night, and rookie Daylen Everette added to the impression that the defensive backfield is trending in a better direction. Payton Wilson and Derrick Harmon also turned in notable work, enough to suggest the Steelers may be starting to see some early returns on the defensive upgrades theyve been building toward this summer. [Read more 🡒]