Bengals have 'most surprising development' surface at training camp

The Cincinnati Bengals are seeing a big push at training camp from a unit they desperately need better play from in the upcoming season.

Led by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, the Bengals' offense generally receives the bulk of the headlines. However, the defense appears to have made significant improvements from last season.

Per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, Cincinnati's defense has been the "most surprising development" at training camp this summer.

"It’s also the most surprising development in camp," Dehner wrote of the defense. "Not specifically that there’s competitiveness, but how much the defense is winning. Their communication and the speed they are playing with has been cited on repeat. It’s built a real momentum for that side of the ball, overflowing with young players desperately in need of something to offset the ugliness of last season.

Players have spoken about the energy from these wins on the field rolling over to the meetings and locker room. One player pointed out the music is bumping and excitement is high when they walk in the door first thing in the morning — perhaps another reward of the switch to morning practices. It’s made all these young defenders excited to show up at work each, hitting the field with a real edge.

Last year, Burrow and the offense had to be "near perfect" to win games, as the defense was a liability on the field.

The Bengals gave up the eighth-most points (434) in the league last year, which averaged to 25.5 points per game. The defense surrendered 30+ points in critical losses to the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens (both contests), Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers.

The defense cost the Bengals an appearance in the postseason. It's a good sign in August that, sans its best player, defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson, the unit has an edge to it before the regular season.