Notes From Training Camp 2025

[SunsetBengal]

(Yesterday, 11:27 AM)ochocincos Wrote: This is what gets me.
Isn't this the whole purpose of scouting?
Like they should not be taking a player not knowing whether they can or cannot play a position properly and then only afterward finding out they have to relegate them to a particular side or inside vs outside.
That should be figured out going into the draft.

True, but when the middle of the 5th round rolls up and Rivers is a guy that some had just outside the top 100 picks, they likely saw potential value at that spot and decided that they would figure out how to properly use him later (now).

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(Yesterday, 11:55 AM)SunsetBengal Wrote: True, but when the middle of the 5th round rolls up and Rivers is a guy that some had just outside the top 100 picks, they likely saw potential value at that spot and decided that they would figure out how to properly use him later (now).

In the past, our conversion projects have not gone super well. Carman & Volson noth being OTs in college. Personally, I am much more in favor of taking a G if you need a G, and not trying to convert an OT. Especially if you need help now. Fairchild is a G. 

Most projections had Rivers as a G in the pros, but I think we have made the decision to start off guys in the spot they are most comfortable with before moving them around. Get one spot down, then move. At least that way, the player is competent somewhere, instead of being awful at more than one spot. Which is basically useless. Vet guys (Ford & Patrick) are a bit different. 

For Rivers, that means LT first. Then RT. Then G. Our lack of goung after an experienced OT3 seems to imply OT was the plan all along for him this year.

For a backup, being able to play both sides and/or multiple spots G/T/C is super valuable. But I do approve of the approach here. Get one spot down first. 

[NUGDUKWE]

(Yesterday, 07:44 AM)pally Wrote: Media reports arevthat he does better on the left side than right side at tackle but that he appears too slow to play the outside at this point in time.  They thought trying him at guard might be a better fit at least on the right side.  They weren’t sure if the issue was just that he wasn’t adjusting well to the unfamiliar right side, where he had played mostly in camp, or something more fundamental

It was emphasized they really wanted to see him in a game situation

Yeah ill be interested how he looks in the preseason games. Jaxson Kirkland is a guy i thought played well last preseason before he got hurt. Haven't heard much about him so maybe he has struggled as well?

[3wt]

(Yesterday, 10:39 AM)Synric Wrote: I mean anyone who watched Jalen Rivers play at Miami could have told them he had issues with speed even on the left side. That's why people were slightly surprised when the Bengals said they were looking at him as the swing Tackle. 

Including Greg Cosell.  In his interview with Dan Hoard he had to check himself.  He clearly did not think that was a good idea.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(08-06-2025, 07:54 PM)SouthernFan Wrote: Not trying to defend Rehkow’s holding, but a lot of the issues last year were with Adomitis snaps being off line, high to the right causing Rehkow to twist up to catch the snap and barely getting it down for the kick.  Not everything was on Rehkow.  The operation being off may have contributed to McPherson’s groin injury. I was happy to see there would be a competition for long snapper but haven’t heard much more about it.

For sure Adomitis had some issues snapping the ball last year, on the one hold that cost us a game last year I thought it was a good snap tho.

Will have to go back and watch it another time. Of course it wasn't all on Rehkow. It takes all 3 doing their job correctly.

Also knew that we brought in another LS that was really good in college. Hopefully if Adomitis isn't up to par we go with the better LS that does
not cost us games. As much as I like Cal, the best player needs to win out to help the team.

(08-06-2025, 09:04 PM)jj22 Wrote: Adomitis snaps were definitely on the outside shoulder. Seemingly too much. I think they are coached that but his execution didn’t seem consistent. And it was notable in Rehkow having to jerk back and catch it. 

Yeah, that ain't cool having the holder have to jerk back, catch it and hold it like that. Adomitis needs to clean up this or needs replaced.

(Yesterday, 09:37 AM)Nepa Wrote: With a back-up QB, please.

Damn rights, I don't like these experiments moving OL to the other side of the line where they are not comfortable with Burrow on the field.

They can experiment with Rivers on the right side with Ridder at QB.

[Sled21]

(Yesterday, 01:20 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: For sure Adomitis had some issues snapping the ball last year, on the one hold that cost us a game last year I thought it was a good snap tho.

Will have to go back and watch it another time. Of course it wasn't all on Rehkow. It takes all 3 doing their job correctly.

Also knew that we brought in another LS that was really good in college. Hopefully if Adomitis isn't up to par we go with the better LS that does
not cost us games. As much as I like Cal, the best player needs to win out to help the team.


Yeah, that ain't cool having the holder have to jerk back, catch it and hold it like that. Adomitis needs to clean up this or needs replaced.


Damn rights, I don't like these experiments moving OL to the other side of the line where they are not comfortable with Burrow on the field.

They can experiment with Rivers on the right side with Ridder at QB.

I was blaming Rehkow for McMaybe's misses last year. Then only to learn McMaybe was messing his own self up trying to kick differently than he always had. He was being a McDummy

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(Yesterday, 02:20 PM)Sled21 Wrote: I was blaming Rehkow for McMaybe's misses last year. Then only to learn McMaybe was messing his own self up trying to kick differently than he always had. He was being a McDummy

Not a good idea toying with your Kick in the middle of a season. He cost us a few games last year.

Crazy how close we were again to being a playoff team with how terrible our Defense was last season.

[*Synric*]

(Yesterday, 01:09 PM)3wt Wrote: Including Greg Cosell.  In his interview with Dan Hoard he had to check himself.  He clearly did not think that was a good idea.

I'm a Jalen Rivers fan and I think Cosell was too. Strong, plays with length, good strike timing and hand placement, good anchor, smart, vision. Foot speed and lateral agility not so much. If you're telling me he could start at LG as a 5th round rookie I could see the path but the swing tackle? That's a little scarier. 


Edit: We do get to see it in 3 hours.

[Luvnit2]

(Yesterday, 04:59 PM)Synric Wrote: I'm a Jalen Rivers fan and I think Cosell was too. Strong, plays with length, good strike timing and hand placement, good anchor, smart, vision. Foot speed and lateral agility not so much. If you're telling me he could start at LG as a 5th round rookie I could see the path but the swing tackle? That's a little scarier. 


Edit: We do get to see it in 3 hours.

I will be interested to see your take on the OL and Stewart also.

Is there a game day thread tonight? 

[*Synric*]

(Yesterday, 05:02 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I will be interested to see your take on the OL and Stewart also.

Is there a game day thread tonight? 

Don't get it twisted I am a Shemar Stewart fan. I was one of the few pre-draft fans.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(Yesterday, 04:59 PM)Synric Wrote: I'm a Jalen Rivers fan and I think Cosell was too. Strong, plays with length, good strike timing and hand placement, good anchor, smart, vision. Foot speed and lateral agility not so much. If you're telling me he could start at LG as a 5th round rookie I could see the path but the swing tackle? That's a little scarier. 


Edit: We do get to see it in 3 hours.

Spot on analysis of Jalen Rivers. He is a bit like Orlando honestly.

[*rfaulk34*]

Perfect snap on the first PAT. 

[*rfaulk34*]

Perfect snap on PAT #2. 

[Luvnit2]

(Yesterday, 05:41 PM)Synric Wrote: Don't get it twisted I am a Shemar Stewart fan. I was one of the few pre-draft fans.

I was not taking a shot, I want your take. I did not see a lot from him or Knight or a lot of guys on defense. Once 1st team offense left, offense was ugly.

[Luvnit2]

(Yesterday, 05:45 PM)Nate (formerly eliminate08) Wrote: Spot on analysis of Jalen Rivers. He is a bit like Orlando honestly.

Rivers just got beat by Eagles 3rd tean DE,,,,,,,,yikes

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(Yesterday, 10:56 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: Rivers just got beat by Eagles 3rd tean DE,,,,,,,,yikes

I am sure it happened to Orlando Brown Jr when he was a rookie too. No surprise.

[Essex Johnson]

(Yesterday, 10:55 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I was not taking a shot, I want your take. I did not see a lot from him or Knight or a lot of guys on defense. Once 1st team offense left, offense was ugly.

Shemar had moments early had tackle for loss, pressure on QB and pushed the oline back , he played hard, pursued down the field but out of control some also, he tired some, extra days before next game will help with his conditioning and expect he will get moved a bit more along the line . Overall 1st game in nfl not bad .

[*pally*]

Last night, Tanner Hudson guaranteed himself a job in the NFL for the upcoming season. It still may not be with the Bengals, I could easily see the Dolphins or Saints picking him up if he doesn't make the 53. He can catch as he showed us last night. The challenge he faces is that, as a pure receiving TE, he is third behind Gesicki and Fant. Then you have the blocking duo of Sample and Gandy. The reality, though for the coaches, is that Hudson won't make it to the PS, and I suspect Gandy would. McLachlin is still the odd man out. He is PS or bust.
So for now, my TE room prediction is Gesicki, Fant, Sample, and Hudson. Gandy to the PS. McLachlan heads to the CFL

[Sled21]

(2 hours ago)pally Wrote: Last night, Tanner Hudson guaranteed himself a job in the NFL for the upcoming season.  It still may not be with the Bengals, I could easily see the Dolphins or Saints picking him up if he doesn't make the 53.  He can catch as he showed us last night.  The challenge he faces is that, as a pure receiving TE, he is third behind Gesicki and Fant.  Then you have the blocking duo of Sample and Gandy.  The reality, though for the coaches, is that Hudson won't make it to the PS, and I suspect Gandy would.  McLachlin is still the odd man out.  He is PS or bust.
So for now, my TE room prediction is Gesicki, Fant, Sample, and Hudson.  Gandy to the PS.  McLachlan heads to the CFL

I like Hudson, and always have. He plays hard and has good hands. If he's gone from here due to the talent in front of him, I hope he finds a good deal somewhere else. 

[Essex Johnson]

(2 hours ago)pally Wrote: Last night, Tanner Hudson guaranteed himself a job in the NFL for the upcoming season.  It still may not be with the Bengals, I could easily see the Dolphins or Saints picking him up if he doesn't make the 53.  He can catch as he showed us last night.  The challenge he faces is that, as a pure receiving TE, he is third behind Gesicki and Fant.  Then you have the blocking duo of Sample and Gandy.  The reality, though for the coaches, is that Hudson won't make it to the PS, and I suspect Gandy would.  McLachlin is still the odd man out.  He is PS or bust.
So for now, my TE room prediction is Gesicki, Fant, Sample, and Hudson.  Gandy to the PS.  McLachlan heads to the CFL

What might help him is he has improved the past two years in blocking, but I agree he has enough on tape that he can find a roster spot on a team in need of backup TE