The players are finally in pads.
The Cincinnati Bengals are finally practicing in pads! It still doesn’t mean you should walk away from any of these practices thinking it will directly translate to Sundays during the regular season. It is still more fun to watch than a bunch of guys running around in shorts.
Still no tackling in live practice
Zac Taylor says there won’t be more live tackling periods at camp compared to previous seasons. The pads go on today.
On the emphasis of tackling: “It’s been talked about as much as you can possibly talk about it.”
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) July 28, 2025
Zac Taylor says the focus is not being more physical when the pads come on today but playing better in space and leverage. Last year, the team struggled with tackling and much of it in the coaches’ eyes had to do with poor positioning and leverage.
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) July 28, 2025
Not that anyone was asking for players to be tackling each other in practice, but it is important to note, since there have been so many changes, how the Bengals are preparing for the season. This will not be something they do to avoid a slow start. The risk vs. reward is not worth it.
Dax Hill is on the move, and the defense makes big plays
Dax Hill is on the field for the opening 11 on 11 reps in pads — playing nickel on the first couple reps & then bouncing outside. .
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) July 28, 2025
First play of 11-on-11 team in pads this season:
Ja’Marr Chase doesn’t catch it clean, Josh Newton breaks it up.#Bengals #TrainingCamp pic.twitter.com/ExIBvLYvLs
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) July 28, 2025
DJ Ivey with the pass breakup on Jermaine Burton in the back of the end zone. Great play, but the celebration was fun afterward. Al Golden’s defense is winning the day (so far). pic.twitter.com/bpxuj04Oys
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) July 28, 2025
There were questions on whether Hill would even be ready for training camp after his injury last season. Now he is out here working at multiple positions.
As a whole, the defense had itself a day. Whether it was Josh Newton or DJ Ivey making big pass defenses, the defense is clearly rallying around itself.
Shemar Stewart flashes spectacular play
Shemar Stewart had back-to-back pass breakups in team drills. Here’s a look at the second one: pic.twitter.com/Nwjz0OBoqk
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) July 28, 2025
Shemar Stewart just had back-to-back PBUs off Jake Browning and the defenses erupted each time
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) July 28, 2025
Now a TFL. Stewart starts looking fired up.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 28, 2025
It is something nice to talk about Stewart on the field and put behind the contract dispute.
He showed off his size and speed with the second team today making three splash plays.
Highlights from the first padded practice
As usual, here is where you can find some of the more fun videos or one-off notes from today’s practice. Who dey!
Time for pads. pic.twitter.com/q8gUS5hHh9
— (@BengalsCaptain) July 28, 2025
Before most practices Logan Wilson hangs out with the QBs and practices catching the ball from different angles.
There’s a reason Wilson owns 12 career interceptions. pic.twitter.com/pypqSwwFzL
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 28, 2025
Day two of Shemar Stewart’s work with Jerry Montgomery.#Bengals | @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/TxBcIICZ9a
— Regan Holgate (@HolgateRegan) July 28, 2025
An up close and personal look at Mr. 99 himself Ja’Marr Chase. He’s the first Bengals player ever to receive a 99 rating in Madden. pic.twitter.com/2HSRWBWBa8
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) July 28, 2025
The pass rush is the winner of the day.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 28, 2025
Tee Higgins streaks down Field Ja’’Marr Xhase catches the ball from Joe Burrow underneath pic.twitter.com/eCJe2Zsdi7
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) July 28, 2025
I asked Zac Taylor this morning what he’s seen from Jermaine Burton so far in camp…
“Consistency.”#Bengals | @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/WMkRIU58em
— Regan Holgate (@HolgateRegan) July 28, 2025
