Here we stand, three weeks from the season-opener in Cleveland, and the Bengals’ offensive line is an issue.
Not shocking, right?
I mean, when the only move you made is signing Lucas Patrick, it’s kind of a this-is-what-you-get kind of result.
Here’s the thing: Four of the five spots on the offensive line are solidified. You know what you’re getting from Orlando Brown Jr., Ted Karras and Amarius Mims. Dylan Fairchild has also looked solid through training camp and one preseason game.
But a weak link at any one of the five positions along the offensive line can prove devastating.
Following Wednesday’s skirmish that ensued from Shemar Stewart knocking Joe Burrow to the ground, Patrick is taking full accountability and vowing to do better.
“Got to protect Nine. It has to start with me up front,” Patrick said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “I have to play better. Protect better. But I can’t let Nine get hit. We have to protect our quarterback. Got to have his back no matter what.”
As for the skirmish itself, Patrick acknowledged that it may have resulted from the hot weather at yet another practice where all the Bengals could do was go against each other in drills.
“Be a pro about it. Man-to-man, you talk. Quash it there. Hot, long days going Bengals vs. Bengals for, I can’t remember when we reported. We have to protect Nine.”
Taking accountability and vowing to do better is good. But now Patrick has to do it. Myles Garrett may be waiting for him in Week 1. Urgency must be high the next 24 days to get this offensive line ready to head to Cleveland Week 1.
