The first major moves have begun in the NFL, and the Cincinnati Bengals are eager to put last season behind them and start focusing on becoming a tough team to beat again. Unfortunately, contractual situations with some players kept them from attending camp, which didn’t sit well with Joe Burrow.
The quarterback’s particular frustration stems from the announced absence of veteran Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart, who have yet to reach an agreement with the franchise. As a result, they weren’t available to Zac Taylor from the outset, something Burrow considers crucial for a solid preparation.
During a press conference, the former LSU player addressed the situation and, while expressing his dissatisfaction with not being able to start training on the right foot, he acknowledged that ultimately, this is a business, and his teammates are fighting for what they believe they deserve.
“You’d like to have all your guys out there Day 1 to try to build that cohesion that I was talking about earlier, but that’s not how it usually works out,” Burrow said, via Ben Baby of ESPN.
Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals participates in a drill during training camp at Kettering Health Practice Fields on July 26, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“You know, it’s a business,” the talented quarterback also added, “And that is how it’s gone.”
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A repeated situation for Burrow
The current situation that both Hendrickson and Stewart are going through is something that other stars in Cincinnati have had to deal with in past seasons. The latest and perhaps most notable case was that of Ja’Marr Chase.
While it’s not an ideal situation for either the players or even the team itself, Burrow understands that at the end of the day, this is still a business, and everyone wants to come out on top. The key now is reaching an agreement as soon as possible.
“The earlier you get these things done, the better,” the QB said. “Nobody’s ever gonna fault the player for doing business how he feels he needs to. It’s cutthroat business. You gotta fight for everything you can get. That’s how it goes.”
Becoming contenders in the AFC North
The situation the Bengals are currently facing does not help their intentions of being a tough contender in the AFC North. In a division where both the Ravens and Steelers gained some advantage over their pursuers last season, every detail becomes crucial.
Zac Taylor will have to maximize his players’ talent to see if, eventually, they can become a playoff-contending team or, conversely, if they will once again waste another season.
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