Stripes

Well I guess they've reeled me back in. What a relief.

WHAT????? I AM OUT OF HERE. NOT MY PJ JULES?! (whoever that is)

Michaels said kind of off-hand "chyeah, don't fall asleep in meetings" during the broadcast when Herbstreit was emphasizing the importance of Burton learning to be a pro. The Internet kind of ran away with that as implying that Burton was falling asleep (but no reporters could corroborate). I kind of think Michaels was just making a facetious comment about general "unprofessional behavior" and not actually reporting news.

I think Lee is almost a roster lock. If there’s a 10th OL it’s probably Gilliam or Hill.

He's 100% center at this point.

Pretty good, objective breakdown from a neutral observer (it's nearly two hours long, so treat it like a podcast). I don't agree with everything (e.g., I think he's a bit too negative about Zac Taylor), but I appreciate his thoroughness.

I'm not sure what Perine is anymore at 28 years old, but I certainly don't oppose the idea. It might mean they don't keep all the tight ends though.

Good riddance, creep. (Carman)

This is as deep a skill group as I can remember. It might not be quite as strong at the top as peak Chase-Higgins-Boyd-Mixon or perhaps Green-Jones-Sanu-Bernard-Eifert, but just about every player has something to offer beyond just being a guy. Chase - elite Higgins - very good Irwin - usually shows up when he is needed Iosivas and Burton - upside Gesicki - established Hudson - showed up last season All and McLachlan - upside Moss and Brown - upside Maybe Charlie Jones has shown less than these others, but he has had good moments in the return game.

I'm hearing we might see starting candidates at corner tonight, which makes sense (at least for a final resolution of Dax vs. Turner).

Flat side-by-side comparisons of statistics are basically useless anyway unless there is simply no contest. Jefferson has more catches per season. Jefferson has more yards per season. Chase has more TDs per season. Both have had non-zero injury history. Chase's peak single-game performances have been better. Jefferson has been more consistent. Chase has played with better receiving threats alongside him that draw more targets. Chase has faced stronger secondaries (arguably). Jefferson has had weaker QB play. Chase is more accomplished in the postseason. If I have to take all that in balance and choose a "better" player, so far I probably give a faint edge to Jefferson. I think they both trail Tyreek Hill. But it's not some extremely clear-cut thing. I think it makes sense for Chase to expect to be paid in that tier of player, and if the Bengals feel otherwise then this is going to become a more annoying drama at some point.

Non-contact injury but walked to the cart on his own power. Hopefully nothing horrible.

I'm going to strategically ignore any worries about Joe (which doesn't mean they're unfounded, it only means I'm ignoring them). All I know is I saw him sling it nicely for a series against Tampa Bay. Otherwise I will plug my ears and scream LALALALALALALALALALALA.

The Lee and Mims combination could be a game changer for future offensive prospects.

I like Burton, but I think he will struggle to keep up with high-end rookie production as a member of the #3 platoon with Iosivas and Irwin. I really like that arrangement though, since all three are quality players with different skillsets. It should provide more dynamic options than Boyd did alone, if not necessarily at his immediate ceiling of production.

McPherson responds to his 16.5Ms with a 54 yard conversion.

Newton is 0 for 2 deep against Odunze (which is the expected outcome given draft positions).

I'm getting them too. I never need to hear anyone tell me how much they love Kyler Gordon ever again.

Woodside needs to eat that sack; that was doomed. Oh well.

This Bengals rookie class is looking very sexy so far.

Burton on 3rd and 13. Delicious.

I had been in the "Njongmeta is just another camp hero, whatever" mindset, but the way he just occupied that gap and made the running back go splat might have sold me on him sneaking onto the roster.

More flashes from Njongmeta and Newton

At a glance I am liking Matt Lee at C.

Two three and outs forced by the backup Bengals over the starting Bears. I am pleased.