Negativity tends to make the big waves, but the Cincinnati Bengals have one major positive going for them as training camp gets going.
Joe Burrow is healthy.
It’s an aspect of things that has fallen underappreciated as contract drama around Trey Hendrickson and first-round pick Shemar Stewart continues.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, though, just spotlighted it as the one major reason for optimism for the Bengals this summer:
“Burrow couldn't carry the Bengals to the playoffs last year, but he led the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 passing touchdowns. In his two other healthy campaigns, Cincinnati has reached the AFC title game. In Burrow's other two seasons, he's finished the year on injured reserve, and the Bengals have finished last in the AFC North.”
It’s a nice thing to recall for a fanbase that has now watched Burrow deal with the knee injury, non-contact calf issue and the wrist injury, never mind the little bumps and bruises along the way.
The fact Burrow put up an MVP-like season last year and the Bengals still couldn’t make the playoffs isn’t lost on anyone, though. Those in charge still hope that simply going with a youth movement under Al Golden will produce a defense that can properly carry its weight while a healthy Burrow and his weapons pop off.
Easier said than done, but the health factor with Burrow, at least, is a strong point entering training camp.
