The Bengals secondary has two interceptions to share the NFL lead, and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt says it should embrace an edge of larceny.
"We're on a mission of being the villains and not caring what anybody thinks about it," said Taylor-Britt after Wednesday's practice. "We've been together some years now. It's nothing new to us. Play free. Nobody has to like you. That's what you have to give off when you come play football."
AGGRESSIVE OPEN
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, the old chess master, has designs on an aggressive home opener Sunday against the Jaguars (1 p.m.-Cincinnati's Local 12) after looking at last Sunday's tape.
"I think I'm going to be a little more aggressive to maybe get out of pocket and make some plays," Burrow said after Wednesday's practice. "Just like every game, you want to get out and see how things are going. How's the defense playing you? How's their front playing? What coverages are we getting? How are we attacking them so far, and how's it going? Do we need to change? Do we need to keep attacking them the way that they are? I'm going to be ready to adapt for whatever we see. "
BURROW ON JAGS
For the second straight week, the Jaguars face an overall No. 1 pick at quarterback. Last week they pilfered Carolina's Bryce Young for two picks and Burrow took note. Jacksonville also punched out a fumble in their 26-10 win.
"Those are big-time plays, so those are things that you always have to be aware of, but they've put it on tape, so that's something that we've discussed," Burrow said. "The safety drove a low cross on a (bootleg) and popped it up in the air, and the guy made a diving interception. You can see their energy and physicality on defense. I think their front is very disruptive."
INTO THE FIRE
New right guard Dalton Risner's trip from the frying pan into the fire last Sunday in Cleveland is one of the more remarkable Opening Day stories in Bengals' recent history.
After signing on the last day of practice before the Labor Day weekend and ten days before the opener, Risner played the last 36 snaps following a couple of his first padded practices of the season. Risner, a seven-year vet, was in on a touchdown drive, and Pro Football Focus said he allowed only one pressure in 24 pass plays.
And, after Wednesday's practice, Risner wanted to make sure he said the name, "Mike McCarthy."
McCarthy is the Bengals assistant offensive line coach who spent a couple of hours on each of his off days over the holiday weekend to walk him through the playbook.
"I feel bad I didn't say his name on camera," Risner said. "Mike McCarthy. I'm Face-Timing him, and he's trying to spend the day with his kids. It kind of set the stage."
O-LINE FRAT
Offensive line coach Scott Peters also had a heck of a Bengals debut, considering Risner hadn't taken a snap with quarterback Joe Burrow until Lucas Patrick went down with a calf injury on the second drive. He also hadn't been next to right tackle Amarius Mims and center Ted Karras until the surly Cleveland crowd greeted him on third-and-eight at the Bengals 41.
(Risner and the line held up on his first play, Burrow's 14-yard arrow to tight end Mike Gesicki.)
"The O-Line is the most close-knit group. I firmly believe that," Mims said. "A brotherhood. He just got here, but it seems like he's been here for a whole year."
Mims, who turns 23 next month, and Risner, 30, talked their way through it and are now in a mutual admiration society.
"I've been blessed since I got here to play next to veteran guards who know their way around the league," said Mims, last year's first-rounder. "Alex Cappa, Lucas Patrick, and now Dalton is a seven-year vet. I've been here, but these guys are helping me."
Risner said when he got the call, he took Mims aside and said, "OK, Mims, give me the rundown."
"He's a beast of a human being," said the 6-5, 312-pound Risner, who should know. "He's a 22-year-old who wants to learn. He's eager to be great. I like him."
Risner's body didn't feel so great Monday morning after no spring ball or preseason games, and just five practices.
"I felt like I went into a woodchipper," Risner said. "There's no way to prepare. My cardio was good, and my feet were fine. But what are you going to do in the backyard? Put on pads and a helmet and run into a tree?"
No tree on Sunday (1 p.m.-Cincinnati's Local 12), when he'll make his 82nd start at Paycor Stadium against the Jaguars. Head coach Zac Taylor said Patrick is not out for the year, but is on injured reserve.
LONG MEMORY
You don't have to tell Burrow that his first NFL win came at Paycor against these Jags on Oct. 4, 2020.
"A hundred years ago and yesterday," Burrow said.
It was a 35-25 win, but, maybe more importantly, there was a play in that game that showed his style of play could translate to the league. It's hard to find on the highlights, but not for him.
"We had a pressure from the backside (in an empty backfield) and somebody was free and I pretended like I didn't see him, but I did see him and I made (the rusher) miss and wheeled out and got about seven yards.
"You never know how it's going to translate to the NFL, but things translated all right," said Burrow with the understatement of the year.
