Quote:Bell, the former Saints free safety, has become a fast favorite of teammates and coaches alike. He's known for getting to Paul Brown Stadium at 6 a.m. and then hounding the other guys in the secondary to join him when he gives them a wake-up call.


Bell's shot on Bernard looked to be inadvertent but still aggressive because he didn't back away or slow down. Taylor made sure to let Bell know he appreciated the sentiment, but not the moment.

"It's competitive. It's nothing personal. Guys are going after each other because they like to compete," Taylor said. "And there's just some frustration on some plays. When the offense gives up a play that they shouldn't have given up or the defense gives up a play, it means something to the guys. They're upset about it. And sometimes they take out their physical aggression. I told Vonn, 'Just take it out on your position coach.' Rob (Livingston) can coach in a sling. But don't take it out on Gio. But those guys are good about it. They know they're trying to protect each other. But it's been competitive for three days, that's for sure."

You know it is when you see a running play stuffed at the line and you hear Reader call out to Mixon, "Find another lane, Joe."

No question stopping the run has become a mantra of the new guys.

(08-19-2020, 12:52 PM)Sled21 Wrote: According to the home page articles, the defense has come to play. I had to laugh when I read Reader's comment to Mixon.....
https://www.bengals.com/news/camp-notebook-salty-defense-burrow-s-gift-an-echo-from-boomer-another-hall-miss

(08-19-2020, 12:55 PM)GreenCornBengal Wrote: A lot of this is the typical TC fluff. I’ll be excited when/if we see it on gameday. I will say I think Reader and Bell bring a certain edge we’ve been missing for some time so I’m happy about that.

(08-19-2020, 12:52 PM)Sled21 Wrote: According to the home page articles, the defense has come to play. I had to laugh when I read Reader's comment to Mixon.....
https://www.bengals.com/news/camp-notebook-salty-defense-burrow-s-gift-an-echo-from-boomer-another-hall-miss

(08-19-2020, 01:59 PM)bengalfan74 Wrote: Our defense has played on it's heels for quite some time now. It will be nice to see them have some swagger for a change.

(08-19-2020, 02:03 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Over the last two years are defense has not just been bad.  It has been as bad as any Bengal defense in history and that is saying A LOT.

Like a lot of the talent we brought in.

Still worried about the coaching.

(08-19-2020, 02:03 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Over the last two years are defense has not just been bad.  It has been as bad as any Bengal defense in history and that is saying A LOT.

Like a lot of the talent we brought in.

Still worried about the coaching.

(08-19-2020, 02:03 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Over the last two years are defense has not just been bad.  It has been as bad as any Bengal defense in history and that is saying A LOT.

Like a lot of the talent we brought in.

Still worried about the coaching.

(08-20-2020, 10:21 AM)Sled21 Wrote: I may be alone, but I am looking forward to seeing what Lou can do with this defense now that he has some of his guys that actually fit what he wants to do.