Joe Burrow knows the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense needs to be better.
A season ago, Burrow had an MVP-caliber offensive season, but Cincinnati didn’t even make the playoffs. The Bengals allowed way too many points.
With training camp underway now, Burrow and the rest of the Bengals are facing a problem: Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart aren’t there.
Hendrickson is one of the best pass rushers on the planet. Stewart is a first-round rookie, also an edge player.
Both are holding out over contract disputes. Hendrickson wants an extension with a hefty raise. Stewart wants simplified wording in his rookie deal.
Right now, neither are in town.
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Burrow’s word to reporters to describe the situation: “Disappointing.”
That pretty much sums it up. Bengals fans are surely feeling the disappointment, too. Disappointment that the defense will behind the pace without two of its most talented players, and disappointment that somehow compromise hasn’t yet been reached in negotiations.
Burrow will continue to shine. He needs his defense, all of it, to come along for the ride.
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