Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
CINCINNATI (WKRC) — The Cincinnati Bengals got their most significant test of training camp Thursday during a joint practice with the Chicago Bears, and their revamped defense ended the day by delivering exactly what coaches have emphasized throughout the offseason: finishing.
Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media told Local 12 sports anchor Yanni Tragellis that the defense's finish was his biggest takeaway from the session.
“The way the defense finished,” Petraglia said. “That's a big theme.”
The Bengals ended practice with Myles Murphy recording consecutive sacks, including a safety, followed by a sliding interception from Jalen Davis. Petraglia said the performance was particularly encouraging after Cincinnati struggled to close out games defensively last season.
Murphy told Petraglia that one word has repeatedly appeared on the team's meeting room screen: “Finish.”
The defensive line delivered throughout Thursday's practice.
Dexter Lawrence produced one of the day's most memorable plays when he tipped a Caleb Williams pass at the line and intercepted it. Rookie Cashius Howell helped create the turnover by coming unblocked and forcing Williams into an off-balance throw.
“Dexter Lawrence is a large, large man in the middle of that defensive line,” Petraglia said. “He's also a tremendously powerful athlete.”
Howell also impressed during one-on-one drills, showing the explosiveness that has stood out during camp. Petraglia said learning behind veteran Boye Mafe has provided the rookie with a blueprint for the position.
The Bears did have success during portions of red-zone work, but Cincinnati's defense recovered and finished the session strongly despite several players, including Bryan Cook and Dax Hill, not participating.
Petraglia said defensive coordinator Al Golden believes the unit is considerably further along than it was at the same point last year.
Tee Higgins stands out for Bengals offense
Cincinnati's offense had a more uneven afternoon, but Tee Higgins provided one of the biggest bright spots.
Petraglia called Higgins the offensive star of practice after the receiver caught the first six passes thrown his way, including a touchdown during red-zone work.
“To me, Tee Higgins was the star of the day offensively,” Petraglia said. “He looked game ready.”
Joe Burrow looked sharp while targeting Higgins but had more difficulty when Chicago generated pressure. Burrow took multiple practice sacks and threw an interception on an overthrow intended for Mike Gesicki.
There was also a brief confrontation after a Bears defensive lineman grabbed Burrow's shoulder pad. Burrow objected, leading to some minor shoving before players were quickly separated.
But Burrow's most notable statement came off the field.
Asked about the urgency surrounding a Bengals team attempting to return to championship contention, the quarterback delivered a simple message:
“Now or never.”
_______________
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CINCINNATI (WKRC) — The Cincinnati Bengals got their most significant test of training camp Thursday during a joint practice with the Chicago Bears, and their revamped defense ended the day by delivering exactly what coaches have emphasized throughout the offseason: finishing.
Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media told Local 12 sports anchor Yanni Tragellis that the defense's finish was his biggest takeaway from the session.
“The way the defense finished,” Petraglia said. “That's a big theme.”
The Bengals ended practice with Myles Murphy recording consecutive sacks, including a safety, followed by a sliding interception from Jalen Davis. Petraglia said the performance was particularly encouraging after Cincinnati struggled to close out games defensively last season.
Murphy told Petraglia that one word has repeatedly appeared on the team's meeting room screen: “Finish.”
The defensive line delivered throughout Thursday's practice.
Dexter Lawrence produced one of the day's most memorable plays when he tipped a Caleb Williams pass at the line and intercepted it. Rookie Cashius Howell helped create the turnover by coming unblocked and forcing Williams into an off-balance throw.
“Dexter Lawrence is a large, large man in the middle of that defensive line,” Petraglia said. “He's also a tremendously powerful athlete.”
Howell also impressed during one-on-one drills, showing the explosiveness that has stood out during camp. Petraglia said learning behind veteran Boye Mafe has provided the rookie with a blueprint for the position.
The Bears did have success during portions of red-zone work, but Cincinnati's defense recovered and finished the session strongly despite several players, including Bryan Cook and Dax Hill, not participating.
Petraglia said defensive coordinator Al Golden believes the unit is considerably further along than it was at the same point last year.
Tee Higgins stands out for Bengals offense
Cincinnati's offense had a more uneven afternoon, but Tee Higgins provided one of the biggest bright spots.
Petraglia called Higgins the offensive star of practice after the receiver caught the first six passes thrown his way, including a touchdown during red-zone work.
“To me, Tee Higgins was the star of the day offensively,” Petraglia said. “He looked game ready.”
Joe Burrow looked sharp while targeting Higgins but had more difficulty when Chicago generated pressure. Burrow took multiple practice sacks and threw an interception on an overthrow intended for Mike Gesicki.
There was also a brief confrontation after a Bears defensive lineman grabbed Burrow's shoulder pad. Burrow objected, leading to some minor shoving before players were quickly separated.
But Burrow's most notable statement came off the field.
Asked about the urgency surrounding a Bengals team attempting to return to championship contention, the quarterback delivered a simple message:
“Now or never.”
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
WKRC on Facebook: facebook.com/WKRCTV
WKRC on Twitter: twitter.com/Local12
WKRC on Instagram: instagram.com/local12wkrc/?hl=en
WKRC on TikTok: tiktok.com/@local12wkrc?lang=en
Subscribe to WKRC on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC673WfesrYoCgG9VsekGlEQ/?sub_confirmation=1
For more information, visit local12.com
Download the WKRC News app: local12.com/station/news-app
Download the WKRC Weather app: local12.com/weather/weather-app
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: local12@local12.com
Call the Newsroom: 513.421.6872
WKRC is an OH based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.
#WKRC #LOCAL12 #cincinnati #news #cincinnatinews
This video and all Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information contact us at contentsales@sbgtv.com
