CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals opened training camp Wednesday morning at the Kettering Health practice field next to Paycor Stadium, with the first of six public practices beginning at 10 a.m.
The team enters the season carrying significant expectations and significant pressure, in part thanks to the $150 million the Bengals poured into the defense during the off-season.
"Bengals going to the Super Bowl. Bengals going to win," said one of the fans waiting at Kettering Health practice fields before 9 a.m.
"We got to win the playoffs, beat the teams, the competitors, everybody that's good like we are and we gotta go to the Super Bowl! That's our first goal," another fan said.
For some families and friends, showing up to training camp is a tradition. Christine Wills, also known as the Bengals Cookie Lady, has been to every training camp since Wilmington College. She's especially excited about a new addition to the roster, Dexter Lawrence II.
"I really like that. I thought that was a big, like, shock that we did that. You know, to get him, but I think he's going to fit in great. I met him briefly at the draft party, and he's ready for a win. And I just, like I said, I think if Burrow can stay healthy and the rest of the team, I think we're good to go," Wills said.
The Bengals won just six games last season and retained their coaching staff heading into this year — despite fans' frustrations with the team last season and, in one instance, a billboard calling for Taylor and director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, to be fired.
On offense, the team is banking on continuity. The Bengals could take the field with the same starting 11 as last season — which would be rare in today's NFL, but not impossible. The Bengals' offense has performed well in recent years, so it seems more likely the team would move to make over the defense instead.
WATCH: Hundreds of fans show up for first day of Bengals training camp
Quarterback Joe Burrow, who missed games last season due to injury but returned before the end of the year, is healthy and ready to go heading into camp.
The schedule itself may also work in Cincinnati's favor. Teams that struggle in one season typically face a softer slate the following year, and most analysts consider the Bengals' 2026 schedule to be on the easier side — but in the end, there are no NFL games that are truly "easy."
Wednesday's practice did not go off without any hitches however. Shemar Stewart was carted off the Bengals practice field Wednesday morning, the first day of Bengals' training camp.
Stewart was taken off the field on the back of a golf cart after he was apparently injured during an 11-on-11 team drill.
From the Griddys to the Sexy Dexy dance, fans didn't hold back when seeing their favorites Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on the field.
"I think that if we can stay healthy, I think this is our year. I don't know why. I just feel it. I've been going out to stores seeing Bengals apparel months ago for sale. Like they know something we don't know, and I just kind of feel it in here that this is our it's our time," said Wills.
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