In this offense, running backs must be trusted to catch the ball out of the backfield.
There’s no situation where that can be in doubt. Not once, but twice Thursday, the second-year running back dropped passes. The first was a late throw into the flat from Flacco that came in low as it rained, but Brooks still could have hauled it in. The second was more egregious. The Bengals ran a slant for Brooks that cleared space in front of him to take off. Flacco’s throw hit Brooks right between the numbers and fell incomplete. Brooks didn’t see much playing time last year, logging only 47 offensive snaps, so this is an important preseason for him to solidify his role as the third running back behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. Those two drops were a rough start.
Paul Dehner·
Young might have the best catch of camp. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound rookie went up in double coverage and hauled in a deep ball from Flacco last week. He’s become a consistent jump-ball winner, snagging at least one contested catch in nearly every practice over the last week. Young established one truth through 10 days: He can go get it. That’s a delightful trait to own, especially at his size. It also won’t dictate how much playing time he receives this year. Young will be judged by his ability to block in the run game, understand the system and find separation when given an opportunity. It’s extremely hard to see him topping Andrei Iosivas and all his experience in that regard. Could he top Mitch Tinsley for next in line? That will be determined over the next three weeks.
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