Tag: John Ross

Report: Joe Burrow has trained with John Ross since the draft

Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow has been working out with WR John Ross.

[jwplayer L1kZfATH-ThvAeFxT]

It turns out Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been putting in more work with at least one of his teammates than previously realized.

According to Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Burrow has been working out with Bengals wideout John Ross:

“Joe Burrow has gotten familiar with at least one Bengals wide receiver. According to a source, Burrow and John Ross have trained together multiple times since the draft.”

We noted in February the two had popped up together on Jordan Palmer’s social media accounts as Palmer helped Burrow prep for the draft.

But this new report hints at the two working together since the draft concluded. Otherwise, we’ve only heard of Burrow working out in Athens, Ohio, with former high school teammates.

It’s good of Burrow to get a head start on his timing with a wideout he figures to play a lot with in 2020 while rookies and veterans remain staggered in their arrival to Paul Brown Stadium. While Burrow’s heading into a critical year, so is Ross — he’s firmly in a contract year after the Bengals declined his fifth-year option.

[vertical-gallery id=36093]

John Ross vs. Tee Higgins debate gets a PFF breakdown

Cincinnati Bengals wideouts John Ross and Tee Higgins could be competing for looks in 2020.

[jwplayer fbbypsUl-ThvAeFxT]

The John Ross vs. Tee Higgins debate isn’t a new one before Cincinnati Bengals training camp.

In fact, we already examined how Higgins’ arrival via the second round could impact John Ross’ role with the offense.

But now another expert has weighed in on the matter, with Pro Football Focus’ Ben Linsey predicting Ross will end up earning more targets than the rookie Higgins:

“His competitor, the second-round selection out of Clemson, has the makings of a prototypical WR1 with his size, downfield production and ball skills. As the PFF Draft Guide pointed out, one of the more impressive aspects of his game was his ability to beat press at the line of scrimmage with his quickness ─ a rarity for a big wide receiver. He doesn’t have Ross’ speed, but he was a downfield threat in his own right thanks to a massive catch radius and impressive ball skills. His 15 receptions from passes thrown 20 or more yards downfield was a top-10 mark in the FBS last season.”

Technically speaking, Ross and Higgins shouldn’t intersect too much in terms of usage. Ross’ speed will be used to space the offense, perhaps mostly for others, while Higgins’ skill set could see him deployed situationally as a rookie.

It helps that Ross isn’t so much of a “bust” as some might like to suggest. He was a strong redzone weapon two seasons ago and while inconsistent last season, had some major flashes. He’s in a contract year too and knows the offense better than a rookie who continues to miss reps during an odd offseason.

While Ross projects at a higher usage rate than Higgins in 2020, it’s the second-round pick who looks like an A.J. Green clone and has a chance to feature more prominently in years well beyond his rookie season.

Bengals burning questions: 6 items worth examining before camp

Don’t sleep on underrated John Ross and his importance to Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals WR John Ross is important to Joe Burrow and the entire offense.

[jwplayer Ms1vBFZx]

It’s all too easy to write off Cincinnati Bengals wideout John Ross.

The national perspective paints Ross as a massive bust and the local one — at best — says he’s been disappointing. But some folks aren’t writing off Ross just yet.

Including Joe Burrow.

Ross has indeed flopped vs. the expectations of being a top-10 wideout. But looking at the results from first-round wideouts lately, it’s hard to hold it against him too much. He’s also made it easier than it should be to criticize because of his attendance sheet, which included just three games as a rookie, 13 in Year 2 and eight more in Year 3.

But even then, some asterisks remain necessary. Ross didn’t exactly seem like a favorite of Marvin Lewis and his staff. There were plenty of things going on in the background, but Zac Taylor and Co. immediately let Ross play a feature role last year while he worked through his mistakes and the result was his momentarily leading the league in receiving.

And even in 2018, the Bengals deployed Ross situationally and the result was superb redzone work, highlighted by seven (quiet) touchdowns.

Which loops us to Burrow and Taylor’s offense in Year 4 for Ross.

Burrow should make Ross better. He’s got the improv skill Andy Dalton simply didn’t. When things break down and Burrow goes to freestyle, one of the league’s fastest players should benefit. Burrow’s also simply more of a vocal, infectious leader. Sounds silly but it counts.

But don’t discredit Ross’ sheer presence as a boon for the development and production of a prospect like Burrow. We’ve seen it whenever Ross is on the field — defenses have to play more honest than they typically would due to his sheer speed. That redzone work creating mismatches in short spaces is on his resume and has a defense’s respect, too.

That means better spacing and timing for the whole unit. It’s one of those little things that gets thrown around here and there in analysis but will have a tangible impact on Burrow. Even if the rookie passer isn’t gunning the ball at Ross consistently, a little more room in throwing windows to guys like A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd or a back out of the backfield lets the weapons go to work with the ball in their hands.

Maybe Ross doesn’t have a breakout statistical year. But if he’s on the field reliably, he could have a bigger impact on Burrow’s development and immediate success than he’ll probably ever get credit for doing.

It’s easy to forget about Ross, really, with Boyd, Green and new arrival Tee Higgins soaking up headlines and attention. But considering his skill set has the ability to make things easier on all three and help the new-era quarterback, maybe he shouldn’t fly so underrated right now.

[vertical-gallery id=34745]

How does arrival of Tee Higgins impact John Ross’ role with Bengals?

How does the addition of Tee Higgins impact John Ross for the Cincinnati Bengals?

[jwplayer Ms1vBFZx]

John Ross is one of those players who needs a big season in 2020.

The Cincinnati Bengals know it. Ross knows it. So do fans.

But one interesting factor complicating things? Try rookie wideout Tee Higgins, the first pick of the second round this year and a guy the Bengals seemed to like as a first-round prospect.

While listing Ross as a player who needs a breakout in 2020, The Ringer’s Danny Kelly brought up an interesting point:

“His role in the offense stands on shaky ground heading into 2020. The Bengals retained A.J. Green on the franchise tag to pair with steady slot receiver Tyler Boyd, and drafted Clemson’s Tee Higgins early in the second round, making Ross’s path to a major role uncertain. If Higgins hits the ground running in year one―or if Ross struggles in the early going―the fourth-year pro may be relegated to reserve or rotational duties in what’s likely to be his final season in Cincinnati.”

Given how much the Bengals like Higgins and how his game figures to translate, there is indeed a chance he breaks onto the field at a respectable rate as a rookie.

With Tyler Boyd and A.J. Green — health provided — chewing up most of the snaps, that could indeed leave Ross sparring with a rookie for snaps.

Not that Ross needs big snaps to put up huge numbers. Two years ago he quietly scored seven times as a strong redzone weapon. Last year he briefly ranked among the league’s most productive receivers as a new coaching staff let him learn as he played.

Call it a great problem to have — the Bengals arguably have two capable No. 1 options with Green and Boyd, plus two massive-upside prospects they consider first-round products. No matter how it shakes out statistically, it’s probably good news for a guy named Joe Burrow.

[vertical-gallery id=34397]

Tyler Boyd, John Ross make 2020 Bengals-Browns rivalry more interesting on social media

Tyler Boyd and John Ross just made Bengals vs. Browns more interesting.

[jwplayer NbHm3jlP]

The Cincinnati Bengals might be falling back into quiet offseason mode now after a fun trip to free agency and the draft itself.

Just don’t tell the players.

Wideouts Tyler Boyd and John Ross each had some interesting thoughts on social media recently pertaining to the Cleveland Browns — which naturally has stirred up plenty of debate.

Boyd started things off by laughing off a duo comparison from NFL Network, suggesting the Joe Burrow-A.J. Green tandem is better than Baker Mayfield-Odell Beckham.

Ross wasn’t too far behind in suggesting Joe Mixon is better than both Browns running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

The reality is a little more muddied. Burrow is a rookie and Green has been hurt. Mixon is easily a top-10 back, though. From a Browns’ perspective, the last few years have been a big disappointment.

The good news? These guys won’t have to wait long to put the proclamations to the test. The Battle of Ohio starts in Week 2 on Thursday Night Football and picks up again in Week 7, settling things for the 2020 season before the calendar even turns to November.

[vertical-gallery id=32154]

Bengals WR John Ross opens up on Joe Burrow, playoff chances

Cincinnati Bengals wideout John Ross had a notable interview recently.

[jwplayer NbHm3jlP]

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross has already put in work with Joe Burrow this offseason.

Ross popped up in a few workout videos with Burrow and Jordan Palmer before the draft and had some comments about the eventual No. 1 pick then.

This week Ross touched on the same topic in an AMA with B/R and said the following about Burrow, per Scott Polacek: “It’ll be good. I’ve worked out with him; I love his demeanor, how he carries himself. I’ve seen him do some great stuff on and off the field.”

Ross also had an interesting response when asked if he thinks the Bengals make the playoffs:

“Of course. I only say that out of confidence. I believe in where we’re headed as a team with some of the new additions that we have. We’re primed to make a lot of things happen.”

Ross, who just had his fifth-year option declined, not only worked out with Burrow already but is one of the guys alongside Tee Higgins who seems poised for a Bengals workout with Chad Johnson this offseason.

Heading into a critical year as one of the team’s most notable free agents, Ross’ rapport with Burrow could go a long way toward deciding his long-term fate with the team.

[vertical-gallery id=32069]

Report: Bengals decline John Ross’ 5th-year option

The Cincinnati Bengals made a decision on John Ross’ fifth-year option.

[jwplayer NbHm3jlP]

The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to decline the fifth-year option on wide receiver John Ross.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news.

The move doesn’t come as a surprise. Ross has had issues getting on and staying on the field over three seasons, but the flashes of that top-10 potential have emerged at times. With Joe Burrow under center and alongside wideouts A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, Ross will get big opportunity to prove himself in 2020.

After missing 13 games as a rookie, Ross scored seven times as a sophomore primarily as a redzone weapon, then played eight games under new head coach Zac Taylor, developing on the fly and tallying a career-high 506 yards with three scores.

Ross, Cincinnati’s first-round pick at No. 9 in 2017, would’ve received roughly $15 million during his fifth year. We broke down in depth why the Bengals should be looking to keep Ross beyond that fifth year regardless of the decision on the option.

[vertical-gallery id=32069]

Chad Johnson recruiting Higgins, Green, Ross and Boyd for workout

Chad Johnson wants to link up with Bengals stars like A.J. Green — and rookie Tee Higgins.

[jwplayer jKpDvIpQ-ThvAeFxT]

Chad Johnson continues to be one of the most prominent voices for the Cincinnati Bengals in the aftermath of 2020 NFL draft season.

Johnson specialed in a feature welcoming Joe Burrow to the Bengals. He also made it clear publicly he wasn’t happy Tee Higgins fell out of the first round…until the Bengals grabbed him to start the second round.

And now Johnson is trying to get all of the star Bengals wideouts together.

Monday, the man formerly known as OchoCinco took to Twitter and tried to recruit A.J. Green, John Ross, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins for a workout session, while also dropping a line about being an assistant coach:

Some of the names involved — including Green — responded:

It should go without saying, but this needs to be streamed on some sort of platform if it ends up happening over the offseason.

[vertical-gallery id=31644]

The John Ross enigma facing the Cincinnati Bengals

Where does John Ross stand with the Cincinnati Bengals?

[jwplayer aBSfyrKD-ThvAeFxT]

I’d wager that very few football-related articles begin this way, but I’m dropping a Churchill quote that applies to a football player on the roster (to my wife’s chagrin; she told me to “stop writing like George Will” yesterday, but this genuinely has a tie-in here so stay with me). Anyway, during a radio broadcast while attempting to predict Russian behavior in 1939, Churchill explained that the Russian Bear was a “riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” Remove the gravity of the quote and all context of course and you have a quick explainer of John Ross’ career thus far with the Cincinnati Bengals. Seriously, try to create a more apt description of Ross’ tenure and his performance on the field. Can’t be done. Ross, the supersonic receiver drafted ninth out of Washington in the 2017 draft, is equal parts dynamic and befuddling, game wrecking and game…wrecking. The primary question pertaining to Ross as he enters his fourth season in Cincinnati is whether he can develop into a piece that supplements an offense with immense potential or whether his time in Cincinnati proves to be as ephemeral as the exhaust he left in Indianapolis while bursting into the national consciousness.

Friend of the site Joe Goodberry posted a tweet recently that fully encapsulates the Ross conundrum in visual form.

In this short clip, you see what’s driven fans up the wall and also what has made them so resistant to giving up on the Ross project. You see the inconsistent physicality Ross plays with but you also see the ability to separate on occasion. You can see him struggle to stack corners consistently despite his dynamic speed but you also see how much attention his speed demands from secondaries (something that defenses shouldn’t be able to provide next season with a healthy AJ Green). You see how defensive players that are left alone with Ross have to respect his speed and play off thereby opening up space for easy completions for Ross, but you also see his tendency to struggle with consistently hitting his landmarks, occasional stupefying decisions with the ball in his hands and the general lack of consistency that permeates his entire game.

One of the great things about Ross, beyond his abundant physical talent, is his self-awareness. After one of the better games of career to this point, the opening game against the Seahawks last year, Ross admitted to struggling with confidence early in his career. The adjustment from college ball to professional football is generally difficult under the most ideal of circumstances, Ross of course came into the league beset by injury (a late graduation and rehab from labrum surgery substantially impacted his rookie offseason), and injuries have continued to hamper him ever since. That inconsistent development arc, Ross has been active in exactly half of the available games since he’s been drafted (24 out of 48), combined with the fact that he was likely to be a high variance receiver anyway has brought us to where we are now.

So exactly where are we now? It’s difficult to say precisely. We know that the Bengals are on the precipice of having to make a call on the fifth-year option for the receiver, and we know that as things stand now, they’re probably not inclined to bring him back under the number the option requires. That’s not to say that he won’t be retained, but his future with the organization is obviously murky. We also know that the Bengals have high-end draft capital in a wide receiver rich draft. Should the Bengals draft a receiver at 33 or 65, Ross’ future with the Bengals might be further imperiled.

We also know that Ross is a uniquely gifted receiver.

There just aren’t many humans on the planet with that type of acceleration and long speed. Ross has worked with future Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow this offseason, so perhaps an early connection has been forged that will assist Ross in putting together his best year to date. Burrow’s superior accuracy and ability to extend plays should also help Ross generate more big plays.

In any case, this is a massive year for Ross. Given how talented a player he is and how well-liked he is by his teammates, let’s hope that this is the year that he puts it all together.

[vertical-gallery id=30319]

Watch: Did Alabama’s Henry Ruggs break John Ross’ 40 record at the NFL Scouting Combine?

Did Alabama’s Henry Ruggs break the mark of 4.22 set by John Ross at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2017?

John Ross can breathe easily for another year. Alabama’s Henry Ruggs was the player believed to have a shot at lowering the Cincinnati Bengals’ mark of 4.22 in the 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04qabU6DsZI

The Crimson Tide wideout gave it a good go but was not able to threaten the mark of the former Washington star. Ruggs ran a 4.28 in the 40 in his first attempt in Indianapolis. His second run came in a few ticks slower, at 4.31.

Some more history of the 40 at the Combine:

Here’s a look of how Ruggs vs. Ross looks:

NFL players were impressed: