This spring the offensive line picked up where it left off during the second half of last season, when the running game finished in the top ten.
"You miss the physical reps, but as far as sitting through things, it was pretty efficient," Hopkins said. "Now we're an older team. We're able to nail down more minute things. We're not just installing new things. We're looking at why something didn't work as opposed to last year when we had to go through games and see what to adjust."
Simmons, Hopkins and all Bengals realize they can't replace the chemistry they could have stirred on the field and developed off the field.
"It's different not to be around these guys physically. Read their body mannerisms. Read how they react. See how they carry themselves on a day-to-day basis. All those things you miss out on until we have them in place," Simmons said. "The unique thing is everyone is dealing with the same issues."
But there's also the sense they've done what they can in the jaws of the new normal.
"Zac has done a good job putting together a bunch of things to get the personalities to come out," Simmons said, "and break up the monotony of meeting just to meet. It's always good to get to know your teammate. We're doing our best to get the most out of it."
Hopkins says whether it's college or pros, the real training camp comes in pre-season games. The pass rushers get to finish. The linemen find out if they're conditioned. The little game muscles, like down in the ankles, strain. He says it's always sloppy during those first few days of training camp. No matter what. He also thinks the virtuals may have been a break for the kids.
"The advantage for the younger guys is they're not as overwhelmed with the physical right now," Hopkins said. "It's a great opportunity for the rookies to at least know what your assignment is. You might not know the technique, but you know the assignment. There's less to think about from that aspect."
There's been some talk the preseason could be sliced from four to two pre-season games. Simmons speaks for all Bengals everywhere when he says, "When you're a team like us with a new quarterback, I would think you'd want to get him out there under center as much as possible."
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