Carl Lawson appeared poised to develop into a game-wrecking force after an 8.5 sack 2017 beginner performance. The Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher went early in Week 8 with a torn right ACL.
Through seven full weeks of this 2018 effort, Lawson created just one sack, but provided consistent pressure off the Bengals’ edge. His injury was a huge blow to Cincy’s defense, and the merchandise the Bengals deployed the rest of the year reflected his absence. The 24-year-old entered the NFL with health issues following managing injuries during his stint in Auburn, including a left ACL tear.
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Throughout offseason workouts this summer, Lawson rehabbed on the side and has insisted he is not pushing to be ready for training camp unless he’s 100 percent. On Monday, the defensive end told NFL Network’s Good Morning Soccer he is eyeing Week 1.
“The goal is to be out there Week 1, and I am feeling great,” Lawson explained. “Thankfully I can look after my body, I have lots of different resources, I can fly to areas, I can do everything underneath the sun because I’ve got the money to do it. Thus, it’s been a fantastic rehabilitation procedure.”
Through a half seasons, Lawson displayed a nose for the quarterback, with the capacity to utilize blazing rate on the edge and turn that speed into electricity when required. The expectation is that after he is healthy, the new regime in Cincinnati will use him more than the usual rotational rusher since he develops.
The injury-ravaged Bengals saw key pieces move down last season, such as Lawson, Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, Preston Brown and Tyler Eifert. Every group deals with injuries, but the Bengals appear to be especially snakebitten of late — watching first-round pick Jonah Williams return this offseason with a shoulder injury.
Lawson believes if the Bengals can remain fit, they could surprise in 2019.
“You can expect a great deal, but at the exact same time, in this league, that is what distinguishes distinct groups, being in a position to be healthy throughout the entire year,” he explained. “I believe the major issue is having the ability to have that depth, and that carry over, so when things do happen. You know, since everybody’s like’Oh, well if we were healthy, if this or thatwhatever’ — not that many injuries as we had last year — but I think you can expect a lot from us.”
The Bengals stay a mystery in the AFC North. An entirely healthy Lawson to begin the 2019 effort would offer a massive boost to a defense which could supply an intriguing combination of rush and coverage skill if everyone can stay on the field.
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