Carl Lawson appeared poised to develop into a game-wrecking force after an 8.5 sack 2017 beginner performance. Then the Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher went down early in Week 8 with a torn right ACL.
During seven full weeks of the 2018 campaign, Lawson created just one sack, but provided constant pressure off the Bengals’ edge. His injury was a massive blow to Cincy’s defense, and the product the Bengals deployed the rest of the year reflected his lack. The 24-year-old entered the NFL with health issues following dealing with injuries during his stint at 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 is 100 percent. On Monday, the defensive end told NFL Network’s Good Morning Football he’s eyeing Week 1.
“The goal is to be out there Week 1, and I am feeling great,” Lawson said. “Thankfully I can take care of my body, I have a lot of unique resources, I will fly to areas, I will do everything underneath the sun because I’ve got the cash to do it. So, it’s been a great rehab procedure.”
Through one and a half seasons, Lawson exhibited a nose for the quarterback, with the capacity to utilize blazing rate on the border and flip that rate into power when needed. The expectation is that after he is healthy, the new regime in Cincinnati will use him more than a rotational rusher since he grows.
The injury-ravaged Bengals saw crucial 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 — already 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 lot, but at exactly the exact same time, in this league, that’s what distinguishes distinct teams, being able to be healthy during the season,” he said. “I think the major issue is being able to have that depth, and that carry over, so when things do occur. You know, because everyone’s like’Oh, well if we had been healthy, if this or thatwhatever’ — maybe not that many injuries as we had last year — but I believe that you can expect a great deal from us.”
The Bengals stay a mystery in the AFC North. An entirely healthy Lawson to begin the 2019 effort would provide a gigantic increase to a defense that could supply an intriguing mixture of rush and coverage skill if everyone can stay on the field.
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