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StumbleuponDrill in full pads sets tempo
Franchise-tagged offensive tackle Andrews puts on show of strength, dominating rookie defensive tackle.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Why did the Bengals place the franchise tag on right offensive tackle Stacy Andrews?
The answer came at training camp Tuesday, July 29, the first workout in full pads.
Andrews, a fifth-year veteran who will earn $7.455 million this season, turned in the play of the day with his block on rookie defensive tackle Jason Shirley during the one-on-one test of manhood known as the Oklahoma Drill.
Andrews manhandled Shirley with strength, power and technique. He burst off the line of scrimmage, kept his pad level low and drove Shirley backward 12 yards as the team watched in a circle around the grass stage.
The offensive unit engulfed Andrews with celebratory hugs, cheers and shoulder-pad slaps.
"It was fun in the sun," said Andrews, who smiled as sweat dripped off his nose. "Everybody was pumped up for our first day in full pads. We got riled up. We're building team spirit."
Andrews remembers his first Oklahoma Drill as a rookie in 2004 when Langston Moore "caught me from the side, gave me a bam, and I kind of flew."
This time, Andrews was The Punisher as Shirley absorbed the abuse.
"It was like, 'Welcome in, welcome home, welcome to the NFL," said Andrews, who stated his season goals: "Just get out there and punish people, do my job and have fun."
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was in the thick of the Oklahoma Drill, encouraging, slapping and yelling at his players.
"'I'm trying to build some esprit de corps with the defense, some camaraderie, some togetherness," Zimmer said. "If I have to be the leader, then I'll be the leader.
"If one of these guys wants to take charge and be the leader, then they will. But I want them to understand the emotion we want to play with, the tempo we play with and the expectations we play with."
