Observations from Day 4 of Bengals camp

The Cincinnati Bengals practiced in full pads for the first time Sunday before a crowd of 1,700 – the largest of camp thus far.

Here are some observations from Day 4:

Pick 96

Defensive end Carlos Dunlap came up with the only turnover of the day when he intercepted Andy Dalton on a back screen during the final 11-on-11 session.

Dunlap ran toward the end zone with Dalton clutching and grabbing at him before diving across the goal line and taking the quarterback with him.

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“He made a good play, but I think he heard (the play call),” Dalton said of Dunlap. “I would have tackled him (in a game). I was just trying to hit the ball out, but I couldn’t find it.”

Dunlap said making a play like that in practice is just as fun as doing it in a game.

“You have to make every rep count,” he said. “As we’ve seen, one of them turned into a game-winning play when I rushed the Colts last year (and turned a batted ball into a 16-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 24-23 win).”

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Dunlap also touched on his contract situation when asked about agent Drew Rosenhaus being at practice Saturday.

“When you see him out here, you know he’s doing something,” Dunlap said. “He’s out here for a reason. But there’s no breaking news to give you guys, so it is what it is. I’m at practice today, it’s full pads, and I feel like the defense won today.”

Dunlap is heading into the final season of a five-year, $39.3 million contract and said he would like to sign an extension to stay in Cincinnati.

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“I would love to get it done,” he said. “I would love to finish my career here as a Bengal.”

Rough ending

Dunlap’s interception was one of several bad plays for the offense during the final 11-on-11 session. It started with a drop by wide receiver Brandon LaFell and ended with a drop by John Ross (although Ross had an impressive day overall, including a deep catch from Matt Barkley and a quick-twitch move on another catch that drew “ooohs” from the crowd and spun around cornerback Darqueze Dennard).

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Dalton also had to throw the ball away when he couldn’t find anyone open on another of his seven plays in the series. The remaining three plays by the first team during the session all were completions to Tyler Boyd, who had another strong day.

Quick hitters

Wide receiver Josh Malone left practice early and watched from the sideline with ice on his left hamstring. … Rookie fifth-round pick Darius Phillips dropped a punt. … Rookie second-round safety Jessie Bates was impressive in a one-on-one pass rushing drill, blowing past defenders multiple times. … Running back Joe Mixon had an explosive run where he burst into the second level untouched and likely would have scored even if it was a tackling drill. … Jonathan Brown was the only kicker who attempted field goals, going 5 of 6 with his lone miss coming from 45 yards on his final attempt. … Rookie seventh-round quarterback Logan Woodside missed his second consecutive practice. Also sitting out were defensive tackle Chris Baker, tight end Tyler Kroft, cornerback Tony McRae, cornerback Sojourn Shelton and the rest of the players who have yet to practice (Vontaze Burfict, Tyler Eifert, Ryan Hewtitt and Brandon Bell).

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Up Next

The Bengals will practice from 3-5 p.m. Monday before taking their first off day of camp Tuesday.

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