We heard during training camp that Tyler Eifert was uncoverable in practice. On Sunday, the Bengals tight end showed that wasn't typical summer bluster.
Eifert went off against the Oakland Raiders in Week 1, finishing with nine catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns in Cincinnati's 33-13 win. With one dominant performance, Eifert reminded the football world of the talent that made him a first-round pick in 2013.
"He makes the things go," said Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, according to ESPN.com. "If they rotate coverage one way or another, you've got guys who can win matchups. A big, tall guy is what football comes to. We have big, long guys, and big, long guys have opportunities to make plays and put the ball where it belongs."
Eifert's season opener couldn't have been more different than last year's. The Notre Dame product suffered an ugly elbow injury that ended his season before the end of the first quarter. On Sunday, the only remnant of that injury was a large brace on his right arm. It clearly didn't affect his play.
"Tyler, I don't think he's going to surprise anybody anymore," quarterback Andy Dalton said. "He's a good player."
Don't look now, but the Bengals are pretty loaded on offense. Dalton rightfully remains a question mark come January, but he remains proficient at getting the ball in the hands of playmakers like A.J. Green, Eifert, Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard.
If Eifert can stay healthy, don't be surprised if he emerges as one of the most productive tight ends in football this season. Opposing defensive coordinators are entering pick-your-poison territory.