The Bengals annual media luncheon is how you know football is back... Or about to be back! The Cincinnati media met with the Bengals ownership and coaches today in a way, to signal that start of the 2016 season. Training camp begins on Friday and before you know it, the Bengals will be playing preseason and then regular-season football.

We’re anxious to see the Bengals get back on the field, but until they are, here is some information from Mike Brown and the Bengals coaches to keep you entertained.

One of two days in the year Mike Brown sirs down with media. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/XSaZT1xY33 — Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 26, 2016

On the challenges ahead:

Brown says difficult schedule concerns him as much as any roster issues. — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 26, 2016

#Bengals owner Mike Brown meets the media in the run up to #trainingcamp -- says the playoff loss stung for a while, but the page has turned to 2016 for the team. They're looking ahead. #Bengals #Cincinnati A photo posted by Jim Owczarski (@jimowczarski) on Jul 26, 2016 at 9:05am PDT

On thinking ahead (or not) to the postseason:

Mike Brown at media luncheon: not focused on the post-season. It's all regular season — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

Mike Brown: I don't think about the postseason at this stage. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/h7WeMkVdCo — Laurel Pfahler (@LaurelPfahler) July 26, 2016

#Bengals owner Mike Brown repeats what's become an annual message: "We know we still have to take the next step." pic.twitter.com/KZe2qQqPOl — Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) July 26, 2016

On playing in London:

Brown on London trip: this is a one time thing for us. We'll see what happens — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

Brown reiterates London will not be a regular thing. One time and see what happens down the line. — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 26, 2016

On a potential Ring of Honor:

Brown on a ring of honor: next year, the 50th year of team, appropriate time for honors and he'll discuss it then — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

On the status of Darqueze Dennard:

Guenther expects Dennard ready to go Friday — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

On the Brown family’s feelings about Marvin Lewis:

Brown on Marvin Lewis:

"If I weren't happy with Marvin he wouldn't be here 14 odd years."#Bengals — Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) July 26, 2016

Mike Brown talking to scribes: I appreciate what Marvin has done. — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

On who will be returning punts:

Simmons sounds like he'll give Alford first-team reps to find out if he can return punts — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

Simmons on Adam Jones: other coaches are still scared to death of him with ball in his hands — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

On a noticeable change in popular topics this year:

Lewis talking to group of scribes: not a lot of questions about Andy. — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

On 2015 Draft picks:

Lewis on Ogbuehi: we love what we saw from Ced last year. and Jake Fisher — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

On the offensive game plan:

On the defensive game plan and new coaches:

On Vontaze Burfict:

Marv on Tez: great mentor for younger players and such an extension of coaching staff — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

Marv: that's why I wanted him on sidelines in offseason. Too valuable to get him hurt — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

#Bengals owner Mike Brown: "Vontaze Burfict is one hell of a football player. We want him on the football field.... https://t.co/zbLFLupUtv — Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) July 26, 2016

Marvin Lewis said he plans on holding back Vontaze Burfict some in the preseason. No reason to risk any injury. — Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 26, 2016

Marvin Lewis on the Denny Green:

Marv on late Denny Green: somebody always rely on as friend, mentor. Incredible how he developed coaches. — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

On winning a Super Bowl:

Mike: I'd like to hold Lombardi trophy. I don't know how many chances I have left — Geoff Hobson (@GeoffHobsonCin) July 26, 2016

On the new NFL concussion rules and fines for rule breakers:

Marvin on new concussion protocol penalties: Doesn't affect us. We've been ahead of the curve on this for years. #Bengals — Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 26, 2016

On coaching turnover:

Mike: If coaches were hired/fired on no playoff wins, turnover rate would be 3 times what it is. #Bengals — Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 26, 2016

(Editor’s note: Does he not realize Cincinnati it would be far more)?

On concussions:

Mike: NFL should be credited for what it's doing with concussions rather than attacked. #Bengals — Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 26, 2016

On the Steelers rivalry and Burfict’s suspension:

Mike on Burfict suspension: I own the #Bengals, not Steelers. You can guess where I stand but I'd be foolish to wade into that discussion — Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) July 26, 2016

Now, who’s ready for football?