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Holmes: Chase Coffman's long awaited pro debut could be on the horizon

We have had as many posts about fullbacks on Tuesday as we have had all of last season. So that just means we need to update our Tight End position file for the 20th time since August. Here's the quick background version. Reggie Kelly and Ben Utecht injured for season, Daniel Coats becomes starter, J.P. Foschi signed off the street. Coats disappoints and Foschi becomes the team's first team Tight End.

And of course, there's Chase Coffman.

Like the team's fullbacks, Coffman was a major storyline on Hard Knocks. And it wasn't very endearing. In fact, it was down right embarrassing for the rookie. Even though he made the 53-man roster, Coffman has yet to make his NFL debut; largely because he's still developing his blocking skills -- something that Coffman rarely did as a tight end with Missouri.

Dayton Daily News' (yes, they have a Bengals story) Carlos Holmes writes that Coffman's "long awaited pro debut could be on the horizon." Holmes believes that the Bengals could insert Coffman sooner rather than later because the position hasn't been very productive.

Coffman has used his time wisely working on becoming a better all-around player. The tight end hits the weight room religiously each day and continues to study hard in an effort to improve his overall game. The one area he is working the hardest to improve is his blocking skills.

Coffman struggled with blocking assignments throughout training camp and the learning experience has been humbling.

“I knew it was going to be tough,” he said. “I think it kind of surprised me because it’s not as easy as one may think. There’s nothing easy about playing at this level. There is a lot of technique involved along with everything else.”

Several weeks ago, Marvin Lewis said "I’ve got to make sure those guys who suit up on Sunday can fulfill covering those kicks and doing all those things Chase didn’t do a whole lot of at the University of Missouri." What Lewis, who likes Coffman's progress, is pointing out is that he still needs to work on things he didn't do with Missouri -- like everything other than running, catching, breathing and watching South Park reruns.

So we find it hard to believe Holmes is speaking with any authority; merely pointing out speculation based on disappointing play of the team's tight ends.

Once he gets his blocking technique down, there's still high hopes for Coffman, who could add a frighteningly new dimension to a Bengals passing offense that's only ranked 18th in the league.

0 recs  |  Comment 14 comments |

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I don't quite understand this...

Are they wanting Chase to be the perfect player before they put him on the field? Other rookies are allowed to undergo a trial by fire, but with Chase, it seems like they want him to be a top-notch blocker before he sees the field — even though he’s already a proven pass-catcher.

Again, I don’t understand this thinking.

by IFChris on Nov 4, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

He must have been so bad they didn't want to take a chance

Judging from how bad he looked on Hard Knocks and the pre season he was no where near game ready. You gotta understand he’s going to be protecting our franchise players when blocking and even I thought he looked incredibly weak for a TE. Maybe three months of NFL strength training will help, but he had the noodle arms going on, and was getting pushed around like a little kid in pre season.

by St. Esiason on Nov 4, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I can see that, but how about masking his weaknesses...

…While taking advantage of his pass-catching abilities? I see Dallas Clark split out wide a great deal, and no, I’m saying Coffman is the next Clark, but then again, I don’t remember Clark tearing up the Big 12 like Chase did.

by IFChris on Nov 4, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I'd like to see him out there too

But you know Marvin Lewis, he’s not going to put a guy (who isn’t an established veteran) in a situation unless he’s earned his stripes in all aspects of the game in which he’s needed, special teams/blocking etc…

And as for the Dallas Clark comparison, I could see Coffman taking on a role similar to Clark because Palmer is just as good at getting the ball to TEs as Manning is, so the chances will be there.

by St. Esiason on Nov 4, 2009 9:43 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Special Teams

Anyone have a list of the special teams’ regulars? From Lewis’s comments it seems like that aspect of Coffman’s game is the only thing keeping him from seeing some playing time. It makes sense that non-starters that dress need to produce on special teams, but I can’t imagine there aren’t other ways to fill in on teams and still find a spot for a TE that can catch the ball.

by cmick on Nov 4, 2009 12:36 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

It’s one thing to be able to run block successfully as a TE, but knowing which guy you need to pick up in the blitz and when you need to run a hot route is more complicated. Particularly, against the Ravens and Steelers. So playing him would be more trial by fire for Palmer than for Coffman.
And I think he was drafted with the thought that Kelly and Utecht would play most of this season, and he would take time to develop, like most 3rd rounders on good teams do.
All that being said, if he can getting the blocking figured out, he would be big upgrade over Coates and Foschi .

by R.F. Mehl on Nov 4, 2009 7:02 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Is he still catching the balls in practice?

If he is spending all his time lifting to get stronger, blocking to get better, then where is the time to practice running routes and catching the ball? I don’t think that he can do this all at once. Until he is able to learn the blocking schemes, then they can implement him into full practices running routes and blocking altogether. Its still going to take a lot of time. I don’t look forward to seeing him on the playing field anytime soon.

by WHYUS!! on Nov 4, 2009 7:58 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

SouthPark reruns?

lol, Family Guy was the show that I watched in college and Chase is even younger than I am. Southpark seems like it peeked ages ago.

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Nov 4, 2009 11:27 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Oh, it's still pretty damned good!

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Kirkendall on Nov 4, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

lol, well I can’t disagree with that. South Park is one of the smartest dumbest comedies of all times.

Yes, that’s a paradox.
Yes, both are true.

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Nov 4, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

dude, south park is the best show on television and has been for several years now. nobody understands story structure the way trey parker does.

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Nov 4, 2009 8:18 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't expect them to throw him into the fire.

After the Steelers game I think we will see more of Chase and Andre. I don’t think we need to be experimenting in the next two games. They are voth too dangerous and important. Without a split this becomes much harder.

" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran

by JUNGLEJOHN on Nov 4, 2009 12:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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