Question of the Day: Who replaces Chris Henry as the number four receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals?
by Kirkendall on Nov 9, 2009 12:03 PM EST
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47 comments
Chris Henry, playing the final season of a two-year deal, caught a 20-yard pass early in the second quarter. He broke his forearm while falling to the turf. In one respect, it was sad to see Henry suffer a season-ending injury (likely) during a year in which he worked so hard to recast his image. Henry finished the season with 12 receptions (tied for fifth on the team) for 236 yards receiving (third) and two touchdowns. His 19.7 yard-per-reception average led the team.
With Chris Henry likely out for the year, the Bengals will likely look for someone to step up into that role. But what role? A fourth receiver? A deep threat? The Bengals have Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles and Andre Caldwell as their first three receivers, so there's no real desperation after Henry's injury. Furthermore the Bengals are a run-first offense, rushing the football on 47% of their offensive plays; their 245 attempts is seventh in the league and Cedric Benson leads the NFL with 198 rush attempts -- by 23 carries.
So is there really an urgency to implement a fourth receiver that's integrated into a game plan that requires more than ten snaps? Not likely. But the question remains. When the Bengals go four-wide, or need someone to replace one of the top three receivers either injured or needing a rest (I refuse to say "blow"), who do you go with?
While saying that Jerome Simpson is close, Carson Palmer says that the "guy who’s closer is Maurice Purify." Purify is on the team's practice squad. And if the Bengals elect to put Chris Henry on Injured Reserve (and there's no reason why they wouldn't), that opens a spot on the team's 53-man roster for Purify. Another alternative, especially if they want to use the open roster spot for another position, is Quan Cosby. But who knows how he's coming along as a wide receiver. This brings us back to Jerome Simpson, who is taking up room on the 53-man roster.
On August 1, I wrote a piece about Simpson asking if his time was already running out. Simply based on numbers and the talent ahead of him, I questioned if he'd even get any playing time. And if he's not ready to become the team's fourth receiver by now, with a Roy Williams destroying Maurice Purify waiting, one has to wonder if he'll ever make his own luck and become a contributor for this offense. The problem for Simpson is that he's lost every opportunity to improve his standing on the team's depth chart. It might even make more sense if the team makes a move to take Simpson off the 53-man roster if he's not the guy that replaces Henry in the lineup.
But he's young and needs time. How much time? And when will opportunity suddenly appear? I would expect the Bengals to bring Chris Henry back next season if they can. Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, Andre Caldwell are all signed. Where exactly would Simpson fit? He might still have an impressive NFL career. But with the Bengals? Where does he fit?
I even made the suggestion on Sunday that Chase Coffman could be an option, a hybrid tight end/wide receiver in the shape of Dallas Clark. Lines up outside on four wide receiver formations and becomes the second tight end in double tight end formations. Just a thought.
Who do you guys think should take the number four wide receiver spot?
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We should all hope its Simpson
Jerome has the talent to make the big play. Purify is big and can play Special Teams. but as Bengals fans, we chousl hope its Jerome Simpson or Chase Coffman.
"Ghiaciuc's play was a distraction"
by firstPick on Nov 9, 2009 12:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
My guess is that they will bring Purify up and
Simpson will get the call to play. He has the speed like Henry and I think that MB and ML was saving his talent b/c of Henry. (Free agency) I really think he has great talent and the way MB runs his franchise, it’s not a surprise that he would sit him until things played out in FA. There are a lot of important players going to FA next year. MB is always thinking ahead and sometimes that is a good thing, but after 19 years, most of the time it’s been a bad thing. It’s kind of mind twisting the way MB thinks, isn’t it?!! That is what makes me think this way. Hopefully his thinking is a good thing this time!!
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 12:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Great Question, Tough Answer...
I think it all depends on master cool (aka Marvin Lewis) wants in a WR. To get some insight into this I look directly at L. Coles. Coles isn’t a burner or a leaper. He’s not particularly tall and at the beginning of the year he dropped more balls than the Bengals cheerleaders. Why then did Lewis stick with him? Its because he does everything right. He runs great routes. He blocks. He has a classic work ethic. He’s a leader.
So who fits that mold? Definitely Purify. So I think he’ll get the move up for sure. But who is going to get the pt right now? I think its Simpson because he clearly is the best fit for the role that Henry played… just don’t be surprised to see Purify in the Game if Simpson doesn’t dial it up and make some plays
As a side note… I personally would be in favor of seeing Coats get dropped to the practice squad and having, Coffman and Foschi as our TE’s.
by The Dealio on Nov 9, 2009 12:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
At least give Simpson a shot
Coles and Calwell are both great run blockers, route runners, and inside WR’s. Chad even seems better on intermediate routs than as a deep threat now. What Henry gave us was a deep threat that kept the D honest. as a #4 WR the runblocking and such is not as big of a deal as it is for your #1 and #2 guys. Look at M. Wallace in Pittsburgh. Simpson has the potential to be a game changer. We have to at least give him a shot. I say activate Purify to the 53 man roster and activate Simpson to the 45 man game day roster as our #4 guy.
by smoormandiddy on Nov 9, 2009 12:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I REALLY, REALLY like your idea of implimenting Coffman as a TE/WR slot
First, it gets this kid some playing time, and I think he will shine with the opportunity. Second, it’s a new look compared to what we have (btw, Foschi had a great game this week, but he’s not a burner).
Third, it would mean that Coats can go suck it.
However, I don’t think he’s going to get the nod until next year after he bulks up and leanrs his blocks.
I think that Simpson will finally get a decent number of downs against the Steelers. This is going to be his big opportunity to show he has what it takes to play in the NFL at a competent level. He does that and he secures this slot for the season. If he doesn’t, then expect Maurice to come in.
What I do like about this is exactly what made us who the team is right now. Prove you deserve this position Simpson, and it’s yours. Screw it up, and ride the bench. No favortism. That’s what I took from what Palmer has to say about it. It’s a challange to Simpson from Palmer.
by UpStateMike on Nov 9, 2009 1:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I can’t help but think that surely it’s easier to learn to block for running plays from a split-end position (TE playing out wide) than from a “true” TE alignment… right?
If so, give Chase a chance.
by FriarBob on Nov 9, 2009 1:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i would like to see simpson
but only because if he doesn’t work out, we wasted a second rd pick that should have been Desean Jackson.
by brandone on Nov 9, 2009 1:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Slow down a little,
Desean isn’t all that. He’s good but not that good, yet!! Some players need to ride the bench first then they will blossom. Look at Carson, he did, didn’t he? He’ll play this year, mark my words!! I am thinking he’s going to be better than Henry and that is why MB is sitting him. Probably going to trade Henry!!?? He a restricted FA, not an UFA right? Do they get a draft choice if they let him go? MB is known for this. Later RD draft choices, he likes.
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
what???
desean jackson is awesome! i’d rather have him over jerome simpson any day…
we’ll see if your assessment of the Carson thing holds true. i think there’s a difference between sitting a stud QB for a year and sitting a guy because he can’t learn the playbook. Carson was the backup to Kitna and he would have played if Kitna got hurt. Jerome doesn’t even suit up.
by GrooveLeg on Nov 9, 2009 2:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
desean jackson
is one of the best WRs in the league already. especially if you look at what he does in the return game and what he can do with the ball after he catches it. he would be perfect for the AFC north because he can get open on quick slants and take it to the house. I don’t know how much eagles football you watch, but i see pretty much every game in philly. the kid is the real deal. and simpson can’t even crack the 45 man roster.
by brandone on Nov 9, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
had we selected desean jackson last year, the griping would’ve been endless about taking another “me-first” receiver when we already had “a locker room cancer” in chad.
i'm going to go america all over your ass!
by Raging Clue on Nov 9, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it's alarming to hear that simpson still is not ready after almost 3 years in the league.
that dude must be dumber than shit.
my guess is purify because he has similar height and speed as henry. i voted for chase because i want to see more of him, but in reality, i think Carson’s “ra-ra” attitude of Purify will be the deciding factor.
by GrooveLeg on Nov 9, 2009 1:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
wasn't it almost 2 years
I thought that Simpson was 2RD pick after Rivers was picked? That would make this his 2nd year. I could be wrong though.
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is Simpson's second year.
Same as Caldwell. The reason Andre’s so polished is because he went to a big time SEC school, while Simpson went to a small school and got by on raw athletic ability. He’s learning, and they drafted Simpson because he was similar to Chad Ochocinco coming out of school: all raw talent and potential.
by whodeyla on Nov 9, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
but
what was chad putting up in his second season?
2002 Cincinnati Bengals 16games 14started 69rec 1,166yds 16.9ypc 72T long 5TDs —
by brandone on Nov 9, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point on Chad.
But he certainly has/ had more talent and he benefitted from playing one year in the PAC 10, and he competed with Steve Smith for 2 years at SMC everyday. And Jerome has a lot more talent ahead of him in his first and second year that Chad did his first and second year. I’m not making excuses for the guy. I wished we had drafted DeSean Jackson too. But Jackson was too similar to a guy we already have in Chatman and you never know how successful rookies will be at the WR position. Give Simpson time. The guy is big, fast, and can catch anything thrown his way…
by whodeyla on Nov 9, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chad's 2nd year stats
Chad was on a very different team. Our best receiver then was Peter Warrick (who was better than people give him credit for until the knee injury), then Chad, Ron Dugans, Danny Farmer and TJ.
Simpson is behind A future Hall of famer, in CHad, a former probowler in Coles, A very polished second year man in Caldwell and A TD machine in Chris Henry. I always thought that Simpson was drafted to replace Chad after next year. It takes about 3 years for most good recievers to adjust to the NFL, so don’t give up on him yet. I think that Simpson replaces Henry’s skill set very well.
While I wouldn’t mind seeing Coffman come in, I think that his role is already filled by Caldwell, and think that Simpson is the best choice to stretch the field for Caldwell and Coles to get open underneath, and he will come down with 1 catch a game to replace Henry.
by jim0ijk on Nov 9, 2009 8:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I voted For Coffman
He gives us a big weapon in the middle of the field on third down passing situations, and it would be fun to see the mismatches that this would create. I would guess that Purify gets the nod ahead of Simpson though if that’s what Palmer is calling for, but maybe the better business decision is to see what Simpson can do. You have to either get rid of him or use him at this point.
This is our year!
by Carsonorbust on Nov 9, 2009 1:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I like Purify
Carson say: I want Purify.
Jake say: I want Carson happy.
by jsl413 on Nov 9, 2009 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I hope Henry is only out 4-8 weeks
And we use a combination of Simpson and Coffman on the active 45. Hopefully the injust to Mathis doesn’t force the Bengals to sit down Henry for the year when he could otherwise come back for a playoff run…
by whodeyla on Nov 9, 2009 2:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Well, we could put Henry on the PUP list couldn't we?
That gives him time to get ready for the post season, we can keep him on and still have him practice with the 53 man roster. Actually we will have 54 man roster then.
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the PUP is for the beginning of the season.
teams have to make a decision on PUP players by week 6. activate them, or place them on IR.
by brandone on Nov 9, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Did't know what the PUP was all about!!!
Just knew Perry was on it and still was able to lift and have limited practices with the team.
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
PUP is strictly a no-doing-anything stipulation.
As soon as a player steps foot on the practice field their eligibility to be PUP’ed is gone. Weight training is permissible. :)
by A Pragmatic Bengals Fan on Nov 9, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Coffman or Purify....Simpson???
I think a lot of us would like to see Jerome Simpson, simply because he was a 2nd rd pick. We also have to realize Mike Brown is not that great at drafting players. There’s a statistic in Madden 10’ that said 15-17 of the players drafted by the Bengals are no longer in the NFL. I would love to see Jerome rise up to star status, but Coffman gives us more versatility as does Purify. It would really suck to find out that a 2nd rd pick was a waste. Just imagine if we didn’t draft Andre Smith and had a 1st rounder that was already making an impact. It’s scary to think about. However, maybe since he (Smith) was drafted it has made our O-line what it is right now. Coats and Foschi are terrible. Somebody said Foschi played great, but if you watch him block you notice the guy he was suppose to mark was the guy who typically tackled Benson. The sad part is, if he could block and did make those blocks, Benson could have easily turned those small gains into 10-15yd runs. I vote Coffman or Purify simply for the running game’s sake!
by DonMegga on Nov 9, 2009 2:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Henry didn't contribute on Special Teams.....
….therefore, Coffman’s lack of Special Teams skills are a moot point now. With Coffman, you get a soft handed 6’6" target over the middle and that can run down the seam.
If you have more options underneath, the defenses must respect the short passing game giving Ocho and “Vern” more single coverage on deep routes.
Plus, with Caldwell’s “Gator Speed”, we really have 3 deep threats.
I’m sure Purify will get the nod due to his size and physical nature, but you’ve gotta be drooling at the possibility of Coffman finding holes in zones on 5-8 yard underneath routes while overtop coverages loosen up for Chad, Bubba and Vern.
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on Nov 9, 2009 2:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I agree...Coffman
Coffman i s suppose to have incredible hands. I don’t know if anyone has seen his highlight real, but the white boy has moves as well. Plus you have a TE who can CATCH. The catching TE is Bengals missing link on offense. No Defense takes our TEs seriously!
by DonMegga on Nov 9, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but Simpson has speed and hands,
and that is what our O is set up for. We need blocking TE’s and the catches that the TE’s make is a bonus. That is what we’ve been doing all year and I really don’t think that it’s going to change any time soon(.Wish it would.) So I personally I think that they are going with Simpson to take Henry’s spot. Deep threat capabilities. They are going to sit Coffman like they did Simpson. Since they said they are going to resign Koositra.
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
purify and Cosby
Of the choices. Coffman seems the least likely. If they didn’t activate him with our current situation at TE I doubt henrys injury changes things.
On Simpson. The silence on him has been deafening which is disconcerting. My suspicion is the same as above. Good athlete from a small school where being a good jumper and running a 4.47/40 was special. Welcome to the NFL!
He is rapidly approaching that 3 year point where recievers either establish they can play or they don’t. So I’d love to see him on the field as an acrobatic endzone target for Palmer. But I’m not getting my hopes up.
Which makes purify the most likely choice. Let him and Crosby get some looks on third and long and see who steps up.
We may have a diamond in the rough
by goffchile on Nov 9, 2009 2:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Can Simpson play Henry's spot?
I had heard before that Jerome only played the X position which is Chad’s spot.
by JHarmann on Nov 9, 2009 3:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he is about the same wt, ht,and the speed is about the same as Henry,
though he definitely could out jump Henry. He played that position in college b/c he was the best receiver on his team. The go to guy! He will be on fade routes too!!
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 3:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A reminder of how good Chase was at Mizzou
by IFChris on Nov 9, 2009 3:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This kid has got some hands!!!
But remember that the Big 12 has got some horrible defenses too. He’ll be able to catch the ball, but leaping over defenders will be a little harder to do. Can’t wait to see him play!!
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think the issue is..
That Jerome Simpson is in his second season. All of the other examples listed above have separate circumstances.
The issue is if Maurice Purify is called up ahead of Simpson, what do you do with Simpson? To me, it would be a big statement if Simpson couldn’t get be activated as the 4th WR on the team — rather they go to the practice squad.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Nov 9, 2009 3:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This would be irrelavent if we had just taken
Desean Jackson the best reciever on the board when the bengals picked. It still eats me up to this day that desean Jackson is not a Bengal. Instead we have a walnut size brained dumbass from coastol Carolina who can’t learn plays and will continue to be a worse pick then chris Perry!
by Diesel2405 on Nov 9, 2009 3:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Can change the past.
If that were the case I could name a ton of players we should have taken over our long list of bust the past 15 years.
by smoormandiddy on Nov 9, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah i always think the "we should have taken this guy instead of this guy" game is silly.
we’d have tom brady, steven jackson, steve smith, ricky williams, etc. etc.
by GrooveLeg on Nov 9, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But there are some bonehead choices
by MB though!! In the past.
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not playing the should have game!
Desean Jackson was the obvious choice to everyone EXCEPT the bengals orginization. We need a punt returner kick returner and a wr and he would have filled all those spots. Instead we have a worthless wr who can only play the spot that Chad lines up and there is no way in this decade he is going to surpass ochocinco
by Diesel2405 on Nov 9, 2009 5:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
If Simpson excels as well as Desean does will you admit that you are wrong.
Not saying he will, b/c i don’t really care, just as long as one of these WR does well enough to help the team. My thoughts are Simpson will. (cross my fingers!!!!) And you don’t know exactly why they had sat Simpson either. All speculation. Very impatient!!!
by WHYUS!! on Nov 9, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i will
i’ll happily admit i’m wrong if simpson begins to excel. although for them to make up for desean, i’d like to see caldwell or scott return kicks a little better and cosby break a few more punts.
i’m not hoping for simpson to fail, i want him to be incredible. i just think desean could produce more at this point.
by brandone on Nov 9, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On Henry's replacement
A cross player would be good (Coffman). Any of the others will be a good fit with some practice. One definate problem is Chad. Stop all the antics that could result in sitting out a game rather than a fine. It’s only a matter of time until the comissioner gets tired of him and is ready to make a point.
by deesta on Nov 10, 2009 10:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
hmmmmm
resigned freddie brown to the practice squad. that would lead me to believe that they are going to activate purify. Do you really need 2 WRs on the PS?
by brandone on Nov 10, 2009 11:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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