Ludwig: Is Simpson Tough Enough?
by Jason Garrison on May 24, 2010 9:00 PM EDT
Email
PrintWe've all talked about the competition that's sure to take place at the wide receiver position before the season starts. We're all excited about it. So why am I beating a dead horse? Because there's nothing else to talk about, and because I can. Don't act like you don't want to keep reading about the Bengals wide receiver competition until you go insane. It's a great story. Compelling, and rich.
Chick Ludwig likes beating a dead horse just like I do. Out of the 11 receivers on the field now, Ludwig picked his top seven.
Here’s my "Magnificent Seven" (I use the words in quotations loosely) — Ochocinco, Bryant, Caldwell, Simpson, Cosby, Jones and Shipley.
I know what you're thinking, I'm thinking it too. I doubt that the Bengals keep any more than six receivers on the roster. Well, Ludwig addressed that too.
If the Bengals go with six, Simpson looks to be the odd man out because of his lack of special teams prowess.
Dead on. Matt Jones is too much of a deep threat to cast aside for a guy who has only one reception since he's been drafted. Jordan Shipley is too talented and along with Quan Cosby, has some special teams potential. Caldwell played well enough last year to seal his roster spot and we all know that Ochocinco and Bryant are no brainers.
That leaves Simpson as the obvious choice as the odd man out if the Bengals keep six wide receivers, especially if he doesn't prove to everybody that he's better than the absolutely zero he's been since wearing stripes.
Ludwig Agrees:
Simpson needs to take a lesson from ex-Bengal Kelley Washington. Washington has survived seven years in the NFL (four with Cincinnati, two with New England, one with Baltimore) because he toughened up and learned the art of being a kick-coverage demon on special teams.
If Simpson wants to make the team, it would be a good idea for him to give the Bengals something other than just another receiver. Anything he can do to help the team in any way will get him closer to at least standing on the sidelines in a jersey on Sundays.
The only question: Is Simpson tough enough? I don't know.
71 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Dumb pick to begin with
They completely missed this… It was a waste of a 2nd round pick.. If he doesn’t prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he is better than these other guys in training camp then we need to cut ways with him..
Agree
It definitely was a bad pick, but boy is he lucky to be getting paid that money to PRACTICE!
by IckeySuffleTime on May 24, 2010 9:27 PM EDT reply actions
Simpson makes the team over Cosby
In one year undrafted Cosby made more of an impact than Simpson has over 3, but SImpson is the one who will stick. The reasoning is simple. The Benagals almost always keep 6 WR, we all know this, but only 5 dress, 1 is almost always on the inactive roster.
I start with this assumption, Chad and Bryant are locks. That leaves 3 active spots and 1 inactive. Jones makes the team because he is a big field stretching target, he provides something that Caldwell, Shipley and Cosby do not. Slim also never contributed on teams. Shipley, Cosby and Caldwell all have a history of contributing on special teams (All in College and Cosby and Caldwel in the Pros), but both Caldwell and Shipley are 3rd round picks, while Cosby was not thought highly enough to be drafted. Cosby can also be practice squaded, though another team could Grab him, while another team is sure top grab Caldwell or SHipley. Cosby barely won the punt return competion over Nelson last year, and the Bengals have added Shipley and Adam Jones to the Punt return mix. Caldwell and Shipley also both have at least 2 inches on Cosby.
The inactive guy does not have to contribute this year. he does not have to play teams to make the team, because to play teams you have to be active.
Simpson provides one thing the others do not. The potential to replace Chad down the line. Both Chad and Jones are in the last year of their contracts. Simpson was drafted to replace Chad, nothing else. His contributions until then are moot.He provides insurance if Chad does not resign, and possibly allows the Bengals not to resign Chad if he contract demands out reach his production. He only has 1,500 yards the last 2 years, that is half his old production. He will not garner the same pay he used to, and definitely not from MB. The Bengals have always been loyal, but always part with a player when his time is up, and will not overpay an old player past his prime. The only player I see with the potential to unseat Simpson is Briscoe. All the rest must contribute this year to make the team.
No offense
But your out of your mind if you think Simpson is anywhere remotely near being ready to take on Chads role.. He will never have that kind of talent and even if he did we would have seen some of it on display last year when Slim was sidelined.. Instead Palmer lobbied for practice squader Purify over Simpson.. The kid’s potential was overrated and your still holding on to it..
by JamesShively on May 24, 2010 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions
All I can say is...
"With the tenth pick in the 1981 draft…………………………………………the Cincinnati Bengals select…………………………………………..David Verser,…….. WR………. Kansas… (tee,hee,hee).
Wow!
I thought I was the only one that still remembered that name. I recall loving the pick at the time and wondering why in the world we would draft another WR in the third. What ever became of that Collingsworth guy anyway?
Have you guys not been listening to Hobson, Thonton, Ludwig and
all the other locals that have been watching the practices. This guy was drafted to replace Chad whether you like it or not. It’s been said by many. Although he has not played, there was a different reason why he hasn’t and not just b/c he doesn’t know the play book. This is Marvin’s project and he is going to get it right. Simpson will dress this year and will play. He is closer to taking Chads job than people think. He is going to be the biggest surprise this up and coming season. Unless he gets hurt. Then it’s back to the drawing board with him for one more year. If you noticed, they held on to Chris Perry too, for the length of his contract. And he was Marvin’s project also.
Even though I think we should have seen him on the field (during games) by now, it doesn’t matter what you or I think. Only what Marvin and Mike Brown thinks. But my bold prediction would be that he makes the team and has an outstanding year. Remember, other teams don’t know how to prepare for him. There is no game tape on him and that gives him an edge.
I am not sure I agree but
I appreciate you taking a stand on your opinions. It would be great is Simpson could be great but few really good receivers played 2 years without taking the field. The oppd are against it but like I said I do appreciate your willingness to stick your head in tha lions mouth.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Miles Austin
Through 2 years, if you count both preseason and regular season, Jerome Simpson has better numbers than Miles Austin. 16 catches for 199 vs 11 catches for 170. I understand all the arguements against preseason numbers, but I think they should be counted here since the 2 of them had only combined for 6 regular season catches through their first 2 years.
Good example jim
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
I’d be surprised if he had an “outstanding year,” unless somebody ahead of him on our projected depth chart gets injured. But…it wouldn’t surprise me if caught 20-40 balls and had 200-400 yards.
This is our year!
by Paul Cannon on May 25, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking more like
40-60 catches 500-600 yards. If a lot of you guys would just listen to what some of the experts are saying, and how he is practicing, a lot of you guys would actually think twice before you consider him a bust. Just like what jim0ijk has said about Miles Austin, you can say the same about Sidney Rice too. These WR were sat on the bench to be groomed and Austin and Rice had what you would consider a break out year in the 3rd year, just b/c they really didn’t get to play much the first two years.
I actually think that a lot of teams are now starting to do this with players, especially WRs. Sit them so they can learn.
I hope John Thornton is right
b/c Thornton is really high on his jock right now. I really believe him and that is what has made me reconsider his situation. Why else would he say what he has said?
It isn't like I am not rooting for him.
One thing about the experts – they are wrong as many times as they are right. It would be a pleasant surprise if Simpson suddenly blossomed. It would be like getting another 2nd rounder in the draft. If ha does I just hope Cosby isn’t the casualty.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Yeah, I’ll have to go with James Shively on this one. You’ve gone off the deep end. Cosby’s 11 yards a return was the best this team’s seen in years and you think they’ll drop him in favor of Simpson? Because of how they projected him out of college? Those legendary huge hands have caught exactly 1 pass for 2 yards in 2 years. And you think the coaching staff still sees him as a potential starter? Maurice Purify getting the nod over Simpson. Matt Jones. Antonio Bryant. Shipley. Briscoe. You see a pattern here? It’s called “phased out”.
The organization and pretty much 99% of the fanbase seems willing to admit Simpson was a mistake and will be cut. It’s the reality of the situation, rather than fooling yourself into believing what you wish to be true. Bad pick. No future in Cincy.
Matt Jones replaces Chris Henry, Antonio Bryant replaces Coles, Shipley replaces Cosby, who was Cosby, Briscoe replaces Simpson. There was a series of one for one upgrades.
Football is a more specialized sport than any other. Not all wide recievers fill the same roles. Cosby, Caldwell and Shipley all have similar roles, Simpson does not. Simpson could be replaced only by Briscoe. The others will not make the team to be inactive.
Cosby, Caldwell, and Shipley all have similar roles. Simpson has zero roles, as in he doesn’t play special teams and he’s shown nothing to suggest he can get open and catch footballs against NFL defensive backs. By your line of reasoning, Freddie Brown isn’t in the slot receiver/kick returner mold either. Does that also put him in the driver’s seat to make the roster as well?
Another thing you’ve done is assume that there’s a specific prototype for a starting NFL receiver. Steve Smith, Desean Jackson(groan), Wes Welker. All start, all very effective despite being small in stature. Just because Simpson might look like Chad he has no advantage over anyone if he can’t play. NFL coaches get paid to play the best players who produce on the field. So far Simpson hasn’t and his draft status/what he looks like on paper becomes more irrelevant by the day.
The only assumption I am making is that Cosby does not make the team. I can see scenarios where the Team keeps 5 WR, Chad, Bryant, Jones, Caldwell, and Shipley; I could see Chad, Bryant, Jones, Caldwell, Shipley, Briscoe; I could see Chad, Bryant, Jones, Caldwell, Shipley, Simpson; I could see Chad, Bryant, Briscoe, Caldwell, Shipley, and SImpson. I just don’t see a scenario where Shipley, Caldwell, Jones or Cosby will be inactive week-to-week, the value just is not there. Those 4 must either dress every week or be cut.
They played Caldwell in the slot but it is not his strength
He is fast but not quick. He struggles getting off of the LOS. He lets the ball get into his body andhis ball security in traffic is questionable. He is an outside guy where he can use his speed. If Jones is as advertised, with Bryant, Chad and Jones we just don’t need Caldwell. Bryant, Chad and/or Jones down field and Gresham with Shipley in the middle Carson will feast behind an improved Oline. You just can’t cover all of those guys and they are all good hands guys.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
So you think John Thornton is
fooled also? He’s watched all the practices and he’s said the exact same thing as I did. They have not played him b/c he is a project. Thornton also said that they drafted him to replace Chad. Although it’s not going to be now. If Simpson stays healthy from here on out, he will in the future. He looks that good in OTAs.
BTW, b/c you have all of these other WRs, it’s not being phased out, it’s called competition. May the best WR make the team… and the organization and 99% of the fans do not agree with you. Where in the hell have you been. If they did, Simpson would have been cut by now, and he has been spectacular in OTAs. Ask everybody about what he is doing.
Simpson is intruiging...
because he’s flashed so much potential but hasn’t really been given an in game shot. I do know this about the guy, he has made some spectacular catches (albeit in preseason/OTA/Training Camp). I’m with you in that he probably grabs the last roster spot… The Reason??? Adam Jones and Jordan Shipley signings actually make Cosby more expendable than Simpson, who is, as we’ve all said, the heir apparent to Ocho (maybe).
All in all, it will come down to how well the kid has progressed this offseason. If he shows enough to be a potential star in this league, then we’ll see him in Orange and Black in 2010. If not, Cosby will keep his punt returning job
Go back and look at the preseason...
Like I said before, they are grooming him for this year. Unless he gets hurt. They sat Carson one year and I think Carson was ready from the start. They felt differently about Carson and felt differently about Simpson last year.
remember the preseason game agasint Indy?
… that diving catch? Question for everyone, who led our team in WR yards in the preseason the last year??? Any guesses?
Also, this is coming from Geoff Hobson and other Bengals beat writers.
I’m not saying it will translate, but it is an indication that the guy has enough talent to play.
Wow
The guy touting Jerome Simpson’s potential as a starter is asking me where the hell I’ve been. That’s rich. Time to separate what the Bengals hoped to get from Simpson when he was drafted from the reality of the situation. Desean Jackson killed it as a rookie, hit 1000 yards in his 2nd year. That’s a starter. Not a guy who can’t find the field on a team who hasn’t been able to pass in years. Keep wishing, then we’ll revisit this once Simpson is cut.
OK
But like I said earlier, Carson sat a year too and he turned out fine. The only problem with this is Carson had nobody in front of him to take his job and Simpson has Chad and Bryant in front of him, along with competing with the other WRs. But Simpson has the most upside, due to his grooming.
BTW, I didn’t say that he was going to be a starter either. Until Chad is gone and that is why they drafted him. He may or may not pan out, but either way all the experts are saying he looks spectacular as of now.
I feel you, man.
It may not be common but it’s by no means unheard of for a player in a skill position like WR to sit out a couple years then break out. The role he’s supposed to fill just isn’t open yet.
My only question is, in the desperate state of last year’s passing game, could he not have filled Slim’s role? If the dude’s so good it seems like he should have been able to.
Well, as Thornton put it when asked,
they are not grooming him for that. He went on to say that they are grooming him for Chad’s spot, running the same routes as Chad and more. He also said they didn’t want to overwhelm the kid with different schemes and different routes. He went on to say that even Chad had problems running the right routes in the past and he still does. Chris Henry never ran the same routes as Chad. He was used in different schemes.
I too, thought why in the hell couldn’t he play, but then again, if he’s a project they didn’t want to play him. If you remember they did dress him for a couple of games, at the end of the season. They had no intent to play him, only in an emergency. He’s Marvin’s project and it time to shine this year and so far he is. If he don’t, then he’s simply cut.
What ??????
Dude what have you been smoking??
by James Schmid the great on May 24, 2010 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
lol...no kidding I want to be on that level
Simpson’s potential!!?!??!? Dude they made that draft pick to replace Chad. Unfortunately, the person with the potential to replace Chad was/is DeSean Jackson. Simpson’s gone!!!!! Terrible draft pick. We got tons of talent at WR. Why are we wasting time talking even talking about this kid. He’s gone!!! Hopefully he’ll make an impact somewhere else!
It is way too soon to make judgement on Jones
I like the guy and so does Carson but he is not an iron clad lock at all. I like the Shipley/Cosby tandem where they can back each other up with Shipley being the starting slot guy and Cosby being the primary return guy. A pretty good WR or twois not going to be on the 53. I would be looking to trade one or two of these guys for a backup QB.
What I am pretty confident in is that when Bryant, Chad, Gresham/Chase and Shipley are on the field with a healthy Carson behind an improved Oline and Benson loaded in the chamber DCs are going to need a good supply of Pepto Bismol. They will also know that they need to keep us under 17 or so points as our D isn’t going to give up much more than that very often.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
No lock, by any stretch
His workout wasn’t very good, according to all the leaks to the media in February. Then we signed Bryant for the same reason (stretching the field) in March. I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out by the end of training camp that Jones was added to provide insurance against (a) failing to sign a name FA to replace Coles and (b) a disastrous injury scenario during camp (e.g. Utecht / Kelly) at WR. At the very least, Jones will have to outcompete a bunch of people in order to stick.
Since the flavor of the day is groundless speculation about the results of the competition before it has happened, my two cents:
Ochocinco & Bryant: starters
Caldwell: #3. Even more than Ocho, his game suffered when opposing safeties no longer had to worry about Slim’s deep threat. He’ll be better with Bryant here, he can contribute on teams, and he can really block (for proof see the Benson TD in the wildcard).
Shipley: slot receiver and backup returns, as per Junglejohn
Cosby: special teams and backup slot guy. No way do we want him cut after those blocks he threw on the Scott kickoff TD in Pittsburgh. He’d be picked up immediately by somebody else.
That leaves one spot for Jones, Simpson, and Briscoe to fight for. A trade of one of them is possible, but I won’t hold my breath. Opposing GM’s can count, and they’ll likely just wait for the inevitable cuts rather than having to give something up.
i still think cosby gets cut
adam jones and shipley can both return punts. shipley took cosby’s job at texas, so i don’t know why it’s a stretch to think he can do it here. i don’t see them cutting briscoe. to me it’s between jones and simpson for the last spot. but if they keep 7, they could trade one.
RIP Slim.
There is validity to your points brandone but..........
My problem with it is that I don’t like subjecting a full time starter, in this case Shipley, to the big hits that a return guy takes. Cosby did very well last year as a rookie and if he gets injured then either Jones or Shipley could fill in if needed. I 0think Shipley is going to be a star, just my opinion, and I would hate to see his effectiveness in the slot impacted by having to do double duty. I would like to see us package a deal with 2 of the 3.
Lets see if all of the good reports about Jones are true. If they are then I don’t think we need Caldwell. Jones can do everything Caldwell can and has the additional benefit of being a big tall red zone threat. It could be that Jones takes Caldwells place. There is just too much data missing to spec. but one thing is for sure. Our WR corps should in all likelyhood be among the top 5. A porentially good player is going to be cut.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
You’re right about Shipley if he is able to jump right in and be a starter. He might not be ready this season, so I don’t think that we can crown him as our starting slot receiver day one. I’m pulling for Cosby to make it, but I think Brandone is right – As good as Cosby was at his PR duties, it seems that we have some guys who could come in and replace him.
This is our year!
by Paul Cannon on May 25, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
i could actually see a trade involving caldwell
has showed flashes, has some versatility, and is still very young. he could possibly net us a 4th rounder. especially because people will doubt him getting cut.
RIP Slim.
Shipley will be #3
I think Shipley takes the #3 slot role. He is a better slot receiver and fits what we need out of the slot perfectly. I think he takes this from Caldwell.
i personally think it's going to be jones or simpson
and cosby or briscoe. but the smart money is on them trying to trade one of their WRs at the end of camp.
RIP Slim.
I've seen crazier things happen....but
You would think it’s a no-brainer that he doesn’t make the team. But it’s all about competition. If Simpson plays to his expected draft potential he’ll make the team this year and Jones will probably get cut or Caldwell in this scenario. Dez Briscoe will make the team and probably be the inactive 1. He won’t make the practice squad because another team would snatch him up in a heartbeat. Remember Briscoe was a top 5 WR talent this year that dropped because of off/on the field issues. No way he gets cut, Marvin won’t let a talent like his go.
With that being said I think this will be our 6 WR’s this season…5 active and 1 not active:
Ochocinco, Bryant, Shipley, Jones, Caldwell, Briscoe.
Cosby will be cut because of the returners we already have in place with: B. Scott, A. Jones, and Shipley.
Agreed with Briscoe
I think people are forgetting about him. He may be the key to who is kept with the receivers. If he performs in Camp I think he will make the team. Probably will be inactive on gameday this year but they probably won’t want to take a chance on trying to pass him through Waivers because teams would be lining up to claim him.
Sorry, but I have to disagree...
First, Briscoe was not a top 5 talent… not even a top 10 talent. In fact, i never even heard his name before draft day.
Second, the NFL is not exactly teaming with WR’s who ran 4.7 40, and have only 33 inch vertical leap.Granted, I would be ecstatic to post these numbers… but then again, I’m not a pro athlete.
Who knows, maybe he’s a TJ, or an Anquan Boldin like steal. But those types of players are the exception, not the rule. So personally, I kinda doubt he’ll stick around past the practice squad.
Nuts:
“simpson will break out”….huh?….ha!…huh?….huh?
wait…huh?
ha!
Reading all of these posts tells me one thing...............
We are a very solid team. In the past we had so many holes to fill there was room for anyone to come in and displace the previous years starter. Now if you can’t play at a pretty high level you are just going to get cut. In all most all positions except QB and maybe Safety our backups can actually play at a high level. Feels good. Very good players who we would have loved to have in the past are just not good enough. That feels good and bodes well for the future.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Agreed
Oh and the backups at SS are very good backups. I assume you are referring more to the Free Safety backups. As usual we are thinking along the same lines.
Scenarios
Although I don’t necessarily agree with Jimojik’s conclusions, I think his logic is sound. A few things I believe we know for sure—
1. The Bengals will keep 6 receivers, with 5 being typically active and 1 inactive
2. Chad and Antonio are the only two "locks"
3. Caldwell and Shipley have the inside track on the 3 and 4 spots (Caldwell because he has NFL experience and has demonstrated he can play, Shipley because he’s a 3rd round draft pick appears to be a special teams contributor as a return man and backup holder)
4. The 5th "active" player is going to have be prepared to contribute on offense and special teams to justify his active status
5. The 6th "inactive" guy won’t necessarily have to be a "double threat" to make the team since he will inactive most weeks.
What that means is the "bar," if you will, for each receiver to make the team isn’t really equal. Some guys, based on their particular situation, are going to either have to bump Caldwell or Shipley out of the 3-4 spot or not make the team while other guys, who are more "projects," may sneak on the roster at the #6 spot so the Bengals can protect them and develop them. Another way of putting it is that we won’t necessarily take the 6 "best" receivers but we will take the 6 best "fits" for the team.
With that in mind, some thoughts—
Matt Jones—will have a "high bar" to make the team. He won’t be the #6 (inactive) because I simply don’t think that makes sense—he’s a vet, most likely on a one year deal, and he won’t be too happy if he’s relegated to inactive status in his attempt to remake his career. He makes the team if he can demonstrate he’s ready to be a steady #3 or #4. Odds of making the team? Less than 50%.
Jerome Simpson—will have a "medium bar" to make the team. If he demonstrates his potential as a deep/end zone threat and can make some sort of splash on special teams he could make the team as either the #5 or #6. It would be a shame to see him inactive again but I could see them holding on to him as a #5, if we have solid return man options from Shipley, A. Jones, and B. Scott. Odds? About 50/50.
Dez Briscoe—will have a "low bar" to make the team. Considered a "draft steal" with lots of upside, the Bengals will take a big risk putting him on the practice squad. Smart money has him at #6.
Quan Cosby—will have a "medium bar" to make the team. All he has to do is demonstrate that he’s more than just a special teams guy and can make a steady contribution on the offense. Easy enough. He will have to earn that #5 spot. No point in having one of your best return man inactive every week, right? Less than 50%.
I believe Matt Jones will make this team
He offers something most of the other receivers don’t. The deep play and big Redzone target. If he is as focused as they claim then he will have a very good chance to make the team. He obviously has the physical talents and if he is focused and determined as they say he will continue to be in top shape and will study. This could be a very very dangerous combination. He will still have to show it on the field but I think at this point his odds are better than 50% not less than 50%. Just my opinion but I really think he will make this team.
Agree with #’s 1 and 2.
3. I think that Jones and Caldwell have the inside spots for the # 3 and 4 recievers. Jones was productive as the # 1 guy in Jacksonville in 2008. Cladwell was clutch as the number 4 guy until Slim got hurt, but never emerged as the three guy. He has contributed on teams, especially on kick returns. I think Jones was brought in to replace Slim which puts Caldwell back in his better role as the 4 man.
4. I think is Shipley. He was a better returner for Texas in 2008 than Cosby by the numbers, so he has a history of contributing on teams. He can replace Cosby in total in my opinion.
5. I think the bar is tied going into OTAs between Simpson and Briscoe, but Simpson has several advantages. 1. He has more years in the system and working with Carson. 2. Briscoe can be practice squaded and Briscoe can not. Briscoe has to show a better immediate grasp or more long term potential. He made it to the 6th round, so he is a practice squad canidate, as is Cosby.
Even if Simpson or Briscoe beats out Jones, the other is the inactive guy.
The one posiblity I see for Cosby is if 2 of 3 between Jones, Simpson and Briscoe are god-wful and show 0 future potential, and Shipley doesn’t work out at all and is the inactive guy. Because if Shipley works out and 2 of the 3 are cut, I think Brown or Purify goes inactive ahead of Cosby.
Cosby must find a way to be active every week to make the team, and I can’t see a way barring injury. I think they attempt to put Cosby on the practice squad, but I think someone else will take him.
Simpson should go
If Simpson had been a 7th round pick instead of a 2nd, he’d have already been cut. He couldn’t beat out Coles last year. As Paul Brown might have said, it’s time for him to start his life’s work (and it ain’t football).
They should keep 7
Make Matt Jones the emergency 3rd QB and go one light at QB. Chad, Bryant, Shipley, Caldwell, Jones, Cosby and Briscoe should all be retained. You can’t practice squad Briscoe or Cosby because they’ll get snagged by another team. Simpson can’t seem to get on the field. He seems to be one of those guys whose measurables and pratice tape show him to be a stud, but he just can’t grasp real football. For those who are harping about Quan having no value—you seem to forget what stock that Marvin puts into a player being able to contribute on offense/defense AND special teams—hence why Purify had been active for some games. I think they keep Quan as a PR and #5 slot guy and use Shipley as your #3/4 WR and KR. You want to know who Chad’s replacement for the future is? It’s Briscoe. The last two years of this guy’s college career were outstanding in a very tough conference. They need to find a way to keep these guys.
by Anthony Cosenza on May 25, 2010 12:23 PM EDT reply actions
good call
on Matt Jones as the 3rd QB….
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on May 25, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
+1 on Briscoe
- will be the “future” guy. It’s a toss-up between Simpson and Briscoe.
The slot guys are in the most trouble. Shipley, Caldwell, and Quasby all bring very similar characteristics to the table. Two of these guys make it, one is gone. Return skills are a plus but I don’t believe that will be a determining factor.
Matt Jones makes it. What he brings is unique, so he’s really not competing with anybody but himself, IMO. If they want a tall, fast, big play receiver, that guy is not going to be Ship/Caldwell/Quasby/Dez/Simpson. That guy is Jones alone.
Last guy, like I said above is the developmental guy. Dez and Simpson duking it out. I, for one, am a big Briscoe fan.
That said, here’s my six:
Chad 85; Bryant; Caldwell; Shipley; Jones; Briscoe
Personally, I am more than happy with that WR corps.
Ok I don't know why typing out the pound sign
followed by the number 6 appears as a number one when I post it, but damn all I want to say is the sixth man is the man of the future.
Jaegs....
to avoid that stupid formatting….I usually try to add an underscore
#6_will be…blah blah blah
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on May 25, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Shipley is the best slot prospect we have
To burn this guy out on teams would be a sin. I say Cosby and Shipley back each other up if Jones is the real deal we just don’t need Caldwell. His only advantage is that he knows the system.
I have heard conflicting things about Bricsoe. He has to show me he can be a very good WR – not just decent. We need to stoop settling for decent. Caldwell is in that same position – he is decent. Purify is probably gone. I agree about keeping 7 and if I had a vote it would be Caldwell or Simpson who needs to really light it up or get cut or traded.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
it really is amazing
that a debate about the 6th receiver is already upon us. I think it’s awesome.
With that said, the more amazing thing is the fact that Adam “mustn’t be called Pacman” Jones actually has a say in the six receiver competition. Many will disagree, but hear me out:
If in fact the Bengals fully intend to revamp the passing game – and all signs seem to show just that – then you would think that the Bengals will want the actual six best receivers. By that I mean, special teams versatility may not be the end decision for a bubble guy. Take the fact that Bernard Scott was awesome on KR’s and the possibility that Pacman might still be able to produce as a PR, and Quan Cosby doesn’t look to be a lock. Also, we can’t forget that Jordan Shipley can do everything Quan can do….better.
Only time will tell. The fact remains, the group looks very deep.
IF Pacman can give you a solid nickle corner/ PR, big IF, then here’s my guess at the Opening Day Six:
Ochocinco; Antonio Bryant; Andre Caldwell; Jordan Shipley; Matt Jones; Dezmon Briscoe
3 yards and a pile of dust
Good call on A. Jones' impact.
Like I was saying in my reply above return ability will obviously be a plus but not a determining factor. They shouldn’t keep a lesser WR because he possesses a skill that can be found elsewhere on the roster.
also
It looks like Dez has some experience as a KR:
Briscoe saw his first action as a kickoff returner and recorded seven returns for 195 yards
3 yards and a pile of dust
by Hudepohl Dey on May 25, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
also, didn’t dez catch a td pass in every single game this past season or two?
by TCfromDubVee on May 25, 2010 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh..... This is new.............
This is how it must feel for fans of the best teams over the years. Being comfortable watching good players go away to other teams because they simply aren’t good enough. I must admit this is going to take some getting used to.
Imagine not having to lie to yourself saying things like “yea man, that Amahd Brooks fella he could be the real deal”, and “yea Caleb Miller now thats a guy who can make a difference” or “that Quincy Wilson he can really carry the rock”.
None of those guys would get a second look with this squad. In 2006 they we pinned our hopes on them.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
OK, one out of three ain't bad - in baseball. A lifetime .333 gets you the HOF
In football it gets you a high draft pick
Good for him. Good for SF. He was crap here.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Cincy Jungle
Related FanShots on Cincy Jungle
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Detroit Lions DT Nick Fairley arrested again; now has more NFL arrests than NFL sacks
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
