Andre Caldwell Reminds Us That He's Still Around

by Josh Kirkendall on Jun 25, 2010 9:58 AM EDT in Analysis

We can talk Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham as possibly being key offensive pieces this year all we want. But as Andre Caldwell points out, he's still here.

Over the five minicamp practices, Caldwell earned many rave reviews from coaches. He caught passes deep over the middle but also showed improvement on other routes.

"There's going to be some real competition which I love," Caldwell said. "The best guy is going to win and but all of us are going to be in the rotation."

Caldwell has been the best of both worlds.

Last year Caldwell caught not one, but two game-winning touchdowns. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Caldwell caught a four-yard touchdown with 0:18 seconds remaining to give the Bengals an eventual 23-20 win. Against Baltimore, Caldwell caught a 20-yard touchdown pass with 0:22 seconds left to give Cincinnati a 17-14 win. Without these touchdowns, the Bengals do not go undefeated in the division and it goes with good reason to believe that they miss the playoffs entirely.

To say he wasn't a big part of the team's success in 2009 is short-sighted.

On the other hand, Caldwell displayed one of the most frustrating disappearing acts last year. After recording 57 yards receiving on six receptions against the Houston Texans on October 18, Caldwell didn't record more than 35 yards receiving for the remainder of the year -- a streak of nine consecutive regular season games. Against the New York Jets during the Wild Card round in the 2009 NFL Playoffs, Caldwell caught two passes for 25 yards receiving.

We know that the kid has talent. But Caldwell runs the risk of being demoted as a fourth-string receiver with Jordan Shipley breathing down his neck. To his benefit, he knows this, working towards preventing any demotions. This is just one of the many stories we'll here with the super-anxious battle for wide receivers to make the 2010 Cincinnati Bengals squad.

Tweet Comment 8 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I am not Caldwells biggest fan but I hope to be.

If everything I am hearing is spot on nobody will be happier than me. What I need from him is for him to come down with the heavily contested ball in traffic. Yes he caught two game winners but if you look at them those plays were more a result of the scheme than pure WR talent. He was wide open on both of those plays. He gets credit for catching those balls but they were passed any competent WR could have caught. He also fumbled and arguably cost us the Raiders and Chargers games.

He is entering his 3rd year and for most WRs that is the year they become who they will be. The Caldwell of last year was pedestrian. I am hopeful that he steps up and beats out Shipley for more snaps because if he does that would indicate to me that he has gone from ok to very good because I think Shipley can be great and will be – next year.

"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"

by JUNGLEJOHN on Jun 25, 2010 10:13 AM EDT reply actions

If you have to remind us you're still around...

Important to point out the Raiders and Chargers games. With the fumbles and lack of production he also contributed to a number of losses. To say he wasn’t a big part of the team’s failures is also short-sighted. Doesn’t always tell the entire story, but look at the numbers. Average at best for a 3rd rounder. 9 yards a catch isn’t getting the job done.

by bodacio zk on Jun 25, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions

At the end of the year, it wasn't all Caldwell's fault

Yeah he had some drops, but Palmer was erratic at the end of the year.

Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel, is just a freight train coming your way...

by btcoop71 on Jun 25, 2010 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

also,

it was toward the end of the year where Caldwell was moved outside, and Coles was moved inside….total change of philosophy too late in the season…..

3 yards and a pile of dust

by Hudepohl Dey on Jun 25, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

"I have to increase my productivity and prove to the coaches my worth," Caldwell said. "The bar is set high for us this season. We’re not going to be satisfied unless we get to the Super Bowl and win it. Anything other than that is a failure for us. I’m ready to do my part."

2010 - The Year of the Tiger.

by UpStateMike on Jun 27, 2010 9:43 PM EDT reply actions