Quan Cosby And Jerome Simpson's Best Chances Could Be Through Injury
by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 24, 2010 9:30 AM EDT
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Ouch, ouch, ouch.
The Cincinnati Bengals are starting to accumulate injuries, or perhaps nicks and bruises after intense camp sessions and preseason games. More noticeable is the injuries at wide receiver. Along with Antonio Bryant, Bengals receiver Maurice Purify hasn't dressed for two games with knee tendinitis. Neither Matt Jones or Andre Caldwell dressed. Granted, it could be as much about rest as it could anything else. Still, Jones is fighting for a roster spot and Caldwell hasn't blown our minds with either of his two receptions or 16 yards receiving this preseason.
Quan Cosby has more receptions than Caldwell or Dezmon Briscoe, his 41-yard kickoff return is a team high (beating out Adam Jones' 40-yard return) and he has a 43-yard return on punt returns to boot. Purify knew his place on the team is through special teams; an area that Cosby greatly helps the Bengals.
But let's quietly eliminate Matt Jones and Purify from the mix. The top four still expected to make the team is Chad Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, Jordan Shipley and Caldwell. That leaves Antonio Bryant (because not one knows if he'll be on the regular season roster), Jerome Simpson and Dezmon Briscoe. Based on all of that, I say Cosby's chances dramatically increases -- and his effort during the preseason has been very noticeable.
However, does Cosby's fate rest in Jerome Simpson and Antonio Bryant? If Bryant is gone, either on an injured list or released freeing up a roster, are the final two spots grabbed by Simpson, whose five preseason receptions ranks third among wide receivers, and Cosby, whose role on special teams is often noted? If Bryant remains, will the decision come down to Simpson and Cosby?
That's not to say to Purify or Jones had that much greater of a shot to make the squad. Maybe Jones. Purify compared to Cosby? I doubt it. Either way, their road could get much easier if injuries hurt the others' chances.
If you were the team's head coach, and had to figure out the team's wide receiver roster, how would you chart it? I know. We've asked the question before training camp, but you know, things change.
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I hate to say it, but dump Bryant
The guy had surgery a long while ago. He has an ineffective season in Tampa last year. I highly doubt rehab and conservative measures will get the job done. Doing an operation on the same knee will keep him out for the year and leaves a big unknown if he could ever return to the form of his one good season. Even if they got him on the field at some point, he has had zero practices to learn the system and get on the same page as Carson.
As far as punt returns go, it should be Shipley or Cosby. I don’t know that I want our stud slot receiver to be pummeled all the time returning punts. So my rotations would be:
Esteban, T.O., Shipley, Caldwell, Simpson, Quan.
Matt Jones looked good against scrubs but I doubt he can be the guy he was a couple years ago in Jacksonville. Briscoe could maybe be swapped for Simpson. But do we really want another project in place of a (probably) failed one? I’m glad I don’t have to make this call.
I agree about Bryant
It’s a crime that he was able to buffalo the medical staff and the workout to get signed. If the knee is as bad as they say, cut your loses. I don’t see him getting on the field much with Chad, TO, and Shipley in front of him.
I like Adams as a PR but he will eventualy cough it up. Cosby does a fine job with it but I don’t know if it is worth carrying a spot for just that. He is just as good but not better than the other two.
by steve whodey on Aug 24, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Not even that
But it’s a crime that they even let him practice the first practice just to prove everything was fine. Now we can’t put him on the PUP list. Seriously, I’d fire the entire staff over that one decision.
If we don’t get an injury settlement with Bryant, I see him still being on the team otherwise they’d be dumping $10 mil and with how cheap Brown is, just can’t see it.
So with that in mind, looking at Ocho, Owens, Caldwell, Shipley, Bryant and Simpson.
If they dump Bryant, than Ocho, Owens, Caldwell, Shipley, Simpson and Cosby.
I don’t think Briscoe makes the roster and I don’t think he gets claimed during waivers so will most likely be on the practice squard. Jones has shown nothing, is slow off the line and out of breaks and only has good top end speed. I doubt he makes the team.
I’d love us to keep Cosby but I just have a hard time seeing them give up on Simpson considering his talent level and the fact that he has looked good in practice this year. Ocho is getting older, Owens is on a one year deal and Shipley isn’t an answer outside so either they draft someone next year or they go with Simpson and only way to use him next year is to keep him on the team. Cosby is expendable as we have Shipley and Jones very capable of returning punts and B. Scott returning kicks plus he’s currently third on the slot receiver depth chart so really offers us nothing there.
matt jones
hey coaches , how about throwing the guy a ball in his direction every now & then. How can you evaluate someone if you don’t use them at all? Ive watched 4 preason games , I think he
had 50 plus yds in the first game , and not a look since. If I’m not mistaken he had over 70 receptions his last year in j’ville, so he must know know how to play a little bit.
I still want to see
more of Matt Jones. The guy has really soft hands and is pretty quick once he gets going. He gives us a deep threat down the field.
by Throw the ball on Aug 24, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Check out back of the local high school
He does lines there every other night. You can see as much of him as you like.
settle down a little
That is what these 2 remaining preseason games are for. So you will see a little more of him and the others that are on the chopping block.
matt jones
hey coaches , how about throwing the guy a ball in his direction every now & then. How can you evaluate someone if you don’t use them at all? Ive watched 4 preason games , I think he
had 50 plus yds in the first game , and not a look since. If I’m not mistaken he had over 70 receptions his last year in j’ville, so he must know know how to play a little bit.
What does the team or anyone else see in Caldwell?
Seriously, what does this guy do well? Someone help me understand. Compared to Cosby, who is not only a better returner, but can also help at several ST positions (blocking, covering kicks, etc.). And I see more upside with Cosby as a WR – better after the catch, better making catches in traffic because he’s more physical, better blocking. I will be pissed if caldwell makes the club before cosby.
i kind of agree with this, but i’m also not sure if the coaches aren’t already certain of bubba’s spot on the team, so rather than give other teams film on him they’re evaluating guys who might not make the roster, like quasby.
i'm going to go america all over your ass!
by Raging Clue on Aug 24, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
WR depth
I like Ocho, Owens, Bryant, Shipley. At the last two I want Caldwell/Cosby and Jones.
I like Caldwell and Jones at the last two spots because of experience. Coaches were concerned with lack of experience at WR thus the Jones signing. I’ll be the first one to admit Jones looks sluggish, but he has made some good catches and could be a large target for Carson especially in the Red Zone. I also don’t believe he’s getting his fair chance, i.e. lack of passes thrown his way.
Simpson IS NOT A PRO. Frankly Shipley is more athletic. The FO is being reluctant to realize this was a waste of a draft pick and cut their losses. I really don’t want to see him on the roster. Just remember they passed on DeSean Jackson for Simpson…lmao.
I really like Cosby. He’s just a true football player. I can see him being a 5 or 6 WR.
no doubt
Simpson is a bad movie and I just want it to end. I think Jones is on that same track. He hasn’t had passes thrown to him because he won’t or can’t seperate. He looked good in Canton against scrubs late in the game.
by steve whodey on Aug 24, 2010 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I disagree on the Simpson disagree
I think he has had plenty of time to show them in why they can’t live without him. Also they don’t have a play that says ‘throw it to Simpson.’ He is one of several options and his job is to get open. If he can’t do that in practise he can’t do it on the field. If you beleive that than you have to admit he has had several years worth of chances.
by steve whodey on Aug 24, 2010 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
He
"Before I write I let my mind go blind and let the Lord do His thing. " -Tupac Shakur
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it looks like work." -Thomas Edison
My bad.
What I was about to say is that he’s still 24: just a bit older than Shipley. You have to give him some time. Reports also indicate that it seems to have clicked for him this year in practice.
"Before I write I let my mind go blind and let the Lord do His thing. " -Tupac Shakur
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it looks like work." -Thomas Edison
I would love to eat a double decker word sandwich here...
but it ain’t gonna happen
by steve whodey on Aug 24, 2010 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions
no "it" factor
Shipley has had a few dozen practises and has “it.” Simpson does not.
by steve whodey on Aug 24, 2010 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
You people also aren't realizing that they drafted him to replace chad
He plays chad’s spot and we all no chad aint going anywhere so he aint getting on the field because of that. I think the learning curve came into play because he is learning the other spots and that takes some time if you only play the X your entire life
and that is what I said exactly, a while ago.
This dude will eventually get it. Whether it on this team or another, it will be up to the coaches.
Two scenarios
If Bryant is healthy: Chad, TO, Bryant, Shipley, Caldwell, Cosby. IR Briscoe to ensure keeing him.
If Bryant isn’t healthy: Chad, TO, Shipley, Caldwell, Cosby, Briscoe/Jones. If they elect to keep Jones, then IR Briscoe.
by Anthony Cosenza on Aug 24, 2010 2:27 PM EDT reply actions
My thoughts on WRs right now
Starters:
OchoCinco (Outside)
Owens (Outside)
Shipley (Slot/ST)
Depth/Special Teams:
Caldwell (Slot/Outside/ST)
Cosby (ST/Slot)
Simpson (Outside)
IR:
Bryant (Bench till next year then Outside/Slot)
Practice Squad:
Briscoe (Outside)
I say we chance Briscoe on the PS
there’s not any nfl tape on him. Doesn’t he also have an ankle injury or something? Maybe we could just IR him.
by Throw the ball on Aug 24, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Briscoe
2 questions:
What has he done since the draft that would immediately make 30 other teams sign him to their active 53 man rosters on the last cutdown day?
What has he done to impress the Bengals since the draft to warrant putting him on the 53 man roster as opposed to the risk they would be taken by putting him on the practice squad?
by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Aug 24, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m pretty sure the tapes of him playing in college were made before the NFL Draft . . .
by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Aug 24, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
the reality is I like him, but there isnt anything that makes me think “They have to keep this guy”. If he had a game like Victor Cruz did for the Giants in their first scrimmage, it would be another story.
by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Aug 24, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Víctor Cruz is a pimp
I added him to my fantasy team
by jimbasa on Aug 24, 2010 6:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
college tape is meaningless when devising a 53-man roster. if college tape meant anything, jerome simpson would be starting, because his college tape includes footage of him hurdling a guy who was standing up.
i'm going to go america all over your ass!
Very bad comeback.
How can you compare Simpson’s hurdle to Briscoe’s amazing consistency in catching and running throughout his college career?
If you have nothing intelligent to say then don’t say it.
nothing intelligent? i’m not the one using college tape to devise a professional roster.
i'm going to go america all over your ass!
by Raging Clue on Aug 26, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
word
You gotta risk loosing him to the PS because no matter what his college tape says, he isn’t good enough to contribute to this team this year.
by steve whodey on Aug 24, 2010 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Briscoe won't make it to teh PS based on what reasoning?
Briscoe isn’t exactly a household name like Dez Bryant seems to be. He slipped to the 191st pick in the draft. That means that about 20 teams went 6 rounds without interest, and the rest went at least 5. He hasn’t done anything of great interest in the preseason or training camp. Most teams are not going to be scouring the waiver wire looking for an unproven wide receiver when they themselves are still trying to determine who they want to cut from their own teams first. On top of that, any team that DID pick him up would be hard pressed to actually put him in any type of active role considering he’d know virtually nothing of their playbook.
Watch JaMarcus Russell college tape
It doesn’t necessarily translate to the pros.
...
You can go ahead and stick that zing back up your fat ass
by jimbasa on Aug 24, 2010 5:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That was just uncalled for.
Rude!
"Before I write I let my mind go blind and let the Lord do His thing. " -Tupac Shakur
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it looks like work." -Thomas Edison
the list of college tape heros/busts could just about squeeze into the Grand Canyon.
by steve whodey on Aug 24, 2010 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions
...
As I told some other douche on another post. Where exactly did Houshmanzadeh or Jerry Rice go in the draft? The draft is a crapshoot and you should already know that anywhere in the draft there are gems to be found, even in CFA.
by jimbasa on Aug 24, 2010 7:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Why in the hell does another Bengals fan
have to be a Douche? Dude your obnoxiousness is totally uncalled for. Just b/c somebody doesn’t agree with you doesn’t mean you have to be a jimbASS..
And who cares about Briscoe's his college tape.
Dude is irrelevant to our team. I like Simpson and they need to give this guy a chance. If he doesn’t know the freaking play someone should tell him what to do. I can garauntee if they cut him or put him on the practive squad he will be snatched up and produce very well for another team and then that would be ANOTHER wasted 2nd round pick. You picked him over Desean Jackson so prove to the fans that this was the right decision and play the man.
...
The fact that you like Simpson makes you irrelevant to anything
by jimbasa on Aug 24, 2010 5:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
or the fact that you do not understand that simpson plays Ocho's spot
keeping him from getting on the field
Simpson is not eligible for the PS at this point in his career. Also a garauntee that he will “produce very well for another team” is a little goofy. I assume you ment the NFL not the UFL, Canada or some arena sh$#. You are right about one thing, he was drafted to replace Chad, because of the hold out threat. But that is no reason to stick with a bad pick this long.
by steve whodey on Aug 24, 2010 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Shipley's impact
Not only does Shipley get the nod for 3rd aka slot WR, it probably helps gain Cosby a roster spot? How?
Well, Shipley’s value as the slotman means you don’t want to risk him getting banged up running back returns. Adam Jones could be the main return guy but Cosby would then be #2, or first to fill in if Jones gets hurt or is too winded after a hard defensive series.
I had high hopes for simpson in training camp and saw some flashes in preseason, but it’s not enough and it’s too late. I’d go with Matt Jones over him because he’s a ball-catching machine.
Therefore:
Ocho
TO
White Lightnin
Caldwell
Jones
Cosby
2010 - The Year of the Tiger.
That doesn't hurt...
But we also have 3 tall TEs that could be just as effective in the red zone.
Jermaine Gresham – 6-5
Chase Coffman – 6-6
Darius Hill – 6-7
And I, for one, would not pull TO, Ocho or Shipley to play Jones in red zone situations. Especially when we could go 2 TE sets with Scott in the backfield.
Darius Hill is 6'7" ? Wow, I didn't realize that.
Not that I think Hill makes the team, though.
by Craig Conrad on Aug 24, 2010 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
no doubt, but...
I’m 6’5" and I don’t have what it takes to seperate either.
by steve whodey on Aug 24, 2010 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Everyone seems to be missing one very big point
Quan isn’t our best returner. Period. Pacman is a straight thug and he’s basically already won the job outright. Plus he’s already our nickel back too so they wouldn’t waste a roster spot keeping a kid for just punts. So mark my words, this is what will happen:
X: Ocho, Simpson
Z: Owens, Bryant*
Y: Shipley, Caldwell
*If healthy. If not, indications would be that Jones would make it over Briscoe based on how much earlier Jones is getting in games and how little Briscoe has done.
Sadly, we’re probably gonna keep Caldwell, which is frankly not that good of an idea. Here’s what we should do:
IR Bryant or cut him for an injury settlement
X: Ocho, Simpson
Z: Owens, Jones, Briscoe
Y: Shipley
I would love for Bryant to stay and try to play and in that event, I’d cut Jones just because we’re not gonna put him in for Red Zone plays, we just need back ups to finish games or if someone gets hurt which describe Briscoe and Simpson perfectly. If Quan shows a bit more this preseason receiving-wise he could vault over Purify and Jones for the other Z/Y spot and make it purely as a spot returner and WR.
agreed
In the HOF game, Cosby got the first chance to return, now he is third. Cosby’s best shot to make the roster IMO is for the team to carry 9 DBs and useCosby on every Teams squad, FG Block, Punt rturn, Kick cover, punt cover and Kick returns. He is a football player and that is something, but he is not a NFL reciever.
I'm all but certain at this point that they're going to IR Bryant.
Nothing else makes sense. They’ve already ponied up what, seven mil for him being on the roster? May as well hang on to him on IR to see if he can earn some of that cash next year. Cutting him outright would be silly when you have the option of IR.
I really want to see Cosby stick, he plays harder than most I’ve seen. IR’ing Bryant would allow that to happen.
Ocho/TO
TO/Ocho
Shipley
Caldwell
Simpson
Cosby
After reading about how amazingly slow Matt Jones is off the line by Joe Reedy’s tweets all through camp, I don’t want to lose Cosby for him. Release him. He’s already been out of football for a year without anyone knocking his door down, he might be available as an off-the-street pickup later on down the road if needed.
Either IR or PS Briscoe. I’d say why not IR him to insure against someone else picking him up.
ahhh...
Isn’t this a great problem to have?
What is politically correct today probably won't be tomorrow. God bless the Miami nation.
My WR roster
Chad
T.O.
Shipley
Caldwell
Cosby
Simpson
Bryant either to injury settlement or injured reserve. Briscoe to Practice Squad. Jones to someone else’s team. I’m gonna give Jerome one more shot. Cosby is too valuable on Special Teams. I know he’s not our only punt return option, but you look at some other people’s punt return and Cosby is there blocking and making it happen. He makes everyone’s game better.
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