With Antonio Bryant Gone: How Bengals Wide Receiver Roster Could Pan Out
by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 30, 2010 10:27 AM EDT
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PrintWith Antonio Bryant out of the picture, save for an injury grievance that will likely be filed for Bryant's 2010 base salary, the Bengals wide receiver roster appears much clearer. Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens are definite locks. Even though he's played three preseason games, Andre Caldwell has been shutout in two games giving him only two preseason receptions. Still, Caldwell is likely a lock. Hey, what else would you say for a guy that caught two game-winning touchdowns in 2009? "Sorry man, but guys that have far less experience than you are going to make the team over you?" I think not. Jordan Shipley's preseason hasn't just been about the numbers -- he leads the team with 13 receptions. It's also about his crisp routes, catching nearly everything thrown his way and enough awareness to figure out what defenses are trying to do.
That's two spots for Quan Cosby, Jerome Simpson, Matt Jones and Maurice Purify. It'll be interesting to see how this boils down. I believe more now than ever that Cosby is a lock and that the true wide receiver battle remaining comes down to Matt Jones and Jerome Simpson.
| REC | YRDS | YDS/REC | TD | LONG | |
| Jerome Simpson | 6 | 81 | 13.5 | 0 | 22 |
| Matt Jones | 4 | 54 | 13.5 | 0 | 28 |
Against the Bills, the first pass thrown to Simpson came with 10:40 left in the fourth quarter. Jordan Palmer threw a pass towards the sidelines while Simpson in. The miscommunication led to an interception return for a touchdown by Bills cornerback Reggie Corner. We're not sure whose in the wrong; Simpson for running the wrong route or Palmer for expecting a different route than what was called. Geoff Hobson wrote: "Word is that he was in the right spot on the Jordan Palmer interception that ended up a TD Saturday."
On the other hand, the first pass thrown to Matt Jones came with 11:56 left in the second quarter.
Could the fact that Jones is on the field against the Bills sooner than Simpson be any indication of which receiver the team favors? Against the Broncos, Jones was in the game as early as the seven minute mark in the second quarter. Simpson came in the game by the third quarter. On the other hand, the team's website has Simpson listed above Jones on the team's depth chart. Favoring Simpson? He's playing on special teams, even recording a kickoff tackle at the 14-yard line.
If you really want your mind blow, what about the Bengals only taking five wide receivers when the season kicks off? Joe Reedy suggests it, saying that they "suit up only five on gamedays and Marvin has done it before (2003-04)."
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Did Briscoe get cut?
Or why do you keep not mentioning him for the 6th spot?
by jimbasa on Aug 30, 2010 10:46 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
RE:
Would you like for me to?
First time targeted against Buffalo, 4:50 left in the fourth quarter
Never targeted against the Eagles, called for offsides with 3:14 left in game
First time targeted against the Bills, 8:16 left in the fourth quarter
If he passes waivers, he’s going to the practice squad. With Owens on a one-year deal and Chad having an option year on his contract next year, Briscoe could be one of the team’s best receivers next year. But this year, he’s not going to make the squad. I admit, I could be wrong. But I don’t see him making it.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 30, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd see your point with AB still on the team
Now that he’s gone, he has a legit chance.
by jimbasa on Aug 30, 2010 11:18 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
A quick story
Dave Lapham talked about a conversation he had with Lewis about Briscoe briefly during the Bills game. I can’t remember word for word what he said, but Lewis DOES like Briscoe a lot. But the impression Lapham got was that Lewis likes Briscoe as a development player, a guy that they can groom on the practice squad.
I think while serious consideration is fine and good, all signs keep pointing to him going to the practice squad — which isn’t a bad thing at all and could make him a much better player in 2010.
But it’s not so much about what I like, it’s what we’re expecting the team to do.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 30, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Too much talent
He’ll get snatched up by another team, guaranteed. The coaching staff better know that.
by jimbasa on Aug 30, 2010 11:53 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Thank you
With Simpson MIA in the Pre-season games where he really needs to show something, Briscoe deserves serious consideration. My thinking is that the first 4 should be Chad, TO, Shipley, and Cosby. I would like to see a lot of Jones & Briscoe in the last game to help clarify matters.
by justRick on Aug 30, 2010 11:30 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Simpson is not MIA in the preseason
He’s fifth on the team in receptions and yards.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 30, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
is that really not mia for a guy in his 3rd season?
he needed to work his butt off to make the team. he knew that before pre-season started. the team knew that. and is 5th enough from a 3rd year player that has career statistics of 1 reception for 2 yards? does it really say simpson has turned the corner on becoming a viable nfl wr worthy of a roster slot on the 2010 bengals?
he’s mia in my book too.
"wherever Brad St. Louis is and Shayne Graham is about to be." -R.F. Mehl
RE:
MIA would be zero receptions.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 30, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
But I get your point. :)
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 30, 2010 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
briscoe has been limited to non-existent in the pre-season
he’s heading to the practice squad.
"wherever Brad St. Louis is and Shayne Graham is about to be." -R.F. Mehl
How can he not be?
JTO Sucko and Jordan “clueless” Palmer are throwing him the ball.
Put him with the 2nd team at least!
His competetors are catching from the same guys, and are getting receptions. I like Briscoe’s talent, but I think he goes to the practice squad, and I haven’t seen anything from him that makes me believe that another team needs him enough to bring in a rookie that does not know the playbook and has no chemistry with the QB and carry him on the active roster. They had a chance to draft him and didn’t and he hasn’t shown anything more since then.
5 WR's
does not bother me as the sixth is always inactive. Looking at Reedy’s blog post I was more surprised to see a “run first team” not expected to take a true FB into the regular season. If that is true, it makes sense that Coats is the 4th TE as he, Reggie Kelly, Dan Skuta (assuming he is still doing some work there) and Brian Leonard (when he is healthy) can all fill in there.
by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Aug 30, 2010 11:01 AM EDT reply actions
Interesting thought
What if we only go 5WR but overload on TEs? Kelly, Gresham, Coffman and Coats. Two strong receiving TEs and two blocking specialists. That would be more conducive to a run first culture while also allowing for a passing game at the same time.
Just a thought.
After the last game
I’ve finally come around to Cosby. He actually looked like a reciever and not just a return man.
by Throw the ball on Aug 30, 2010 11:28 AM EDT reply actions
Totally agree
When the preseason started, I thought his best chance was as a return man. And as Shipley and Adam Jones have shown that they could do the job, then Cosby was an odd man out. But the last few weeks have me convinced that Cosby is definitely making the team… and that’s all on his work ethic, awareness, doing whatever is asked of him.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 30, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
its happened before in cincy
TJ started out on special teams until he finally worked his way among the starting wrs. not saying cosby is there yet, but he’s worthy of playing at wr when others need to rest or are injured. he might climb up a spot as the teams 4th receiver if he continues to try and progress this much in 2010.
cosby is trying to make the team and it shows.
"wherever Brad St. Louis is and Shayne Graham is about to be." -R.F. Mehl
Now that AB is gone...
Can everyone finally just agree that Cosby belongs on this team?
by SnapCount80 on Aug 30, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Cosby as a WR
You need to check out Cosby’s college highlights, he’s a WR all the way. Very similar skill set to Jordan Shipley, great route runner and catches everything thrown his way.
I completely agree with you Josh
This last slot is coming down to Jones and Simpson. It will be interesting to see who the guy is. Good work finding that info on times these players entered the game… that might be our best hint as to who the coaches think is ahead
fix your poll
great and fine options are both set for 5 wrs with terrible for 7 and 4th optional for dont care. most of us want the bengals to carry 6 wrs.
"wherever Brad St. Louis is and Shayne Graham is about to be." -R.F. Mehl
RE:
It’s not to be taken literally, more like an enthusiastic response.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 30, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Dez Bris
They would be very unwise to try and PS him. He won’t make it there—guarantee it. If they never suit up a 6th receiver, why not have it be Briscoe? I really forsee that Shipley and Briscoe will be the starting WRs on this team after Chad and TO leave whether that’s next year or the year after.
by Anthony Cosenza on Aug 30, 2010 12:24 PM EDT reply actions
Cosby
I’ve said since the draft that they better keep Quan. Everybody scoffed at it and mocked me. The kid can play, and can play more than just special teams. He’s a sneaky little slot guy—one of those players that is always overlooked but when the ball is in his hands, you go “Oh, yeah. Forgot about him. Nice play”. Everybody got enamored with Shipley and Jones returning kicks, but Cosby is the best Punt Returner on the team. I still say that BScott should be the kick returner, but I wouldn’t be upset if Jones was back there either.
by Anthony Cosenza on Aug 30, 2010 12:27 PM EDT reply actions
the more of cosby i see on the field
the more i’m convinced paul brown would have loved cosby. cosby is smaller then the average starting nfl wr today. he might be 5’9 but plays with the heart of a 6’3 wr. needs to be given more chances on gamedays to work his way into the roster.
"wherever Brad St. Louis is and Shayne Graham is about to be." -R.F. Mehl
Matt Jones
After the top three they’ll mostly sit or special teams.
We need to keep players who will have a future when Owens and Ocho aren’t in the mix. Think that excludes M. Jones with his one-year contract.
He hasn’t shown much on special teams. Would we pay him to ride the bench if he’s gone the next year?
5 is fine
As stated above, typically the 6th receiver is inactive. Given our options, we aren’t going to make Cosby inactive because of his special teams contributions and I having Simpson make the team, only to be inactive most games for the third season in a row really doesn’t make sense.
In my opinion, we need more depth at RB and I like Peerman a lot. Carrying 4 rbs and 5 WRs makes sense to me.
I agree
Peerman showed some nice stuff this preseason. It might be a wise move in case Benson gets hurt for any period of time.
Okay...
So we can all agree that Chad, TO, Shipley and Cosby will (or should) be on the team.
Jerome Simpson has shown that he sucks. I’m done backing him up. He just doesn’t get it and we have one of the simplest offenses there are.
So it comes down to Matt Jones, Maurice Purify, Briscoe and Caldwell.
I like Briscoe for the future. He’ll be a great asset someday from what I’ve seen. Caldwell pretty much has to stay for the reasons you mentioned.
I say go with 6 and take Chad, TO, Shipley, Cosby, Briscoe and Caldwell.
"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 still like Jones over Simpson...Coffman at WR
Simpson is, well how do I say this, not that bright. If this guy can’t figure out the playbook by now, that should say enough. I can see Simpson not using his head in a game and causing a turnover through a bobbled pass or fumble or just doing something stupid.
I am not saying we go with Jones, but I would definitely take him over Simpson. He’s a big target and would look a lot better with Carson throwing him the ball.
I also like the idea of having Coffman split out wide. He did it in college and has some of the best hands on the team. This guy can make some great catches. If we do run a 2TE set, then I’m alright with going into the season with 5 WRs.
Jones is also not that bright
Otherwise he would look around for cops bfore doing Coke in a parking lot.
I don’t like Jones inability to work the sideline. I have’nt yet seen the Bills game, but I noticed Jones caught the ball out of bounds again. He would have equaled SImpson’s receptions and yards for the preseason if he could keep his feet inbounds, but his long strides make that difficult.
lol…True, but he had an addiction problem. It should have been a catch but he only got one foot down. And it doesn’t look like he tries that hard. Simpson has been trying for 3yrs and still sucks.
Ok I'll Be The Whippin Pole On This
quite frankly I wouldnt be surprised that the Bengals watch the waiver wire for more help on this roster,including another reciever,safety,fullback,and maybe to groom a legit 3rd QB,DE Odom got alot a work vs 2nd an 3rd stringers vs the Bills and never even made any kind a impact,Geathers hasnt played much at all in preseason,so how does he help? Im just looking at some of these guys and thinking how do you justify a guy not playing much an be a contribution to the team if their not in game shape by the opener,sure they get some practice in,but thats not game shape,geathers an Odom either one has shown anything so you start them both in the opener vs the Patriots? And what about asking teams about trades,if your not gonna keep a Simpson or Sims,what about inquiring about players from other teams,everyone else is doing it,why cant we?
Almost agree
I could see FB especialy if Pressley is available. I definitely see Safety. I could see Pike if he gets cut from Carolina.
I don’t see DE or WR. We are already 5 deep at DE with Geathers, Fanene, Odom, Dunlop and Rucker, and have 4 DT plus McDonald and Harris. I don’t see another guy getting cut who is better. At WR there are 5 who have shown they can contribute in CHad and TO could prove to be the best tandem in football by years end, SHipleyy has the earmarks of a great 3 and Caldwell contributed a lot as a #4 last year. Cosby plays teams and is making catches. We still have Briscoe, Simpson and Jones for the 6th spot.
I’d splooge if we were able to Pike…replace either bum backup. And less splooge if Chris Pressly came back. That guy was awesome on hard knocks.
+1 on Pressley
Check him out in this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6uuVVTLmHA
Why Geathers an Odom?
neither one has done anything at all,what possibly can they give,Geathers hasnt practiced much or played in any preseason games,hes in no way in game shape at all,Odom looks weak,didnt you notice hes got no push at all and against the Bills 2nd an 3rd stringers,he still wasnt getting any push whatsoever,these two guys are getting paid big bux and producing nothing,then you say Caldwell,the human bean pole,he’s no more than a slot reciever,hes not even looked good at all in preseason,I do agree with Cosby,but isnt him and Shipley the slot WR,what happens if TO or Ocho goes down,who comes in,you seriously think Caldwell can replace either one,I dont think so,so lets think,Caldwell isnt a 1 or 2 and we already got two at the slot WR,all Im saying is scout around an see if any teams are willing to trade on a Simpson or Sims or even a Odoms or Geathers,might hit pay dirt on a player thats in a numbers game,just today I seen the Saints wheeling an dealing,didnt they just win the Superbowl? Think about it.
I just don't think
That anyone better is going to be released.
I got a chance to watch the game last night
I didn’t see odom pushed around by second and 3rd teamers. I saw him help hold spiller to negative yards in the first quarter, I saw him double teamed on deep drops and saw him blocked one on one a few times I saw him chase the QB from the pocket, but not pushed around.
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