WR issues and solution

by WOOD98 on Jan 20, 2012 12:59 AM EST

We all knew Simpson was a FA but I think most of us believed the Bengals would bring him back. Now with the indictment and the appearance that Marvin is calling more of the shots than MB is, I think Simpson's return is in doubt. The Bengals have a great chop of young talented WRs but Shipley is coming off of an injury and Binns/Hazelton are unproven at the NFL level. We have also seen a lot of people bouncing around the FA WRs and who the Bengals should target. Colston, Meachem, Mannigham, Garcon. We've even seen some posts about going after a WR in the draft. Blackmon, Jeffrey. I don't think Colston is an option b/c he won't leave the Saints if Brees stays. I don't think Meachem is a good fit. Manningham is a less athletic Simpson and I'm afraid Garcon is simply a product of Peyton. Blackmon will never fall to the Bengals (if he does I take him b/c he is that talented) and, although I really like Jeffrey I don't think the Bengals should use a 1st round pick on him.

With all of that being said, I would like to know everyone's thoughts on what I see as the best solution, given the young crop of talented WRs on the roster. Several people have bounced around this idea so I thought it would make a good fanpost. Lets bring in Maurice Purify. Here is why:

1. He was previously here and he really made an impression on the players and coaches as a hard worker who did everything asked of him. It even earned him a roster spot after the injuries and the guys really respect him.

2. He is probably the best blocking WR the Bengals have put on the field in the last 20 years. A WR who blocks like he does opens lanes for huge runs by the RBs.

3. He is young and hungry just like this team, and doesn't have any character issues.

4. He has proven in the Arena League that he is athletic and can make plays. Although the players are not necessarily as big and as fast as the NFL, the arena game is much faster and requires a much faster reaction time. This will have gone a long way to improving Purify's skills.

5. He will sign for much less than any of the FAs or draft picks, freeing up money to sign a FA OG.

Let me hear your thoughts.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Cincy Jungle's writers or editors.

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I don't know if Purify would make the roster.

With the indictment I’m more confident then ever that Simpson will be brought back, because he will be dirt cheap, and that is how Mike likes them. When we lost TJ, instead of signing some stud FA WR, we signed the old and slow Coles. The next yr we signed the old and broken down Bryant, then the old and cheap TO. If we dump Simpson, we will probably sign someone age 30+ who is on the decline and dirt cheap.

by redrifle14 on Jan 20, 2012 1:13 AM EST reply actions

Purify would be coming from the Arena league

and wouldn’t cost much.

by Oregonbengalsfan on Jan 20, 2012 1:25 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah he would be cheap.

I know he is strong and well built, but is he quick? Can he spread the field?

by redrifle14 on Jan 20, 2012 8:56 AM EST up reply actions

I've seen his 40 time recorded at 4.4 to 4.5

back in ’07 and ’08. Not sure what it is now

by Oregonbengalsfan on Jan 20, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

If Purify doesn't make the roster, then we don't have a problem.

Let’s assume that the Bengals take a 5th or 6th round WR to compete with Binns and Purify for the last spot. If Purify, as a known quanity and hard-worker does not make the team, it means that SHipley is ready, and Whalen has emergered as a contributing player.

It must be inordinately taxing to be such a boob. ~ The Brain

by jim0ijk on Jan 20, 2012 7:54 AM EST up reply actions

Good point.

by redrifle14 on Jan 20, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions

Wow...

by The Dealio on Jan 20, 2012 1:40 AM EST reply actions

same thought

What do you do when there's no way out? Find a way to get deeper in it.

by jimbasa on Jan 20, 2012 8:26 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Interesting suggestion, I think we have to go WR via FA.......

I really don’t want us spending a first round pick on one and outside of that we’re going to get somebody who most likely will take some time to develop and won’t take much pressure off AJ. If we just sign someone off the street or later in the draft we’ll look pretty much like we did in the playoff game against the Texans, one dimensional and double coverage constantly rolled over on AJ.

"The next person you see that throws something, point em out! You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati!"
- Sam Wyche

by The Van Buren Boys on Jan 20, 2012 7:56 AM EST reply actions

if we go that way. I saw Reedy posted three WR that the bengals could look at.

Meachem, Edwards, and Floyd.

If that was the case, I would like Floyd on our roster. Dude has proven he can be productive in multiple systems and would probably catch on quick here since our plays are kind of simple compared to other offenses.

AMAS

by AMAS85 on Jan 20, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions

He or Meachem I would be fine with......

I think with all the holes we currently have on our O-Line and Secondary, we can get a guy like Meachem or Floyd who won’t break the bank and step in and play right away.

"The next person you see that throws something, point em out! You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati!"
- Sam Wyche

by The Van Buren Boys on Jan 20, 2012 9:54 AM EST up reply actions

floyd would be good

Another big guy who can go up and get it. Still leaves us missing speed though.

by JCompton41 on Jan 20, 2012 1:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Can I get your guy's thoughts on DeSean Jackson reinventing himself as a Bengal

"What we do in this life echoes in eternity"

Maximus*

by gratefulmax on Jan 20, 2012 9:49 AM EST reply actions

I would say no thanks.......

because he seemed like a real diva this season for Philly. I watched the Seattle game where he quit playing and running routes because of his ongoing contract feud. I can understand how the business side works and how that would make you feel, but to go out and let your teammates down in a game you had to win showed me a lot about his character. The guy is dangerous when he touches the ball, but he only seems to be when he feels like it. We’ve been dealing with one of those already (Simpson) who’s horribly inconsistent. With Jackson I would also fear he would have trouble co-existing with AJ, since he wouldn’t be the clear #1 guy. I would wonder if he would react the same way when AJ catches a TD instead of him.

"The next person you see that throws something, point em out! You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati!"
- Sam Wyche

by The Van Buren Boys on Jan 20, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions

Some really great points you bring up. Thanks.

By the way, I am a Seinfeld fan but for the life of me, I can’t remember an episode
that mentions “The Van Buren Boys”

Can’t you De-Classify it. Pleaeeeeeeeeeese.

"What we do in this life echoes in eternity"

Maximus*

by gratefulmax on Jan 20, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

Oh i suppose lol.................

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Van_Buren_Boys

Kramer gets confronted by The Van B Boys and accidentally flashes their secret sign. George takes a scholarship away from a kid he just gave it to, he then joins the Van B Boys to get back at George. Classic………

"The next person you see that throws something, point em out! You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati!"
- Sam Wyche

by The Van Buren Boys on Jan 20, 2012 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

OMG! I did see that episode. Freak'in Hilarious!! Thanks Dude.

I can’t believe I forgot that one.

Seinfeld Rocks!

"What we do in this life echoes in eternity"

Maximus*

by gratefulmax on Jan 20, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions

Getty-up!

"The next person you see that throws something, point em out! You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati!"
- Sam Wyche

by The Van Buren Boys on Jan 20, 2012 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

dude the Eagles did him dirty

DeSean was there before all those big contracts were signed for other players. Some FA and others drafted after him. If you worked with other people and you contributed a lot to the succes of the organization. And then the manger hires and promotes other people because of their talent, even tho you been there first. I would imagine most people would get pissed and complain. Then if the company didn’t do antying about it. Most people would have an option to just leave and work for the another company. You cant do that in the NFL.

AMAS

by AMAS85 on Jan 20, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

Also, excellent point. That's why I used the word Re-invent.

"What we do in this life echoes in eternity"

Maximus*

by gratefulmax on Jan 20, 2012 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

I wouldn't mind DeSean

Because he would replace Tate and take the #2 spot on WR roster. Effectively leaving an open spot for an extra RB or LB or whatever we can use extra of.

Also, I don’t see why people are mad at him. The Eagles did him dirty. Any one would react the same way.

AMAS

by AMAS85 on Jan 20, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

He was a beast in college at CAL & continues to be in the NFL. He's a definite "game changer".

"What we do in this life echoes in eternity"

Maximus*

by gratefulmax on Jan 20, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions

Dezmon Briscoe

they drafted him and cut him 2yrs ago. He could have been a real good player for the Bengals and he is in Tampa now……Purify is in the arena league for a reason and isn’t going to walk in here and fix our problems at WR…..Wish the Bengals would really consider Reggie Wayne because I heard he has indicated he isnt coming back to Indy.

by columbusbengalsfan on Jan 20, 2012 10:09 AM EST reply actions

Liked Briscoe as well when he was here.......

Did you know he ended up with 6 TD’s this year?

Statline for 2011: 35 recpetions, 387 yards, 11.1 average, 46 long and 6 TD’s.

Can you say, “Red Zone Target?” I knew you could. 20% of his receptions went for TD’s.

"The next person you see that throws something, point em out! You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati!"
- Sam Wyche

by The Van Buren Boys on Jan 20, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions

+1

LIke Reggie Wayne better then anyone else. He could really teach AJ some things and he can still strech the field. Still think he got 2-3yrs left.

by i am will on Jan 21, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

I dont see Wr as a problem for this team

"A team is more than a group of individuals,its a group of individuals that come together to make a team"

by keithp on Jan 21, 2012 9:00 PM EST up reply actions

is it wierd..

If i had a dream about Meachem joining the Bengals last night?

by spencodude on Jan 20, 2012 10:36 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

You might be Clairvoyant!

then again, you might just have a thing for Meachem (LOL).

Just kidding dude.

"What we do in this life echoes in eternity"

Maximus*

by gratefulmax on Jan 20, 2012 10:56 AM EST reply actions

Purify was my pick as well

on our practice team the coaches raved about him saying he played the part of the other teams starting WR and always had better stats than that actual WR got vs us in the game.

Can block like hines ward.

and has absolutely destroyed the arena league.

I am all for this he would be a solid #2.

by Bengalsfan024 on Jan 20, 2012 1:23 PM EST reply actions

would not rely on purify to steo in as number 2

But he could fight for a spot.

by JCompton41 on Jan 20, 2012 1:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Practice squad/Special teams maybe?

Don’t know if anyone else remembers or not, but I believe he was the guy who blew up Roy Williams during the “Oklahoma” drill on “Hard Knocks.” Guy had one of the best hits recorded on that show.

"The next person you see that throws something, point em out! You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati!"
- Sam Wyche

by The Van Buren Boys on Jan 20, 2012 2:16 PM EST up reply actions

yeah and he would be an asset to the run game

by Bengalsfan024 on Jan 20, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions

exactly

The guy might be good enough now to earn a spot. If not, no biggy, he gets cut.

by JCompton41 on Jan 21, 2012 11:33 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

and the fact that recievers come out of nowhere every year and contribute

Colston, Antonio brown, Cruz, all came out with no big expectations. Just need to put the lesser known players on the field if they prove they can do it. I doubt a 7th round pick like Colston would even get the chance here.

by JCompton41 on Jan 21, 2012 11:37 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Has anyone suggested Braylon Edwards?

He was injured most of the year, but I would anticipate he’s getting healthy in the offseason. He would likely also come cheap. Green, Edwards, Shipley, Gresham…just sayin.

by M Shop on Jan 20, 2012 5:37 PM EST reply actions

No thanks..........

don’t want to bring cancer in to a very young locker room. Living up here in Cleveland, I’ve heard all there is to hear about Braylon Edwards ever since he was drafted.

"The next person you see that throws something, point em out! You don’t live in Cleveland, you live in Cincinnati!"
- Sam Wyche

by The Van Buren Boys on Jan 21, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions

Good comments.

Getting to play every down in the arena league has allowed Purify to improve his skills in a way you can’t on the practice squad. I know its not the NFL, but he is respected on this team and would provide a potential solution.

Of all the FA WR’s I would agree with Desean Jackson. As was mentioned above, he becomes the #2 and takes over kick return duties, allowing the Bengals to part ways with Tate and open a roster spot for carrying an extra RB, D tackle, etc. Philly did him dirty and he was frustrated. I can understand that. I had forgotten he was a FA. We may find out pretty quick how much control was turned over to Marvin. He is extremely close with Desean and Desean’s family, and he was trying to draft him the year he came out in the draft.

On a separate note, I’m not sure why everyone wants someone who can stretch the field. AJ stretches the field. The Bengals need a physical WR who runs precise routes, catches everything thrown his way and can block like Hines Ward.

by WOOD98 on Jan 21, 2012 2:48 AM EST reply actions

I agree with your thoughts on Purify,at least bring him to camp

From what i have heard about other’s like Binns,Hazelton and from what i have seen from Babyhawk,Whalen
I’m not sure if we even need to add a free agent WR,maybe a late round burner

"A team is more than a group of individuals,its a group of individuals that come together to make a team"

by keithp on Jan 21, 2012 8:57 PM EST reply actions

TJ Graham NC State

by messjunk on Jan 22, 2012 9:01 AM EST up reply actions

I dont know if anyone already said this but

Garcon had a decent year without peyton this year. I would like him over any other FA option. I dont think Shippley would be a good #2 WR, he’s too good in the slot. I personally haven’t given up hope on Caldwell, he was too good in the 09 season to just count him out

by WhoDey14 on Jan 22, 2012 10:08 AM EST reply actions

caldwells average

by JCompton41 on Jan 22, 2012 12:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

He made 2 good catches in 09.

He disappeared in the second half of the season, including after we lost Chris Henry. We needed Caldwell, and he didn’t step up. Get him outta here.

I'm throwin' rocks tonight! Mark it, Dude.

by Pardon_My_French on Jan 22, 2012 5:42 PM EST up reply actions

My problem with Garcon is that we can get a decent year out of the WRs on the current roster

Why pay Garcon for decent production? I want someone who doesn’t break the bank (so we can sign a FA OG), has a big upside and didn’t put up numbers with a guy named Peyton throwing to him.

by WOOD98 on Jan 23, 2012 2:51 AM EST up reply actions

Garcon actually had a BETTER year, staistically, this season compared to last

And he had Dan “Mr. Step out of bounds in my own endzone” Orlovsky and Curtis Painter throwing him the ball.

I am not necessarily in favor of signing Garcon, but I just wanted to point out that he actually put up very good numbers this year (50 yards shy of 1,000 with Orlovsky and Painter at QB). I think this heavily supports the notion that Garcon is simply NOT a product of Manning.

by The_Black_Stripes on Jan 23, 2012 3:46 PM EST up reply actions