There will be a time that I write out Laveranues Coles name (rather than just Coles) simply to help myself learn to type Laveranues Coles without having to think about it. I've already developed my spelling system for his first name. Laveranues Coles. This is how I'm going about it. Laver... an...ues. Does that work for you? Laveranues Coles. Not really, I know. But in my mind, there's a perfect connection. Laveranues Coles. I've never admitted to being all that normal. Laveranues Coles.
Thanks guys, for your patience. If anything, I support the move bringing in Coles. However, I can also see the point against it. Typically I'm strong in my opinions. But on this one, while I like it, I can see how it accentuates our terrible drafting prospects. Anyway, how are players, coaches and bloggers reacting?
Carson Palmer is pleased with signing Laveranues Coles.
"I told him to just give us a chance," Palmer said. "There's so much negativity about (the Bengals) out there. We may not have a private plane or an indoor facility, but there is no other place you'd rather be when you're winning, and when guys do come visit here they're always surprised.
"Our fans are great because they stick by us when we lose, but the feeling here when you're winning is special. He gives us a chance to get there with our young receivers and I'm just glad we've got him."
Bob Bratkowski weighs in.
"I think, No. 1, he's a guy that's been there, done it and had success over a certain period of time. He can help our young players a lot. In our conversations, he talked about how he liked sharing his experiences and expertise with the younger players. We thought that was a positive."
Dave likes the move, but doesn't love it.
Who Dey Fans loves the move.
WDR has reservations.
Chick Ludwig is a big fan of the move.
James Walker says that signing Coles means they're not high on Caldwell and Simpson, and admitted to draft errors.
Cincinnati paying a 31-year-old receiver $7 million per season provides seven million reasons to believe the team is not high on young receivers Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell. The Bengals spent a second- and third-round draft pick in 2008 on Simpson and Caldwell, respectively, and is essentially admitting the draft errors.
Over 60% (at this time) voted that Coles will match Houshmandzadeh's production in a recent Cincinnati Enquirer poll.
Gregg Rosenthal says:
In Coles, the Bengals have acquired a similar player to Houshmandzadeh. Coles is no longer that fast, but he's a tough, smart possession receiver that can make catches all over the field.
I have doubts about how well Coles will age, though. He's a small receiver without speed that has taken a lot of pounding over the years. His production has fallen off the last two years and he's always playing through pain.
Cincinnati's inability to develop talent at wideout and running back cost them the last two days. They don't trust young wideouts Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson, so they picked up Coles. They drafted injury-prone busts at running back - Chris Perry and Kenny Irons - so they signed Cedric Benson, a lesser bust. Signing Benson and Coles were half-measures intended to patch roster holes, but ultimately they cost too much.