During his first two games with the Cincinnati Bengals Brandon Tate averaged 6.86 yards on seven punt returns. Compared to Quan Cosby, who made quite the impression during his rookie season, that's nothing. Cosby posted 163 yards on 10 punt returns during his first two games (in his career), including 114 yards against the Green Bay Packers in week two, as the Cincinnati Bengals primary punt returner.
After two seasons and 32 games played, Cosby fell one yard short of averaging 10 yards per return, hauling in 70 punts and posting 699 yards. In those two seasons, Cosby ranked fourth in Bengals history with 699 yards on punt returns behind Mike Martin (1,381), Lemar Parrish (1,201) and Tommy Casanova (784). And during his rookie season in 2009, Cosby set a franchise record with 474 punt return yards; 98 more yards than second-place Mike Martin (376 yards in 1984). Cosby's near 10-yard average is tops in franchise history.
Yet when the Bengals claimed Brandon Tate off waivers, they were forced to let Cosby go to free up a spot on the 53-man roster. And the Bengals are taking it easy with Tate, who isn't an experienced punt returner and learning on the job.
"His first order of business is to get comfortable fielding the ball," said Marvin Lewis. "He's trying to get a feel for us a little bit. I am trying to be careful for us to not press him. With him, you get a guy who has some talent and ability."
As for Cosby, he didn't attach with another team, until the Denver Broncos signed Cosby on Tuesday.
He’ll also reinforce Denver’s return game, which was depleted when receiver/returner Eddie Royal (groin) was injured Sunday in a game against the Bengals.
Cosby is a genuinely good guy and we hope he finds much success for the Broncos and his NFL career.