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OK, Jermaine Gresham.
You've been ridiculed, ostracized, and mocked. You've embraced the self-titled alter ego of a mad villain crusading around town. It was fun (not really).
If there was a time to burst out of your funk, now is that time.
Since Jermaine Gresham has played the award-winning victim as a player that's least liked since Ricky Hunley was drafted in '84, Gresham has dropped a touchdown and was on the receiving end of Andy Dalton's demonstrative frustration. And that was just last week!
Gresham has eight receptions, 61 yards receiving and zero scores. Using complicated math and advanced metrics, the fifth-year tight end is on pace for 32 receptions, 244 yards receiving and... zero scores.
Our prediction: Gresham, who is in a contract year, is one of the few weapons remaining for Dalton, will go off against the Carolina Panthers. With A.J. Green expected to join Marvin Jones and Tyler Eifert on the sidelines, Andy Dalton's options have dwindled. Gresham, still a beastly 6-5 and 260 pounds, still has the talent that earned him a first-round grade and draft selection.
It's all on him. He has the opportunity (every one is hurt), motivation (payday) and ability. If he does his usual disappearing act then nothing will help at this stage.