Call me crazy, but I am happy with the Bengals WRs

[Spor_tees]

Catching up

GEOFF HOBSON

Posted Apr 1, 2009

Posted: 8:30 p.m.

From stylish Isaac Curtis to quotable Cris Collinsworth and from the prickly Carl Pickens to the outrageous Chad Ocho Cinco and the industrious T.J. Houshmandzadeh, receivers always seem to grab the limelight for the Bengals.

So why not now with Houshmandzadeh in Seattle and The Ocho in limbo? This week the Bengals have hosted their largest average daily participation of players in offseason workouts since head coach Marvin Lewis arrived in 2003 and the spotlight is still on the receivers.

There is Laveranues Coles, the newest one with 631 career catches, and then the promising but unproven trio of Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson and Chris Henry with a combined 119.

Those are three guys that absolutely have to step up if this offense is going to get anywhere near where it was in 2005. So far they have since last season ended. In the only offseason stat available:

Sweat.

After putting Henry, Caldwell and Simpson through a grinding running workout Wednesday at Paul Brown Stadium, strength coach Chip Morton was able to conclude that their work has not gone for naught.

"It's a barometer for fitness and those three guys killed it," said Morton, describing a series of 100-yard sprints followed by a short recovery time. "It's obvious they've been working. Physically they're in great shape."

Obviously it will take more than that, particularly for Henry. Usually his returns to the stadium are enveloped by cameras because since 2006 he's been either headed to or coming back from a league suspension because of brushes with the law.

But on Monday he quietly slipped into the workouts with nary a microphone, vowing "I'm a different person" after losing a total of 14 games over the past three seasons in NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's office. Not to mention the spring ball and training camp he missed last year before he was cleared of two charges.

Meanwhile, Caldwell and Simpson got wide eyes when asked about their one throwing session with quarterback Carson Palmer at Charles Collins' receiver camp in Los Angeles.

"He looks like the old Carson," Simpson said of the 29-year-old Palmer.

"He looked like he did on TV," said Caldwell, who looked good on the tube too when he caught a TD in a national title win for Florida.

It's hard to forget what Palmer and Henry have done together with the long ball. They have hooked up eight times for touchdowns of 25 yards or longer.

"He's a very important piece of our ability to be successful next year," said offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski. "He's been given chances. He needs to repay those chances. He needs to step up and elevate his game to a level it should be at. He's had so much missed time. He can be a very productive receiver in the NFL, but he's hurt himself. It's now or never for him."

Productive? When Henry caught two touchdowns in the Bengals win in Pittsburgh in the third game of 2006, it marked eight touchdowns on his first 42 NFL catches.

Then came the inactives and the suspensions, and it's been 11 TDs on the next 65. Great, but that's over three years.

"I spent some time in Missouri," said Bratkowski, who broke into coaching at Columbia. "You have to show me. Talking is one thing and doing it is another."

Bratkowski wants Henry in the weight room to put muscle on the 6-4, 200-pound frame that got him the nickname "Slim," and when the field practices start he wants Henry to stay after working on a game he needs to diversify.

So far, Henry has done it. For the first time back in February he went to Los Angeles to work with his fellow receivers at Collins' camp, where Collins' task was "to get him to be able to run something other than (fly) routes and posts," he said.

Morton can tell Henry is extremely fit. And also something else.

"He came in last Friday and he had a peaceful countenance," Morton said. "He was with his girlfriend and child and he wanted to know what time we got going Monday. It looks like he's on the right track."

Henry isn't thinking about the time lost. But he is thinking about playing time. And he thinks he can be "one of the best in the league. That's what I'm going to try and do this year," if he can stay on the field for the entire spring and summer.

The starters, of course, are The Ocho and Coles.

"We've got a lot of guys," Henry said. "My goal is to start. It's about time."

Even though he's been missing in action for much of the past two seasons, Henry is actually one of the few knowns on what is going to be an overhauled offense. Bratkowski said Wednesday he realizes personnel-wise it is completely different than the 2005-06 versions that finished sixth and eighth, respectively in the NFL.

Which why he isn’t throwing out the playbook ("We have done successful things here," he said), but he did say it has to be retooled to fit the different style of player.

"We've got a different running back and with all the changes on the offensive line we're not going to be able to do some of the things we've done before. We'll have to do it differently. Laveranues is different than T.J. Andre is different than Kelley Washington. After the draft we'll get things solidified and scheme it for what they can do."

Bratkowski also wants the 6-2, 195-pound Simpson in the weight room. One of the 6-0, 204-pound Caldwell's strengths is strength and while Bratkowski thinks Caldwell may eventually be able to provide some of Houshmandzadeh's third-down reliability, the trust is going to have to come from the spring workouts.

The Palmer who has actually thrown the most with Caldwell and Simpson this year is Jordan, the Bengals No. 3. His L.A. breakdown:

"Andre is playing really low. He's getting out of his breaks a lot smoother. He's always been pretty strong, but as far as getting in and out of his cuts you can notice the difference.

"Jerome is catching the ball better. He understands his body better. He's not hopping into stuff. I think he's more confident. The more you do it, the more confident you get."

Another reason the receivers are always in the spotlight:

Of the 40 Bengals who have made the Pro Bowl, the most decorated position has been receiver with seven.

Caldwell has been watching.

"Carson looks like the Carson on the highlights," he said. "We want to get on some of them this year."

Catching

Up

After reading this article and hearing what guys have done in the off-season, I am happy with the group of receivers the Bengals have. In fact, I think the Bengals could trade Chad and not have to replace him with anyone. A group with Coles and Henry starting, followed by Caldwell, Simpson, Urrutia, and Purify coming off the bench sounds fine to me. Urrutia and Purify are guys that are big enough that they can play a huge role on special teams. Urrutia is 6'5" and 232 lbs! Purify is 6'3" and 224 lbs.

[whizzo]

A group with Coles and Henry starting

warning flags going up in 3... 2... 1...

remember, newshounds are payed to write that kind of article. i will agree though that it sounds promising. looks as if we're a bit heavy at the speedster position (X or Y or Z? i can never remember) - ocho, simpson and henry. the latter two really should bulk up a bit methinks.

[membengal]

Like those flags are not already up with Chad starting? Please.

[whizzo]

ah now. Chad's a five time pro bowler. at least we know he can play outstandingly at the WR position. Henry has shown his potential, but has yet to consistently shine.

[membengal]

Right. "5-time pro bowler". Ancient history at this point. Whoever that Chad was, he's long gone. This current chad takes selfish bitching and team destroying to a whole new level, but, yeah, he's a sure thing.

Please.

[whizzo]

his last appearance was two seasons ago. i don't think i need to explain why he didn't deliver his usual numbers last year.

[HairOnFire]

Mostly, all I heard was how good Palmer looks. Granted, there was plenty of other stuff mentioned. In fact, it's fair to say the article wasn't about Palmer. But mostly, that's all I heard.

As for Chad, f**k him. He's a pure Z type who even at his best never bothered to block for his teammates. Even more than most of his fellow Z brethren Chad has always played on an island. So give his eventual replacement the extra reps he needs now, because you're not going to have the time later.

In short, ignore Chad. Enjoy the quiet while you can. Mr. Bojangles will show when he shows, and settle immediately onto his island. So "enjoy the now" by concentrating on all of the other moving pieces. Because most of those pieces are fairly new additions....and more are on the way.

Finally, I loved Brat's quote about how many chances Henry has been given and how it's time to repay. But even more than that I loved his remarks about Henry needing to do more than run a fly pattern. Because if you're going to sell your collective soul for a player like Henry you should get more than a one-trick pony, right?

[BengalByTheBay]

Mostly, all I heard was how good Palmer looks. Granted, there was plenty of other stuff mentioned. In fact, it's fair to say the article wasn't about Palmer. But mostly, that's all I heard.

As for Chad, f**k him. He's a pure Z type who even at his best never bothered to block for his teammates. Even more than most of his fellow Z brethren Chad has always played on an island. So give his eventual replacement the extra reps he needs now, because you're not going to have the time later.

In short, ignore Chad. Enjoy the quiet while you can. Mr. Bojangles will show when he shows, and settle immediately onto his island. So "enjoy the now" by concentrating on all of the other moving pieces. Because most of those pieces are fairly new additions....and more are on the way.

It "sounds" like that's Carson's plan.

[ArmyBengal]

Don't care much about the article as I was fully prepared, and for the most part hoping, we wouldn't have Chad and TJ.

Fix the o-line and develop the running game and those youngsters will be fine with a healthy Carson.

I just wish this team could just move on from the whole Chad and TJ era.

On a side note, move on from the Chris Perry fiasco while they are at it...

[HairOnFire]

On a side note, move on from the Chris Perry fiasco while they are at it...

I can't stand Perry, but his presence...and the year remaining on his contract.... is one of the reasons I say I'm fine with the Bengals current roster of RB's.

It's not ideal but I can live with Benson, Perry, the Kansas Flash, and a new FB until next year.

[ArmyBengal]

Perry does come on the cheap, so there's that...

The WR's are actually one of the positions I'm looking forward to seeing how they've come along and how they will do with a healthy Carson.

[HAPPYJAQ]

Perry does come on the cheap, so there's that...

The WR's are actually one of the positions I'm looking forward to seeing how they've come along and how they will do with a healthy Carson.

Yeah, that's why I wasn't as disturbed as some about T.J. leaving, or even the prospect of trading Chad (although it's pretty unlikely). Carson can make even average receivers look. Think back to Glenn Holt in '07 where he looked like another Bengals steal at WR and possibly and eventual successor to T.J. Fast forward a season and a half with a backup QB and an undeniable loss of confidence, and he wasn't even tendered. Same thing with Henry, who looked like Randy Moss, Jr. earlier in his career on the field and he wasn't a factor in most of the games he played in last season.

If #9 is heathy, both Caldwell and Simpson have the chance to be special, with the god-given talent they have.

[derekshank]

On a side note, move on from the Chris Perry fiasco while they are at it...

I can't stand Perry, but his presence...and the year remaining on his contract.... is one of the reasons I say I'm fine with the Bengals current roster of RB's.

It's not ideal but I can live with Benson, Perry, the Kansas Flash, and a new FB until next year.

It seems like the Perry at RB experiment has failed. Is it time to put him at the position he seems to most naturally fit in the NFL... WR?

[HAPPYJAQ]

On a side note, move on from the Chris Perry fiasco while they are at it...

I can't stand Perry, but his presence...and the year remaining on his contract.... is one of the reasons I say I'm fine with the Bengals current roster of RB's.

It's not ideal but I can live with Benson, Perry, the Kansas Flash, and a new FB until next year.

It seems like the Perry at RB experiment has failed. Is it time to put him at the position he seems to most naturally fit in the NFL... WR?

Pretty good idea, IMO. Carson says he has the best hands on the team and he seems to run good routes. Why not keep him as the 6th receiver, 4th RB and possibly 3rd down back. The key would be how he performs on STs.

[TJJackson]

The key would be how he performs on STs.

Uhm no

They key would be how long before his balsa-and-glass body parts break

He's better than agile, he's fr-agile"

[derekshank]

The key would be how he performs on STs.

Uhm no

They key would be how long before his balsa-and-glass body parts break

He's better than agile, he's fr-agile"

I'm assuming he would hold up better to the less brutal position. He has good hands, and would be more difficult to tackle than average WR's.

I know it's a dream... but had this been the plan to begin with, I bet he wouldn't have been such a bust.

[HAPPYJAQ]

The key would be how he performs on STs.

Uhm no

They key would be how long before his balsa-and-glass body parts break

He's better than agile, he's fr-agile"

I'm assuming he would hold up better to the less brutal position. He has good hands, and would be more difficult to tackle than average WR's.

I know it's a dream... but had this been the plan to begin with, I bet he wouldn't have been such a bust.

I hate the fact that people are so hard on Chris Perry. I've always wondered why people aren't as hard on guys like Pollack and Irons, who had Bengals career-ending injuries as similar high picks. Although he hasn't quite been the same player, at least he's tried to come back. I know it's not Madden '09, but Perry could be pretty good at WR and has awesome size for the position. If he can't cut it a RB, he's worth a look. It's the final year of his deal...What do the Bengals have to lose?

[TJJackson]

It's the final year of his deal...What do the Bengals have to lose?

Development of a different, less fragile player who will stick around longer AND -- maybe just maybe -- also gives us something on special teams

Two Carry.....buh bye

[HAPPYJAQ]

It's the final year of his deal...What do the Bengals have to lose?

Development of a different, less fragile player who will stick around longer AND -- maybe just maybe -- also gives us something on special teams

Two Carry.....buh bye

I'm still hoping that we can somehow add a WR that can return both kicks and punts to eliminate Chatman, but it's pretty even as it stands with Perry competing against Urrutia and Purify for the 6th and final spot. Chatman is nearly as old as Chad and Coles, and who knows how he'll come back from being carted off the field last season. That 6th receiver will have to be able to return some kicks to make it, considering we have at least 3-4 players at the position that offer nothing in the KR game, combined with no DBs who've shown they can do it full-time.

Chad

LC

Caldwell

Simpson

Henry

??

[redsbengalsbucks]

It's the final year of his deal...What do the Bengals have to lose?

Development of a different, less fragile player who will stick around longer AND -- maybe just maybe -- also gives us something on special teams

Two Carry.....buh bye

I'm still hoping that we can somehow add a WR that can return both kicks and punts to eliminate Chatman, but it's pretty even as it stands with Perry competing against Urrutia and Purify for the 6th and final spot. Chatman is nearly as old as Chad and Coles, and who knows how he'll come back from being carted off the field last season. That 6th receiver will have to be able to return some kicks to make it, considering we have at least 3-4 players at the position that offer nothing in the KR game, combined with no DBs who've shown they can do it full-time.

Chad

LC

Caldwell

Simpson

Henry

??

I would love to see a late round pick devoted to a return specialist.

[ArmyBengal]

The key would be how he performs on STs.

Uhm no

They key would be how long before his balsa-and-glass body parts break

He's better than agile, he's fr-agile"

I'm assuming he would hold up better to the less brutal position. He has good hands, and would be more difficult to tackle than average WR's.

I know it's a dream... but had this been the plan to begin with, I bet he wouldn't have been such a bust.

I hate the fact that people are so hard on Chris Perry. I've always wondered why people aren't as hard on guys like Pollack and Irons, who had Bengals career-ending injuries as similar high picks.

Because Pollack and Irons never came back or had the chance to show their worth. Perry had the starting position handed to him and did nothing. Benson comes in (behind the same line) and produces. No to him at wide receiver, NOT A CHANCE...

Just cut him already and bring in the next guy. If he stays this season, he's CERTAINLY gone the next. I just don't see him sticking around especially since we are probably going to draft another RB and a FB.

If we draft another WR for nothing but return purposes, it would be earlier on I think and I wouldn't want to see that happen. If we are going to go after a return guy, the position I would like to see them do it with is at CB to give us another option there.