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July 2010
Bengals’ defense looking like it’s ready to rush
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — The evening practice session on Day 1 of Bengals training camp was all about the anticipated arrival of flamboyant receiver Terrell Owens. Fans had their popcorn ready and didn’t care about much else nor did some of the media. Owens received a hero’s welcome from the time his flight landed to when he walked onto the field. Enjoy it now T.O., because one dropped pass and these fans with turn on you like a rattlesnake. Aside from the spectacle, some football did take place.
Here are some of my observations from the practice:
The Bengals’ defense could be down right scary for opponents this season. They have a very talented bunch that swarm to the ball. Linebackers Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson come from out of nowhere to rush the passer. Maualuga forced backup quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan into an errant throw with the heat of his pass-rush.
Jonathan Fanene showed his versatility lining up at both end and tackle. He generated a lot of penetration with a mighty bull rush into the offensive line.
Not sure who it was, but defensive tackle Tank Johnson blew up one of the interior O-lineman putting him on his fanny. The play happened so quickly all I saw were drawers in the sky.
Pac Man chompin’ at the bit
Cornerback Adam Jones isn’t the best cover guy in the world and certainly doesn’t match the cover skills of starters Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph. Jones plays a little wild at times and needs to become more disciplined. He has a tendency to rock back on his heels in anticipation of the snap. This allows receivers to get up on him and get him off balance. He must continue to fine-tune his overall technique.
On the flip side, Jones showed flashes of having play-making skills. You saw him run stride for stride with T.O. on a deep route, and break on a pass for a near interception on another play. He’s perfect for nickel and dime situations. But Jones is a gambler who must learn when to fold or the defense could get burned.
Side note: Good news for the Bengals and running back Cedric Benson. According to reports, Benson will not be suspended by Commissioner Roger Goodell for his recent incident in Texas.
Also, there is ongoing talk between the Bengals and representatives for first-round pick tight end Jermaine Gresham in an effort to get a deal done. Gresham will be an impact player in the team’s offense once they get him signed and on the field.
TweetBengals training camp notes
The Cincinnati Bengals’ first practice of 2010 training camp is in the books. The morning session was up-tempo and highlighted by some exciting plays. The offense gave fans a taste of things to come this season.
Here are some notes from practice:
No show T.O.
Newly acquired wide receiver Terrell Owens’ scheduled arrival at Bengals camp has been delayed. Owens was absent during the morning session after missing a red-eye flight to Cincinnati last night. He’s expected to arrive at Georgetown (Ky.) College this afternoon. There is a 50/50 chance that the All-Pro receiver will participate in the evening practice. Fans, get your popcorn ready.
Catch of the day
Receiver Jerome Simpson made a nice play sacrificing his body to haul in a Jordan Palmer touchdown pass. It was a deep bomb and a thing of beauty. Simpson, who is on the bubble for a roster spot, showed some improvement in his route running as well on another play. He broke cornerback Adam Jones down something silly with a double move off the line. Jones could do nothing but tackle Simpson and did. The play would have drawn flags from the refs for sure.
Nothing runs like a deer
Receiver Chad Ochocinco demonstrated that he still possesses the speed to get deep on defenders. Ochocinco blew by defensive back Rico Murray on one play to catch a deep pass from quarterback Carson Palmer. He separated from Murray rather quickly and then it was like a Pinto trying to track down a Ferrari. No contest.
Inquiring minds want to know
Receiver Antonio Bryant looked a little gimpy running his routes and had problems planting and cutting back off his left leg. This was noticeable during minicamp and more so in training camp. The coaching staff insists that there is no cause for concern, but Bryant continues to struggle coming out of his breaks. What does the future hold for Bryant?
Days numbered
Matt Jones is the least talented receiver in camp and his stay may be short-lived with cutdown looming. Granted, Jones is a big target but is slow out of his breaks and lacks explosion off the line. However, it wasn’t all bad for Jones. He did make a nice back shoulder catch on a comeback route.
TweetBengals cut wide receiver Brown
Carlos “Big C” Holmes is reporting from Bengals training camp today that the team has cut Freddie Brown, a seventh-round draft pick from 2009.
Brown’s agent, David Canter, confirmed via text message that his client has been released.
Brown (6-4, 215), played his college ball at Utah.
TweetBig C: Bengals offer Owens contract
Carlos “Big C” Holmes says he has every reason to believe that the Cincinnati Bengals have offered wide receiver Terrell Owens a contract.
When asked about Owens during a media luncheon at Paul Brown Stadium today, July 26, Bengals’ owner Mike Brown said, “The ball is in T.O.’s court.”
Holmes noted that members of the organization could be overheard talking about the fact that Brown is not hiding the fact that the Bengals are interested in Owens.
Coach Marvin Lewis has yet to comment on the situation.
Holmes is also reporting that the St. Louis Rams are in the running for Owens’ services.
TweetBrowns sign 2nd-round pick Hardesty
The Cleveland Browns have signed running back Montario Hardesty to a multi-year contract, the team announced in a press release.
Hardesty was selected in the second round (59th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft, a pick acquired from Philadelphia for a third-round and two fifth-round selections. Hardesty is the sixth of the Browns’ eight 2010 draft choices to sign. Hardesty started 19 of 49 games at the University of Tennessee (2005-09), registering 2,391 rushing yards with 26 touchdowns. He also recorded 38 receptions for 405 yards with one score during his collegiate career. Born on February 1, 1987, the 6-0, 225-pound Hardesty is a native of New Bern, N.C., where he attended New Bern (N.C.) High School.
TweetBengals’ Cosby wants to be more than a return man
Quan Cosby, an undrafted wide receiver from Texas, made a good impression in his first year returning kicks for Cincinnati last season. This year, not only will he be competing for a roster spot as a returner, he also has aspirations of playing slot receiver.
Despite a promising rookie season, there are no guarantees that Cosby has the return duties sewn up. So he’s looking for other ways to showcase his talents, and taking a serious approach to competing at the loaded position in training camp.
Cosby used the offseason primarily to focus on his speed and quickness. He turned to Clif Marshall, performance director of Ignition Athletics Performance Group in Mason, to improve in those areas. Marshall is known for getting results.
“Quan is a high-character guy who is willing to do whatever it takes to make himself better,” Marshall said. “He came to me during spring workouts and said he wanted to spend the four weeks he had off and work on what he called his fast twitch. So everything he’s doing in the weight room and on the field is to improve his speed and change of direction.”
The receiver is going through a series of sand, boxing, linear and agility exercises to help with his endurance. Cosby dropped a few pounds to gain more speed. Playing the slot position is less about size than how quickly one can separate from a defender.
When it comes to learning the slot position, there is only one receiver to watch and that’s ex-Bengal T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Cosby is learning all about Houshmandzadeh from quarterback Carson Palmer.
“One of the best things about T.J. is his knowledge of the game and the way he prepared,” Cosby said. “That’s similar to how I try to approach the game. I’ve watched his film to see what he does and what separates him in that aspect. He knew the game as well as Carson. He could read the defense just like a quarterback and that’s how I want to do it. I want to do everything he did and follow in his footsteps.”
Cosby’s skills as a receiver may be a bit underrated. He has sure hands and is a decent route runner. He produced when called upon and could develop into a viable receiver. However, the player’s value is on special teams, where he currently earns a living.
Cosby led the league in punt returns (40) and punt return yards (474) last season. He was third in punt return average (11.9) among players with 29 or more attempts. The two ahead of him were Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson and Cleveland’s All-World Josh Cribbs. The rookie return man had his share of highs and lows. With so many chances came more opportunities for miscues than any other returner in the league. So what did he learn from the mistakes?
“I did some things I didn’t like in the return game,” Cosby said. “I feel I was a little east and west opposed to north and south in a few games. I know I could have gotten us closer to scoring position but that’s on me.
“It was a learning experience and I have to hit those holes when they present themselves. In college you can dance a little bit, but in this league you have to get what you can while you can. I learned that as the season went on. You’ll see a significant difference this year.”
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Browns’ sign 6th-round draft pick
The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with sixth-round draft pick Carlton Mitchell, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
Mitchell is a wide receiver from South Florida.
Big C’s analysis: The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Mitchell is a rare size-and-speed combination receiver. He’s extremely quick, explosive and athletic with nice hands and tremendous leg strength.
Covering cornerbacks find themselves back on their heels rather quickly due to the receiver’s outstanding acceleration. Aside from his ability to stretch the field, Mitchell is a physical blocker on the perimeter. He is said to be a very hard worker and a student of the game.
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