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StumbleuponBengals can't seem to settle on a No. 3 receiver
Thursday, August 14, 2008
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — The Cincinnati Bengals are waiting for a No. 3 wide receiver to emerge from a pool of five candidates.
"We'd like to see somebody grab the bull by the horns and take that spot over, but it hasn't happened yet," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said. "We're going to (judge) this over time.
"Very rarely can you say, 'OK, after a week or two of practice, that's the guy.' It's not going to work that way unless he's something special, and none of them have proven that yet."
Because of that, the No. 3 receiver might not even be in camp. Reports surfaced Wednesday, Aug. 13, that the Bengals are interested in re-signing Chris Henry, who is under NFL suspension for the first four games of the regular season.
So, who's it gonna be?
"It's definitely a street fight," third-year receiver Marcus Maxwell said. "However the cards may land or be dealt, the coaches will have the ultimate decision. All I can do is . . . make plays."
The not-so-fab five candidates:
Antonio Chatman, 5-8, 185: The sixth-year veteran is finally healthy after two injury-riddled seasons. His speed and quickness make him better suited as a slot receiver because he presents mismatch problems for linebackers and safeties. Not considered a deep threat.
Marcus Maxwell, 6-3, 210: Third-year player's combination of size and strength make him a solid target. He hasn't shown the kind of deep speed needed to stretch the defense. His chemistry with quarterback Carson Palmer is improving, but he's not a home-run hitter.
Glenn Holt, 6-1, 193: The club's top kickoff returner, Holt has worked hard to improve his receiving skills. He shows outstanding speed and toughness, but isn't consistent enough to be the clutch No. 3 the team needs.
Jerome Simpson, 6-2, 195: The speedy second-round draft pick from Coastal Carolina is enduring his share of rookie growing pains. In college, he was a man among boys. Now, he's a man among men. Must improve crispness of his route-running and become more physical.
Andre Caldwell, 6-0, 204: Rookie third-round pick from Florida is not intimidated by the pro game. Nevertheless, he's still adjusting to the speed of the NFL. He'll cut his teeth on special teams because he's fast and tough. He'll get better with experience.
