Bengals' Receivers Talented, Unpredictable

The Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receivers appear to have a little bit of everything—with controversy and talent certainly at the forefront.

The conversation starts and ends with the talkative Chad Ochocinco who had the second-worst year of his career in 2008 with 53 receptions, 540 yards (10.2 yards per catch) and four touchdowns in 13 games. Only his rookie season of 2001 did he put up lesser numbers.

The explosive and combustible Ochocinco—formerly known as Johnson—led the AFC in receiving four consecutive years (2003-06), made the Pro Bowl five straight years (2003-07) and appeared headed for a Hall of Fame career (Something he proudly displayed to the world in the 2007 season opener when he donned a blazer with the words “Future HOF 20??” on the back.).

However, he entered the 2008 season disgruntled because the team didn’t meet his trade demands and he basically slept-walked through the season. Any chance that he had of turning things around in ’08 ended when quarterback Carson Palmer was lost to a season-ending injury.

Ochocinco reportedly hit the weights hard this offseason (which was a vast change from last year when he never picked up a weight) and is determined to get back to his ways of old.

After wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh decided to leave Cincinnati as a free agent and sign with the Seattle Seahawks following the 2008 season, the Bengals did something rather foreign to them: They acted quickly and found not just a replacement for a departed starter, but a good one.

Time will tell if replacing Houshmandzadeh with Laveranues Coles was a good “trade” for the Bengals, but the early returns have been positive.

Coles had 70 receptions for 850 yards (12.1 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns with the New York Jets last year and he provides an interesting compliment to the vocal Ochocinco. Coles does not do many interviews and would prefer to be left alone by the media. While Ochocinco is thinking about his next “bit” for the cameras in the locker room, Coles is the one sneaking out the back door.

On the playing field, Coles has been extremely productive throughout his career and the Bengals were fortunate to find a suitable replacement for the gritty Houshmandzadeh on the free agent market.

Has Henry Finally Turned Life, Career Around?

Another big storyline this offseason for the Bengals has been the supposed maturity of Chris Henry. He was Cincinnati’s third-round pick in 2005 and played well his first two seasons in the league. However, off-the-field antics have plagued Henry and at one point his NFL career appeared over.

The Bengals re-signed him last year and Henry’s teammates have gone out of their way to laud his efforts during the spring and summer. Will it carry over into the season? And has Henry really cleaned up his act, or does he just have everyone fooled for the time being?

These questions won’t be able to be answered until the actual games roll around, but signs look positive for Bengal fans.

Rounding out the corps of wide receivers will be—in order of importance—Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson, Antonio Chatman and Freddie Brown.

Caldwell was a third-round pick in 2008 and appears to have the No. 4 wide receiver position locked down. He was solid in a very limited role as a rookie last season.

Simpson was a second-round pick in 2008 and he is heading down the path to Bustville. He barely played last year (not because of injury, simply because he wasn’t ready to contribute) and he enters this season as the No. 5 wide out. That isn't what the team is looking for out of a second-round pick.

Chatman provides quickness in the slot, but is an average NFL receiver at best and is undersized. He will have a battle to make the team with Brown, who was a seventh-round pick this year and impressed the coaching staff in mini camp.

Overall, the Bengals have a very capable group of receivers—particularly the top four of Ochocinco, Coles, Henry and Caldwell. With the return of a healthy Palmer, this is a group that could flourish this season. However, with players like Ochocinco and Henry in the mix, there are bound to be frustrating moments.