Final review of offensive positions on all-22 this time covering the receivers.
Not a ton to go off with limited attempts. However:
Polk is a gamer, was physical, blocking was excellent, got open multiple times and was not thrown to. I think his separation was only OK overall, but he plays with an attitude, getting in the face of defenders. There were 3 different plays he was open did not get the ball and could see he was a bit miffed, got the attitude you want in that position. Surprised how well he got off the line. He did have possible Offensive pass interference that did not get called in the red zone on the scramble for no gain by Jacoby. DD and him crossed and almost ran into each other, not sure who made the mistake but in doing so Polk picked DD's guy leaving him wide open for a TD if Jacoby had not scrambled left.
Hunter Henry was the next best guy out there; he got off the line as well as Polk, pretty much the 2 guys that showed good ability getting off the line. Henry finds space, he is a good tight end. Austin Hooper was fine, not as good as Henry and not asked to do as much. Both TE's were solid on blocking.
KJ Osborne was better than the putrid pre-season but not sure I see him much more than a 4th receiver in the NFL. His blocking was mediocre at best, Does not seem to show much off the line, was ok in route running, was open a few times but really just MEH overall. Feel like he's just a guy you'd never notice do much of anything.
Tyquan: Not impressed a ton by TT in this game. He has trouble getting off the line if they were physical, he's slow with the "moves" off the line, unlike Polk who is quick and decisive and gets up to speed. Tyquan takes a while to stop and go. His Speed does get him open sometimes, but he's limited to certain plays where he can be successful. With speed his strength not sure he's someone that should play a lot with Brissett who is not a deep thrower. He wasn't a disaster; he was kind of disappointing though after the camp and pre-season buzz.
Douglas: I expected a lot more quickness and sharp cuts from DD, didn't really see that at a high level. Like everyone against the poor pass defense he did get open a bit, especially against zone. He's a respectable slot receiver, willing blocker, not a weak link but not someone you're going to talk about all pro teams or pro bowls.
Bengals defense can't play zone, they were confused multiple times and left guys open for most of the easy completions. they should have stuck to man, only Henry and Polk showed ability to get off the line regularly against man though DD in motion helped him.
Overall, it is a weak group, Hunter Henry could start for many teams. After that I'm not sure any of them would start for half the league with maybe DD as a slot starting for less than half.
Polk was impressive for a debut; wish they'd look to him a bit more.
KJ and TT I now doubt are on the team next year but we will see as the season goes on if they can show more.
If Kendrick Bourne comes back 100% I think he cuts into KJ and TT time. Hopefully Javon Baker gets some shots to see how he looks against starters. Until then, unless they show more, I think it's Henry and Polk and a bit of DD.
I watched Calvin Ridley tpae game 1, he'd be their best receiver. He's not a true top 10 #1 guy but he plays at a different speed than the Pats crop of receivers, of course he has screwed himself statistically with Will Levis, he can count his money and check his ego and stats at the door. Pointless to get a #1 receiver without anyone to throw him the ball. Dude is going to be frustrated all year. He would be wasted with Jacoby also as he's more down the field type but with Maye he would have been a great match. Was hoping he'd show nothing on the tape and can say glad we did not get him, can't say it though. I liked his play in game 1.
