Signing of Antonio Bryant gives Cincy a better second option. Matt Bowen
Is Terrell Owens now a second-tier WR on the free-agent market?
It almost seems that way after the Bengals decided to hand out a four-year deal, maxing out at $29 million, to Antonio Bryant on Wednesday to become that No. 2 option opposite Chad Ochocinco in Cincinnati.
Owens won’t see that type of cash from any club at this stage of his career, and despite the big name and his big resume, Cincinnati’s decision speaks volumes about T.O.
Not unlike Laveranues Coles last season in Cincy, Owens isn’t the type of WR who can draw defenses, force them to roll their coverage to his side and make enough of an impact for opposing secondaries to do anything but line up a corner over the top of him from a scheme perspective.
I still think Owens can run and get down the field vertically, but so can the majority of No. 1 and No. 2 WRs in this league when they get a free release at the line of scrimmage. Going back to his last season in Dallas, T.O. has struggled to get off press coverage — a major knock on a receiver’s game at this level. That has a direct effect on the 3-step game, the timing of routes and how the single high safety has to react.
We talk about it all the time with rookie wideouts as the biggest transition to the pro game. Get off the jam or get off the field.
I agree that Owens can press the cushion of a DB with his straight-line speed against off-man coverage, Cover 3 and a deep-half safety, but when it comes to the Bengals, they’re looking for a receiver who can win at the line of scrimmage, create separation down the field and draw the attention of a defensive coordinator in his game-plan preparation.
Cincinnati’s thinking is that Bryant — not Owens — is the WR who will force a defense to play both sides of the field and play with an honest safety between the hashes. And give QB Carson Palmer two viable weapons in the drop-back passing game.
Plus, we have to remember how the Bengals win games, which includes Cedric Benson and the running game. By adding that receiver in Bryant, teams can’t sit in 8-man fronts, and if they do resort to playing a coverage such as 2-man, or straight Cover 2 to protect their safeties, it opens up yards for Benson against a now 7-man front.
I still see Owens an option for teams in need of a WR who can stretch the field once per half, and as a big target in the red zone, but the days of us talking about T.O. as a player in high demand are over. He was a backup plan to Bryant, and he will most likely be a backup plan for other clubs looking to add a veteran WR as a possible No. 2, but more likely a No. 3.
Talent for sure with Owens, just not top-tier talent anymore.
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Tell Jerry Angelo to stay away from this one. The last thing the Bears need is a soon to be be 37-year old WR that can't get off of the line of scrimmage.
T.O. should retire w/some semblance of dignity left.
I think TO and dignity parted ways a long, long time ago.
@Big D-
There are plenty of ways to combat man-press in certain situations. As you said, using motion is one of them, as are the bunch and stack looks which force DBs to play from an off-man position, but sooner or later as an offense you need to line up and run your scheme.
From what I see, T.O. isn't explosive off of the line, and he struggles when a DB can get his hands on him--which takes away the 3-step game and the intermediate passing game due to the timing that is disrupted.
Not a dominate WR anymore. And, doesn't draw much safety help.
Thanks.
Why the Bengals passed on T.O.?
Simple: Me-O is an old, arrogant jerk who lived out his usefulness about two years after you crossed the Worthless Line, Bowen.
You think Shannon Sharpe's having trouble getting his cocksure backside into Canton. Wait until this punk is eligible. And wait. And wait.
Mark-
WTF? You lost me there. I take it you are not a T.O. fan, but that is about it. Nice rant of nothing
Paul,
If you're one of those Me-Own Disciples who wants me to kiss his arrogant backside, you'll be waiting a very, very, very, very, very long time.
I have little use for an arrogant loser like Me-O who hasn't won a damn thing during his entire career and keeps finding ways to burn his bridges in town after town after town after town.
You want to coddle that punk? Be my guest. Just don't expect me to join you.
And don't whine when I treat that prima donna with the Lack of Respect that he so richly deserves.
Mark
nobody here wants you to kiss anything. you call Owens arrogant, but a rant stating WHAT YOU THINK...WHO YOU RESPECT...is pretty arrogant in itself.
me, I, me, I, me I.
Not the stuff of an interesting poster.
Hmmm, what I'm trying to figure out is "...about two years after you crossed the Worthless Line, Bowen."
If that's a reference to Matt, I've got to wonder what you're all about. BTW, Matt provided insight into why Owens is on the outside. Your explanation, that he's an arrogant jerk, doesn't hold water. Plenty of GMs won't think twice about signing an arrogant asshat as long as he can make plays.
TO can't and that's it. BTW, Bryant has had his own issues but he came up with a big year in Tampa so Cincy is willing to roll the dice.
And if you were taking a shot at Bowen, it doesn't say much for your character or knowledge.
I would really like to see Caldwell and Matt Jones do some damage this year or the Bengal draft someone high at the position. I am not a fan of either Johnson or Bryant.
BearMarket
Amen that. It was an anonymous cheap shot aimed at a guy who did the game no shame. Way uncalled for.
I hope we hear from the people selling the handbags and sun glasses before this guy passes through again.
T.O. will end up in New England on the cheap and catch somewhere around 40-50 passes from Brady.
Bear and f,
Pity you disagree. Not surprising though. Each of you comes across as captains in the Blind Obedience Division.
You want to kiss the backsides of Me-O or this punk? Go right ahead. It's a free country. Just don't expect everyone to march in lockstep behind you.
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Mar 11, 2010
07:59 AM
Matt,
An enlightening read to be sure, but I have a few questions about it. What specific techniques are generally used to defeat press coverage (aside from motion), and what physical attributes do receivers rely upon to escape the jam?
I assume it varies with the type of receiver, but is it more explosiveness/first step quickness, physical upper body strength or something else.
Maybe compare techniques of a smaller player such as a Desean Jackson with Philly to a Larry Fitzgerald to see the differences?
Finally, what specifically to you see to be T.O.'s weaknesses from tape to be regarding the change in his game?