Bengals A Great Spot for Mo
4 comments so far
May 13, 2008 by
Many Husker fans were surprised and disappointed to see Maurice Purify go undrafted. But his free agent deal with the Cincinnati Bengals could be a great opportunity. In fact, it could turn out much better than if he’d actually been drafted to a number of other teams.
Three and Out
The Bengals top three receivers in 2007 all could be gone in a year. Chris Henry, the third leading receiver was already (and finally) kicked off the team for his off-the-field issues. The top receiver by yardage Chad Johnson is clearly unhappy and could easily be traded as he nearly was to the Washington Redskins. Pro-bowler T.J. Houshmandzadeh lead the team in receptions and receiving touchdowns but will likely want more money than the Bengals will want to pay him after the 2008 season. That could well leave the top three receiving jobs wide open after Purify’s had a year to develop.
The Competition
The Bengals did draft three wide receivers in anticipation of these needs, but they’ll all arrive the same time as Mo’. Only one of those players was more productive in 2007 and that was Jerome Simpson who played at small Coastal Carolina. This is despite the fact that Purify only started 4 games and missed one game entirely. Mo’ finished the year strong with over 400 yards and 6 touchdowns in his last three games.
The Quarterback
Any fantasy football geek knows that most teams have only one wide receiver that’s going to put up big numbers. But there are exceptions. Teams with highly productive quarterbacks can have two and sometimes even three receivers finish with big numbers (think Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne playing with Peyton Manning). Carson Palmer is one of those rare quarterbacks. He’s averaged over 4,000 yards over the last three seasons. That’s why both Chad Johnson and Houshmandzadeh were pro-bowlers. Purify could easily have found himself teamed with a lesser quarterback. Instead he finds himself on a team with a big-time producer.
Purify still needs to make the team, but assuming he can do that he could become a big-time player by 2009.
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ze bop May 13 08
Thank god I'm not a fantasy FB geek!
Anyway, I don't think Mo is nearly as good as either Johnson or Houz, he's not as fast for one thing.
But he can catch about anything and he's tough and gets alotta YAC. So maybe they can find a role for him; that is, if he makes the team and stays outta trouble.
darren May 13 08
I'm both a Husker fan and a Bengals fan (long story...) So, I'm thrilled to see this match.
I believe Purify has NFL-caliber talent. He was just too much of a nucklehead to get himself drafted. Stupid behavior costs money, young player. Hope the lesson got learned.
For the Bengals, they get a player who (I think) has first-day draft talent for a real bargain. On the downside, they get a player with off-the-field issues in his past. And, that has been a problem for Cincy recently.
scott May 13 08
I don't know that Mo can stay out of trouble. For his sake and his doubters sake, I hope he does. I'd love nothing more than to have him prove me wrong.
doombob May 13 08
No way he stays out of trouble on this team. It's like the Cincy atmosphere breeds some kind of malcontent demeanor. I'm surprised they didn't try to get Pac Man Jones on the team! By the way, I'm just messin with ya since you said you're a Bengals fan.