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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2009 > July > 01 > Entry
‘Wildcat’ Caldwell the new T.J.
YOU’LL SEE ANDRE CALDWELL
LINE UP AT QB; JUST DON’T
THROW CARSON THE BALL
VERSATILE EX-FLORIDA GATOR
GIVES BENGALS PLENTY OF OPTIONS
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andre Caldwell is T.J. Houshmandzadeh — reincarnated.
At least he wants to be.
A.C. is expected to pick up where T.J, left off … operating from the slot, making tough catches in traffic, absorbing big hits over the middle … and being, well, productive. Moving the chains and matriculating the ball down the field.
The difference?
T.J. Who’s-Your-Mama — now a Seattle Seahawk — stood the test of time and proved himself over the long haul. Not only as a receiver, but as a punt returner, too.
Andre All-Is-Well is still developing as a wide receiver and kickoff returner. He’s young and restless, eager to bust out of T.J.’s shadow, and excited about carving his own niche as he complements the trio of Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles and Chris Henry.
“I think we’ve got some good receives,” Caldwell said. “We’re working hard, trying to get better every day. I feel we’re going to make a lot of plays. We’ve got some veterans and we’ve got some young guys who are hungry, and we’re trying to do whatever it takes to win a game.”
Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski promises to put all the wideouts in position to make plays.
“They’re trying to move people around, get everybody the ball and let us use our talent,” Caldwell said. “Get it in the playmakers’ hands and let ‘em make plays.”
What does it take to be a good kickoff returner?
“You’ve got to have speed, quickness,” Caldwell added. “When you see a hole, you’ve got to go hit it. There ain’t no stutterin’ or waiting around. When you see it, go get it. There are 11 hawks out there trying to eat you up, so you’ve got to go.”
Caldwell is also the club’s “Wildcat.” In the Bengals’ 16-6 victory over Kansas City in the season finale (Dec. 28), Caldwell had five catches for 34 yards and rushed four times for 49 yards. He did not score, but did well enough that he’ll be utilized in the “Wildcat” formation more in 2009.
Imagine … Quarterback Carson Palmer lining up at flanker with 66,000 Bengals fans praying Caldwell doesn’t throw him the ball.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By nyc
July 2, 2009 12:31 AM | Link to this
4 - 12 at best..the usual….the bungals will not make the playoffs this century..and thats a fact!!!!….just ask mike brown..if you dont believe me….By psychostats
July 2, 2009 12:45 AM | Link to this
I really feel sorry for Caldwell if he attempts to run Wildcat plays designed by Bob “Telegraph” Bratkowski. Even the Bengals Public Relations staff has it easier. As does the guy who hawks weight-loss books to sumo wrestlers. And anyone who tries to limit soap usage at the Melvin Udall Center for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.By Big Ken
July 2, 2009 1:15 AM | Link to this
Bengals finish 10-6 and make the playoffs this year. Carson and Chad make the Pro Bowl. They make it to the conference championship and lose to the Steelers, who beat the Panthers for the title.By NYC is a douche
July 2, 2009 8:04 AM | Link to this
NYC you are a typical internet troll idiot. It is sad… I feel bad for you. But seriously.The Bengals have already made the playoffs this century. They went 4-12 with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their QB..By Jason
July 2, 2009 8:08 AM | Link to this
Folks, just ignore nyc. Don’t feed the troll! Eventually he will get bored and go away.By bengalfan
July 2, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this
Hey NYC, you seem to forget that the Bengals made the playoffs in 2005. Check your facts before posting.