Bengals Sign Matt Jones...TE or not TE...That Is the Question

[Hostile]

Report: Bengals planning to use Matt Jones at TE 2/18/2010 8:44:17 AM

Ken Paxson of the Dayton Daily News reports the Bengals plan to use their newest addition — wide receiver Matt Jones — not as a wideout, but as a tight end, according to in-house NFL guru Carlos “Big C” Holmes.

Sources tell Big C that the Bengals like Jones’ size (6-6, 220), even though he comes in about 30 pounds lighter than your average tight end. Former Bengal tight end Ben Utecht was considered a pass-catching tight end and appeared small despite his 6-6, 245-pound frame.

 

[CIWhitefish]

This report seems to make sense out of the signing given the lackluster workout.

 

[JohnnyHopkins]

I admit that I'm not a scout, but this seems to have "Epic Fail" written all over it.

 

[wileedog]

Actually I think they will have more interest in Bennett after trying this for a week or two in real games.

 

[Woods]

I admit that I'm not a scout, but this seems to have "Epic Fail" written all over it.

I agree 100%.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Interesting. I think this will be a huge mistake on their parts but that shouldn't surprise anyone given that it is the Bengals.

 

[BAZ]

In before "Roy Williams will make him look like a star in training".

 

[Cover 2]

Even if he lines up at TE, I'd still bring in a corner to cover him. He's not a real TE IMO.

 

[TheCount]

I admit that I'm not a scout, but this seems to have "Epic Fail" written all over it.

Why? His contract is inconsequential and it didn't cost them a pick. The only epic fail would be if he gets arrested or charged again.

As far as the actual football involved, it's low risk.

I also don't think this makes them any more or less interested in a TE, Bennett or otherwise.

 

[joseephuss]

Even if he lines up at TE, I'd still bring in a corner to cover him. He's not a real TE IMO.

Why? I guess there are some times when a corner locks up with the tight end, but most of the time it is up to the linebackers and safeties to cover the tight end. It should not be any different with Matt Jones as the tight end. He won't be and should not be treated any differently than the top tight ends in the league.

I think this move probably won't work. Jones has shown he doesn't work hard enough to be a good receiver. I doubt he puts in the work to learn to do what little blocking they will need from him. The Bengals are still a run first team, so he will need to be able to block from the TE or H back position.

 

[big dog cowboy]

So TO is still on their radar?

 

[21Savage]

In before "Roy Williams will make him look like a star in training".

Which Roy? :

 

[Cover 2]

Why? I guess there are some times when a corner locks up with the tight end, but most of the time it is up to the linebackers and safeties to cover the tight end. It should not be any different with Matt Jones as the tight end. He won't be and should not be treated any differently than the top tight ends in the league.

I think this move probably won't work. Jones has shown he doesn't work hard enough to be a good receiver. I doubt he puts in the work to learn to do what little blocking they will need from him. The Bengals are still a run first team, so he will need to be able to block from the TE or H back position.

Because I don't think he has the blocking ability to be considered a legit tight end, but he could be dangerous in the passing game. Thus I would view it as a 3 receiver set rather than a 2 TE set.

 

[jterrell]

I admit that I'm not a scout, but this seems to have "Epic Fail" written all over it.

No doubt.

The guy wasn't physical enough at WR... so you make him a TE?

He might work as a 2nd TE in some match-ups but if they ask him to block he's going to need a timeout to self-medicate.

 

[dogberry]

Did Utecht block? Does Dallas Clark block? What is expected of a TE in the Bengals offense?

 

[jterrell]

Did Utecht block? Does Dallas Clark block? What is expected of a TE in the Bengals offense?

yes, they do block.

neither is good at it, but matt jones played soft for a WR.
he wasn't a good blocker ever even though he was huge at the position.

for 6'6" 220 pounds is pretty skinny, add in that Jones was a college QB and you get the basis for lack of physicality.

beyond all that clark runs great routes and catches the heck out of the football, jones hasn't shown he can do either.

 

[jobberone]

He will be successful. I think he will block as well as Novacek did and be very good receiving.

 

[InmanRoshi]

He had a hard time getting off the line against physical CBs who he outweighed by 30 lbs. He's going to shrivel up when a LB busts him in the mouth going into his route.

 

[Randy White]

No doubt.

The guy wasn't physical enough at WR...

Well, except for one game...

and it happened to be against the Cowboys..

 

[joseephuss]

He had a hard time getting off the line against physical CBs who he outweighed by 30 lbs. He's going to shrivel up when a LB busts him in the mouth going into his route.

I agree. The tight end position also seems to be a more technique type position than wide receiver because they are generally in tighter spots. They have to learn the nuances of shielding defenders with their bodies or using subtle head fakes to create space more so than wide outs.

Jones is nothing special. He showed very little as a wide receiver and I expect little from him as a tight end.