Chris Perry continues comeback
The Bengals backfield has preoccupied me throughout the off-season. Now it's mid-August, and the picture isn't that much clear.
They say they want Rudi Johnson to carry the load, but he's barely practiced because of another hamstring injury. Those counting on a bounceback season should be wary. Kenny Irons is gone, so we saw a committee of Kenny Watson and Chris Perry Monday night.
The nice folks at NFL.com put together a highlight package for Perry. He showed surprising power. It's clear he's healthier than he has been since 2005. But he's not the type of back that can carry a full load. I found it interesting that he and Kenny Watson would routinely replace each other on third downs. They are interchangeable parts, and I suspect they will split the load evenly when Rudi gets hurt again.
Comments
what about DeDe Dorsey
Posted by: Anonymous | August 12, 2008 12:46 PM
what about DeDe Dorsey?
Posted by: Anonymous | August 12, 2008 12:46 PM
Try 4th string
Posted by: Stephen | August 12, 2008 12:59 PM
Watched the game last night and was impressed with Perry. Agree completely that Rudi won't stay healthy. Also agree that Watson will likely get 1st crack, but will share time with Perry.
That said, I believe Perry is the most talented back in the group and IF he can stay healthy (I emphasize the big IF - much more likely in a timeshare with Watson than an every down role), I could see him having the most value of the three this year. He was a workhorse at Michigan back in the days he and Askew were there.
Excellent receiver out of the backfield and more valuable obviously in PPR.
Posted by: Stephen | August 12, 2008 01:07 PM
As a RB5 with PPR potential I bet on Perry. In 2005 he caught 51 passes as a role player behind a healthy Rudi. He's in a contract year and had all of last year to heal and get in shape. Cincy has to see tremedous talent to patiently wait through three years of injury out of four.
Posted by: M | August 12, 2008 02:52 PM
Chris Perry can't carry a full load? Yea that's why he was a workhorse back at Michigan setting the record for most carries in a season with 338. Yea but he can't carry a workload right?
Posted by: EM | August 14, 2008 08:16 AM