State of Tate - (Tate replaces Willis as Starter)

[Whatever]

(09-22-2019, 08:11 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: STATE OF TATE: Wide receiver Auden Tate had quite a first career start. He had a career-high and game-high 88 yards, but his hold on Darius Philips’ 92-yard kick return will get all the controversial ink.

“When you look at it, it’s going to be hard to see,” Bates said.

Taylor said the Bengals made the move of replacing Damion Willis with Tate and putting Tate at flanker and moving John Ross to X receiver during the week. Ross had a rough one. The NFL receiving yardage leader had his NFL-leading fifth drop and had a fumble before finishing with two catches for 22 yards.

https://www.bengals.com/news/quick-hits-fiery-taylor-asks-bengals-to-stay-connected

Willis really gave them next to nothing the first two games, so I'm all for a switch.  At the same time, I think it's dumb to move Ross, who's really been the only bright spot among the skill position players this year.  Unfortunately, Tate is way too slow to play the X role, so Ross will be in that role as long as they have Tate in the lineup.  

Tate made some 1st downs out of check down throws in the 2 minute drill, but both his holding penalty and the game sealing Int bouncing off his hands were potentially the difference in a win or a loss.  

Sad to say, but it really looks like Boyd and Ross are the only healthy NFL caliber WR's we have.