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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2010 > July > 13 > Entry
Bengals’ Cosby wants to be more than a return man
Quan Cosby, an undrafted wide receiver from Texas, made a good impression in his first year returning kicks for Cincinnati last season. This year, not only will he be competing for a roster spot as a returner, he also has aspirations of playing slot receiver.
Despite a promising rookie season, there are no guarantees that Cosby has the return duties sewn up. So he’s looking for other ways to showcase his talents, and taking a serious approach to competing at the loaded position in training camp.
Cosby used the offseason primarily to focus on his speed and quickness. He turned to Clif Marshall, performance director of Ignition Athletics Performance Group in Mason, to improve in those areas. Marshall is known for getting results.
“Quan is a high-character guy who is willing to do whatever it takes to make himself better,” Marshall said. “He came to me during spring workouts and said he wanted to spend the four weeks he had off and work on what he called his fast twitch. So everything he’s doing in the weight room and on the field is to improve his speed and change of direction.”
The receiver is going through a series of sand, boxing, linear and agility exercises to help with his endurance. Cosby dropped a few pounds to gain more speed. Playing the slot position is less about size than how quickly one can separate from a defender.
When it comes to learning the slot position, there is only one receiver to watch and that’s ex-Bengal T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Cosby is learning all about Houshmandzadeh from quarterback Carson Palmer.
“One of the best things about T.J. is his knowledge of the game and the way he prepared,” Cosby said. “That’s similar to how I try to approach the game. I’ve watched his film to see what he does and what separates him in that aspect. He knew the game as well as Carson. He could read the defense just like a quarterback and that’s how I want to do it. I want to do everything he did and follow in his footsteps.”
Cosby’s skills as a receiver may be a bit underrated. He has sure hands and is a decent route runner. He produced when called upon and could develop into a viable receiver. However, the player’s value is on special teams, where he currently earns a living.
Cosby led the league in punt returns (40) and punt return yards (474) last season. He was third in punt return average (11.9) among players with 29 or more attempts. The two ahead of him were Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson and Cleveland’s All-World Josh Cribbs. The rookie return man had his share of highs and lows. With so many chances came more opportunities for miscues than any other returner in the league. So what did he learn from the mistakes?
“I did some things I didn’t like in the return game,” Cosby said. “I feel I was a little east and west opposed to north and south in a few games. I know I could have gotten us closer to scoring position but that’s on me.
“It was a learning experience and I have to hit those holes when they present themselves. In college you can dance a little bit, but in this league you have to get what you can while you can. I learned that as the season went on. You’ll see a significant difference this year.”
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Comments
By Coach Bob
July 14, 2010 3:01 PM | Link to this
I like the way the team is shaping up this year.Keep us up to date Big C.
By Pat In Austin
July 16, 2010 8:01 PM | Link to this
Nice article. Cosby’s one of the good guys in the league and I’m really hoping he can contribute even more this year than last. Wish I wasn’t so far away from the Jungle (and home). Who Dey!