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 > 2008 > November > 01 > Entry
Tight end ‘Big Ben’ Utecht a big bust
UTECHT HASN’T BEEN THE SAME
SINCE WEEK 2 INJURY VS. TITANS
The Bengals had high hopes and big plans for tight end Ben Utecht when they signed him away from the Indianapolis Colts (3 years, $9 million) as a restricted free agent in March.
Utecht was supposed to be a downfield threat; a complement to wide receivers Chad Ocho Cinco and T.J. Houshmandzadeh; a big target who would stretch defenses and make the pass offense more explosive.
But “Big Ben” has been nothing short of a big bust (9 catches, 57 yards, 6.3-yard average, 0 TDs), and it’s all because of an injury.
He hasn’t been the same since suffering a bruised chest on the first play from scrimmage in a Week 2 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Utecht is probable against the Jacksonville Jaguars today, and the team needs him because rookie wideouts Andre Caldwell (foot) and Jerome Simpson (ankle) are out.
Strong-side linebacker Rashad Jeanty (foot) is questionable. If he can’t go, Eric Henderson will likely get the call.
Henderson is a stout run defender and excellent pass rusher.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Brian
November 1, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Ben Utecht is a prime example of how Mike Brown does business. After sitting on his hands through the first few days of free agency, waiting for the expensive difference making playmakers to disappear from the market, Mike finally surfaces from beneath his rock to pick over the remaining 2nd (Antwan Odom), 3rd, 4th (Brandon Johnson, Dhani Jones, Utecht), and 5th (Darryl Blackstock) tier guys. HUGE bonus points go to any 2nd-5th tier prospect if they made a big play against the Bengals the previous season (even if that was their ONLY big play…).By collards
November 2, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this
heck the colts let him leave because of his drops. When he played this year he dropped passes again. More to bust than an injury. What a waste.By ShockMonkey
November 2, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Utecht’s been Bengalized. He’s gone from the Penthouse to stinkin’ outhouse in terms of organizations. It’s hard to be good in this predictable offense without Carson throwing you the ball. This whole team is lousy and I’m sick of it. Mike Brown: get a clue you clown!