SB Nation - Jehuu Caulcrick

Can anyone beat the Bengals when they put it together?; Maualuga's production has dipped, somewhat

Kirkendall — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:37:11 -0000

Against the Bears, the Bengals, who have a ton of depth at wide receiver, were supremely confident. Evan Mathis hinted the same thing.

“You could see it in guys’ eyes,” he said. “Every guy next to me was ready to go, and wanted to keep the ball moving no matter what. We got a two- then three-touchdown lead and nobody relaxed. It doesn’t mean the game is over. We still went after it with max effort.”

We've known that these guys have the talent; it's always a matter of putting it together. No more drive-stalling penalties, drops or turnovers. Give it to your play makers (Chad Ochocinco) and keep pounding the football (Cedric Benson). And when they played their best game of the year, their most complete game of the year, when they bring their A-game, this team appeared invincible.

Even though Rey Maualuga was nominated for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in September, there's other rookies making a bigger impression on Scout.com NFL Rookie Rankings. Last week, he was ranked 14th. This week, he dropped to 17th with Scout.com saying "Maualuga's production over the last couple of weeks has suffered..." Maualuga has 30 tackles his year, which ranks sixth among rookies. His two forced fumbles ties him with Brian Cushing, Aaron Curry, Everette Brown, Malcolm Jenkins, Kaluka Maiava for most among rookies. I would agree that Maualuga's production has gone down, but only because the last two opposing teams choose to pass 64% of the time, which lowers tackle production among the front seven anyway. But it also limits Maualuga's playing time if the opposing team is showing a passing formation; Brandon Johnson is on the field in nickel packages.

The Bengals invited three players on Thursday for a workout: running back Jehuu Caulcrick, fullback Bill Rentmeester and Tight End Michael Matthews.

Geoff Hobson interviewed Marvin Lewis, who now calls this a nine-game season.

Chad Ochocinco's #1 Top Ten on the Late Show: "I thank the Lord every day that I don’t play for the Lions."

Who Dey Fans say if you want to buy a ticket to next weeks showdown between the Bengals and Ravens, then don't let other influences make the choice for you.

Given the choice, WDR would rather have Daniel Snyder than Mike Brown as an owner. Snyder bought the Redskins in 1999. Since 1999, the Redskins have won .467 of their games (78-89) compared to Brown's .404 clip (67-99-1) during that same timeframe. Just for kicks and giggles, since Marvin Lewis was hired, the Bengals have won exactly .500 (51-51-1) while, during that same time frame, the Redskins are .437 (45-58). Furthermore, the Bengals have never finished last in the division -- one first, two seconds, three thirds.

Fullback Claimed From Chicago

John B — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:39:37 -0000

The busy day continues. The Jets have claimed fullback Jason Davis from the Chicago Bears.

Davis played in five games for the Bears in 2008, with one carry for zero yards and one catch for 12 yards.

I guess the staff didn't like Jehuu Caulcrick since they cut him and made this move. So much for one fullback. Today's moves mean less work for Wayne Hunter and Robert Turner.

Jehuu Caulcrick Released

John B — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:57:04 -0000

Jehuu Caulcrick, the second fullback on the roster, was cut Saturday.

In a mild surprise, the Jets have waived FB Jehuu Caulcrick, according to a source.

That leaves Tony Richarson as the only fullback on the roster. I'm a bit surprised, but put in the perspective of the offense, it's not the most stunning thing ever. When the Jets used the fullback last season, it was usually just as a lead blocker, not a runner or receiver. If Richardson needs a rest, the newly signed Ben Hartsock or utility blockers Robert Turner and Wayne Hunter can step in.

Tough break for Caulcrick, but I know of a coach in Cleveland who was impressed by him last season and has an affinity for acquiring former Jets reserves. I don't think this is the last we have heard of Jehuu in the NFL.

Tony Richardson Mentors Jehuu Caulcrick

John B — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:00:47 -0000

Kyle Richardson talks about Tony Richardson's relationship mentoring young Jehuu Caulcrick.

Fullbacks must work hard to block for the running backs, as the first ones to take a pounding from the defense. The 6’0", 250-pound Caulcrick is learning valuable career lessons from one of the best FBs of all-time in T-Rich.

"We spent a lot of time together," Richardson said. "It started last year and carried over to this year. We work out together when we can, spend a lot of time just talking about concepts."

"It’s been awesome. He’s been a real professional, a great guy," said Caulcrick. "He’s helped me out a lot, and not just him — Thomas Jones, Leon Washington and Coach [Anthony] Lynn. Everyone’s been putting in a great effort in helping us. But T-Rich has been really outgoing, more than he has to, to help me out."

Like a lot of Jets players, the former Michigan State Spartan is looking forward to his opportunity to hit someone other than his teammates in a game situation. He expects to get a lot of playing time, although because of the nature of the NFL and the uncertainty that surrounds each week, he’s not sure what kind of minutes he will actually get.

Richardson is 37 years old. He's probably not going to be around too much longer. Caulcrick is probably going to have a shot to take the starting job once Richardson retires. The more Tony can impart on young Caulcrick, the better. For a young fullback, there is no better mentor.