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Bengals tight end Coffman making progress

Cincinnati Bengals rookie tight end Chase Coffman catches a pass during their first practice at NFL football training camp on Friday, July 31, 2009, in Georgetown, Ky. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

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By Carlos "Big C" Holmes, Staff Writer Updated 12:40 PM Wednesday, November 4, 2009

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals appear to be taking baby steps inserting rookie third-round draft choice tight end Chase Coffman into the lineup. That being said his long awaited pro debut could be on the horizon. The 2008 John Mackey Award winner is believed to be making progress and may soon be in the Bengals lineup.

“I feel like I have been doing pretty well in practice making some nice plays,” Coffman said in a recent interview. “Not being able to suit up on Sundays has been a learning experience. I wish I could be out there helping the team because that’s what I love to do. I just have to make my time count during the week in practice.”

The thought of Coffman receiving on the job training may not be considered far fetched due to the lack of production the team has received from its tight ends. Daniel Coats has left much to be desired as the team’s starter displaying questionable pass catching skills. J.P. Foschi is serviceable but not much of a receiving threat.

Coffman, on the other hand, was an impact player at Mizzou and could give the team’s passing game a boost. He finished the ’08 season with 90 catches for 987 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“It’s frustrating at times because I’m not getting a chance to play,” Coffman said. “However, I’m taking this opportunity to learn as much as possible and getting better.”

Coffman has used his time wisely working on becoming a better all-around player. The tight end hits the weight room religiously each day and continues to study hard in an effort to improve his overall game. The one area he is working the hardest to improve is his blocking skills.

Coffman struggled with blocking assignments throughout training camp and the learning experience has been humbling.

“I knew it was going to be tough,” he said. “I think it kind of surprised me because it’s not as easy as one may think. There’s nothing easy about playing at this level. There is a lot of technique involved along with everything else.”

Playing in a spread offense at Missouri, Coffman split out wide 99 percent of the time and never had to block from a three-point stance like a traditional tight end. He played wide receiver in high school so in a sense it is like learning a whole new position.

A major setback for the rookie came when veteran tight ends Reggie Kelly and Ben Utecht went down with injuries during training camp. Both players were instrumental in Coffman’s development early on during OTA. Coffman showed promise then and started to regress after losing Kelly and Utecht.

It remains uncertain whether or not Coffman will be in the lineup on Sunday against Baltimore, but if he’s number is called he’ll be ready.

“When the time comes for me to play I will be prepared,” Coffman said. “I feel that I can go out there and play right now but it is the coaches’ decision. Until that time comes, I’m going to keep working and try to improve on everything that they’re teaching me.”

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