Brandon Tate and the Hue Jackson Magic

Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon Tate (19) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Hue Jackson seems to be “at it again.”  I use that phrase specifically because I have to admit, I’m eating my words to an extent with regards to Brandon Tate. Although, I did acknowledge that if he could make himself a viable weapon, then his spot on this team could be deserved. But overall I did not believe in Tate nor did I think the team should keep what I thought was a kick returner who lacked any versatility.  What I failed to consider was Hue Jackson’s magic, a concept I considered for other players, but not for Brandon Tate.  Jackson’s ingenuity and creativity is working wonders for him as he becomes a weapon worth being considered by opposing defenses.

Brandon Tate was primarily a return specialist for the Bengals who wasn’t the team’s best option at punt returning.  Although he only has one kick return this year for 29 yards and five fair catches on punt returns, he’s making a real impact on this team.  Unexpectedly, Tate has received much playing time on offense this year whereas in the past, he couldn’t get on the field.  Last year, Tate played just 70 snaps meaning he only participated in 5.8% of the offense’s plays.  In two games this year, Tate has been involved in 97 of a possible 137 offensive snaps (70.8%): clearly a dramatic jump.  This increase in opportunities has translated into production for the sixth year player–he’ll only be 27 this year.  Thus far, Tate has caught five passes (on nine targets) for 69 yards.  If Tate continues on this pace, he’ll set career highs with 40 receptions and 552 yards; though he has yet to score, Tate’s single season high for touchdowns is only three.  Tate’s best play this year was catching a 50-yard pass from Mohamed Sanu during last week’s trick play.

Brandon Tate’s impact on the offense may be surprising to us, but probably isn’t to him.  He may have seen an opportunity this year that he hadn’t under Jay Gruden.

"“We’ve got a new O-coordinator and the one thing he stressed is that everything is open. He doesn’t want nobody to be comfortable.”"

Wide receivers coach James Urban had this to say about Tate earlier this off-season.

"“It’s just always been, ‘What is his role? What role does he fit? And for him, it’s making the plays when the plays come his way. There’s been quite a few plays he’s made, and there would be some where he would tell you he didn’t make the play. So it’s just getting real comfortable with the offense and getting comfortable with what we’re doing and finding a niche for him.”"

Clearly, Urban had Tate in mind, so maybe the other coaches did also.  They certainly seem to have found a niche for Tate and he’s clearly comfortable within it.

Hue Jackson has had success with players such as Tate in the past.  While coaching in Oakland, Jackson found success with players like Darrius Heyward-Bey, Louis Murphy, Denarius Moore, and Jacoby Ford.  Each of these players possesses speed and presents a vertical threat much like Tate.

Brandon Tate is just the latest player to benefit from the Hue Jackson magic.  Regardless of your beliefs about Tate prior to these two games, it’s been great to see him finally start putting it all together as a wide receiver.