Cincinnati Bengals Film Study: Auden Tate is on the Rise

The Cincinnati Bengals continue to play without star wideout A.J. Green. Auden Tate has been a nice surprise for the Bengals offense in Green’s absence.

When healthy, A.J. Green is a top 12 receiver at worst. He offers speed, great routes, strong hands, and a ridiculous catch radius for his quarterback. In his absence, Auden Tate has done his best to pick up the slack.

Tate’s stats won’t blow you away, Through eleven games, he’s been targeted 76 times and tallied  559 yards on 39 receptions, and one touchdown. However, he ranks second on the team averaging 14.3 yards per reception. That’s a nice average for a player that is not considered to be a downfield threat.

In terms of his continuing development, I have set my eyes upon Detroit Lions receiver Kenny Golladay. Both are towering pass catchers, Golladay stands 6’4 215 lbs. and Tate is 6’5 228 lbs. Height isn’t the only trait they share, both have an enormous catch radius and can highpoint the ball, similar to a power forward going up for a rebound.

Neither are great route runners. Golladay averages a league low two yards of separation. Tate is a bit better, averaging 2.2 yards according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Both receivers average at least five yards of cushion per snap. Let’s dive into a few clips showcasing what Tate brings to the table.

The first clip displays Tate’s abilities to eat up cushion and generates the needed separation for his quarterback.

Usually, receivers with his size and frame aren’t known for even adequate route running abilities. In the second tweeted clip, Tate wins at the line of scrimmage and gains inside leverage before breaking off his route.

Next up, a double move to force the defensive back to false step. The catch is the key here! Tate’s hands are like vice grips when the ball enters his vicinity.

Lastly, when you think that he is covered, he really isn’t. There is little to no room for Andy Dalton to make the pass here, but he trusts Tate to make a play, A great decision by Dalton. It is often said to quarterbacks, “just give your guy a chance.” Here, Tate rewarded Dalton with an acrobatic reception.

To sum things up, Auden Tate is a talented young receiver. With more seasoning and better quarterback play, he can become a consistent weapon for years to come.