Some are dubbing AJ Green, newly minted Cincinnati Bengal, the anti-Ocho. No touchdown dances in the end zone are necessary for this wide receiver. Most likely, his spectacular catches before the celebration starts is what will have the Cincy fans cheering for more.
Bengals HC Marvin Lewis calls rookie WR A.J. Green an “upgrade” over Chad Ochocinco. Green has reportedly been dominating early in training camp. “He showed his physical prowess out there today,” Lewis said. Green has top-notch physical skills and is coming from a pro-style offense. He’s ready to contribute right away if he can get solid QB play from either Andy Dalton or Bruce Gradkowski.
And who would AJ like to have passing the ball to him? “Whoever can get the ball to me – don’t matter.” A very diplomatic answer, and different from the answer he gave way back in April when Cincinnati used their first round pick and made him the fourth pick overall. At that time, a jubilant young rookie out of the University of Georgia joked that he’d beg Carson Palmer to stay.
At the moment, it is unclear who will be quarterbacking the Bengals in 2011, but with AJ’s track record backing him up, he’s sure to be catching whatever anybody tosses up anywhere near him. He caught a team high 57 catches for 848 yards, and nine touchdowns the Bulldogs’ 2010 season – even missing four games with a suspension.
Green says he’s been working out, and is looking forward to bonding with his new team. “You got to work hard every day. This job is a grind, and you got to grind every day.” But, it’s not all work and no play for AJ, “I like to watch movies and I like to shoot pool.” He’s not the rowdy, flamboyant showman Ochocinco. He’ll be the quiet guy on the field, quietly making incredibly athletic catches that speak for themselves. Bengals fans are sure to enjoy that.
