While many of the media and fans were all scratching their heads over the signing of passing game coordinator Scott Linehan, all of the offensive players and coaches (except for Bill Callahan, he still isn’t happy) are very excited to see what he can bring to the offensive side of the ball.
And I know the wide receivers are chomping at the bit for training camp and preseason to start. We know Dez is going to do his thing; Terrance Williams is set as the number-two starter and looking to improve on a very impressive rookie season. And then you have special teams extraordinaire Dwayne Harris and even rookie Devin Street. Somewhere in the muck of it all there’s Cole (The Bease) Beasley, and If I’m reading reports correctly, the Bease is working as the third wide receiver more than anyone else.
Yes we’ve only had three weeks worth of OTA’s, but there’s something to be said for him playing as much as he is already. One of the first things that I picked up on while reading reports is that Beasley is lining up on the outside moving Dez into the slot.
Last season the coaches didn’t seem to think he was capable of lining up on the outside in games. When the Bease would come into the game he would line up in the slot and that was about it. But here’s the thing, Cole was good when he got the chances, but the chances didn’t come very often.
One thing Scott Linehan is known for is putting his skill guys in a position to make plays. For goodness sake, Linehan made Kevin Ogletree look like a respectable NFL wide receiver. Just think about what he could do with someone who has the ability and desire that Cole Beasley has.
Cole has not been utilized correctly. There might have been a reason for that but we’ll probably never know what it is. However, I have a feeling that’s about to change.
I have a feeling that Dez will line up in the slot position more this season and will draw even more attention than before. That would mean Cole lines up on the outside for more chances down-field and quick screens. In the slot he was used to keep the chains moving, and he did that when given the chance. But if there was anything else happening after he got the first down it was because of his own efforts.
I firmly believe Cole will have a larger role in the passing game this season and take that next step that we hear is so critical in a player’s third year.
