Cincinnati Bengals ok with WR A.J. Green as position leader -NFL News
Wide receiver, A. J. Green, who has been entrusted with the starting role from his rookie year by the Cincinnati Bengals, says he wants to lead the position group of players by example, not by being vocal.
Green was selected for the American Football Conference (AFC) Pro Bowl roster in 2011, becoming the first rookie to receive the honour since 2003.
He was also among the National Football League (NFL) Network’s top 100 players for the year 2012, ranking at 77th position.
All the achievements were down to his performance in the rookie year. He was lucky to have won the starting position in 15 out 16 games. His record consisted of 65 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns.
Since the player has already been tested on the starting line, playing as the leader will not be something new for him.
He himself has adopted a cautious and calculated approach on the prospects of the leading role, which in absence of Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell, who opted out to become free agents, looks definite for him.
Green said of the position:
"I just want to be that leader that I know I can. I really don’t lead by being vocal, I lead by example.”
He added:
“I always want to be the first one in a drill and doing everything to the best of my ability. Some of the young guys can actually come along and watch what I do. Work the same and we work together and build this team."
Moreover, he has thrown support behind quarterback, Andy Dalton, as to be the true leader of the team.
He said:
"Andy’s the leader of this team. As I go Andy goes and vice versa. We got a veteran offensive line, we got some new guys."
Irrespective of the reserved attitude Green has shown towards the opportunity of becoming the recognised leader at WR position, Bengals look content with him as the front runner.
The management is aware of the player’s contribution to their victories in the 2011 NFL season, and apparently has no reasons to discard him for the role.
His performance will be even more crucial to Bengals chances to do better in the 2012 season.
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