Brandon Tate Defines His Role on Special Teams

by: Jeffrey Beall

After a rocky start to his NFL career, including a failed drug test at the NFL combine and being released by the New England Patriots, Brandon Tate has found his niche on special teams for the Cincinnati Bengals.  In most years going from the perennial powerhouse Patriots to the lowly Bengals would be seen as a curse in most seasons but not this year as the Bengals are 6-2 and tied for first in the AFC North.  A big part of the turn around has been the improved play of Brandon Tate on Punt and Kick Returns.  Until last week when he struggled against the Tennessee Titans Tate had averaged 25.3, 27.5 and 28.3 yards on kickoff returns and 14.3, 17.5 and 24.3 on punt returns in the three games prior.  With Adam "Pacman" Jones doubtful for Sundays match up with Division Rival Pittsburgh Steelers Tate should be a factor on special teams.