Coles To Media: “You’ve Got Ocho”

We’re still convinced that the Cincinnati Bengals will be thrilled with receiver Laveranues Coles. Younger than former No. 2 wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Coles has been a No. 1 receiver for Jets and Redskins teams that lacked a franchise quarterback. Houshmandzadeh, on the other hand, has benefited from having Carson Palmer throwing passes -- and from Chad Ochocinco drawing attention. So Coles could be even better than Houshmandzadeh ever was. For the media, however, it’ll be an adjustment. Houshmandzadeh was accessible; Coles is aloof. Reporters got a taste of it on Friday, according to the Associated Press. Asked for an interview, Coles looked over his shoulder and said, “I came here to get away from [the media]. You’ve got Ocho.” And Ocho (as in Cinco) will provide plenty of sound bites, especially if things are going well. And things likely will go well with Coles as the starter opposite Chad. “Throughout his seven years here, [Houshmandzadeh] played one specific position,” quarterback Carson Palmer said. “Laveranues is learning three right now. So he’s very versatile. He plays extremely tough. He loves to block. He loves to do the little things. He’s complete. “I’m trying to think of something he doesn’t do well. There’s nothing he doesn’t do well. He’s just an all-around very solid player, and he’s going to be a big surprise for us this year. I think he’s somebody we’ve been looking for for a while.” Translation? Ta-ta, T.J. Hola, Laveranues. And while Coles might not have much to say, his actions could speak volumes.