The Evolution of the Tight End
by John B on Jul 23, 2010 4:18 PM EDT
7 comments
John Lopez of SI discusses the way the tight end position has become more focal over the past decade.
Lopez talks about the way teams now put a premium on athleticism. It is a chance to create a mismatch in a spot where a lot of teams did not focus before. The league has seen a shift to the passing game in this same timeframe. I wouldn't be surprised to see fullback be the next position of emphasis and teams search more for Richie Anderson/Jerald Sowell types who can catch out of the backfield like the Jets used to have. It will be another area to utilize the passing game.
The Jets moved up in the Draft a few years ago because Dustin Keller has the athleticism to create mismatches in the passing game. I think Dustin is going to have a good year. The wide receivers on the roster are so good defenses will have a tough time designing coverages to contain them. A lot of linebackers and safeties struggle to match up with Keller, and it will be difficult to roll coverage onto him.
0 recs |
7 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Owen Daniels
Is definitely a prime example of this.
6’3 245 lbs and more of a ‘receiver’ than anything. Very small for a TE, but man, is he dangerous.
(Fantasy Football Sleeper…. just saying!)
Gang Green Nation
Also thought you made an excellent point about creating a mismatch where teams will not look for it.
Certainly the case for Daniels, because very few LB’s if any can keep up with him in pass coverage, so he in turn draws a safety, which helps spread the defense out, keeping them honest, and making your passing game more effective by getting your WR’s more open.
Jets also utilized this in their postseason run, creating wide-open looks for Keller on some little misdirections and gimmick plays because they forgot about him.
Gang Green Nation
Size matters....
And remembering back prior to 1990 there were some tight ends that were really solid pass receivers. The only difference was that they were looked at as big receivers rather than tight ends. Sometimes they were fullbacks with “good hands” coming out of the backfield. But the emergence of this position has changed the defensive schemes for almost every team (at least the successful ones).
Jermichael Finley
To me the next great tight end would be Jermichael Finley of th Packers. He had almost 600 yards in the last 8 games of the season after getting over a injury. He’s only turning 23 big future if he keeps his head on straight.
Remember Todd Christenson of the Raiders had ridiculous number as far as receptions back in the late 70;s early 80’s.
Greg Olsen is on his way to becoming really good also and will take another step if Martz stays true to his word and designs plays to utilize Olsen in an otherwise non friendly system for TE’s. Olsen had 612 yards with 8 TDs which many say was a lot less then he is capable of, but with another whole off season with Cutler he should really be recognized as the Bear’s best recieving option. IMO
Since the face been revealed the game got real
I want to see Cumberland and Kelleron the field together.
Especially in a run heavy formation. I think going two TEs and showing a heavy run set will force teams to go big to muscle up against the run, which will create huge plays for play-action. If they don’t muscle up, then we just ram Shonne Greene down their throats until they do.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
Related FanPosts on Gang Green Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
