How good is Witten?

[Cajuncowboy]

Last night during the ESPN pre game show they were talking to Brian Dawkins and he was saying how the Eagles had to stop Witten and then showed some film on him and he was saying what he would do. After this I thought that since the Eagles would focus on stopping him that someone else would have to step up. But during the game I thought, man, if they are trying to stop him and they can't how good is this kid. Imagine how good this team would be with a good running attack and some wr help.

[Dale]

The thing I love about Witten is his versatility and maturity in the passing game. His technique is real solid, especially for such a young player with limited experience at the position. I like the fact he can make catches with a free release off the line, or when a linebacker gets a hand on him to interrupt him five yards into his route. He doesn't get flustered, or blown off his route. Also, he displayed his maturity and knowledge on the touchdown when he swung his head back to make the defender thing the route was a short one, only to turn up field and burn the linebacker deep.

Best player on the team in my mind.

[Bill Wooten]

Best player on the team in my mind.
Unfortunately, that's not saying much, but I agree. Witten is the diamond now.

[Yakuza Rich]

I showed the numbers in an earlier post among other TE's:

T-2nd in catches
2nd in receiving yards
T-2nd in TD's
3rd in yards per catch

His blocking has really improved but what has impressed me is his improvement in his route running. He's making it almost impossible for LB's to cover him and now even safeties are struggling against him.

And his numbers are likely to surpass the other TE's by year's end considering that Glenn is out and Witten is the main focus of the offense.

Rich.................

[AdamJT13]

His blocking has really improved but what has impressed me is his improvement in his route running.

I'm not sure he improved his route running that much -- he was very good at it last year. I don't remember which TV analyst it was last year, but they broke down a few of his routes and showed the subtle moves that allow him to get open -- the head fakes, hip fakes, planting his foot a certain way, etc. Sean Salisbury did it last night on Witten's out-and-up for the TD.

[Yakuza Rich]

I'm not sure he improved his route running that much -- he was very good at it last year. I don't remember which TV analyst it was last year, but they broke down a few of his routes and showed the subtle moves that allow him to get open -- the head fakes, hip fakes, planting his foot a certain way, etc. Sean Salisbury did it last night on Witten's out-and-up for the TD.

Parcells noted that Ben Coates worked on him with it during training camp. Last year, it seemed to me that most of his catches were intermediate routes and finding holes in coverage.

This year, especially in the last 4 games, he seems to be a much bigger deep threat and I attribute that to his route running skills which look great right now. Also, I don't recall Parcells spreading him out as wide last season like he's been doing this season.

Rich....................

[TLW47]

Right now he's the only go to weapon we have. He has even stopped fumbling which cost us big time in some games.

I like watching the guy.

[dbair1967]

Last night during the ESPN pre game show they were talking to Brian Dawkins and he was saying how the Eagles had to stop Witten and then showed some film on him and he was saying what he would do. After this I thought that since the Eagles would focus on stopping him that someone else would have to step up. But during the game I thought, man, if they are trying to stop him and they can't how good is this kid. Imagine how good this team would be with a good running attack and some wr help.

you know Witten abused Dawkins and Lewis last night, and any LB who tried to cover him...should the Eagles cut those players? Witten totally trashed Dawkins a few times in man coverage, and Dawkins also got run over by Eddie George

I ask because the once in a blue moon where somebody sees Roy Williams (a SS) trying to cover some other teams all world WR and get beat, people start bashing the crap out of him

David

[Cajuncowboy]

you know Witten abused Dawkins and Lewis last night, and any LB who tried to cover him...should the Eagles cut those players? Witten totally trashed Dawkins a few times in man coverage, and Dawkins also got run over by Eddie George

I ask because the once in a blue moon where somebody sees Roy Williams (a SS) trying to cover some other teams all world WR and get beat, people start bashing the crap out of him

David

Yeah, David. I don't get the hate for Roy. The guy is playing out of position and being asked to something that he is not suited for. As for Witten, I am so glad this guy is emerging as a huge force. He will be a great security blanket for Henson ala Novacek for Aikman. Novacek really helped Aikman's development and I think Witten will do the same for Henson.

[Duane]

I'm going to go ahead and say it. Witten is better than Jay ever was. More talent, more physical skills, more everything. The only thing he lacks right now is experience and he'll get that.

I really hope that we're able to bring some players to build around him for the future. If not, he'll be wasted.

[DoomsDayD]

I judge a guy by saying to myself how good or bad this team would be with or without him. I believe he is our only bright spot this year...sad to say.

[Rack Bauer]

Imagine how good this team would be with a good running attack and some wr help.

Yeah, with that kind of fire power we'd be losing 49-35 instead of 49-21.

[OLDSCHOOL]

can you say pro bowl?

[lcharles]

can you say pro bowl? i most certainly agree

[diehard2294]

he's the only bright spot on this dismal team. I was rooting for VT to just throw it to him every time late in the game in garbage time to pad his stats.

[jimmy40]

Last night during the ESPN pre game show they were talking to Brian Dawkins and he was saying how the Eagles had to stop Witten and then showed some film on him and he was saying what he would do. After this I thought that since the Eagles would focus on stopping him that someone else would have to step up. But during the game I thought, man, if they are trying to stop him and they can't how good is this kid. Imagine how good this team would be with a good running attack and some wr help.
Witten played great but it's not like he was having to make one handed or shoestring catches. I'm the president of the I hate Vinny club but I will give him his props. He made it extremely easy for Witten last night.

[hardcorebob]

he's the only bright spot on this dismal team. I was rooting for VT to just throw it to him every time late in the game in garbage time to pad his stats.

LOL You made me laugh since I got Witten on my Fantasy team!!! He absolutely has rocked for most of the season and I'd put him within the top 5 TE's in the game right now. I'm so happy we have him and once the other pieces fall into place he will absolutely get better. Killer TE.