Antonio Gates vs Jason Witten

[BehindEnemyLinez]

I think some are forgetting about some guy named Ladainian Tomlinson playing alongside Gates in SD! Even without an elite WR when you play w/ the best RB in the NFL (who's a hell of a receiver outta the backfield also) it'll open up the field somewhat. IMO you have to factor in LT when looking @ Gates' numbers because of his impact on their offense just as you have to account for Owens in Dallas with Witten.

 

[jobberone]

I'm a huge Witten fan. But his blocking, although good, is not what it could be. He gets beat from the edge too often for me when he stays in to block as an H-back. He really needs to work on that. His blitz pickup seems pretty good. I really wish I could see game film.

 

[superpunk]

Targets per season:

2007
Gates: 117
Witten: 141

2006
Gates: 120
Witten: 92

2005
Gates: 140
Witten: 89

2004
Gates: 114
Witten: 122

Obviously getting thrown to more is going to lead to better stats. I don't expect Witten's year last season to be a fluke in terms of times targeted. These will be the NFL's best two TEs (possibly with Winslow thrown in) for the foreseeable future.

 

[Galian Beast]

dont forget half of that is with bledsoe man...

 

[Spectre]

Witten is the best overall TE in the league.
He's in the top 3 in receiving and top 10 blocking.

Where Gates trumps JW is in YAC, leaping, and seperation ability. Gates is more of a natural receiver in man coverage with the ability to adjust for any ball like a much smaller player. Witten has a real knack for finding and exploiting the holes in the defense.

JMO.

Both are elite TEs.
But in conclusion, I wouldn't trade Witten for anyone or anything. Easily one of my most favorite players ever.

 

[burmafrd]

Witten is a better blocker and all round TE. Gates is slightly better as receiver. Overall Witten is the better player.

 

[Romo2Dez4six]

Gates, and Witten there is really no comparison becasue they both contrast in different styles.

Gates, is more of a reciever than a TE, and Witten, is a true TE.

The only other complete TE, we know of in the league that is on par with Witten, is Heath Miller of the Steelers.

Witten, is still being underrated by most NFL preview mags, as maybe the 5th, or 6th best TE in the league and that is fine by me.

You got that debate from the NFL.com magazine did you not.

I agee you could throw Heap in with Witten and Miller

 

[TheCount]

I agee you could throw Heap in with Witten and Miller

If only Heap could stay on the field.

I agree Witten is more complete than Gates, but Gates looks much more natural once the ball is in his hand. Our boy Witten looks pretty stiff in the open field. Gates looks like a receiver on the field, and I think most of the knock against his blocking is unfounded.

 

[cowboyuptx]

If Gates had a WR worth much on his roster his stats would look pedestrian in comparison. He's basically the best Pass option for Rivers there and he benefits from that.

I like him a lot, but I'd take Witten in a heartbeat over him.

I dont know Hos... While he's definitely not TO, Chris Chambers isn't worthless, but he has only been there half a season... Also Vincent Jackson's an up and comer...

It works both ways.... Chargers fans would say that if we didn't have TO, and Witten saw the same coverages that Gates does, he wouldn't look near as good... Meanwhile Dallas fans say, that if Witten didn't have to share so much with TO, he'd easily lead all TE's in yards, TD's, etc...

I'll agree with what most are saying though, both are great players...

Gates is the better athlete, Witten's the better football player.... And I wouldn't trade him for anyone....

 

[TellerMorrow34]

There is not a TE in the league that I'd trade Witten for.

 

[Stash]

Witten is a better blocker and all round TE. Gates is slightly better as receiver. Overall Witten is the better player.

You nailed it right there.