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Posted by nickeatman at 1/31/2010 11:35 AM CST on truebluefanclub.com
Two of the best tight ends the NFL has had the last few years will be on display Sunday night in Miami. But other than position, you won’t find a ton of similarities in the games of Jason Witten and Antonio Gates.
The Chargers’ Pro Bowler is more of a passing threat who can get vertical. Witten is more of the possession guy who has proven to be a willing and effective blocker.
Two styles, two approaches, but both very effective.
Gates said after Saturday’s practice that he considers Witten to be one of the best, if not the most complete tight end around.
“He’s right there, maybe the best,” Gates said. “He’s here for a reason and he’s here every year. I think Jason is a complete tight end. He’s an all-purpose guy. Like a lunch-pail, blue-collar kind of guy. He’s someone you can count on. And in this league, you need that. You need a guy you can count on every single game, every single down. He defines that. I really enjoy watching him play.”
While they have a different approach, the result is about the same. Both will play in their sixth Pro Bowl tonight and when it comes to stats, it’s pretty close, too.
Gates ranks eighth on the NFL’s all-time charts among tight ends with 6,223 yards. Witten is right behind him in ninth place on that list with 5,965 yards. However, Witten has the fifth-most catches in league history by a tight end with 523. Gates is currently 10th on that list with 479.
Two of the best tight ends the NFL has had the last few years will be on display Sunday night in Miami. But other than position, you won’t find a ton of similarities in the games of Jason Witten and Antonio Gates.
The Chargers’ Pro Bowler is more of a passing threat who can get vertical. Witten is more of the possession guy who has proven to be a willing and effective blocker.
Two styles, two approaches, but both very effective.
Gates said after Saturday’s practice that he considers Witten to be one of the best, if not the most complete tight end around.
“He’s right there, maybe the best,” Gates said. “He’s here for a reason and he’s here every year. I think Jason is a complete tight end. He’s an all-purpose guy. Like a lunch-pail, blue-collar kind of guy. He’s someone you can count on. And in this league, you need that. You need a guy you can count on every single game, every single down. He defines that. I really enjoy watching him play.”
While they have a different approach, the result is about the same. Both will play in their sixth Pro Bowl tonight and when it comes to stats, it’s pretty close, too.
Gates ranks eighth on the NFL’s all-time charts among tight ends with 6,223 yards. Witten is right behind him in ninth place on that list with 5,965 yards. However, Witten has the fifth-most catches in league history by a tight end with 523. Gates is currently 10th on that list with 479.
