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12:00 PM Sat, Sep 12, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
The Buccaneers released veteran outside linebackers Derrick Brooks and Cato Junes in cost-cutting moves, handing the starting jobs to unproven young players Geno Hayes and Quincy Black.
The Cowboys could make Tampa Bay pay for that decision with their two-tight end package, featuring perennial Pro Bowler Jason Witten and budding star Martellus Bennett.
"Those two guys create problems," Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris said. "Certain coverages, you can't call because you match up with those guys."
A big part of Jason Garrett's job is dictating mismatches. One way to do that is by moving Witten and Bennett all over the field, which the Cowboys can do because of the tight ends' versatility.
The Cowboys kept their two-tight end looks basic during the preseason, preventing Tampa Bay from getting any film to study of the new wrinkles made possible because of Bennett's progress entering his second season. But, as seen during off-season workouts and training camp, the Cowboys can essentially line up in any formation with Witten and Bennett on the field together.
As much as the Buccaneers attempt to avoid it, there will be times Hayes or Black end up alone on one of the tight ends, especially if the Cowboys can set up the play-action game by establishing the run.
"I hope we'll be able to do that a lot," Bennett said. "I love those matchups."
EDGE: Cowboys
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
The Buccaneers released veteran outside linebackers Derrick Brooks and Cato Junes in cost-cutting moves, handing the starting jobs to unproven young players Geno Hayes and Quincy Black.
The Cowboys could make Tampa Bay pay for that decision with their two-tight end package, featuring perennial Pro Bowler Jason Witten and budding star Martellus Bennett.
"Those two guys create problems," Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris said. "Certain coverages, you can't call because you match up with those guys."
A big part of Jason Garrett's job is dictating mismatches. One way to do that is by moving Witten and Bennett all over the field, which the Cowboys can do because of the tight ends' versatility.
The Cowboys kept their two-tight end looks basic during the preseason, preventing Tampa Bay from getting any film to study of the new wrinkles made possible because of Bennett's progress entering his second season. But, as seen during off-season workouts and training camp, the Cowboys can essentially line up in any formation with Witten and Bennett on the field together.
As much as the Buccaneers attempt to avoid it, there will be times Hayes or Black end up alone on one of the tight ends, especially if the Cowboys can set up the play-action game by establishing the run.
"I hope we'll be able to do that a lot," Bennett said. "I love those matchups."
EDGE: Cowboys
