Graziano Mailbag: Could using 2 TE set help Cowboys tackles pass protect better?

[WoodysGirl]

James Schee
@JamesSchee


@espn_nfceast could using 2 TE set help Cowboys tackles pass protect better? #nfceastmail
May 10, 2013

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@ESPN_NFCEast: Interesting idea. I think the idea behind the Dallas Cowboys using more multiple-tight end sets this year is to help increase the options for Tony Romo in the passing game, but that could be a side benefit -- giving the tackles help with the blocking and the pass protection. Jason Witten is certainly an acceptable blocker, though keeping him in to block seems a waste when you consider his receiving skills. And Gavin Escobar, the rookie they drafted in the second round, is a receiving tight end who's known for his great hands. So I think the primary motivation here is to offer Romo and the offense more options down the field and loosen things up in the passing game. And I really think the penalty problems left tackle Tyron Smith had last year were a result of the move from the right side to the left side and that he'll end up being a dominant player whether he gets help or not. But your point is worth considering and something to watch for, absolutely.

 

[Risen Star]

But you can't do both. You're either giving Romo more options in the passing game or you're not because you're keeping them in to block. I suppose you can chip and them send them out but that's limiting a true 12 offense.

Enough of this improvement through osmosis. If you want your OL to perform better, get better players at those positions.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

But you can't do both. You're either giving Romo more options in the passing game or you're not because you're keeping them in to block. I suppose you can chip and them send them out but that's limiting a true 12 offense.

Enough of this improvement through osmosis. If you want your OL to perform better, get better players at those positions.

Who coulda predicted this response?

 

[big dog cowboy]

If you want your OL to perform better, get better players at those positions.

Healthy players play better also and wil make a difference this year.

 

[Kevinicus]

Maybe Garrett will actually utilize the middle of the field now?

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Even if Free and Smith were the starting OT's this season, their pass protection would be better than in 2012.

Smith simply because after his few rough games to start the season he did improve. I think he's going to be a top-16 tackle.

If Free is the starter at RT and if Parnell is still breathing down his neck, Free will be better than the 66th rated OT... how much better? Don't know. But he'll be better, and overall the pass protection of the tackle unit will be better.

 

[Galian Beast]

Has no one heard of chipping? That is certainly a role a tight end plays coming off the line. That being said the idea that we're just going to trought out of 2 tight end tight formations is a bit simple. I'm sure they'll do it from time to time to give Romo some more time, but expect a bit more complexity from this offense than that.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

If Escobar can master the chip and then run a 3-5 yard route vs zone, he is money.

 

[wileedog]

Healthy players play better also and wil make a difference this year.

Healthy players who suck still suck when they are healthy.

 

[Hoofbite]

Dallas has been running the 2 TE formation. You tell me.

 

[Fredd]

IMO, if Dallas gpes status quo with their offensive game plan, then the Escobar pick is worthless...it is my hope that they are drawing up a scheme to use both Witten and Escobar to catch passes...I would like to see numbers like 75 catches for Witten and 40 - 50 for Escobar+Hanna (when he is in there).

 

[burmafrd]

Who coulda predicted this response?

and yours as well

 

[conner01]

i think you can actually do both sometimes. the te can chip the pass rusher and redirect him. this protects the outside edge and slows down the rusher a bit to allow the ot to set up. but does'nt take so much time that they can get out in patterns. you can't do it every down but if you have a deep route called then chipping the pass rusher aloows for another second or two and could easlily be the difference in the play. you also don't want to do it every time because you want escobar down the seem alot

 

[cowboysooner]

There is something even more basic than this. If the tight end is on the los, it forces the defensive end to be a man wider and further away from the qb. It can help the tackle push the de past the qb.

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

Why do people talk about using 2TEs as some kind of brand new offense? The Cowboys ran 2TE as their base formation in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. We know exactly what a 2TE base offense looks like. Last year was the first and only year where they completely abandoned the 2TE base and switched to S11 (3 wide receivers) as their base formation.

 

[pugilist]

Who coulda predicted this response?

he's got a point though

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

he's got a point though

I wasnt questioning that at all.

 

[xwalker]

There is something even more basic than this. If the tight end is on the los, it forces the defensive end to be a man wider and further away from the qb. It can help the tackle push the de past the qb.

Agree. Even if the TE goes directly into a route without chipping, the outside pass-rusher is in a wider alignment than he would be without the TE on the line.

With the outside rusher in a wide alignment, the OT does not have to defend against the inside move off the snap.

I would almost prefer that the TE not stay in to block. By taking away the inside move off the snap and forcing the outside rusher to take at least 1 additional step on an outside rush, the OTs have a significant advantage as compared to the alignment without the TE on the line.

The downside is the the outside rusher has extra momentum at the time of contact with the OT. That can be an issue for guys like Doug Free who have had problems anchoring against the bull rush.

 

[Mr_Bill]

Agree. Even if the TE goes directly into a route without chipping, the outside pass-rusher is in a wider alignment than he would be without the TE on the line.

With the outside rusher in a wide alignment, the OT does not have to defend against the inside move off the snap.

I would almost prefer that the TE not stay in to block. By taking away the inside move off the snap and forcing the outside rusher to take at least 1 additional step on an outside rush, the OTs have a significant advantage as compared to the alignment without the TE on the line.

The downside is the the outside rusher has extra momentum at the time of contact with the OT. That can be an issue for guys like Doug Free who have had problems anchoring against the bull rush.

I pretty much agree with what you are saying here. But if the OT doesn't use good footwork and over-commits to the outside, the defender CAN get inside him on a direct line to the QB, especially with that extra momentum.

 

[Slamman]

The cowboys earnestly tried to run 12 and 21 sets in the first half of games. They were ineffective because the interior OL and RT got 0 push in the run game and the cowboys literally fell behind almost every single game. The only effective offensive set was S11 when Dallas was behind and especially when running no huddle. And, TBH, Phillips and Vickers are better blockers than a rookie TE not known for blocking. So, I wouldn't expect huge improvements based on Escobar. The best chance for improvement comes from Frederick.