I will also say that I expected more from Bennett this season and I am also disappointed by the drops and penalties. I do think the drops are a symptom of trying to do too much and that he needs to just focus on making the catch. His blocking is superb and he shows great enthusiasm for this part of the game. When he is in the game, we have generally been very effective and I think our best formations are without a FB. That is 2TE/2WR/1RB and 3WR/1TE/1RB. I haven't been a big fran of 2TE/1WR/1RB/1FB but maybe the numbers show otherwise on that formation.
I don't mind spending a high pick on a 2nd TE if he is going to be used on that many snaps. I would however have probably picked one a round or two later if we were looking at the second TE as mostly a blocker, though. However, I don't think that is Garrett's intention in the long run.
In terms of Phillips, he has played well. He seems to be football smart. He is a very good blocker as both a TE and when he lines up as a FB. He has sure hands and does not look like a stiff out there at all when he is receiving. I think given what he has shown, it won't be too long before we start getting him to serve a role as something other than a release valve for Romo.
To me, we really have 3 good TEs and I do think we need all 3 of them. Some are angry with Bennett's lack of progression this year as an ominous sign and point to players like Austin and Jenkins who progressed each year. However, I want everyone to think of Anthony Spencer. Spencer actually played a bit as a rookie when Ellis was injured and played pretty well in 2007. Then Ellis came back and Spencer took the backseat for about 1.5 years and almost seemed to be regressing. I know people were quite down on him after the Ravens game last year when he was one of the major reasons they had those two long runs at the end of the game. Then he had that offseason issue and some wanted to kick him off the team. So here you have another guy who shows some promise and then seems to regress. However, the talent was still there and the coaches knew it and persevered with him and now with renewed dedication he has emerged as a force. I do think Bennett deserves the same consideration because he obviously has the talent and I do think football matters a great deal to him.
You see, the thing that makes me think Bennett is going to be good as he has the athleticism to catch the ball and has shown in the past that his hands can be good they are just inconsistent in game situations right now. This is the part of the game that someone who only seeks the limelight is going to focus on but in Bennett we actually see the opposite. It is the thankless blocking role that he excels at and he seems happy about his teammates' production and does not whine about his numbers. He is a team player. This makes me believe that when he learns to relax (like he did in preseason) when he is the target, he will emerge as a force in the receiving front as well. I think the focus he needs will come with maturity and time.
If the right offer comes along like a mid-first rounder, I would trade him. For a late second, I might but I'm not sure we're going to get a better player. For a 4th and a thug, I'll pass. I'm still convinced Bennett is a good player right now and I still see some star potential there. I think the versatility and explosiveness that we seek from this offense will depend on the development of Felix and Bennett more than improving the #2 WR position.
If he's not providing pass protection, he is probably the 3rd or 4th option at best on a pass play. Who's receptions do you want to take away to give to Bennett? I'd rather have Romo continue to target Austin, Witten, Crayton and even Williams before Bennett.
