The effect of Witten in our pass game

[Nightman]

Rumble, rumble, rumble ... 6 yards, catch, 2 yards short. Now I'm hearing rumblings of Witt as player/TE coach. Damn Witt, don't coach the six yard, two yard short route

He had 18 catches on 3rd/4th down and had 8 First Downs

Only 1/7 on 3rd and 10
He was 7/11 on all other lengths

 

[GenoT]

What’s funny is, many people who think Witten should retire would cream their jeans if Romo came back as QB.

 

[GMO415]

We are three years past Witt....draft his replacement please.

 

[cern]

witten has been all things great for the cowboys. but in nfl years, he's of another generation. we need a new generation te. someone more like gronk, jimmy graham, evinger, jourdan reed, Kelce, et. al. it's too easy to get wrapped up in the player while overlooking what's best for the team.

 

[thisiscowboyscountry]

Witten isn't part of the offensive problem. He's a good blocker and is still an affective pass catcher even though he doesn't stretch the field often. I do think there's an opportunity to give another TE more snaps in long down situations, while Witten still primarily plays on 1st, 2nd, and shorter 3rd downs. But he's still a good player that deserves to be on the field a good amount.

Here's what I would propose. Witten played 98 percent of the Cowboys snaps last season, that's probably high at this stage. Lower it to 70% or 75% of snaps for Witten and 30% or 25% for a younger TE. That equates to about 12 to 14 less snaps a game provided you have a TE that you feel could make plays down the field. To me this is the best scenario as you get Witten on the field in situations he excels at, while you get more down the field play making ability on plays when you need more yards.

 

[Risen Star]

If you don't think Witten is a part of the problem on offense I don't know what you're looking at.

The number one problem is the QB, but guys like Dez and Witten are definitely issues that must be dealt with. If Jason Witten is on the field next year the Cowboys are much easier to defend.

I know he's a hero and stuff. You'll always have the memories. Let it go. Move on.

 

[noshame]

Witten and Dez terrify defenses.

Creating be 2-3 yards of space underneath.

Which comes in handy on 3rd and long

 

[Mr_437]

Hard to defend the play of Witten or the offensive coaching while watching successful teams during the playoffs.

If your TE can't run a flag, post, or seam route with regularity to stress Ss in today's NFL your offense is handicapped.

 

[Pessimist_cowboy]

He’s still Ok but teams don’t fear the guy anymore. Need a TE that has ability to score on any given play.

 

[northerncowboynation]

Witten isn't part of the offensive problem. He's a good blocker and is still an affective pass catcher even though he doesn't stretch the field often. I do think there's an opportunity to give another TE more snaps in long down situations, while Witten still primarily plays on 1st, 2nd, and shorter 3rd downs. But he's still a good player that deserves to be on the field a good amount.

Here's what I would propose. Witten played 98 percent of the Cowboys snaps last season, that's probably high at this stage. Lower it to 70% or 75% of snaps for Witten and 30% or 25% for a younger TE. That equates to about 12 to 14 less snaps a game provided you have a TE that you feel could make plays down the field. To me this is the best scenario as you get Witten on the field in situations he excels at, while you get more down the field play making ability on plays when you need more yards.

Good proposal. Gonzalez-like. Wit WAS a good blocker now he's pretty average and had as many holding penalties as our most penalized O-lineman.

 

[TheCoolFan]

I just think they prefer him as that security blanket no matter what, which is why I don't see him taking a lesser role anytime soon. They love that he can be open for the same 5 yards every time, even on 3rd and 12, because it's a "safe" option. He fits perfectly with Garrett's conservative offensive style - QB drops back and the OL gives him enough time to find open WRs and if not, check it down to Witten underneath as a give-up play and pick up some yards for field position since we have a good punter. Clap, clap, go defense.

 

[9darter]

So tired of this entitled company man and his status with the fans.

 

[exciter]

Picking on Witten when there are so many other major issues is silly. We need a head coach, QB, WR, help on the D-line, LB, and safety. Get all those problems fixed and then we can worry about hall of fame Witten.

Another coach with actual control would have moved him along 3 years ago!

 

[Vinnie2u]

The coaching staff doesn’t have the guts too tell Witten to take a seat.

 

[Techsass]

He isn't what he was, but he still gets separation on a regular basis. Why he's always so far from the sticks is a bit confusing. I think it's scheme, but maybe he just decides to break off his routes and stay short.

 

[conner01]

There is a hole in the roof of Cowboys (AT&T) Stadium because Jason Witten cannot be covered.

Witten can still get open but a more dynamic TE would open up more of the field. Hopefully Rico can be that guy, if not we better get one soon because I think this is witten last year and he starts getting measured for his gold jacket

 

[Vinnie2u]

He isn't what he was, but he still gets separation on a regular basis. Why he's always so far from the sticks is a bit confusing. I think it's scheme, but maybe he just decides to break off his routes and stay short.

Separation or is he like a power forward blocking out for a rebound.

 

[hornitosmonster]

Once again we got silly Cowboys fans thinking that good tight ends grow on trees. Yes, Ertz, Gronk, and Kelsey are better. We can't be all world at every position and Witten, at his age, is still better than most of the tight ends in the NFL.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

Witten is one of my favorite Cowboys of all time, but the NFL is a cold, cruel business.

And the bottom line is his best days were over quite some time ago. And just throwing this out there- cutting Witten saves $6.5 million of cap space and there's no dead money either.

I'm not suggesting Dallas does it, but they showed Emmitt Smith the door, too.

 

[sbark]

26 yard Giants TD after big Beasley Catch.........

Maybe Witten doesnt get the seam routes he should be getting............