Tight End Usage

[kskboys]

Yeah we will see.

I hope I’m wrong.

Not sure myself, but DAK is not 20 yards off inconsistent. That would be ridiculous, and he would've never even been a college Qb if he were.

 

[xwalker]

Its going to be really interesting to see how the Cowboys use the tight ends this year. I would think that overall the tight ends might see slightly fewer touches this year as a group. Witten was targeted far too often for my taste last year.

I am thinking that unless Rico breaks out there will be fewer passes to the tight ends but more YPC overall. If the TEs do a better job than Witten did (it won't be hard) them the running game be more effective per run, driving the targets to the tight ends down even more.

If Rico breaks out and turns into the new Antonio Gates obviously that changes the outlook significantly.

But I think on a YPC basis that this group of tight ends will be better in terms of YPC on less targets.

What do you guys see coming down the pike for the tight ends as a group?

I don't think the coaches know the answer to that question.

Your as scenario seems likely because they will now use some sets with no TE; however, the offset is that when they are in 2 TE sets both TEs may be be targets instead of the only option being the #1 TE.

It's a similar change with the WRs. Will Dez being gone increase or decrease the overall passing targets to WRs vs TEs/RBs now that Dak does not feel pressure to look for Dez?

It is a very interesting preseason and season coming up.

Everyone including myself have blamed Garrett for the predictable offense but Dez/Witten have always been here since Garrett has been the HC. How much of Garrett's predictibility was a general concept and how much was it his insistence on force feeding the ball to Dez and to a lesser extent Witten? I don't remember Garrett being as predictible when TO was here before Dez.

We'll never know about Garrett and his offense because it appears that the Jones have removed him from the offense completely starting this year. The offense coaches that were fired/hired all appear connected to Linehan. Dumping Dez appears to be initiated by Linehan and the new WR coach. Jerry or Stephen made a comment during draft week that they need to give Linehan full control of the offense and even gave an example of how they were not fair to Bill Callahan the year he called plays because they didn't give him full control.

 

[CouchCoach]

Not sure myself, but DAK is not 20 yards off inconsistent. That would be ridiculous, and he would've never even been a college Qb if he were.

He has always made some of those "what the hell was that"? throws and they looked as if the ball came out of his hand as it would be 5-10 yards off target. Romo had the same kind of throws except it went into the wrong hands too often. Dak does not have what most young QB's have, "turnoveritis" and it is as if that is foremost on his mind. I know it was his rookie season.

And maybe therein lies the trigger for Dak, don't make him think too much. He executed in 2016, in 2017 it looked as if he was thinking and pausing too much.

 

[ShiningStar]

i loved Jason Witten but im glad his time is done. Im hoping with the running game being the dominant force, the WR's getting the yards than the TEs will just be an after thought instead of a blanket thats always used.

Not enough touches to go around so let the TEs do the blocking and help the Oline impose its will.

Thats what i hope happens. Something else will probably take over.

 

[jterrell]

Love Witten or oddly dislike him, it's clear that Y option was a huge part of the offense.

Removing that and opening up the play book, especially on 3rd down, should be at the very least more interesting.

If you were sick of run on 1st, run on 2nd, short pass on 3rd down then this is probably a very good development for you.

 

[HowardC]

The only TE on the roster that matters is number 80...

 

[buybuydandavis]

What do you guys see coming down the pike for the tight ends as a group?

Should be a lot fewer snaps for the TEs. We lost our two top TEs. Swaim is at best a 2nd stringer. Then very raw developmental players.

We brought in a veteran FB, converted a dlineman to FB, and drafted a hulking 7th round RB.

I see lots of FBs, and lots of mediocre or at least undeveloped TEs.

New Base: Zeke, 3WR with Beasley as a starter in the slot, and a FB.

Olawale is probably just a better player than any of our TEs.

 

[cowboysooner]

I think there will be more 4 wides with austin and Beasley as part of the package. Austin is going to be in motion a good percentage of the time.

I expect lots of running from those personnel groups into an empty box.

 

[Cattle_Rancher]

I look for them to use the swing tackle as a blocking TE and I expect the targets to TEs to go way down. I will be surprised if we have a single TE over 400 yards receiving.

 

[Verdict]

I look for them to use the swing tackle as a blocking TE and I expect the targets to TEs to go way down. I will be surprised if we have a single TE over 400 yards receiving.

I have been thinking that as well. If you aren't ever going to throw to a guy and the other team knows that, why not use another OT as your TE?