The X-Factor: Martellus Bennett

by AirforceBat on Jun 25, 2009 10:53 AM CDT Comment 31 comments

I think that in in the 2008 draft, there was a few of us scratching our heads of the pick of Martellus Bennett in the second round. Now after seeing his physical skillset and his freakish stature, Marty B is becoming one of the guys I'm most intrigued with in the 2009 season. If he matures and becomes more of an effective weapon in the passing game, these are a few things I expect to see in 2009.

1) An improvement in the running game- Anyone who plays Madden can tell you that double tightend set provides you with a more unpredictable package. Generally you this is caused because you have one effective tightend who can catch and the other is generally a blocking end, but with Dallas having an effective pair who can block and catch, this should open up the lanes for the running backs.

I see alot of opportunity in going out with JW and MB and then making a formation shift to a 4 wide set. If the defense is in a 4-3 or 3-4 package, this will make them decide what they are going to do with the LB's or S's in this situation. In theory this should take guy's out of their assigned running lanes and create more space for the runningbacks. If they decide to just stay in their base, one of the two TE's should be able to get into some space. I'm thinking the TE screen will be seen quite a bit more this year.

2) No Huddle Packages- This might be more of a hope for me than anything. I just see such potential to go out on the field with the two tightend set and then run a few plays in a row. I've always thought that Romo runs such a smooth no huddle offense in the last two minutes of a half, that it has been ridiculous this hasn't happened earlier.

3)Redzone Mismatch-If Romo and Roy Williams are on the same page, then you have alot of height going up against defenses near the goalline. I expect there to be some jump balls thrown Marty B's way this season. Again this could again cause running lanes to open up near the goalline, and hopefully we won't see them in the shotgun formation down on the two.

I'm sure there are more things out there, and maybe I'm just being optimistic. Is there anything else anyone can think of?

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I don't know yet...

Do you think Dallas will use a double TE set as its base package?

I think that is what Tuna wanted to do against 3-4 defenses.

The part that really excites me about Bennett is how well he blocked for a rookie.

Having said that, I think his maturity level is still an issue and he could easily slip back into the doghouse with the coaching staff if he doesn’t continue to work hard, study and refine his game.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Jun 25, 2009 1:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

Maybe not, but then again the OTA’s have had alot of looks Bennetts way and he is a second round pick.

From everything I’ve read, he’s working his ass off in the offseason and OTA’s.

it was weird, I... I mean you probably didn't hear about it because I went under the name of Mike Honcho. But I just wanted you to know that. If you can hear me, if it got into your brain somehow. That I spread my buttcheeks as Mike Honcho.

by AirforceBat on Jun 25, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt if its the base package

then again what’s a base package? the formation you use the most? the one you go to when you need a first down desparately? it all depends. I think we are going to see a lot of bennett and witten on the field, simply because you want to get your best athletes and players on the field and bennett >>>> anderson.

but, one thing is for sure, defenses have to worry about a lot of different personnel packages and prepare for multiple formations with each package because of versatility of the players.

our two TE, one RB, two WR package could be a double TE at the line, split TE at the line, split TE and used as a 3 WR set, move them to back field as and HB in an I formation.

all with the same personnel package. it would drive a defensive coordinator crazy trying to prepare for it as well as all the pre snap movements dallas can do based on defensive package.

if garrett doesn’t know what to do with this and doesn’t succeed with this personnel set, then he really sucks and I am off his bandwagon.

by CowboysFanatic on Jun 25, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I kind of see it the same way

And Romo has said that they are all excited about “the new things they are putting in” so i assume that it is exactly those kinds of packages.

I am not worried about his maturity as long as he works hard on the field. Clinton Portis is an absolute child off the field, but he gives 100% on it.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 26, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I think we will open the season, our first play from scrimmage is going to be with bennett in the game and not Deon Anderson. Both Witten and Bennett move a lot pre snap and can line up at the line, out wide or as an HB in the back field. having two talented TEs who can catch and more importantly can block helps add a lot of diversification to our offense.

by CowboysFanatic on Jun 25, 2009 3:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good post Airforce,

I think Bennett could have a good year and be a significant player for us too. In the OTA’s the DMN reporters were saying that neither LB’s or Safeties had much success covering Bennett. Witten has also made comments about Bennett’s improvement (and he doesn’t seem one to dabble in hyperbole). Some reporters were also saying Bennett’s routes and cuts were like that of a WR. 6’6" 260 and cuts like a WR! I think he’ll be a real factor in this offense.

by Luke. on Jun 26, 2009 12:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The cuts are a big deal

if he can separate opposing defenses will be forced to use DBs to cover him. That’s huge.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 26, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ya know...

I like the kid, I do. But I wonder how much of his popularity is based on his local pedigree.

I only mention it because I have seen at least one post saying he will be better than Witten… And nobody jumped them.

McGruber!

by Mojoness on Jun 26, 2009 12:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I must have not seen that...

That’s maybe going out on a limb.

I’m not thinking he’s going to be good because he’s an Aggie, trust me… I could care less.

by AirforceBat on Jun 26, 2009 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But you have to admit...

Some do… Just like the die-hard fan swearing the cowboys are going to the superbowl this year some people will over rate Bennet. His personality contributes as well.

btw: That’s “Maybe” going out on a limb?

McGruber!

by Mojoness on Jun 26, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No it's definitly going on a limb.

by AirforceBat on Jun 26, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You also have to remember...

This is the same place that I’ve seen someone post that Felix Jones was an all time great kick returner after one year and say that he’s the next Tony Dorsett.

I don’t like to make those crazy comparisons so early. I do think that Marty B is probably going to be the best #2 TE in the league, and I don’t think I’m going out on the limb there.

by AirforceBat on Jun 26, 2009 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, definitely.

He’s starting quality, but not Witten, I mean WItten is arguably the best tight end in the league. Actually it’s not much of an argument. One think we do know is that we’re gonna have the best tight end tandem in the nfl.

"Aw Shucks" - Wade Phillips

by MrMinority on Jun 26, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, I've said that and I stand to what I said

And his “local pedigree” has nothing to do with my opinion, I’m from Veracruz, México…

My opinion has everything to do with Martellus physical attributes. The guy has gifts that Witten has in lesser quantities, but what Witten has is a solid head over his shoulders, while Bennett’s 2 cent head throws a wrench to his attributes…

That doesn’t makes him a better TE, actually he may never be better, the guy only has potential.

But if we’re to play Frankenstein, I would put Witten’s head on Martellus and the product would laugh at Tony G.

Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Jun 26, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW, there's another diference between the 2...

Witten is one of the thoughest players that I’ve seen in this current decade, Martellus has a bunch of room for growth in this area… I only need to see one of his first catches and how he avoided contact to be certain of this…

Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Jun 26, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree

I believe Bennett won’t ever have the mental approach that Witten has, and all the physical talent in the world won’t make up for that disparity.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Jun 26, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he was saying that as well.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Jun 26, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't disagree...

The guy has gifts that Witten has in lesser quantities, but what Witten has is a solid head over his shoulders, while Bennett’s 2 cent head throws a wrench to his attributes…

Bennett is faster, he’s bigger, has basketball hops ability and has long arms and big soft hands. But the guy lacks Witten’s head and thoughness, and that makes him a much ~~MUCH~~ lesser TE.

Viva México! Go Cowboys!

by Chandus on Jun 26, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Witten v. Bennett

Take a look at their rookie seasons. Witten had more catches (35 to 20) and naturally more yards, but Bennett averaged about 5 yards more per catch and scored 4 TDs to Witten’s freshman one. Of course, Witten had Quincy throwing to him. And who can ever forget how tough Witten proved himself after breaking his jaw and coming back two weeks later? That was amazing. And then the next year Witten had 87-980, and who saw that coming? Could Bennett somehow similarly explode in his second season (to me, there’s no reason why Bennett couldn’t grab 40 balls and 6-7 Tds, even with Witten cathcing his usual 70-80)

They have different circumstances. Witten pretty much had a starting role immediately (Dan Campbell technically started games, but come on), and there’s no way Bennett beats out Witten as the #1 tight end. Of course, Bennett gets to learn from the NFL’s best tight end. Not a bad way to start out your career.

But as AirForce says, they’ve got to both be on the field. It’s definitely an exciting opportunity, filled with all sorts of potential.

by DavidH22 on Jun 26, 2009 1:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cowboys have to look at Bennett

like an extremely large WR really. He has great speed and athleticism as a TE in the mold of Winslow and should provide some big plays in the passing game this year.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jun 26, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As a side note:

With the tite-end tandem and halfbacks this year will be very telling for Red (JG). Our recieving cast to some degree is unproven but we have league leading talent in alternate receiving postions with a competent Qb.

I think it will be an interesting challenge to coordinate an offense with the boy’s non-traditional strengths particularly in light of Garrets proven strengths as a coordinator… aka downfeild deap passing…

McGruber!

by Mojoness on Jun 26, 2009 2:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Out of Bennett's 20 receptions

6 were 20+ yards…nearly a third of his total!

That’s incredible for a tight end.

by DavidH22 on Jun 26, 2009 2:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Slants!!!!!

I wanna see some slants thrown at MartyB. Let him split out wide and chuck him a slant. He should be able to get 80% of them with the remainder going incomplete. Should be a pretty safe 5+ yards.

by HutHut on Jun 26, 2009 3:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BEANS & RICE

I love it

by Impatient on Jun 26, 2009 5:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Martellus is definately our X-Factor

And i don’t think it’s crazy either to say he could possibly be better then Witten…We don’t know what his mental capacities are just yet, just because he clowns around on youtube doesn’t mean he doesn’t take his craft seriously.

It’ll be interesting to see how they develop this year, if Bennett scores 6-7 TD’s and Witten scores 3-4, Bennett will be proving himself as a legit Redzone weapon and one of the better TE’s in the league period.

He was already an EXCEPTIONAL blocker, people forget that’s what attracted us to him so much in the first place, it was the one thing he came in and had no problem doing, putting guys on their back on run plays. But the way he moves, catches the ball, athleticism, it’s scary at his size, TE’s like him don’t come along too often.

It remains to be seen how good he’ll be, and his stats will never be what they truly should be because he’ll be the #2 TE for the first 4 years of his career, but he literally looks like Antonio Gates except a better blocker, not bad to have along side Witten.

by LonghornsLegend on Jun 26, 2009 11:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dear lord... Witten

has destroyed almost all of Jays records here. He has worked as hard on his game as anyone in the club and that includes folk like Marion Barber, Ware and TO… (Anyone remember when his only weakness was blocking technique? That went away in a hurry…) If anyone should have a little respect as a tight end it should be him. Ummm… Or Jay.

If you had to name a clutch player on the team would you argue with someone that said Witten? The guy is the best in the league. But hey… Lets draft four more like him for backups…

I don’t think I have ever seen someone who had the knack for settling into zones quite like he does… And in Man to man, I think a couple of you guys are seriously underestimating his speed. He simply destroys anyone that isn’t a corner and uses his body to get into position like few have learned to do.

Yeah I do think Bennet is bigger and has roughly WIttens speed… (Give or take but I would say take) But it takes more than physical gifts to play the game. Instincts… Grit… Smarts…

Possibly better than Witten… Yeesh…

McGruber!

by Mojoness on Jun 26, 2009 11:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs