Dallas Cowboys and the 2 TE Formation: Yet Another Winning Proposition
by One.Cool.Customer on May 13, 2010 4:00 PM CDT
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PrintOne of the buzz-words of the 2009 off-season was the two tight end set, or 12 personnel as the coaches call it. After a couple of games into the season, the buzz started to die down pretty fast as it became apparent that Martellus Bennett was struggling as a receiver.
The Cowboys however remained undeterred in calling the two tight end set, and used the formation as a staple in the running game, where the blocking skills of all three tight ends were put to good use. The NFL does not record any stats for tight ends outside of pass receiving, so how can we measure how successful the formation was for the Cowboys in 2009?
Well, if you can't measure it directly, you have to use an indirect method of observation, and measure the effect the formation has on other, statistically covered aspects of the game. We'll do this by looking at the Cowboys' running game, specifically the running game out of the two tight end set.
During training camp last year, Tony Romo sounded excited by the possibilities of the two tight end (2 TE) set:
Any time you can get two tight ends in the game, it’s very difficult on a defensive coordinator, personnel-wise, to decide what he’s going to play. A lot of the time when you have three receivers and a tight end, it’s more of a pass-type formation. But with two tight ends, you can run the ball every bit as well as you can with a fullback in the game sometimes, because they have to be conscious of their play-calling defensively. Offensively, you can do a lot of stuff out of it.
ESPN.com provides splits by TE formation for every running back in the league. According to those stats, both Felix Jones and Tashard Choice had a significantly higher YPA out of the 2TE set than their overall average, while Marion Barber remained basically flat.
| Marion Barber | Felix Jones | Tashard Choice | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATT | Yards | YPA | ATT | Yards | YPA | ATT | Yards | YPA | |
| All formations |
214 | 932 | 4.4 | 116 | 685 | 5.9 | 64 | 349 | 5.5 |
| 2 TE set |
81 | 356 | 4.4 | 44 | 288 | 6.5 | 32 | 248 | 7.8 |
| Non 2TE set |
133 | 576 | 4.3 | 72 | 397 | 5.5 | 32 | 101 | 3.2 |
One of the reasons Barber's numbers are lower than the others RBs is because of the types of runs he was used for: 23% of Barbers' runs came in distance-to-go situations of 1-3 yards. Choice had 19% and Jones only 10% of his runs in those situations. Additionally, in terms of direction, 58% of Barber's runs went up the middle or at either of the guards. Not much that a second TE could do to help in those situations. By contrast, only 38% of Jones' runs were run at center or guard, his outside runs are where the extra TE was a real help.
Obviously, a tight end will only be able to help in the run game if he can actually block. And boy, can the Cowboys tight ends block! According to Profootballfocus.com, Jason Witten graded out as the best tight end in the league with an absolutely dominant performance as a run blocker.
Martellus Bennet's performance was overshadowed by what many felt was a disappointing receiving performance, but what is often overlooked is his contribution as a blocker. PFF grade Marty B as the fifth best blocking TE in the league. 12th on the list, despite a low snap count, is rookie John Philips. Here's how PFF graded the Cowboys tight ends in pass blocking.
| NFL Rank | Player | Run Block grade |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jason Witten | 15.2 |
| 5 | Martellus Bennett | 8.2 |
| 12 | John Phillips | 3.8 |
The tight end is the catalyst for most off-tackle and outside runs. On these runs the tight end will often be at the exact point where the ball is being run and his block will determine the success or failure of the play. Why is that good? Coach Wade Phillips knows why:
It’s harder (for the defense) to match up when it’s two good tight ends, and that’s what we have. We have one certainly outstanding one in Witten. Maybe the top one in the league in Witten, and Martellus shows up every day. Every day, you see him make a play.
So how do the Cowboys RBs compare with the rest of the league? There were 52 running backs in the league last year with at least 30 or more runs out of the 2 TE set. Tashard Choice and Felix Jones rank number one and two in terms of YPA among these running backs, Marion Barber ranks 24th. Here are the top 10:
| Runs out of the 2 TE set | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Name | Team | ATT | Yards | YPA |
| 1 | Tashard Choice | Cowboys | 32 | 248 | 7.8 |
| 2 | Felix Jones |
Cowboys | 44 | 288 | 6.5 |
| 3 | Ahmad Bradshaw |
Giants | 50 | 305 | 6.1 |
| 4 | Pierre Thomas |
Saints | 60 | 364 | 6.1 |
| 5 | Jonathan Stewart |
Panthers | 91 | 518 | 5.7 |
| 6 | Frank Gore |
49ers | 95 | 539 | 5.7 |
| 7 | Jerome Harrison |
Browns | 77 | 432 | 5.6 |
| 8 | Thomas Jones |
Jets | 120 | 661 | 5.5 |
| 9 | Tim Hightower |
Cardinals | 51 | 268 | 5.3 |
| 10 | Correll Buckhalter |
Broncos | 56 | 294 | 5.3 |
Ok, so Dallas has some of the best blocking TEs in the league, as well as two of the best RBs to run the 2 TE set. It shouldn't come as a big surprise then to see that the Cowboys had the best YPA out of the 2 TE set in the league last year. Below is a look at all 32 teams, and the success of their running games out of the 2 TE set (click column header to sort)
| Team | Total ATT | Total Yards | Total YPA | 2 TE ATT | 2 TE Yards | 2 TE YPA | 2TE ATT in % Total ATT | 2TE Yards in % Totals Yards |
| DAL | 436 | 2103 | 4.8 | 163 | 900 | 5.5 | 37% | 43% |
| NYJ | 607 | 2756 | 4.5 | 192 | 986 | 5.1 | 31% | 36% |
| BUF | 424 | 1867 | 4.4 | 186 | 927 | 5.0 | 44% | 50% |
| GB | 438 | 1885 | 4.3 | 119 | 582 | 4.9 | 27% | 31% |
| CLE | 498 | 2087 | 4.2 | 169 | 813 | 4.8 | 34% | 39% |
| MIA | 509 | 2231 | 4.4 | 197 | 930 | 4.7 | 39% | 42% |
| CAR | 525 | 2498 | 4.8 | 201 | 948 | 4.7 | 38% | 38% |
| DEN | 440 | 1836 | 4.2 | 187 | 872 | 4.7 | 42% | 48% |
| SF | 371 | 1600 | 4.3 | 156 | 721 | 4.6 | 42% | 45% |
| JAC | 447 | 2029 | 4.5 | 147 | 677 | 4.6 | 33% | 33% |
| STL | 411 | 1784 | 4.3 | 118 | 538 | 4.6 | 29% | 30% |
| NYG | 443 | 1837 | 4.1 | 147 | 649 | 4.4 | 22% | 35% |
| TEN | 499 | 2592 | 5.2 | 146 | 644 | 4.4 | 30% | 25% |
| CIN | 505 | 2056 | 4.1 | 187 | 819 | 4.4 | 37% | 40% |
| ARI | 365 | 1494 | 4.1 | 132 | 566 | 4.3 | 36% | 38% |
| MIN | 467 | 1918 | 4.1 | 166 | 710 | 4.3 | 35% | 37% |
| NE | 466 | 1921 | 4.1 | 194 | 828 | 4.3 | 42% | 43% |
| NO | 468 | 2106 | 4.5 | 188 | 800 | 4.3 | 40% | 38% |
| PHI | 384 | 1637 | 4.3 | 100 | 420 | 4.2 | 26% | 26% |
| BAL | 468 | 2200 | 4.7 | 132 | 541 | 4.1 | 28% | 25% |
| OAK | 410 | 1701 | 4.1 | 158 | 637 | 4.0 | 38% | 37% |
| WAS | 391 | 1508 | 3.9 | 134 | 533 | 4.0 | 34% | 35% |
| KC | 438 | 1929 | 4.4 | 82 | 311 | 3.8 | 19% | 16% |
| TB | 403 | 1625 | 4.0 | 168 | 631 | 3.8 | 42% | 39% |
| PIT | 428 | 1793 | 4.2 | 144 | 521 | 3.6 | 34% | 30% |
| IND | 366 | 1294 | 3.5 | 91 | 319 | 3.5 | 25% | 25% |
| HOU | 425 | 1475 | 3.5 | 139 | 487 | 3.5 | 33% | 33% |
| ATL | 451 | 1876 | 4.2 | 167 | 573 | 3.4 | 37% | 31% |
| DET | 409 | 1616 | 3.9 | 108 | 370 | 3.4 | 26% | 23% |
| SEA | 395 | 1566 | 4.0 | 64 | 216 | 3.4 | 16% | 14% |
| SD | 427 | 1423 | 3.3 | 158 | 531 | 3.4 | 37% | 38% |
| CHI | 373 | 1492 | 4.0 | 129 | 423 | 3.3 | 35% | 28% |
The numbers above make it clear that the 2 TE set is far from a secret in the NFL. A third of the runs in the league last year were run of of the 2 TE set. Yet some teams did very well out of this formation and others didn't.
Watch for the Cowboys to maintain a fairly high YPA out of the running game next season, thanks in part to a continued use of the 2 TE set. Also, don't be too surprised if the Cowboys end up with four TEs on their roster next season.
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First
It would be nice if the mods would delete the posts of the first! jack@$$es
How 'Bout Them Cowboys!!!!
by emmitt22 on May 13, 2010 5:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It's just stupid humor ... no harm, no foul ...
Think of it as a little reminder that we’re talking sports, not nuclear weapons :)
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
First
It would be nice if the mods would delete the posts of the first! jack@$$es
How 'Bout Them Cowboys!!!!
by emmitt22 on May 13, 2010 5:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
and delete the jack@$$ double posts as well
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
Heh
but I agree. Anyone that says first should be banned.
"Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."-Capote
first
first …. first …. first …. first .. just had to do it
by spadesking131313 on May 13, 2010 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
gentlemen, relax
if we were debating nuclear weapons in Pakistan, maybe you can pretend to be so serious …
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
People who attack someone for saying first are lame.
Notice these guys had no comment in the story itself. They just stopped by to criticize a poster.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
What would really be nice is....
if the moderators would delete those who comment on other posters instead of the stories.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
I love it
that a simple thing like posting first still can get some people so fired up and angry – god bless you, angry people
Nice analysis, OCC
During the season, I like to read Bob Sturm’s blog. He goes into significant detail about formations, playcount and success from them, and tallies for the year. This package was our best over the course of the year.
I’ve heard people say that we’ll spend more time in 3WR sets with addition of Dez. But I can’t understand why when you look at just how darn effective we were in 2TE.
Just imagine how effective this set will be for us if/when Marty B really starts playing up to his talent level. Sure would not want to be a d-coordinator trying to stop this set.
At least you did not 1st your own post again :)
I like the blocking TE concept.
Especially since ours can catch and run a bit as well, keeps our perceived? OL weakness from becoming a bigger problem.
true that 2 TE is not a league secret
the secret is the talent Dallas has acquired at TE, setting it head and shoulders above the rest of the NFL
Great post - the 2TE set is the core of our offensive identity
keyed by the all-around excellence of Witten (and assisted nicely by Bennett’s prowess as an in-line blocker). Even with Bennett’s lagging development as a pass receiver it’s a tremendous dual-threat set that you have to play honestly as a DC. As Bennett (hopefully) develops further, Felix makes more strides as a pass receiver and Dez starts to blossom as a dynamic outside threat to complement Austin, this set can offer even even greater versatility, allowing you to walk out of the huddle and line up in anything from traditional I-formation (due to Witten’s capability as a lead or wham blocker from the backfield) to a five-wides look with five credible downfield threats. Add in a decent-size hurry-up package, and we can catch an opposing defense in their least-advantageous personnel grouping and punish it all the way down the field.
We all know statistics can lie, but...
I do appreciate you ceveat about Barber getting the lion’s share of the short yardage runs. That little nugget brings the average into perspective and where lots of outside people would stop in order to make a point for a story or agenda. Just one more reason we have the best one out there.
2TE > 3 WRs
The national media believes the Cowboys are a passing offensive, this isn’t true. We’re better when we have the threat of the run. We were more effective with 2 WRs and 2 TEs on the field than we were with 3 WRs and 1 TE.
In the “12” formation (1 running back, 2 TEs, 2 WRs) which is typically a “running” formation the team averaged 9.28 yards per pass attempt! In the “21” formation (2 running backs, 1 TE, 2 WRs) which is a “strong running” formation the Cowboys averaged 9.76 yards per passing attempt!
Compare this to the “S11” formation (Romo in shotgun, 1 running back, 1 TE, 3 WRs) which is a “passing” formation the team only averaged 7 yards per attempt.
This team was WAY BETTER when Romo was under center and the team has the threat of the run.
by Blue Eyed Devil on May 13, 2010 5:12 PM CDT reply actions
Balance Baby!
The Cowpokes are a balanced offense … and I love it!
How can the Boys get better? Well, I think some of the keys to improving from last year’s offensive totals are already in place:
1.) Miles Austin will be starting from day 1
2.) John Phillips will be getting more reps early in the year too
3.) Felix is now the feature guy (he obviously has game changing speed)
To me the biggest question surrounding the offense getting better isn’t the offensive line either. Everyone is scared of change and what they don’t know, but I believe Garrett knows better than any of us what he has along the O-line.
My concern, however, is can the Cowboys find or develop receivers to beat CBs off the line? While Miles was great, I thought he was more of a deep route runner. Roy disappointed because I think he is suppose to be the guy that gave Romo an early target on most plays. He is big and should have been able to use his body to give Tony a target. When he didn’t, it took away the short routes and Romo had to allow the play to develop down field. I thought Tony was MVP caliber last year. He made good decisions, and I thought Dallas was on their way to going to the Super Bowl, but was stifled by defenses that took away the short passes.
Dallas is always going to be balanced under Garrett. The question is: Can Bryant or possibly another receiver beat top level corners off the line of scrimmage? When they had two good receivers, one that could get open quickly (T.O.) and one who worked the deep stuff (Glenn), they were extremely good. This version is younger .. has a more polished and suave Romo … and a home run threat in Jones.
by spadesking131313 on May 13, 2010 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Short passing and secondary routes seem like a real opportunity for improvement
- Developing the #2 TE into more of a passing threat.
- Repurposing a TE into the F-Back role to allow for more delayed/safety valve passes.
- Having our #2-3 WR’s do a better job at breaking off routes during blitz’s, and using their size to make short yardage slants more of a gimme route.
Along with better pass protection and fewer penalties, I think this is what keeps our offense from being more consistently dominating.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 13, 2010 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
We also need better short yardage run-blocking.
But better blocking in general can make this offense legendary. Adding Dez Bryant will prove to be instrumental. This guy is a once-in-a-decade type of talent. Just about the time defenses start figuring out Austin, Dez is going to make them pay.
When I die I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my Grandfather -- not screaming like the passengers in his car.
Yea, that would sure be nice
Still painful to remember how many times we needed 1-2 yds on the ground and couldn’t get them. I guess my money’s on our power running getting a little worse – since Flo’s gone and Barber + the remaining OL are all a yr. older.
I’m hoping we can compensate with flexibility and misdirection. If we can choose from run, draw, or passes to 6 different receivers/directions, I trust Romo/Garrett to get the defense out of position and find the hole.
by Left Coast Cowboy on May 14, 2010 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Barber is not bad for a 3rd stringer!
He’s going to be a valuable, although expensive, insurance policy for GM Jerry!
After Barber and RW, I bet Jerry Jones gets smarter about throwing his $$ around-at least for a few years.
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
Barber is #2
In Jerry’s eyes maybe even a #1B. Garrett and Jerry know that starting isn’t Barber’s strong point anymore.. but pushing him to 3rd string is retarded. The kid has talent, and plenty of it, he was just used wrong. Not starting and having to wear down defenses will go a long way in keeping the Barbarian healthy and productive.
good luck with that perspective
Let’s check back in October. If he’s not on the Disabled List, that is.
He’s the 3rd most talented RB on the team, winning is what counts, and the best players need to play. Both tashard and felix are just plain better. He’s not bad, he is just unlucky enough to be on a squad w/real depth at his position.
It’s a luxury for the Cowboys, though-if someone gets hurt, he’s nice to have around, no doubt. I’m not putting him down (although I think he’s declining) as much as I am just really impressed w/both Jones and Choice.
But if everyone’s healthy his carries will decrease dramatically as the year goes on. It already started last year.
What do you mean by “used wrong”, though?
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on May 14, 2010 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
We actually ran really well out of the shotgun last year.
Maybe O.C.C will do a post on this in the future, but my impression was that some of our most consistently productive running plays came out of the shotgun. I know this seems counter-intuitive because most teams predominantly pass out of the shotgun. The Cowboys were really good at draw plays and many of these were run out of the shotgun formation, probably to lull the defense into thinking it would be a pass. Of course the 2TE set and the shotgun formation are not mutually exclusive- it would be interesting to see how often the Cowboys used that particular combination compared to other teams.
S12 Shotgun-2TE
was used 118 times for 931 yards.
Run: 9 car 34 yards 3.78 avg
Pass: 109 att 897 yards 8.23 avg
Click on the link at Bob’s Blog to see all the formations and yardage
http://sturminator.blogspot.com/2010/01/football-301-decoding-garrett-week-17.html
One thing I noticed in all of these statistics is the distinct lack of cheerleaders
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
Interesting Stuff OCC
Funniest thing was the caption of the Sicko photo. Did you make that up or someone else on the site?
Because if you did, dude, you have one great grasp on American culture. Alluding to a Nancy Sinatra song from the 60s.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
This time, I’ll take the credit for the caption, but I’ll also say that American music is not a totally foreign concept overseas :-)
by One.Cool.Customer on May 13, 2010 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Kickoff Specialist vs. 4th TE?
Could the experiment to make Buehler a field goal kicker an attempt to keep a 4th TE
Makes ya think.
what about a 4 TE set?
Sicko as the H back, Phillips as the FB, Witten and Bennett as the TEs.
maybe then we could convert on 3rd or 4th and short…
Ich bin ein Berliner--JFK
Okay, but one thing is missing here
what plays did they run from the two TE sets?
I’d like to see where the TEs were at the snap. Was on flexed into the backfield? Where they both on the LOS? Were they together on one side to form an overload? Were both in the backfield in the Packers’ formation? Etc., etc.
Dallas has a stock set of plays. The lead draw. Power left and right where the weakside OG pulls, counter plays weak and strong. Straight up iso. This gets back to the question being debated a week or two ago — how effective is each TE as a lead blocker?
Good points
but I’m afraid the stats can’t answer that. I guess we’ll be all over it once KC Joyner publishes – barring that, it’s off to the film room, only I don’t have the keys :-)
by One.Cool.Customer on May 13, 2010 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Um, all you have to do is watch every play of every game and write it down!
What, are you busy or something?
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on May 13, 2010 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually it's even more complicated than that
Only the OC knows what play is called. For example, a running back bouncing outside doesn’t mean it’s an outside play, it could have been a between the tackles run call, but the hole that should have opened wasn’t there.
The best we can realistically do is by personel group, which evaluates a series of related plays.
by Blue Eyed Devil on May 14, 2010 1:39 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
it was sarcasm!
I mean, really……
Pessimists say the cup is half-empty, while optimists say it's half-full. Well, isn't it both? Realist Larry, 2009
by Realist Larry on May 14, 2010 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Dear Raf:
Are you asking indepth analysis from the stats geek? That’s like waiting for apples from a peach tree…
And I love apples and peaches, thanks Raf, thanks OCC!
Arnold, almost 5 years of good memories, you'll be missed.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
They run their stock run plays from different formations.
We have excellent lead blockers from the TE position, Witten and Phillips being the top two. And defenses will defend them differently just because they are on the field.
They both have lead blocked on these “stock” plays.
this pretty much sums it up.
Any time you can get two tight ends in the game, it’s very difficult on a defensive coordinator, personnel-wise, to decide what he’s going to play. A lot of the time when you have three receivers and a tight end, it’s more of a pass-type formation. But with two tight ends, you can run the ball every bit as well as you can with a fullback in the game sometimes, because they have to be conscious of their play-calling defensively. Offensively, you can do a lot of stuff out of it.
We are running more out of the single back set than we have ever done in the past. Most of Felix’s highlight reel is from the single back set. We even go shotgun inside the 20.
There is no debate.
Great analysis
. . . now if we could teach Tellus how to run a route and catch the football
MB's blocking kept in the front line of the 2 TE set
He needs to step it up this year b/c Phillips proved to be a pretty far blocker and pass catcher in his own rite; he didn’t have near the snaps, but seems like I remember him blocking out of the back field quite a bit and doing a good job. Now he may not be as fast or even as strong as MB, but man, if he catches what thrown his way then Ole High and Tight may end up down and out.
I gotta admit, I expected a lot more from Bennett last year. I thought Bennett and
Witten would drive everyone nuts getting deep. We did see some good work from Philips at the end of the season. Is Bennett trade bait, or does Jason intend to use him more in the passing game this year.
Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!
I gotta admit, I expected a lot more from Bennett last year. I thought Bennett and
Witten would drive everyone nuts getting deep. We did see some good work from Philips at the end of the season. Is Bennett trade bait, or does Jason intend to use him more in the passing game this year.
Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!
maybe bennett just had a sophomore slump
wouldnt shock me to see him pick it up this year.
he’d better anyway.
Disagree on one thing...
Great post! I agree with everything except the premise that 2 TEs don’t help on interior runs. This formation stretches defenses. There are no uncovered defenders. A 4-3 weak olb must no run through a block. Both olbs in a 3-4 now must play on the line and go through a TE. Joe Gibbs used 2 TEs in Washington to help controll L.Taylor. Plus modern defenses are based on the opposing offense having a TE side and an open side. This why we year of 3 techniques and weakside LBs. A 2 TE formation opens up the defense and places defenders in unfamiliar situations. This leads to better runs, inside and out.
by Lumberjack90 on May 13, 2010 9:34 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I honestly wonder
about Marty Bs’ immediate future in Dallas. Particularly with Phillips’ ramp up toward the seasons’ end. To me, Phillips seems quicker with a lot less of a lumbering look. I’m sure part of that is an illusion because of Martys’ size, but Phillips definitely has more “scurry”. Due to these things, I think Phillips is gonna be looked at a lot more from a passing standpoint, though it’s not like his blocking sucks. Also, you factor in Sicko and the various scenarios to consider there……Marty may be in a little turbulence.
Marty B's the key
He’s the perfect dual threat: superior blocking skills and tough match-up in routes. If he can get his head on straight, the Cowboys 2 TE sets will see even greater success. Phillips is solid, but a productive Bennett will give DC’s fits.
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
until Marty gets his head out of his twitter
he is going to be nothing more then what we saw last year.
Light at the end of the tunnel?
According to David Moore at DMN:
…. Jerry Jones volunteers that Bennett has excelled in the club’s program these last few months. Strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek gives Bennett top reviews for intensity and progress. Bennett has increased his strength to the stage where he’s the only tight end lifting weights with the offensive linemen.
“He’s always been a hard worker,” coach Wade Phillips said. “But I think his focus is where it ought to be, and he’s had a real good off-season so far.”
by One.Cool.Customer on May 14, 2010 7:01 AM CDT up reply actions
This is very good to hear!
Bennett is not just bigger and stronger but much more athletic than our other tight ends (including Witten). If he can just be in the right place at the right time in the passing game and hold on to the ball then he is a far superior option to Phillips and the UDFA Sicko. I think if Sicko makes the team it will be at the expense of Deon Anderson.
by Yoko Romo on May 14, 2010 10:42 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It almost sounds...
like he’s working his way towards being one of those “Blocking TE’s” like Alge Crumpler…except with more agility and speed.
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on May 14, 2010 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
As much as I like Marty B
I think he will be traded this off season. With the development of Phillips and with the signing of Sicko, I think Bennett will be expendable. His trade value will be high and the praises coming out of Valley Ranch may just be advertisements for him.
But then again, I could be completely wrong……..
I hope you're wrong
I think the coaches would still love to realize the promise of last year’s training camp – that Marty B on the field at the same time as Witten creates GREAT mis-matches for the boys. O.Cool outlined the value of the two TE set in his recent post. But if Martellus starts catching balls on a regular basis, he could be one of the great stories of this year’s team :)
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
by DalaiLuke on May 14, 2010 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
rec'd for optimism
I totally agree that Bennett will not disappoint this year.
Ich bin ein Berliner--JFK
Tight end totals under Garrett
2007: 113-1306-11
2008: 109-1267-8
2009: 116-1251-2
These are pretty solid reception and yardage totals for the team tight end position the last three seasons. They obliterate previous Dallas tight end squads from earlier years (I know – it’s a different game, but still). Of course, of those 338 TE catches, 279 belong to Jason Witten. But that still leaves a total of about 20 extra receptions and 240 extra yards picked up by TE2’s (Fasano and Bennett) and TE3’s (Curtis and Phillips) each season, which is definitely respectable.
2009 saw a dramatic decrease in tight end touchdowns. Not quite sure what that’s attributable to. I’d like to see that number improve dramatically in 2010.
And it’s not like Cowboy WRs have suffered with this emphasis on tight ends, with the likes of Terrell Owens and Miles Austin enjoying superstar calibre seasons and other wideouts like Patrick Crayton and Roy Williams having statistically-solid years as well under this regime.
The question to me is, where will Sicko fit in? His numbers and tangibles seem excellent. I could almost see him replacing Phillips, crazily enough. They won’t be getting rid of Martellus anytime soon, nor should they.
Lower TE Touchdowns
“2009 saw a dramatic decrease in tight end touchdowns. Not quite sure what that’s attributable to. I’d like to see that number improve dramatically in 2010.”
I saw Witten staying in to block A LOT on goal-to-go situations. I still find that extremely strange. I understand Garrett probobly wanted to give Romo more pass protection with our aging O-line not able to keep the heat off him as well as other o-lines.
But if that’s the case, why not put Marty-B in to pass protect and send Witten out in patern? The player tradeoff is you take Crayton off when you put Marty-B in. So either Witten stays in to block and Crayton goes out or Marty B stays in the block and Witten goes out. I love Crayton, but if I have to choose I’m giving Jason Witten the chance to get open in the end zone every time. He’s the best playmaker on this team.
by Blue Eyed Devil on May 14, 2010 3:36 PM CDT reply actions
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