Two Tight End Sets - By the Numbers

[Jeremy Igo]

Here is the breakdown of the two tight end sets against Pittsburgh on Sunday night.

 

Number of total offensive plays: 62

 

Greg Olsen snaps: 62

Ed Dickson snaps: 23

 

(Richie Brockel had 6 snaps but he is more of an H-Back, filling in at fullback from time to time on running downs.)

 

Obviously Greg played every down. So the snaps Ed Dickson played were two tight end sets. Looking at these numbers we can see the Panthers ran a two tight end set 37% of the time.

 

So lets break down that 37% into running and passing.

 

Total running plays with two tight ends: 7

Total passing plays with two tight ends: 16

Total passing plays with at least one tight end pass blocking: 6

Total passing plays with two tight ends running routes: 10

 

So passing plays featuring two capable tight ends in Greg Olsen and Ed Dickson both running routes happened in 16% of the total offensive snaps.

 

Questions:

 

Should Shula be calling more plays with the tight ends down field? Against a 3-4 defense, these tight ends are matched up against larger, slower backers frequently.

 

Is the Panthers offensive line capable of adequate protection without help from at least one tight end?

[PantherAttack]

I think they are capable of holding for a limited amount of plays against a good defensive front. My thought is we should move from a run first team and start using the shorter pass like a long hand off to get the ball to our backs in space and also use the two tight ends for quick over the top plays for 5 yard chunks this way KB jco and avant can work up the field. this keeps defenses from stacking the box to have to double on one of our two tightends and opes passing and deangelo style of running.

[Paa Langfart]

 

 

Total passing plays with two tight ends running routes: 10

Is the Panthers offensive line capable of adequate protection without help from at least one tight end

 

 

I would like to know what the result of these plays were before I could comment on whether the o line needs help from the TE s.

 

On second thought I dont need to know.  They need all the help they can get.  WR, RB s and prayers.

[csx]

What is the fascination with two tight end sets?

[Jeremy Igo]

What is the fascination with two tight end sets?

Memories of Shockey and Olsen mainly.

[Ricky Spanish]

That depends, were they effective in hat 16%?

 

If yes, then run them more. If no, keep it around 16%

[Johnny Rockets]

What is the fascination with two tight end sets?

 

 

 Defensive personnel can't match up with two athletic TE's. If you put a DB on them, they will get physically beat and pushed around because of the size difference. Put a safety or a LB on them and they will get beat by the TE's speed in most cases. 

 

Hell, you can use multiple TE's and have one be a FB in the run game. Multiple TE sets spreads the defense and gives the offense multiple choices in both the run and passing game. It's probably one of the most versatile offensive formations in the league right now. 

 

Although Dickson and Olsen are not the athletic freaks that Gronk and Hernandez were, they certainly have the ability to stretch defenses and one of the biggest surprises to me this year is that Ed Dickson has been a non factor. 

[jayflip]

Gotta remember, Chud was a fantasy guru in the mold of Norv Turner.

Shula is a nobody guru in the mold of that guy who chooses "ask madden" when he plays.

[MCC]

Good numbers. Thanks.

I think the fascination with two tight end sets come from the matchup problems it often gives the defense if you have two capable TEs and use it to disguise the plays. It really allows a good scheme for both running between the tackles and throw downfield.

We had our best offensive numbers with Olsen and Shockey, but we've also seen other teams like the Patriots especially, and SD and Cincinnati use it well.

The desire to see Williams on the field is also fueled by his similarities to Julian Thomas and the huge numbers he has put up.

[jamos14]

Baltimore destroyed Pittsburgh in the red zone using 3TE sets.  Pitta took all the coverage, Owen Daniels wide open in endzone twice.  3rdTE left in for blocking.  

We could easily use same formula with Dickson, Olsen, and Swole.

 

 

[Johnny Rockets]

Baltimore destroyed Pittsburgh in the red zone using 3TE sets.  Pitta took all the coverage, Owen Daniels wide open in endzone twice.  3rdTE left in for blocking.  

We could easily use same formula with Dickson, Olsen, and Swole.

 

 

Very good example. It was embarrassing how open Daniels was both times. There was nothing they could do to defend it. 

[KendrickPanther]

One of the problems the Panthers had last week with their protection is the Steelers would rush three or four. The Panthers would keep in extra guys and the Steelers would cover the dump offs. At this point all you have is the deep routes and the pass rush was winning. If you send extra guys out in routes, Cam has to make the throw. He can't sit back there and survey the field. It's 3 steps and throw.

[MHS831]

Who is Ed Dickson?

 

Just kidding.  But he sure has been quiet.  While everyone is focused on Steve Smith, wouldn't it be nice for a Panther to break out vs. his former team?

[SouthernPanther]

I would like to know how much pressure they got on Cam during the 6 pass plays with one TE blocking. A two TE set should help with our O line while keeping the defense honest with another possible target if the second TE releases.