Here's a thought worth thinking about.

[CPcavedweller]

We have not had a second tight end since Shockey left. Our offense has essentially the same guys but with almost a fraction of the results. 25 ppg 2011 and 5th ranked scoring offense to the mid teens last season to the 20's this season.

Did a second tight end that can catch and block really affect the ability to open up our receivers more often or is it more likely that Cam, Lafell, and Smith have really regressed each of the past two seasons?

Usually the simplest answer is the right answer so I will go ahead and say that we miss having a second tight end.

What say ye?

[toldozer]

Yes you are correct. Thank God we have Brandon Williams

[SmashNDash]

I said this in my post earlier today, thief!  But really, it was the missing piece this year, and probably last.  Being able to sit in 2 TE and 2 WR formations keeps the defense guessing whether you're throwing or running, two big receiving TE are mismatches usually, and due to the fact Cam throws high, gives him bigger targets.  Yes Tolbert pound for pound might be as much of a threat as Shockey, but he's a different player, with a different skill set.  We saw what worked, and went away from it, typical Rivera. We should have worked at drafting Colby Fleener or Zach Ertz.

[SmashNDash]

double post

[PhillyB]

most def. these last couple of games have really exposed some holes we never realized existed.

[Rubi]

I think there are more, bigger problems than the 2nd TE position...scheme...OLine...coaching

I don't know how successful this offense will be with Cam being a pure pocket passer. We need to let him run free...he needs to run. It's who he is...

[ZeroZeroSeven]

Hopefully B. Williams gets some snaps later in the season. Cam really lit it up in a 2 TE offense.

[philw5289]

yeah we need to start involving brandon williams big time.

[rayzor]

I think there are more, bigger problems than the 2nd TE position...scheme...OLine...coaching

I don't know how successful this offense will be with Cam being a pure pocket passer. We need to let him run free...he needs to run. It's who he is...

my fear is that they already got into his head.

[carolina-chuck]

My question is: Why the fu*k did we keep using Olsen to help block in the redzone when he's 6'5 and a endzone threat!!!!!!!!

[TheMaulClaw]

Absolutely.....zone killers.  Being able to run effective twin TE sets is what Brady made a career on.   You can force the middle of a defensive zone to commit to one side or the other.   Also you can balance the run game by being able to run weak or strong side without using suggestive formations.  I'd really like to go ahead and see them let Jennings loose.

[Growl]

I have absolutely no faith in Rivera to toss Williams out there to see what he can do. Rivera seems to equate "moderately raw" with " "hey coach look at me dribble down the field! like this coach? like this?"

[Tarheels23]

Yes you are correct. Thank God we have Brandon Williams

 

 

But wait, we can bring him along slowly because we're blessed to have Hartsock and Brockel ahead of him.

[AceBoogie]

Never understood why Shockey wasn't brought back