Big Blue Huddle

Since this seams to be the topic many want to talk about in other topics I thought I would make one.

I dare say in 2024 the fans of 28-30 teams are not happy with the play they are getting from their TEs. If you look at the numbers put up by the top six TEs each week you will see that no one has consistently put up good numbers. On a game-by-game basis, 21 different TEs have occupied the top 6 spots each week. Only Brock Bowers (11th overall pick), Dallas Geodert (both starting WRs hurt), and George Kittle (top 2-3 WRs hurt) have appeared in the top 6 more than once. No one has appeared in it 3 times.  Kittle is the only TE in the league with two TDs.

So why are teams using the TE less? I don't have the answer. I certainly think the middle of the field is underutilized by the Giants but the low usage of the TE seems to be league wide. Only 2 TEs are averaging more than 42 yards a game through 4 games, and those yards are heavily skewed by only one good game. It isn't like there are not good TEs out there but there are a half dozen backup backups like Eric All Jr. and Brenton Strange that are outperforming the likes of Mark Andrews and others making 10 times their salary.

"Our TEs stink and they are not throwing them the ball" could be said by 2/3rds of the fans in the league this year, not just the Giants.

Its a weird year for the Tight End position so far.

The TEs are keeping Daniel Jones off his butt and possible strips. To me, that's the most important aspect of their responsibilities right now. Giving DJ time to make his reads and not rush the pass. I do believe that Theo will emerge as a Receiver at some point but as a top TE? Not Likely...(pun)

Quote from: bamagiantfan on October 02, 2024, 07:34:50 AMSince this seams to be the topic many want to talk about in other topics I thought I would make one.

I dare say in 2024 the fans of 28-30 teams are not happy with the play they are getting from their TEs. If you look at the numbers put up by the top six TEs each week you will see that no one has consistently put up good numbers. On a game-by-game basis, 21 different TEs have occupied the top 6 spots each week. Only Brock Bowers (11th overall pick), Dallas Geodert (both starting WRs hurt), and George Kittle (top 2-3 WRs hurt) have appeared in the top 6 more than once. No one has appeared in it 3 times.  Kittle is the only TE in the league with two TDs.

So why are teams using the TE less? I don't have the answer. I certainly think the middle of the field is underutilized by the Giants but the low usage of the TE seems to be league wide. Only 2 TEs are averaging more than 42 yards a game through 4 games, and those yards are heavily skewed by only one good game. It isn't like there are not good TEs out there but there are a half dozen backup backups like Eric All Jr. and Brenton Strange that are outperforming the likes of Mark Andrews and others making 10 times their salary.

"Our TEs stink and they are not throwing them the ball" could be said by 2/3rds of the fans in the league this year, not just the Giants.

Its a weird year for the Tight End position so far.

offense in general appears to be slow this year, and the running game seems to be making a bit of a comeback. TE has been such a cheat code in the league for the last decade or so, at some point defensive schemes and the physical characteristics of defenders was going to evolve to shut it down. which also means Wr's should be winning over the top, which also does not appear to be happening. You'll probably see offenses having to get more creative again.

Quote from: Ed Vette on October 02, 2024, 09:45:09 AMThe TEs are keeping Daniel Jones off his butt and possible strips. To me, that's the most important aspect of their responsibilities right now. Giving DJ time to make his reads and not rush the pass. I do believe that Theo will emerge as a Receiver at some point but as a top TE? Not Likely...(pun)

Ed: Again, we seem to be watching the same game. We're in the minority. Bob

Tight End is one of the more difficult positions to transition from college to the NFL. So, while Theo Johnson has been disappointing to date, I don't believe he is incapable of turning things around.

Quote from: MightyGiants on October 02, 2024, 10:23:40 AMTight End is one of the more difficult positions to transition from college to the NFL. So, while Theo Johnson has been disappointing to date, I don't believe he is incapable of turning things around.

Rich: True, which is why we need to be patient with Theo. He's much better than he has shown thus far. Bob

Quote from: MightyGiants on October 02, 2024, 10:23:40 AMTight End is one of the more difficult positions to transition from college to the NFL. So, while Theo Johnson has been disappointing to date, I don't believe he is incapable of turning things around.

He has blocked well and has made a couple catches. To me he is doing just fine for a rookie. I'd like to see him utilized especially in goal line spots where his height is beneficial (but that would require the QB actually throw the ball into the end zone once or twice). He hasn't thrown a TD at Giants stadium for a couple years now

Quote from: Trench on October 02, 2024, 10:36:57 AMHe has blocked well and has made a couple catches. To me he is doing just fine for a rookie. I'd like to see him utilized especially in goal line spots where his height is beneficial (but that would require the QB actually throw the ball into the end zone once or twice). He hasn't thrown a TD at Giants stadium for a couple years now

Trench: Good post, but it will take a while to accomplish all of that.

He's no Malik Nabers in terms of skill, reputation & draft status so he's "just another rookie" today.

Those factors play a part in deciding around whom to build game plans and to whom "extra" responsibilities should be assigned. IMO there's a good chance we'll see him featured a bit this weekend for the reasons you highlighted AND because Seattle's defense is susceptible to TE damage AND because Seattle has had so little time to prepare (they played on Monday while we had three extra days to prepare).

Bob

How has Theo graded out at pass protection thus far?

Quote from: uconnjack8 on October 04, 2024, 04:35:51 PMHow has Theo graded out at pass protection thus far?

Not great, not horrible, but IMO they haven't asked him to do anything complicated or difficult (yet). Bob

I'm not asking Daboll to make the TE a big part of the game but at least target them 5-7 time a game. Just to keep the defense honest. If you do that it opens up the middle of the field and other facets of the game. It helps the receivers by pulling LBs in a certain direction to create gaps in the passing game.

Quote from: Giantleap56 on October 06, 2024, 11:19:44 AMI'm not asking Daboll to make the TE a big part of the game but at least target them 5-7 time a game. Just to keep the defense honest. If you do that it opens up the middle of the field and other facets of the game. It helps the receivers by pulling LBs in a certain direction to create gaps in the passing game.

100%!!!

If Daboll did this, Jones would be more effective running as would Nabers be open more

Someone finally told Jones the TE is an eligible receiver.

Quote from: Bob In PA on October 05, 2024, 09:10:25 AMNot great, not horrible, but IMO they haven't asked him to do anything complicated or difficult (yet). Bob

His grade this week should be significantly better than his average grade over the first four games. Bob