A Bratkowski offense historically doesn't incorporate the Tight End in the passing game; should the Bengals draft a Tight End in the first round anyway?
by Josh Kirkendall on Mar 15, 2010 11:15 AM EDT
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PrintBengals offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski spent four seasons (1995-1998) with Seattle as the Seahawks' offensive coordinator. In three of those four seasons, Bratkowski's scoring offense ranked inside the top-ten -- including 1997 when Warren Moon led a passing offense that ranked first in the NFL.
As I was examining Bob Bratkowski's career as an offensive coordinator, I was interested in something: what tight end was the most productive? How productive have tight ends been in general? Three times in a Bob Bratkowski offense has a tight end recorded more than 30 receptions. Three times in a Bob Bratkowski offense has a tight end recorded more than 300 yards receiving. Seattle's Christian Fauria had the most productive season as a tight end in 1998, recording 37 receptions and 377 yards receiving. Reggie Kelly's 31 receptions in 2008 is the only time a Bengals tight end recorded 30 receptions or more in a season during Bratkowski's entire reign as the Bengals offensive coordinator. Of the four most productive tight ends in a Bob Bratkowski NFL offense, Matt Schobel's stint was the most productive, scoring nine times with a 22.5-reception-per-season average.
| tight ends | Seasons | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
| Matt Schobel | 4 | 22.5 | 234.5 | 9 |
| Carlestar Crumpler* | 4 | 21.5 | 231.25 | 3 |
| Christian Fauria* | 4 | 20.5 | 220.5 | 4 |
| Reggie Kelly | 6 | 19.2 | 154.7 | 3 |
| * Most productive tight ends with Bratkowski as the offensive coordinator in Seattle. | ||||
With Bratkowski's history of tight end usage in the past, does it make sense for the Bengals to address tight end with their first pick in the NFL Draft? Or even their first three picks? It goes without saying that the Bengals do need someone. Ideally, someone that can block and that's smart enough to break into a hot route, knowing where the first down marker is when quarterback Carson Palmer needs to get rid of the football on third down. It would also be nice if the Bengals used the tight end to open up lanes for guys like Andre Caldwell to thrive underneath. Yes, it would be nice if the Bengals used a tight end to run the seam and pick up over ten yards on a beautifully crafted over-the-shoulder reception. These things are glorious. These things are what the Bengals were used to doing back in the glory days with guys like Dan Ross, Bob Trumpy and Rodney Holman.
Historically speaking, that's not the reality in a Bob Bratkowski offense. Tight ends are blockers. Tight ends go into routes every once in a while, but rarely find themselves in a position to make a play. One could make the argument that Bratkowski just hasn't had a tight end talented enough to incorporate into the passing offense. And that could be true. But I also find it interesting that in the 13 seasons that Bratkowski has been an NFL offensive coordinator, neither the Seahawks or the Bengals made it a point to acquire someone better.
Taking into consideration that historical reality applies here more than the fantasy of acquiring a super-stud tight end being the team's third leading receiver, is it worth it for the Bengals to draft a tight end in the early rounds only not to use him as a receiving tight end in a Bob Bratkowski offense?
tight end production as the Seahawks offensive coordinator.
| Season | tight end | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
| 1995 | Carlester Crumpler | 23 | 254 | 1 |
| Christian Fauria | 17 | 181 | 1 | |
| 1996 | Carlester Crumpler | 26 | 258 | 0 |
| Christian Fauria | 18 | 214 | 1 | |
| Ronnie Williams | 5 | 25 | 1 | |
| 1997 | Carlester Crumpler | 31 | 361 | 1 |
| Christian Fauria | 10 | 110 | 0 | |
| Deems May | 2 | 21 | 0 | |
| 1998 | Christian Fauria | 37 | 377 | 2 |
| Carlester Crumpler | 6 | 52 | 1 | |
| Deems May | 3 | 7 | 1 |
tight end production as the Bengals offensive coordinator.
| Season | tight end | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
| 2001 | Tony McGee | 14 | 148 | 1 |
| Marco Battaglia | 13 | 118 | 0 | |
| Kirk McMullen | 2 | 15 | 0 | |
| 2002 | Matt Schobel | 27 | 212 | 2 |
| Tony Stewart | 1 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2003 | Matt Schobel | 24 | 332 | 2 |
| Tony Stewart | 21 | 212 | 0 | |
| Reggie Kelly | 13 | 81 | 1 | |
| 2004 | Matt Schobel | 21 | 201 | 4 |
| Reggie Kelly | 15 | 85 | 0 | |
| Tony Stewart | 10 | 48 | 1 | |
| 2005 | Matt Schobel | 18 | 193 | 1 |
| Reggie Kelly | 15 | 90 | 1 | |
| Tony Stewart | 4 | 26 | 0 | |
| 2006 | Reggie Kelly | 21 | 254 | 1 |
| Tony Stewart | 14 | 120 | 1 | |
| 2007 | Reggie Kelly | 20 | 211 | 0 |
| Daniel Coats | 12 | 122 | 0 | |
| 2008 | Reggie Kelly | 31 | 207 | 0 |
| Ben Utecht | 16 | 123 | 0 | |
| Daniel Coats | 2 | 19 | 0 | |
| Nate Lawrie | 2 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2009 | J.P. Foschi | 27 | 260 | 2 |
| Daniel Coats | 16 | 150 | 0 |
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Tight ends worst nightmare
Every Tight end must fear Brat. Do the right thing MB fire him . Its not too late!
by Seán "Irish Bengal" Ó Langtún on Mar 15, 2010 11:31 AM EDT reply actions
Not utilizing a TE as a pass catcher
would explain the Dan Coats re-signing . . .
On a more serious note, the last two offseasons the team has attempted to upgrade the TE spot by acquiring Ben Utecht from Indy in 08 and Coffman in 09. If memory serves me right, when Utecht was signed, the coaches were thrilled about having more of a receiver at TE.
While I doubt the Bengals will ever have a Dallas Clark type TE that is rarely used as an inline blocker, having the production from TE that Heath Miller has provided Pitt the last few years off play action and as a red-zone target would be a nice evolution to the current schemes.
by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Mar 15, 2010 11:38 AM EDT reply actions
+1
Not utilizing a TE as a pass catcher
would explain the Dan Coats re-signing . . .
by TheWalrus1971 on Mar 15, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Coats drops another TD pass wide open
I’m gonna smack somebody, even if it is myself! Smacking is coming
CB85......Collaros for Heisman
by TennBengalfan on Mar 15, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Rodney Holman? Blast from the past!
This was a TE that averaged 13.9 ypc! AVERAGED! The 3 x pro bowler dominated the TE position. Sure would be nice to find his 2010 replacement!
Never before
in Brat’s time here, has TE been our biggest need. This year I think that TE is our biggest need, however, I would prefer a second round TE who is a complete player, such as McCoy or Moeaki, that can block and catch and bring in Coffman in 2 TE sets to catch.
+1 on Moeaki
We can complain all we want but this team’s system uses TE’s primarly as blockers and as long as we have a top notch run game and a good receiving core, I don’t see anything wrong with that. I think Moeaki would be a great draft pick for us.
While Reggie or even Alge Crumpler would be great blockers they simply can’t cut it on sp. teams anymore and I just don’t see us picking up a primary blocking TE that can’t contribute on teams. As terrible as Coats is, they resigned him b/c he is a very good contributor on teams and they are going to try to furthur develop him as a blocker. Those were the coaches two complaints about Coffman. Sad to say but until they draft someone better in those two phases of the game (Moeaki?) Coats will probably be sticking around.
by smoormandiddy on Mar 15, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Can we trade Brat for a TE??
by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Mar 15, 2010 1:00 PM EDT reply actions
DING! DING! DING! DING!!!!
We have a winnahhhhh!!!!!
by TheWalrus1971 on Mar 15, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
89% would YOU give up a TE for Brat? I wouldn't trade a waterboy for Brat.
"Coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous"
DING! DING! DING! DING!!!!!!!
We have a somebody who finally topped 80% for once!!!!
It took a while… Sorry 80%, it was a good one. I’ll still wait for a good response though.
oh man, the pressure is on now!
As I sit here patiently waiting for James M. Cox to pilot my plane safely towards my vacation destination, I ponder whether to be angry you got my name wrong or encouraged by your generous portioning of an additional 9%.
Frankly I wouldn’t trade anyone or anything for Brat. I want him as far away from me as possible. Which brings to mind the only thing/person I WOULD trade for Brat.. My ex-girlfriend. I would gladly send her away to any place in return for Brat.
by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Mar 17, 2010 5:21 AM EDT up reply actions
We shouldn't reach for a TE
If Gersham is the BPA, draft him. Otherwise pick one up in the later rounds. We need to sign a TE that’s better than Coats/Foschi.
Kirk's right, though...
If Gresham is available, he might be the Second Coming of Rodney Holman (shoot, I’d settle for Jason Witten), but it doesn’t make a hill of beans’ worth o’ difference as long as the playbook has “Brat” stamped on it.
Brat is really the problem
I wrote about this earlier today, I agree with you guys, Brat will always be our biggest offensive problem as long as he is here
Indeed...
When are we going to go from “It’s not Brat’s fault, because….” to “[new OC] succeeded because…” ???
by TheWalrus1971 on Mar 15, 2010 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
CincyJungle likes to exhaust every possible angle on a story.
It’s far to easy to point to the obvious conclusion.
For other “What if’s?” Please try out:
“What if the earth really is flat?”
What if “Run up the middle, Shovel Pass, 7 yard dump off pass then punt” really does win football games?"
and
“What if Ben Rothlessburger really is a nice guy after all?”
ESPN AFC North blooger
Mark Olding from Battle Creek, Michigan, writes: With the injury concerns surrounding TE Jermaine Gresham from Oklahoma. Do you think the Bengals may test another year with Daniel Coats, J.P. Foschi, and last year’s hopeful Chase Coffman?
Walker: If they do, it could be a mistake. The Bengals are coming off an AFC North title. They’re in position to win now and should address the tight end position in some form. It’s not to say Coffman cannot eventually develop. But why not sure things up in the draft if it’s there for the taking?
CB85......Collaros for Heisman
Rookie TEs
tend to take a while to get the blocking and route-running down well… The best take a season to get their feet and the good can take two or three like WRs (though Coffman is a little behind not playing at all in his first year)… so taking another injured TE would be replacing one question mark (one which the coaches have spent all season with) with another question mark (one the coaches havent seen all year). So i don’t buy Walker’s logic… If he said “he’s got a high chance of being a dominant TE” then you can understand taking the risk just on those grounds but the issue of “winning now” shouldn’t force one to make knee-jerk moves in the draft (thats what FA is for…). Also as i noted, its not like Gresham is a lock to be fully fit in his first season nor able to handle the rigours of the AFC North.
Plus the issue with Jermaine Gresham is that he is a risk in the 1st. The guy has an injured knee (one of the hardest parts of the human body to repair) and he also blew out his knee in high school so its not like its a first time issue. Taking him or Gronko has less risk connected in the 2nd but with the 1st we could be missing out on some dominant D player
by Sheffieldbengal on Mar 15, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd rather us
go get Randy McMichael and another blocking TE and sitting pat with Coffman as the pass-catcher. Maybe drafting a late rounder to compete with Coats (who i think we should fatten up to play G as he can’t catch to save his life).
That said, if Gresham is really BPA, and we pick him… then Brat will alter the scheme to get him the ball (even if it is Brat’s fav play the TE-screen). Brat isn’t a genius but when he had Henry and other weapons we did have one of the best Redzone offences in the league.
by Sheffieldbengal on Mar 15, 2010 3:29 PM EDT reply actions
Palmer with Payton Freedoms
I would love to see the Bengals offense give Palmer Payton Manning type freedoms in play calling. The reason the 2 minute offense was successful was because Carson had more control in the hurry up to audible & make calls. I know i’ve said it before, bring back the Sugar Huddle & give Palmer the reighns. Next year we should be able to look forward to some 4 receiver sets, stretch the D & get good production from the slot again. There is not a TE in the draft that can make an immediate impact for an NFL team. Coffman will produce next year, I will bet my birthday on it!
by Vman in Germany on Mar 15, 2010 5:00 PM EDT reply actions
Even if Palmer was only half as good as Payton (which few of us would rank him anywhere near that low) doing this would still be about five times as good as letting Bratworst call the plays.
For those who can't remember the uncapped FA rules, this link's for you.
He used to
Palmer used to have free reign to change the plays at the line. The years that he was allowed to do this were his biggest statistical years—2005-2007. His freedom started to decrease towards the end of 2007. I say they should let him do it again. Run the “no-huddle” more.
by Anthony Cosenza on Mar 15, 2010 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
The no huddle is not indicative of Carson calling plays.
Frequently, the runs we see stuffed at the line are due to Carson’s audibles and inability to consistently identify blitzers. This is why we were so much better with Braham at center, who excelled at changing blocking assignments at the line. Look at the Jets regular season game – guys were coming free. That’s Carson and Cook’s fault, and it happened on running and passing plays alike.
There’s a big difference between what “no-huddle” means and what “audible” means.
As an audible-caller, Carson hasn’t done a very good job of late.
As a no-huddle-driver, Carson hasn’t had a CHANCE to do much of late. Whether he could still do as well as he did back in 2005-2007 or not, we don’t know, but I’m 100% willing to give him a chance.
For those who can't remember the uncapped FA rules, this link's for you.
This past season I think we didn’t see much “no huddle” due to our O-line’s inexperience. I hope that will change this year as it is very effective.
Carson had no chance with the audibles he was given. Brat assigns the audibles, of which there were two this past season. It was kind of like the ‘flip play’ button in Madden.
You could watch the defense adjust, correctly nonetheless, to the audible called and then would snuff the play. I cannot wait until Brat is gone..
by 80%OFTHETIMEIMRIGHTEVERYTIME on Mar 16, 2010 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Hell no
It’d be great if they got a Heath Miller-type player that could be that short-range checkdown to move the chains, but there’s two big problems with that: 1) Brat doesn’t use tight ends and 2) Carson doesn’t look past his 2nd target. If the OC would actually use him and if Carson could get back to form I’d be okay with it, but there’s way too much ‘if’ coming off of that plan.
Agree with the overall history but then again...
its all about what have you’ve done lately… and if Brat was soo Mike Martz like in this present time… no way do they take a guy with a bad foot and no expierence blocking in the third round… they did because they want to add another weapon for Carson.
Then trying to trade for Bennett, who is faaar from a horrible blocker, but its obvious people like Bennett for his hands, 6’7 frame and leaping ability more so than his blocking…
then no remote signing of reggie… yeah age and injury play into it… but no one doubts that reggie can’t be a ton better blocker than what we can get this year.
then the fact that Brat has said there are going to be big changes in the pass game… there’s no definitive fact or info that states it but alot more of the actions by the bengals say they want a TE that can be a weapon just as much as a blocker…
Rookie TE’s rarely make a big splash. If we want to spice up the offense with another playmaker, I like Dexter McCluster. A true threat to run or catch that defenses would have to account for. Add in what he could bring on special teams and you have a dynamic player especially in our offense. I think he should be there when we pick in round two. The 4th round TE’s aren’t much different from the 2nd rounders.
by BamaBengal on Mar 15, 2010 7:27 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Bama I have been touting McCluster for a month............
if not him Shipley. Couldn’t get ant support. They say he is too small. Either would great great angles for Carson who is a pocket passerm Shipley is another Welker in the making. McC,uster would also be a backup RB and both would be excellent additions to special teams.
"Coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous"
McCluster
This guy is lightning in a bottle. Yes he’s small and certianly not an every play back but, a true X-factor that would give defenses fits! Bring this guy into the line up on third down with Ocho, Bryant and Benson and what would you do with your defense? I’m telling you, he could easily be the offensive ROY in that situation.
I see McCluster as primarily a slot receiver and RB insurance id Scott gets injured.
He has great hands and is super quick, Guys like that do wonders for pocket passers by getting open quickly and getting YAC. Shipley is also very Welker like. I really like his grit and he reminds me of Leonard in that regard. WE got a WR who can help stretch the field not we need a short yardage passing threat to work in the cleared out area. I like McCluster for his back up RB, receiving and he wil contribute but if not him Shipley One of the two might even be available in the 3rd round but they wouldn’t be a bad choice in the 2nd depending on what we draft in the first.
"Coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous"
Draft Linemen!!
Football games are won in the trenches. Get as many good blockers and pass rushers as you can, and it doesn’t matter as much if you have a few holes in your skill positions.
I say:
Rd. 1 – Best OL/DL available
Rd. 2 through 7 – Other stuff
This is a good plan.
No amount of prosperity is sufficient to eliminate all misfortune, and sloth is impervious to opportunity.
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