TEs in the Playoffs

[Ernie]

As I stated previously in another thread, with the recent emergence of JuJu (and to a lesser extent M.Bryant)... I think teams are really going to hesitate to double team AB. If they do, it obviously creates some favorable matchups in the passing game.

Given the "Flashes" we have seen out of our TEs (especially McDonald) I can really see the TE group being a huge factor in our SB run. With all of our weapons, I know the TEs don't "Get much love" so to speak. Im really excited and hopeful that these guys get some targets in the coming weeks.

[pittpete]

We need McDonald to stay healthy..
James is slow as a slug.

[Ernie]

We need McDonald to stay healthy..
James is slow as a slug.

James is your old school possession type of TE. He's had some big games for us in the past. He's capable. McDonald is really the "Untapped potential" that I see having a breakout game or two for us in the playoffs. He looks to be a heck of an athlete!

[NorthCoast]

The TEs have made some big plays but it is frustrating they only seem to get token attention from Haley/Roethlisberger.

[Ernie]

The TEs have made some big plays but it is frustrating they only seem to get token attention from Haley/Roethlisberger.

Up to this point I agree. Hopefully they've got a plan to increase the attention in the coming weeks.

[SidSmythe]

McDonald's blocking is key. If he can add 3 or 4 balls a game that would be huge. Especially if he matches his regular season per catch average along with it.

[Ernie]

McDonald's blocking is key. If he can add 3 or 4 balls a game that would be huge. Especially if he matches his regular season per catch average along with it.

Agreed. He really came out on fire in the Houston game. Then it seemed they just shut it down after a few series.

[Shoe]

McDonald's blocking is key. If he can add 3 or 4 balls a game that would be huge. Especially if he matches his regular season per catch average along with it.

I agree about the blocking. These guys have the ability to really affect games, by blocking their @$ses off. Seal the edge, Bell goes for 20. Don't seal the edge, its just a 3 yard gain.

It is that type of thing that can really affect games. As receiving threats, none of these guys has shown they are trustworthy enough to be featured.

[WB Tarleton]

The TEs have made some big plays but it is frustrating they only seem to get token attention from Haley/Roethlisberger.

That's because one is not very good and the other is always injured. Vance staying healthy will be huge if it happens. He can do so much more than 6-10 yard shallow cross, pop, settle, and under stop routes.

[pittpete]

THat is true...We need him healthy for the Super Bowl run

[WB Tarleton]

I agree about the blocking. These guys have the ability to really affect games, by blocking their @$ses off. Seal the edge, Bell goes for 20. Don't seal the edge, its just a 3 yard gain.

It is that type of thing that can really affect games. As receiving threats, none of these guys has shown they are trustworthy enough to be featured.

Yeah, but they do not need to be featured. Few tight ends are (Gronk, Kelce, Olsen, etc.). Having a TE who can run a credible pole or seam route (Vance) pulls safeties away from the AB, MB, and JJSS.

[Ernie]

Yeah, but they do not need to be featured. Few tight ends are (Gronk, Kelce, Olsen, etc.). Having a TE who can run a credible pole or seam route (Vance) pulls safeties away from the AB, MB, and JJSS.

Yea... I don't expect James to have the game he had on the last drive (thinking it was against the Ravens) last year that helped win the game. Need him to be sure handed in the passing game...and a force in the run game. McDonald has the athletic ability to be a difference maker down the stretch.

[Slapstick]

Yeah, but they do not need to be featured. Few tight ends are (Gronk, Kelce, Olsen, etc.). Having a TE who can run a credible pole or seam route (Vance) pulls safeties away from the AB, MB, and JJSS.

Why would you feature a TE when you have Bell, Brown, and JuJu?

[Ernie]

Why would you feature a TE when you have Bell, Brown, and JuJu?

I don't think anyone's advocating that.

[Ernie]

Why would you feature a TE when you have Bell, Brown, and JuJu?

If our TE's are on par with Bryant's production the last 4 games (60-65 ypg) that may be a recipe for success.