The Dallas Cowboys face a formidable opponent his week in the New England Patriots, regardless of which aspect of the game is examined. However, there is a stat that jumps off the page in favor of both teams; three of the top four tight ends in the NFL will be on display in the same game when the Cowboys travel to New England on Sunday. That fact alone could make or break either team.
The Cowboys have given up an average of 84.75 receiving yards per game to opposing tight ends in 2011. Patriots tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski rank third- and fourth-best in the NFL in yards per game among tight ends this season. That bodes for another huge game for each of them on Sunday, something the Cowboys can only avoid by getting heavy pressure on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
So who is the tight end that ranks one spot higher than the Patriots’ duo? It happens to be Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. However, the Patriots have been tough on opposing tight ends this year, giving up only 47.25 yards per game to their opponents, fifth-best in the NFL. Witten acknowledged that on Thursday after Patriots head coach Bill Belichick called him an “all-time great.”
“It’s definitely flattering to hear,” Witten said. “But at the same time I think that he’s been able to shut down a lot tight ends with the way they play.”
The Patriots’ defense may be stingy with yards given up to opposing tight ends, but New England’s overall pass defense ranks dead last in the NFL, giving up nearly 400 yards per game. Unlike their flattering stats regarding opposing tight ends, the Patriots have given up more receptions and receiving yards to opposing wide receivers than any team in the NFL.
The Cowboys boast quite a pair of talented starting receivers in Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. Belichick will have no choice but to pay them some attention, especially considering his team’s recent play against opposing receivers.
In addition, Witten is one of those “matchup-proof players” as they’re called in Fantasy Football. Regardless of New England’s track record against opposing tight ends, Witten will catch 10-plus balls for nearly 100 yards or more like he does every week.
Still, the Patriots’ tight ends also figure to see plenty of receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. Gronkowski leads all NFL tight ends with five touchdown grabs while Hernandez has two in as many games played. It will be a barn-burning battle that is sure not to disappoint. Some may say one against two isn’t fair, but you can bet your season tickets Witten would argue the opposite.
Contact Jeric Griffin at or follow him on Twitter @Cowboys_Central
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