Home / NFL / New England Patriots / NFL / New England Patriots / 2011-12 NFL Playoffs – Why New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski and New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham Will Redefine The Tight End Position.
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I would have to disagree Gronkowski and Graham have yet to re-define the tight end position. Yes, their numbers were great this season with Graham finishing the season with 99 receptions and Gronkowski 90.
Of course the record for tight ends in touchdowns going to Gronkowski with 17. With that being said the two did it in offenses that were void of a running game.
Also, to re-define the two would have to consistently hit these marks over the next couple of seasons to be considered. Another issue is that haven’t heard much about their blocking either.
Actually I have heard several “experts” on TV claim Gronkowski is probably the best blocking TE in the NFL right now as well. Funny how Aaron Hernandez’s stats were not listed. He only had 79 catches for 910 yds. and 7 TDs. Not bad for a 2nd TE. I agree with you on one season does not redefine the position and some of the TEs that were listed as premiere I would argue were more like serviceable.
Steve: New Orleans’ running game is averaging 132.9 yards per game, good for 6th in the league. In their dismantling of the Atlanta Falcons, the Saints had 156 yards on the ground. The Falcons are the 6th ranked rush defense in the league, giving up less than 100 yards per game. The Saints have shown that they can run the ball all year long. The fact that Drew Brees is compiling such gaudy statistics this year is nothing short of amazing, but should also draw much attention to the O-line.
The Saints are a complete offense. Not just a passing offense.
I would have to disagree Gronkowski and Graham have yet to re-define the tight end position. Yes, their numbers were great this season with Graham finishing the season with 99 receptions and Gronkowski 90.
Of course the record for tight ends in touchdowns going to Gronkowski with 17. With that being said the two did it in offenses that were void of a running game.
Also, to re-define the two would have to consistently hit these marks over the next couple of seasons to be considered. Another issue is that haven’t heard much about their blocking either.
Actually I have heard several “experts” on TV claim Gronkowski is probably the best blocking TE in the NFL right now as well. Funny how Aaron Hernandez’s stats were not listed. He only had 79 catches for 910 yds. and 7 TDs. Not bad for a 2nd TE. I agree with you on one season does not redefine the position and some of the TEs that were listed as premiere I would argue were more like serviceable.
Steve: New Orleans’ running game is averaging 132.9 yards per game, good for 6th in the league. In their dismantling of the Atlanta Falcons, the Saints had 156 yards on the ground. The Falcons are the 6th ranked rush defense in the league, giving up less than 100 yards per game. The Saints have shown that they can run the ball all year long. The fact that Drew Brees is compiling such gaudy statistics this year is nothing short of amazing, but should also draw much attention to the O-line.
The Saints are a complete offense. Not just a passing offense.