2010, in three sentences: Amazing. After an offseason where the Patriots performed an extreme makeover on the tight end spot, the rookies — and Crumpler, who was an invaluable mentor for both of them — became an important part of the New England passing game. The two youngsters had an occasional problem disappearing in big games, but after years of shuffling tight ends through Foxboro, the position appears to be set nicely for the next several seasons.
28.87: Patriots’ tight ends combined for 1,161 receiving yards in 2010, accounting for 28.87 percent of the team’s total receiving yards. Only two Pats’ teams since 1970 have had their tight ends contribute a higher percentage of their total reception yardage. (First on the list was the 33.08 percent turned in by the 1984 team, while the 2006 team was second with 28.89 percent).
303: Only twice since 1970 has a Pats’ tight end put up more yards after the catch than Hernandez’ 303 such yards this season. (The first two spots are held by Ben Coates, who had 501 YAC in 1994 and 362 in 1995.)
“He’s totally focused on winning, and he’s not about his personal achievements. It’s about whatever he can do and whatever we need to do as a team to win, he’s right at the front of the line on doing those things. I think his personal rewards come in the final score and the team record. He contributes in a lot of ways from Monday through Saturday and then on game day — whatever his role is, whether it’s blocking, pass protection, or have an opportunity to handle the ball … he just does a lot of things for us that are important for the team.” —Bill Belichick on Crumpler
The skinny: This was a distinct position of strength for the Patriots in 2010, and barring injury, there’s no reason to think things won’t be the same in 2011. Gronkowski developed into a consistent red-zone threat and dependable blocker throughout the year, while Hernandez present matchup problems for opposing pass defenses, as he was a tight end in name only. Meanwhile, in his first season in New England, Crumpler (who is signed through 2011) established a dependable veteran presence not only for the two young tight ends, but also for many of the young offensive skill position players. As previously stated, the two youngsters (particularly Hernandez) struggled in some big games, but that was the only problem with a position that certainly pulled its weight this year when it came to providing support for the offense.
