No we don't, we didn't have one back in 2003 or 2004. Ben Watson doesn't count because he was injured after week 1 in 2004. We have enough talent, brains and ability at WR and RB that all we need is for Jake Ballard to play like we know he can and like the Giants knew he can (that's why they were pissed when we signed him) and then the rest is history.
That is a very optimistic approach to it, and while I admire your optimism with every single issue regarding anything the team does, it may not be as realistic as we'd like it to be either.
Given that "in line" TE Gronk set the record for most receiving yards by a TE I think we can be all right without a "move" TE.
And having 2 guys on the field that are credible receiving threats as well as credible blockers could even be considered an upgrade.
I agree that I definitely think we can be alright. I'm sure they'll adapt and still be a good offense, but we're talking about the ability to take advantage of the mismatches that a guy like AH offered.
Having 2 bigger, talented, blocking TEs is certainly better than having zero talent at the position; but we're also making an assumption that Ballard is going to live up to the massive amount of hype created here, and I hope he does.
Many viewed AH as basically a receiver of sorts who was able to line up at the TE position and take advantage of mismatches--which was likely his biggest positive attribute. Having another player who isn't playing the more traditional style of in-line TE would certainly benefit us on many levels.
You don't have to have a good tightend and a move tightend to be successful these days offensively in the NFL. I don't know where that came from. Baltimore won the superbowl and they don't have that, neither did the Giants when they won the superbowl. That style of offense is a choice based off of personnel and strengths.
Your comparing apples to oranges. Of course we all know that other teams have won the SB without having a viable "move" TE, but I was under the impression that we were discussing our scheme and system here, and the benefits of having someone else step into that role.
The teams that you listed had very capable deeper threats at the WR position, something that we currently have not even come close to proving to have.
My comments do not mean that I think the offense will suddenly suck, because that's not even close to what I'm saying. I'm simply discussing the prospects of someone playing that type of TE role, and whether or not Belichick will look towards continuing that route, or if he'll adjust + on what level.
Sudfeld, however, might the only TE with a decent chance of making the 53 who resembles a Move TE.
Brandon Ford actually resembles Hernandez more than anybody else, but I would be shocked if he made
the 53, or even the PS.
I think you're right that Brandon Ford is a very good candidate for the job. Whether or not his attention/stock potentially shot up or not in Belichick's mind is anyone's guess, but I'd have to assume that the past week's developments probably didn't hurt his chances any. We'll have to wait and see what Belichick is thinking and how he deals with this potential (expected) change.
