Three- and four-tight end sets in passing game?

[Tunescribe]

I'm wondering if anyone has seen any passing formations so far in training camp using three or four tight ends. Imagine a version of the spread with Graham, Thomas, Mills and Watson on the field. Why not? With four highly capable receivers at this position, what exotic combinations might BB have in mind? Also, is Mills lining up at tight end most of the time or is he in the backfield as well? It's because of this bunch that I'm not as worried about wide receiver depth.

 

[BelichickFan]

My "why not" is that it would keep the most athletic receivers we have (Branch, Caldwell, Jackson) standing on the sidelines.

 

[Tunescribe]

My "why not" is that it would keep the most athletic receivers we have (Branch, Caldwell, Jackson) standing on the sidelines.

It would mess with the minds of opposing defenders. And also might be the ticket for certain down-and-distance scenarios (red zone?). All our tight ends are pretty athletic for that matter; Graham and Watson not only are big and strong, they can get downfield in a hurry.

 

[spacecrime]

I'm wondering if anyone has seen any passing formations so far in training camp using three or four tight ends. Imagine a version of the spread with Graham, Thomas, Mills and Watson on the field. Why not? With four highly capable receivers at this position, what exotic combinations might BB have in mind? Also, is Mills lining up at tight end most of the time or is he in the backfield as well? It's because of this bunch that I'm not as worried about wide receiver depth.

Goal line offense:

Graham on the left
Vrabel on the right
Watson split wide
Thomas in motion
Mills in the backfield

whoo hoo

 

[Tunescribe]

Goal line offense:

Graham on the left
Vrabel on the right
Watson split wide
Thomas in motion
Mills in the backfield

whoo hoo

Yeah, and the defense is so freaked, Brady walks in on a quarterback draw. :rocker:

 

[BelichickFan]

It would mess with the minds of opposing defenders. And also might be the ticket for certain down-and-distance scenarios. All our tight ends are pretty athletic for that matter; Graham and Watson not only are big and strong, they can get downfield in a hurry.

I would have no problem with it on occasion and in certain situations but I wouldn't want to see it in many situations, especially 3rd and long which is when we usually have 3 and 4 receivers.

 

[jczxohn1]

I'm wondering if anyone has seen any passing formations so far in training camp using three or four tight ends. Imagine a version of the spread with Graham, Thomas, Mills and Watson on the field. Why not? With four highly capable receivers at this position, what exotic combinations might BB have in mind? Also, is Mills lining up at tight end most of the time or is he in the backfield as well? It's because of this bunch that I'm not as worried about wide receiver depth.

No, Graham and Mills are PUP.

I did see Maroney in the backfield and Corey split out way wide on 2 occassions.If I were a DC that would give me a migraine.

 

[Tunescribe]

No, Graham and Mills are PUP.

I did see Maroney in the backfield and Corey split out way wide on 2 occassions.If I were a DC that would give me a migraine.

That's right, Graham and Mills are out for the time being. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[pats1]

Goal line offense:

Graham on the left
Vrabel on the right
Watson split wide
Thomas in motion
Mills in the backfield

whoo hoo

Since the goalline is most likely going to be a running play, I'd much rather have a Pass, or !gasp! Seymour or !gasp!!gasp! Klecko back there for lead blocking.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Goal line offense:

Graham on the left
Vrabel on the right
Watson split wide
Thomas in motion
Mills in the backfield

whoo hoo

I agree with Tunescribe that a QB sneak would be a likely conclusion for such a lineup. . . . either that or a pass to Vrabel. [How do you think the JEST LBs feel about letting him get open twice last year?]

BTW--don't you mean this? :woohoo:

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Goal line offense:

Graham on the left
Vrabel on the right
Watson split wide
Thomas in motion
Mills in the backfield

whoo hoo

Perhaps in a "they know your going to pass and so do you" situation, but I'd be partial to having Dillon in there ready to block or power drill his way in the end zone. I like Mills more for the middle of the field where there is more manuever room.

 

[Tunescribe]

Perhaps in a "they know your going to pass and so do you" situation, but I'd be partial to having Dillon in there ready to block or power drill his way in the end zone. I like Mills more for the middle of the field where there is more manuever room.

The intriguing question remains how they plan to use these four tight ends -- interchangeably, in combinations, etc. All four have excellent receiving skills. Graham is a superior blocker, Watson is getting there. The blocking capabilities of Mills and Thomas are yet to be realized, but the early word was that Mills is projected as more "H-back" than true tight end. I can't wait to see how this all plays out, especially considering how tight end is the league's new so-called "in vogue" position. I hope BB has some innovative schemes planned for these guys.

 

[PYPER]

The 3 & 4 TE sets have me excited.

You could start out lined up in a tight set and then go to spread formations. Can you imagine a defense with all those LB's on the field trying to defend against the spread offense.

I'm also curious about the WR screen play we like so much. Instead of Branch or Brown trying to juke the CB, our TE's could just OBLITERATE them.

There are a lot of interesting possibilities.