Tight End Usage - Running With Multiple Tight Ends

 Ever since the trade went through, I’ve been thinking about how the team will utilize Tony Gonzalez.  Originally, I was worried that Mularkey simply didn’t like to use the Tight End.  But Randy McMichael’s 62 catches for the 2006 Miami Dolphins debunked that myth – he’ll use the Tight End when he has a playmaker at the position.

Now with Dave’s profile up on Ben Hartsock, I think the time is right to investigate how Mularkey might utilize both of our very different Tight Ends at the same time.  Luckily, in 2006, Football Outsiders did an off-season Strategy Mini-camp specifically about multiple-TE sets.

Join me after the jump.

Ok, let’s start with the Running Game.  Mike Tanier of Football Outsiders does a wonderful job breaking these plays down, so I’ll just give a brief summary.  I’ll also add a quick comment on how these plays would work (or fail) for the Falcons.

Play 1) Cowboy’s Toss Sweep: One TE and one WR on either side, with a single RB.  This play works because the defense can’t cheat to the strong side, and the threat of Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn (it was 2006, folks).  With Jason Witten sealing off the DE, both the Left Guard and Center pull.  The Right Tackle is available to stop any defender shooting that gap.  The play is simple but highly effective.

Roddy and Jenkins probably don’t strike the same fear into Defensive Coordinators as TO and Glenn once did, but maybe that day is coming soon (especially for Roddy).  And while the play design takes care of it with the Right Tackle, I’m still not crazy about both the Left Guard and Center opening up that huge gap with both pulling.  Plus, I don’t know if I’d want to count on McClure (at 32) beating the LB’s all the way out to the edge.

Play 2) Patriots Pull Play-Side Tackle:

Two TE’s to the left, with FB and RB in the I-formation.  The two TE’s allow the RB to follow the blocks of the FB and the pulling Left Tackle.  Mike Tanier notes the subtleties that make the play work – the backs heading to the gap behind LG, sucking the LB in before bouncing it outside.

This play could be an absolute killer for the Falcons.  Imagine Tony G and Hartsock sealing the edge, with Sam Baker and Ovie Mughelli leading the way outside…  absolutely devastating.

Play 3) Redskins Pulling Tackle Sweep:

Another variation similar to the Patriots play.  This time the H-back Chris Cooley motions to the left side pre-snap.  Mike Tanier notes that the Giants defend this play well, but are overwhelmed by the bodies flooding the left side.  He also says, "Left tackles are usually the best blockers on the field. Any play design that allows them to get out into open space and lead block is worth keeping in the playbook."

Here Baker and Mughelli would be leading the way, with McClure pulling again, but not having to make it all the way to the corner.

Play 4) Patriots Two TE Draw:

Wow, I really love this play.  It is such a thing of beauty.  Of course, the play starts out like a pass, but the H-back loops around and becomes the lead blocker.

If Ryan and the Offensive line could really sell the pass action, this play could be a good one for the Falcons, too – especially with Harsock coming up the middle to bury the Middle Linebacker.

Ok guys, I didn’t include all the drawings, because I want everybody to click through the link to read Mike Tanier’s descriptions for everything.  He is great.  My next post will cover the Passing Game!