Entering this season, my dreams were filled with visions of 2-TE sets dominating the field. Clearly I didn't expect this right away, but the hands of Eric Johnson, combined with the raw talent of Vernon Davis should have been and still should be the combination that would dominate. I felt the use of 2-TE sets combined with Frank Gore and Antonio Bryant's big-play abilit would be the key to an offensive resurgence.
Several issues have arisen to prevent the two tight ends from busting out together. Vernon Davis had rookie up and downs in the first 3 weeks, followed by a broken fibula that has kept him out since. Eric Johnson had a really solid week 3 (7 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD), followed by 4 pedestrian weeks with no more than 3 catches and 40 yards. It appears that while Eric Johnson isn't in Nolan's doghouse, he is not quite one of "Nolan's guys." I understand that a coach wants his personnel in place. That makes the most sense when dealing with less talented players. However, Eric Johnson is no slouch, when healthy. His position coach in 2004, Dan Cozzetto said, "He's got a God-given ability to find ways to get open. Sometimes we wonder if he's got eyes in the back of his head." Eric Johnson is TOO good to not be more involved in the offense.
I truly believe the team needs to integrate Eric Johnson AND Vernon Davis into the offense to become a consistently successful offensive team. Your basic 2-TE set would be (pardon the layout. Couldn't figure out how to get it to format straight across):
WR
TE
T
G
C QB RB
G
T
TE
WR
Bryant provides the big play, Frank Gore brings the power running game and Arnaz Battle provides the possession receiver. The options then available to your TEs are numerous. You guarantee yourself some kind of mismatch with virtually every possession. Just the ability to line Vernon Davis up with a linebacker and then send him in motion out to the slot gives me goosebumps. Antonio Gates, Jeremy Shockey, Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten are all great tight ends. The 49ers have the opportunity to put two such talents on the field at the same time. Johnson and Arnaz Battle soften up the middle of the field, opening up the sidelines for Antonio Bryant and Vernon Davis to break the big play.
In the coming weeks, when Vernon Davis comes off the injured list, it'll be like Christmas. The 2-TE set is the Christmas present I've been waiting for since the Vernon Davis first put on a 49ers cap at the draft.
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4 comments:
Dave,
With all due respect, do you really want to pin your hopes on a player like Johnson? With his injury history, who is going to be the second TE when he goes out with his annual injury?
If they lose Johnson again, they certainly can get past it and adjust the offense. How about going a pro set offense that allows you to use Frank Gore and Michael Robinson in the backfield?
My general point was that having the 2 TEs creates an opportunity you might not otherwise have. I was thinking more in terms of best case scenario. And one other thing, is that Johnson got hurt in '03 and '05. Maybe he's healthy this year and hurt in '07? Who knows.
Generally speaking, the pro set offense is not a very effective running offense.
I like the idea of a 2-TE offense with Frank Gore running the ball, but the 49ers need another solid TE to make it happen. Perhaps take a backup tackle and make him a TE? Or maybe an oversized fullback as a TE?
Well if healthy Davis and Johnson provide 2 excellent tight ends.
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