7 hours ago
I saw him live vs Panthers and his presence was undeniable. Big, fast and athletic. We gained 130 yards on the ground, and he lined up as H-Back, slot and even outside. On our first TD, he was lined up outside and ran all the way to the opposite tackle area to block the LB to allow the RB to rush for the TD. Think about that - lined up all the way outside as a receiver, and blocks in the opposite tackle area for the run. On multiple plays, he was in the second level blocking for big runs.
Edit: Of the current top TEs in the league, Kittle is the only one I think who can do what All did on that first rushing TD.
He also had the second most catches after Tee, running flats and short curls from the backfield. Getting 7 yards per catch for a big TE running flats and curls is good, especially when you get that vs stacked boxes to stop the run.
That was his value to this Team. When you can minimize your "tell" based on personnel and formation, you get the defense guessing and that is when you can dictate to defense.
A complete TE who can block at any level and can run any route has value well beyond stats. This was his first year, and his route tree was expanding.
Edit: Of the current top TEs in the league, Kittle is the only one I think who can do what All did on that first rushing TD.
He also had the second most catches after Tee, running flats and short curls from the backfield. Getting 7 yards per catch for a big TE running flats and curls is good, especially when you get that vs stacked boxes to stop the run.
That was his value to this Team. When you can minimize your "tell" based on personnel and formation, you get the defense guessing and that is when you can dictate to defense.
A complete TE who can block at any level and can run any route has value well beyond stats. This was his first year, and his route tree was expanding.