Sunday, March 18, 2012

Reed and Cotton together could be dangerous


While comparing the 2012 Nebraska offense to the New England Patriots is a reach at best, Sam McKewon’s recent story in the Omaha World Herald suggests that perhaps the Huskers will, or should, employ more double tight end formations involving Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton much like the Patriots use their two-headed tight end monster of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez:


While I despise the Patriots, if Cotton and Reed can even be a faint shadow of the Pats' pair, look out Big Ten. Keep in mind, New England head coach Bill Belichick was a recent visitor to Husker spring football practice. If there is a position where Nebraska is truly set going into the 2012 campaign, it’s tight end. In 2011, Reed recorded 15 catches for 257 yards and one touchdown but Reed still ranked among the top 50 receivers in the Big Ten (third among tight ends). Cotton was No. 5 with 14 grabs for 189 yards. Both also made some clutch third down grabs throughout the season.

With Tim Beck replacing Shawn Watson at offensive coordinator, the Huskers were trying to master the basic installments of their offense last season but it should also be noted that Reed was slowed by ankle and hamstring injuries last season.

Since Nebraska fired Frank Solich after the 2003 season, the tight ends have been a hit or miss element of the offense. Tracy Wistrom was the go-to man until graduation in 2001. Matt Herian looked like the second coming of Brent Jones but suffered a broken leg in 2004 and while he miraculously returned to action he was a shadow of his old self. Mike McNeil looked primed for a big senior year in 2010 after a 32-catch junior year in 2009 but as a senior caught just 21 passes and disappeared down the stretch.

I hope the Huskers are able to effectively use two tight ends, it puts more pressure on the defense and chances are someone is open if you have five viable receiving options on any given play, you become harder to defend.  




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