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:

http://www.omaha.com/article/20120316/BIGRED/703179925/-1#nu-may-use-healthy-reed-ben-cotton-together

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.  

2012 Position Outlook: Tight End

One story in a Wine Country Husker series, looking at position breakdowns for the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the 2012 season. Today, we look at tight end:





Looking back: The Huskers made a return to running the triple option, which means the tight ends were involved quite a bit as blockers. However, when Nebraska ran any variation of the option the tight end was always a significant threat in the passing game.

While Kyler Reed and Ben Cotton occasionally made plays in the passing game, they also went long stretches without being involved. Reed caught 15 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown that did not come until the regular season finale of a 20-7 win over Iowa. Cotton caught 14 balls for 189 yards with nary a touchdown.

Looking ahead: The running game remains the Huskers’ staple but Reed has the speed to get behind defenders that Nebraska wants, and needs, to utilize in the passing game. The Huskers need to do so if for no other reason that for residual effects of opening up more running lanes.

Cotton can be a threat in the passing game but his strength is blocking on the perimeter for the Huskers running game.

With both Reed and Cotton being seniors, the Huskers are in good hands at tight end.