NFL coaches are using athletic tight ends to take advantage of mismatches more than ever. A record 15 tight ends are on pace to catch at least 50 passes this season. It's an evolving trend as the tight end has become a leader, instead of a complementary player, in passing attacks. In the past four seasons, an average of 10.5 tight ends logged at least 50 catches, according to STATS, LLC. That's nearly double the number from 10 years ago. Wide open offenses and zone defenses have created openings for skilled tight ends in the middle of the field. Young quarterbacks seek them out. Whatever the dilemma an offensive coordinator faces, the tight end has increasingly become the answer.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. |
