PSW4: Tight Ends to Watch

Last year, we started the season with only three tight ends. That might partially be due to losing Carlson in the preseason. It struck me as odd at the time, given that we had just lost a playoff game in Chicago after losing two tight ends. We ended up throwing every two tight end play out of the playbook for the rest of that ill-fated game. (Then again, we still had a chance to win deep into the 2nd half.)

This year, we have two locks: Master blocker Zach Miller and master catcher Kellen Winslow. I'd like to see two more TEs on the 53-man roster due to the number of '02', '12', and '22' formations that we like to run. With Winslow's knees hurting (he limits his practices throughout the year), it's even more important to keep two additional TEs on the roster.

The three candidates are Anthony McCoy, Cooper Helfet, and Sean McGrath. My guess is that McCoy is already penciled in. He's known to be a good blocker, but he's had a number of drops in crucial situations. Had he made those catches, TJack would likely have posted better numbers. Then again, TJack's lack of touch and McCoy's cold hands might have been a bad combination. Wilson seems to throw a more catchable ball, and McCoy's preseason numbers look pretty good. But in the running game, on 4th and goal on the one foot line, give me Miller and McCoy as the TEs.

That leaves two guys and one spot: Cooper Helfet and Sean McGrath are battling it out. Both are rookies. I expect one to make the team and one to make the practice squad. Helfet made a nice catch in Week 1 and PC was stoked for him. In Week 3 McGrath made some nice, running blocks. McGrath looked like he might be able to play backup fullback in a pinch. If McGrath can catch, Tom Cable might give him the edge - especially if he can play special teams.

So... the things to watch are McCoy's hands and every move that Helfet and McGrath make. Between the rookies, the more reliable and flexible player likely makes the team. Given that they let Cameron Morrah walk, the staff must feel pretty good about these bubble players.