[[Gary Kubiak]] said:
Show up TEs! Capers pretty much killed the position.........
Breuner, a non pass cathing TE on first string sounds like Kubes is babying Carr again! BS! Give him targets and let him make decisions.
Breuner is one of the best blocking TE's ever. This is not Kubiak's way of babying Carr, it is the best opportunity to have a great blocking TE on the field. If you look at the history of the Bronco's offense, there are many times they will use a 2 TE set, or keep the Tight End on the field to block. Putzier will be good for this role, but until Daniels and Joppru get to NFL blocking level, Bruener is a great choice to keep. He can catch the football, but unfortunately for him, in the offenses that he has played in, hasn't had many opportunities. When he was originally drafted in Pittsburgh, it was because of his pass catching aspects (Colorado through the rock!). Once they found out that his blocking skills would aid them in a stronger running game focus after the acquisition of Jerome Bettis, he solely became a blocking TE on the field and by reputation, due to the Steelers inactivity of using the TE in the passing game. Pre-Bruener, remember the Steelers had the dominating Eric Green at TE, and used Neil O'Donnell to throw the ball often. Green average between 40-50 catches, but then the offense shifted more to running. I feel bad for Bruener because he's gotten a bad rep, but this guy is a veteran presence needed to help teach the younger TE's to become better at the blocking role, and let their blocking skills catch-up ( no Pun intended) to the pass-catching parts of their game. I think with the NFL Tight End being revolutionized, we all want a TOny Gonzales, Gates, or Davis (SF), but in our style of offense, this doesn't translate well. YOu will have to complete both roles, if not, your not on the field.
As for more targets, that is why the TExans signed Jameel Cook and Eric Moulds. Running the I-Formation allows Carr to utilize Cook (A FB known for his pass-catching skills), Davis, (we know what he can do), Moulds, and Johnson. 4 options to throw to is more than enough. As long as CArr receives the protection and goes through his reads correctly, Carr will prosper! There will definitely be sets where the Tight End will work the middle of the field or play action calls, but having a TE as a dual threat is pivotal in this style of offense, to keep the defense guessing and on their heals.
I think this pretty much sums me up. If I could add more I would.