PD&Jay: Bengals OC Dan Pitcher joins, breaks down tape on Gesicki, Moss
On this episode of The Growler, Paul Dehner Jr., Jay Morrison, and special guest Dan Pitcher analyze key offseason moves by the Cincinnati Bengals. They examine the team's acquisition of towering offensive tackle Trent Brown, whose size and versatility are expected to bolster both pass protection and run blocking.
The hosts also provide in-depth breakdowns of two significant free agent signings: running back Zach Moss and tight end Mike Gesicki. Moss receives praise for his exceptional contact balance and goal-line presence, while Gesicki's athleticism and size are touted as assets in stretching the field and creating mismatches in the red zone. The episode offers a glimpse into the rationale behind the Bengals' offseason strategy and strengths of the newcomers as the team gears up for the upcoming season.
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1-Page Summary
Review of Bengals Free Agency Approach and Signings
Paul Dehner Jr., Jay Morrison, and Dan Pitcher review the Cincinnati Bengals' signing of the massive offensive tackle Trent Brown, highlighting the team's strategy of prioritizing size and length for enhanced pass protection and run blocking.
Trent Brown's Impressive Tackle Size and Flexibility
With Brown standing around 6'8" and weighing 360-370 lbs, Dehner notes the Bengals' preference for "massive humans" at tackle. Pitcher adds that Brown's size generates rare one-on-one movement in the run game while offering superb reach and anchor against bull rushes in pass pro.
The hosts discuss Brown's veteran knowledge, flexibility to play both tackle spots at an elite level, and the influence of Ted Karras in bringing him to Cincinnati.
Player Analysis for Key Free Agent Additions
Zach Moss: Complete RB with Elite Contact Balance
Morrison praises Moss's exceptional contact balance and ability to gain yards after contact. Dehner anticipates around five touchdowns from Moss's strong goal-line presence. Pitcher lauds Moss's technique of maintaining balance through low pad levels without excessive lean.
Moss's intelligence in identifying coverages, pass protection skills, lateral quickness for screens, and mature professionalism are also highlighted.
Mike Gesicki: Athletic Receiving Threat with Size
Pitcher notes Gesicki's versatility to align from multiple positions, while Dehner underscores his quickness and route-running prowess, unusual for his size. His considerable catch radius is suggested to make Gesicki a major red zone threat, similar to Tee Higgins.
Plays demonstrating Gesicki's ability to gain separation on routes and extend for catches through contact are referenced. Dehner estimates around six touchdowns from the talented tight end in his new offense.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Zach Moss's technique of maintaining balance through low pad levels without excessive lean involves keeping his body position low to the ground while running or making contact with defenders. This technique helps him stay stable and absorb hits without losing momentum or control. By staying low and balanced, Moss can effectively navigate through tackles and maintain his speed and power during plays. This technique is crucial for running backs to maximize their performance and durability on the field.
- Mike Gesicki's versatility to align from multiple positions means that he can line up in various spots on the field, not just limited to one specific position. This flexibility allows him to be used in different formations and play different roles within the offensive scheme, providing the team with options and creating mismatches against the defense. It showcases his ability to adapt to different situations and contribute effectively from different spots on the field. This versatility adds depth to the team's offensive strategy and makes it harder for the defense to predict his role on any given play.
- Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki are both professional football players. Tee Higgins is a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, known for his size and ability to make plays in the red zone. Mike Gesicki is a tight end who was previously with the Miami Dolphins and is recognized for his athleticism and receiving skills. Comparing Gesicki to Higgins suggests that Gesicki's size and skills could make him a significant threat in the red zone, similar to how Higgins is utilized in that area of the field.
Counterarguments
- While size and length are beneficial, they are not the only factors that contribute to effective pass protection and run blocking; technique and agility are also crucial.
- Trent Brown's massive size could potentially lead to durability concerns, as larger players may be more susceptible to certain injuries.
- Veteran knowledge and flexibility are valuable, but they must be coupled with consistent performance to truly benefit the team.
- The influence of a single player like Ted Karras in bringing Trent Brown to Cincinnati should not overshadow the collective decision-making process of the team's management and coaching staff.
- Predicting exact touchdown numbers, such as Zach Moss scoring around five touchdowns, is speculative and may not account for the dynamic nature of football and game situations.
- While maintaining balance through low pad levels is important, it's also critical for running backs to adapt their running style to different defensive schemes and situations.
- Mike Gesicki's athleticism and size are advantageous, but his blocking ability and overall contribution to the run game may also be important factors to consider.
- Gesicki's estimated six touchdowns in the new offense assumes a seamless transition and may not account for the adjustment period typically required when integrating into a new team's system.
- The ability to gain separation on routes and extend for catches is important, but consistent hands and the ability to secure the ball in traffic are also key attributes for a receiving threat.
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Review of Bengals Free Agency Approach and Signings
Paul Dehner Jr., Jay Morrison, and Dan Pitcher review the Cincinnati Bengals' free agency moves, focusing on the significant signing of Trent Brown and what it means for the team's offensive line strategy.
Analysis of Trent Brown's strengths and future impact at tackle
Importance of tackle size and length for pass protection and run blocking
The discussion opens with Paul Dehner Jr. and Jay Morrison discussing the Bengals’ acquisition of Trent Brown, who played for the New England Patriots in the past two years. They acknowledge Brown's impressive performance when on the field, noting his low pressure rate allowed, which is underlined by next-gen stats.
Brown’s size is a focal point of the conversation. Standing around 6'8" and weighing between 360-370 pounds, he represents the Bengals' preference for large tackles to fortify the offensive line, which is seen as crucial for both pass protection and run blocking. Dehner comments on the team having "massive humans" like Trent and Orlando Brown, suggesting that with Brown and a solid draft pick, Joe Burrow would enjoy excellent protection.
Pitcher chimes in, adding that Brown’s significant size and power allow him to generate rare one-on-one movement in the run game. In pass protection, Brown's size offers reach and the ability to anchor against bull rushes, an ability that is evidenced in his previous gameplay. Morover, Pitcher notes that while there may be areas for Brown to improve, his veteran knowledge and skills make him one of the top pass protectors in the league.
Dehner Jr. and Morrison touch upon concerns such as Brown's injury history and the possibility of him losing the battle for the starting tackle position, highlighting the uncertainty that accompanies such sig ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Review of Bengals Free Agency Approach and Signings
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Orlando Brown is a different NFL player who is not directly related to Trent Brown. In the context of the discussion, Orlando Brown is mentioned to highlight the Bengals' preference for large tackles, like Trent Brown, to strengthen their offensive line. Orlando Brown's mention serves to emphasize the team's strategy of prioritizing size and strength in their tackle positions for better performance in pass protection and run blocking.
- In football, "one-on-one movement in the run game" typically describes a situation where an offensive lineman, like Trent Brown, is able to physically dominate and control a single defender during a running play. This ability allows the lineman to create openings and push back the defender, enabling the running back to advance with less obstruction. It showcases the lineman's strength, technique, and effectiveness in creating running lanes by overpowering their direct opponent.
- To "anchor against bull rushes" in football means to hold one's ground firmly and resist a direct, forceful push from a defensive player trying to overpower the offensive player. This term is commonly used in the context of offensive linemen, like tackles, who need to maintain their position to protect the quarterback from aggressive pass rushers. It involves using strength and technique to prevent the defender from pushing the offensive player backward, maintaining a stable pocket for the quarterback to operate effectively.
- Ted Karras's influence on Trent Brown's decision to join the Bengals stems from their prior connection as teammates on the New England Patriots. Karras's presence in Cincinnati may have provided Brown with a familiar and comfortable environment, contributing to his choice to sign with the Bengals. This familiarity could have played a role in ...
Counterarguments
- Concerns about the sustainability of relying on large tackles like Trent Brown, given the evolving nature of the NFL where speed and agility are becoming increasingly important on the offensive line.
- The risk of injury may be higher for larger players like Brown, which could impact the Bengals' offensive line if he is unable to stay healthy.
- While veteran knowledge is valuable, there is a potential downside if it comes at the expense of developing younger talent that could contribute to the team's long-term success.
- Flexibility in playing both tackle positions is beneficial, but it could also be argued that specializing in one position might lead to even better performance.
- The influence of Ted Karras on Brown's decision to join the Bengals is positive, but it could be seen as a minor factor in the overall success of the team's free ...
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Player Analysis for Key Free Agent Additions
Jay Morrison, Paul Dehner Jr., and Dan Pitcher delve into the details of recently added free agents, discussing the technical prowess and potential impact of Zach Moss and Mike Gesicki on their new teams.
Zach Moss
Zach Moss is praised for his expansive skillset, with an emphasis on his abilities as a runner and receiver. Morrison highlights Moss's contact balance and ability to gain yards after contact, noting his skill in pushing through defenders for extra yards. Moss is commended for making crucial plays on third downs by securing overlooked yards that significantly add to the team's success.
Exceptional contact balance and yards after contact
Dehner Jr. anticipates approximately five touchdowns from Moss, derived from his strong presence at the goal line, indicating reliable contact balance and his prowess in gaining additional yardage after contact. Moss's refined talent for finding and accelerating through small creases allows him to turn seemingly limited runs into substantial gains. Examples include his play against the Rams, where a seven-yard run turned into 20 yards through contact balance and leg drive.
Pitcher lauds Moss's performance, describing his technique of maintaining low pad levels without excessive forward lean, enabling him to preserve balance and garner extra yards. Moss's lateral quickness is credited with making him effective in the screen game, allowing him to elude defenders and accrue yardage.
Moss's previous accomplishments in both Buffalo and Indianapolis are cited, with his pass protection (PassPro) capabilities earning him the coaches' trust on base and third downs.
High football IQ and consistency as a pro
His professionalism, maturity, intelligence, work ethic, and consistency are highlighted as fundamental attributes that contribute to his high football IQ. Pitcher emphasizes Moss's intelligence in identifying coverage schemes and his readiness for check-downs, turning potential pass protection situations into critical yardage.
Mike Gesicki
Versatile alignment from multiple positions
Dan Pitcher reviews tape on Gesicki, recognizing his contribution to multiple offensive positions. Despite a lack of specific details about Gisicki's positioning versatility, the discussion on his acquisition implies an asset to the offensive lineup.
Quickness and route running skill uncommon for his size
Dehner Jr. underscores Gisicki's route running and quickness, especially significant for his size, as demonstrated in a play against the Jets where Gisicki managed to gain additional ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Player Analysis for Key Free Agent Additions
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Contact balance" in football refers to a player's ability to maintain stability and control when being hit by defenders. "Yards after contact" measures the distance a player can advance with the ball after initially being tackled. "Pad levels" relate to how low a player keeps their shoulder pads in relation to their body, affecting their leverage and balance during physical plays. "Man coverages" indicate d ...
Counterarguments
- While Zach Moss is praised for his contact balance and ability to gain yards after contact, it could be argued that his overall durability and injury history should be taken into account when assessing his value to the team.
- The anticipation of Moss scoring around five touchdowns may be optimistic, considering the unpredictability of game situations and the fact that touchdowns can also be dependent on the team's overall offensive strategy.
- Moss's effectiveness in the screen game due to his lateral quickness might be countered by the argument that the success of screen plays also heavily depends on the offensive line's blocking and the defense's anticipation of the play.
- The trust Moss has earned in pass protection on base and third downs could be challenged by pointing out that pass protection is only one aspect of a running back's responsibilities, and his overall contribution to the passing game should also be evaluated.
- Moss's high football IQ and professionalism are subjective qualities that may not always directly translate to on-field performance, and other players' contributions and team dynamics also play a significant role in a team's success.
- Mike Gesicki's versatility in alignment from multiple positions might be seen as less of an advantage if his effectiveness varies significantly between those positions or if it does not translate into consistent production.
- Gesicki's route running and quickness could be critiqued by noting that these attributes must be consistently demonstrated against various defensive schemes and personnel to be considered truly im ...
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