One catch does NOT make him a good runner. He IS NOT a good runner. AS threw a screen pass to him this year and I about lost it. Of course it went for no gain.

Plus, he was probably getting tired of being called "just" another Penn State running back who would be no better than KiJana Carter or Curtis Enis.

He probably also didn't like it that none of those pussies would say it to his face.

After reading the biggest part of this thread I think both sides of this issue make valid points.

I believe Tony is slightly overrated. He's not great after the run and he does drop easy passes. On the other hand, he does require double-teams, causes mismatch problems for the defense, and he is still very atheletic. All in all, he's an intregal part of our offensive success.

I'm also not sure I agree that he is slowing down. The dude is barely 30 years old and hasn't really taken a beating during his career. If we had more talent at wideout I think he would easily be capable of breaking his single season totals in both receptions and yardage.

That screen has worked before. Tony is not in a system that really allows him to run after the catch. He is a west coast tight end. When we ran that offense he racked up all kinds of YAC. And he's still doing it anyway, #4 in the league among TEs.

Seems like a lot of his YAC is when he's wide open in the middle of the field and he has the chance to rumble for a few yards.

Not to mention that he is a HUGE target that rarely drops balls. He has also become an exceptional blocker. And I have yet to hear any suggestions on who would replace him. Besides the top few, there are no tight ends that even come close.

OK listen...WHATEVER!!!

The Chiefs do not need to think about dumping him! Not for at LEAST 4 seasons.

I'm not actually saying the Chiefs should dump him.

I'm also not saying that he isn't a great TE.

I'm saying that he is somewhat overrated, and that he should be extended, and towards the end of his new contract, traded, before his skills diminish altogether.

Throw him under the bus!

It's so en vogue.

The Bus has retired.
Haven't you heard?

TG will be 30 next season. Shannon Sharpe was productive right up to his last season at 35. I don't think its unreasonable to expect Tony to follow a similar pattern since he has not suffered a major injury. Yeah, he has that foot injury, but that's hardly like ligament damage or an achillies problem.

Winslow was another case, because he was never the same after a devastating knee injury which shortened his career.

AMEN TO THAT BRUTHA!

yeah, what the **** is up with the tony bashing...he's an excellent, all-around tight end. You can't say that about Gates...

What I see is the mentality of the "real fans here" seems to be attack your own assets just in case there is a failure then you are covered by being able to say "I told you so".