Could we improve our offense EVEN MORE?

[UChieffyBugger]

Now this offense is otherworldly right now. But I was just wondering IF Veach did desire to improve this offense even more next off-season, where do yall think it could be improved? A better slot receiver? A better second tight-end to back up Kelce? Another running-back who has a different style than Kareem? Or maybe a better guard or left-tackle?

Now obviously most of the moves are likely to be defensive. BUT, If this offense gets a little boost too then we could be talking about an offense that has unlimited potential.

[O.city]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I could be convinced to use a third on the right TE2.

As much as it sucks to think about, Kelce is no spring chicken anymore. A guy that can replace him would go a long way in a few years.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by O.city

As much as it sucks to think about, Kelce is no spring chicken anymore. A guy that can replace him would go a long way in a few years.

He's taken a beating over the course of his career. He'll need to be replaced at some point.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by O.city

As much as it sucks to think about, Kelce is no spring chicken anymore. A guy that can replace him would go a long way in a few years.

Yeah, not everybody will age like Tony G. And frankly, there's a possibility we just don't have the money to keep him. It's crazy to me that Kelce is actually older than Ertz and I think the same age as Gronk; dude just got a late start; 24 yr old rookie who lost his first season to injury.

I was a fan of Kittle in the draft a few years back and while it's damn rare for someone to just explode forward like he did after next to no college productivity, it's the kind of thing that our scouting department has a pretty good eye for.

I would trust them to find a good developmental TE who could be a premier TE2 for a year or 2 and at least give us something to consider as Kelce nears the end of his current deal.

If Kelce has the kind of late career that Tony G had, he could play another 7 or 8 years at a high level and that would put him in legitimate HoF consideration, especially if he gets some All Pro nods and a title or two in there. I'd hate to walk away from that if we can avoid it.

But he's the only real key cog in this offense who isn't just entering his prime years so if nothing else, a plan has to be considered. I don't think we need to reach to find one but like I said, if the right guy slips a bit, he'd be worth grabbing.

[JakeF]

I think the offense could improve by using Watkins more. He brings that extra matchup problem that really puts the offense over the edge.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I was a fan of Kittle in the draft a few years back and while it's damn rare for someone to just explode forward like he did after next to no college productivity, it's the kind of thing that our scouting department has a pretty good eye for.

Kittle came from a team with a propensity for developing TE's (and OL and LB's). I watched pretty much ever game of his college career and knew he could play in the NFL. I had no idea he'd be this good though.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by JakeF

I think the offense could improve by using Watkins more. He brings that extra matchup problem that really puts the offense over the edge.

I agree with one caveat - I have to wonder if using Watkins more will just get him dinged up more, in which case, it's not possible to use him more. I have to wonder if we're using him right now the best way possible.

[Naptown Chief]

Originally Posted by O.city

As much as it sucks to think about, Kelce is no spring chicken anymore. A guy that can replace him would go a long way in a few years.

Valid point. He's taken some nasty hits over the years. Might not be a terrible idea to start looking for a TE2 that could potentially transition to the TE1 spot if, God forbid, something were to happen to him

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by JakeF

I think the offense could improve by using Watkins more. He brings that extra matchup problem that really puts the offense over the edge.

I think we use him when he's given to us.

I mean the guy's had a couple 100 yard receiving games already and he's a threat to have one pretty much every week. He's utilized to whatever extent he's the easiest option for us.

If we tried to ramp that up, I wonder if it wouldn't just mean forcing some balls to him here and there.

I really think he's being used damn near to perfection.

[TLO]

Originally Posted by JakeF

I think the offense could improve by using Watkins more. He brings that extra matchup problem that really puts the offense over the edge.

watching him in space is phenominal

[O.city]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Yeah, not everybody will age like Tony G. And frankly, there's a possibility we just don't have the money to keep him. It's crazy to me that Kelce is actually older than Ertz and I think the same age as Gronk; dude just got a late start; 24 yr old rookie who lost his first season to injury.

I was a fan of Kittle in the draft a few years back and while it's damn rare for someone to just explode forward like he did after next to no college productivity, it's the kind of thing that our scouting department has a pretty good eye for.

I would trust them to find a good developmental TE who could be a premier TE2 for a year or 2 and at least give us something to consider as Kelce nears the end of his current deal.

If Kelce has the kind of late career that Tony G had, he could play another 7 or 8 years at a high level and that would put him in legitimate HoF consideration, especially if he gets some All Pro nods and a title or two in there. I'd hate to walk away from that if we can avoid it.

But he's the only real key cog in this offense who isn't just entering his prime years so if nothing else, a plan has to be considered. I don't think we need to reach to find one but like I said, if the right guy slips a bit, he'd be worth grabbing.

He relies so much on speed now, but his route running has gotten a lot better. I dunno how he'll age.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by O.city

He relies so much on speed now, but his route running has gotten a lot better. I dunno how he'll age.

I just worry about some of the early injuries.

His route running is the best among TEs in the league and it's not particularly close. His blocking has emerged as a true strength. He's learned to use his body extremely well to block guys out.

He's as technically proficient a player as there is in the league. If he stays relatively healthy and simply loses burst slowly as he gets older, I absolutely expect that he'll age similar to TG because how smart and sound he is.

But the concern is the serious injury or series of lingering/nagging injuries that send him down the Antonio Gates path. Gates started getting those injuries to his lower half in 2010 and spent the latter half of his career as a plodding shell of what he was at his peak. Nobody could've predicted that but they happened. He was still a fine player, but nothing like his peak self.

So will he slowly decline physically but remain a premier weapon like TG or will he fall off faster and become more of a red zone threat like Gates? No way to know...

[Pitt Gorilla]

I agree with TE, but Harris has been really good, especially as an athletic blocker. Watch hunt’s long td or the times when he used in pass pro. Dude is really good.

[JakeF]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

I agree with one caveat - I have to wonder if using Watkins more will just get him dinged up more, in which case, it's not possible to use him more. I have to wonder if we're using him right now the best way possible.

I didn't think about that. You're right it might be unwise to use him too much more. If that is the case though then the large contract we gave him is sort of sketchy.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Pitt Gorilla

I agree with TE, but Harris has been really good, especially as an athletic blocker. Watch hunt’s long td or the times when he used in pass pro. Dude is really good.

He still drops the occasional pass but nothing like he did with Alex. Mahomes made Harris a better player. He's actually decent now, I agree.

[MahiMike]

Don't mess with the recipe mom!