Originally posted by tjd808185:
Originally posted by Joecool:
Whitten was left in to block on one play and did so. Romo scrambled to the right and Whitten then simply took 2 steps forward and turned around to be that SAFE for Romo. As Romo scrambled further, he threw a quick dart to Whitten for an 8 yard gain.
Vernon does not have these instincts to see the open spot and settle there.
Here's how that play actually breaks down. Alex sees his primary receiver is covered, he checks down for a 4 yard gain.
Your scenario requires 2 parties, and that's not Alex either.
I agree Vernon's insticts aren't spectacular, but 1,800 yards 20 touchdowns in 2 years doesn't lie. What he does well, he does better than any tight end in the league, and cannot be taken away from him. He's an absolute terror going across the stream and if you don't think that Delanie Walker wheel route touchdown pass had anything to do with Vernon going across the seam you're crazy.
I am not going to try and avoid his numbers. They are above average and top TE numbers. I'm pointing out where those numbers are accumulated for the most part. His strengths are not what a QB completely needs. His weakness is what Alex needs him to do more than anything. If we had a TE or slot WR who can break a defense down under the 10 yard range, THAT alone opens up the deep routes.
We have 0 threat player who can hurt a defense from the 0-10 middle range. This allows teams to run-blitz and get to the QB before he has time to get to the 10+ yard routes. Delanie and maybe Crabtree would probably be our best weapons in the 0-10 short middle and even Crabtree is a question on this one.