All top-tier QBs have had an above-average TE as a security blanket (added "had" as Brees lost his). It is odd that we do not. Perhaps that is Mike McCarthy again thinking he is the smartest man in the room and can get things done via WRs or Ted Thompson drafting to his board to the point of utter anality, but it seems odd that we will likely stock some other team's WR shelf with our picks and development meanwhile we sit average at best at the TE position.
Originally Posted by: TheKanataThrilla
Or do top tier QBs make TEs better than average. You mentioned Brees and another top TE that left was Thomas in Denver. Neither of those teams broke down the door looking for replacements. Granted its only the first year after they left, we will see if Denver or NO make a TE a big priority after 2015. I'm guessing a lot will have to do with how well the replacements do.
I think it comes down to a couple of things.
1) There are not that many top tier TEs and the ones that are are going to cost you. If you don't want to pay for one you have to keep trying to find one on the cheap. With all the TEs the Packers have had on their roster over the years you can't say they haven't been looking. They just haven't been finding.
2) When you have a top tier TE you use the hell out of him and it shows up in the stats. If yours is not so good you play to his strengths (hopefully he has some) and the rest you play around him. Coaching philosophies change to some extent with your personnel. I'm guessing if RR or Q, or Perillo or any other TE breaks out he will be used more. If none of them do they will be continued to be used as they have in the past. Somewhat sparingly.