We're having a VG discussion/debate on another thread about Hartline. This is an offshoot, somewhat connected but different. IF Gates earns some playing time, someone has to give up snaps. It's not going to be Marshall. It will come down to a choice between Bess or Hartline.
Last year, Bess was targeted 118 times, caught 80 passes for 817 yards, a 10.2 average, 5 TDs, 6 drops.
Hartline was targeted 68 times, caught 43 passes for 615 yards, a 14.3 average, 1 TD, 4 drops.
Bess did play the slot but, he also played a lot as a WR. Hartline was strictly a WR but, I see no reason he could not move to the slot as well. Bess had 2 20 yard+ plays, Hartline had 10.
I really like both players. My question is IF Gates get the snaps, who would you prefer to keep on the field with him.
Bess or Hartline?
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Gates I guess has some real speed and as I've said speed isn't the be all end all. But his kind of speed can stetch the field and open things underneath. So I suppose it would depend on what you were trying to do on a given play as to the personnel on the field, but as much as I like Hartline, I would say it would come from Hartline. You already have a Big physical reciever in Marshall who works well underneath and Bess is one of the best slot guys out there all you really need is someone to blow the top off the coverage to open things up a bit more for these guys.
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Gates has a long way to go being a rookie, but Hartline would lose snaps, but you could also see Hartline spell Bess in the slot sometimes during a game.
GMJohnson likes this. -
Talent finds a way, now how about:
Roberto Wallace vs Hartline or Bess?
As for Gates, I suspect he will have a shot in sub packages what he does with them determines how much he plays. -
i think you will see more 4 wide sets with Gates being 4. Rest of time the situation will decide, sometimes Gates and Hartline will be on Bess off, sometimes Gates and Bess on, Hartline off. Some with Bess and Hartline with Gates off. Diff formations diff looks, less predictable
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they should use gates like chambers was in his rookie year
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BlameItOnTheHenne, , GMJohnson and 4 others like this.
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I would guess that Bess would be the odd man out if Gates were to become a player.
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To stretch the field, it would seem Hartline is the choice with Gates. With Marshall getting double coverage, and Gates going deep, Hartline would give us a better chance for chunk yardage. No?
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mbmonk, Bpk, Ohio Fanatic and 1 other person like this.
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I'm thinking we won't have to choose so much between them because I expect Daboll to use a LOT more 4 and 5 wide sets compared to what we saw Henning use. Although, that could mean flexing out Bush/Thomas/Fasano/Clay a lot, but I think we'll see more true 4 and 5 wide sets.
Bpk likes this. -
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Depends on down and distance. If I only need 6-8 yards...you can give me DBess all day!!!! But if we need to pick up 25....I'd rather have B-Nice.
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Beasting in camp, you'll see. -
MrClean Inglourious Basterd Club Member
If Gates turns out as good as we think he can be, he'll take snaps from both, but IMO he'll take more from Hartline than from Bess.
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That is a part of the reason why I'm fairly confident lil Beast will see some run, so will Gates, I think Moore is a goner. -
As long as we're not relying on Moore or Wallace it's a win-win for us. -
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Gates has a whole lot to prove before he comes close to taking noticeable snaps from anyone.
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As Gates catches onto the NFL game, Hartline's uniform will be looking progressively cleaner and cleaner.
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http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/06/02/slot-receivers/
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Although Bess doesn't have Hartline's speed, I really feel he is the more reliable go-to guy. I am a big believer in Henne this year, but we all know he tends to panic and having a guy like Bess open in the slot is a definite positive yardage play. Hartline may be a threat to go downfield, but I think that opens the door for an interception or sack, if Henne is feeling any pressure. So with Henne at quarterback, I like Bess over Hartline. A more composed quarterback, I may consider Hartline.
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all i see Gates doing this year (at least for the 1st half of the year) is to run 'go' and 'come back' patterns ... which will take snaps away from Hartline, unless he moves into the slot to either spell Bess or in a 4 receiver set.
equally, you have to throw in Bush and Clay as well to the mix .... so who knows.
as i've said before ... i believe Hartline can be a 'welkeresque' type player, but a notch or so down - because he is not quick or elusive, just fast beyond 10 yards. He can't replace Bess, because Bess creates separation with his quickness - however, having both in the slot creates coverage problems.
add in Wallace, who started to show he could at least handle the slant pretty well .... and with his size makes him a very good target.
the key to how it all shakes out though is Gates ... as he progresses - it will take more and more snaps away from Hartline for sure.
I have to believe Moore is toast this year, unless he can slide to the PS, maybe not even that if the kid Carter continues to do well .... -
Black ninja simply because gates is unproven and raw.