There's been a lot of talk about Clay, our FB/TE draft pick, as well as Polite possibly being expendable. I did a little research to see how much the team used each position over the past three years by the number of snaps.
I also looked up how our O produced with the different 2nd TEs vs Polite. There are many, many other factors involved with how the O did but, the stats are interesting.
08- Polite had 254 snaps, with the WC. Martin had 561 snaps, as a receiving 2nd TE.
Run- 448 carries-1897 yds, 4.2 avg, 18 TDs
Pass- 330 completions-3761 yds, 7.7 avg, 20 TDs
09- Polite had 621 snaps. Haynos had 588 snaps, as a blocking 2nd TE.
Run- 509 carries-2231 yds, 4.4 avg, 22 TDs
Pass- 331 completions-3396 yds, 6.2 avg, 15 TDs
10- Polite had 538 snaps, had a bad year. Shuler had 123 snaps, as a live body 2nd TE.
Run- 445 carries-1643 yds, 3,7 avg, 8 TDs
Pass- 335 completions-3755 yds, 6.7 avg, 17 TDs
Considering the differences in talent over the past three years, it appears to me that a blocking TE with a receiving TE/FB is more important than a FB with a receiving TE/FB.
IF Clay looks good, I can see Polite not making the team.
Thoughts?
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padre31 likes this.
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With Polite not performing as well run blocking last year, I could see him not making the team.
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Polite is gone IMO.
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Did Thomas run with a FB in college?
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Did Polite play ST's last year? I know he did before but, can't remember him last season.
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I think he played on punt team and kick off return.
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If Polite doesn't improve, he's probably gone, but I think there's a good chance his problems were part and parcel of the overall problems with the blocking. If there aren't holes to the second level, the fullback isn't going to do any better of a job blocking than the running back does getting there. He's not just looking to run into whatever is around, and it's not going to do much if it's the offensive linemen's backs. The running game is going to be less endless isolation plays for Polite, too, making his job a little less dependent on the interior line.
It's not as rare as people seem to think that a team keep multiple fullbacks, either.MrClean likes this. -
That is true, Clay and Polite could be in the backfield together as Clay does have running experience.
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This is how I feel. I don't see it as a forgone conclusion that he's gone, but it wouldn't surprise me if he didn't make the team.
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I think it would be stupid to roster a guy because of (on average) probably one play a game.
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I think Clay will make it on as a 2nd TE. I personally believe the team thinks the same way. So I think they will both make the team. With that said, it would do Polite good to really show his stuff in TC and the preseason (if there is one).
EDIT: What MrClean said.MrClean likes this. -
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I think it's worth mentioning that at least as far as the highlight reel videos we have of Clay, there's as far as I know nothing involving him lining up either in a 3-point stance or on the line of scrimmage. Everything I've seen is fullback, H-Back, halfback, or wing back/slot back. He's probably not going to be a "true" tight end, or predominantly play there anytime soon. None of those positions really involve releasing off a jam like a true tight end does.
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I hope Polite stays. I believe he is an important part of the offensive attack. He had a bad season but I think he will bounce back and play good for us.
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One thing he does bring that Polite doesn't is recieving on 3rd and mid to long for the FB position. I dont know how many times last season Henne checked down to Polite for an INC or sometimes an INT that bounced off his hands or something. This guy can stay in and block and get out in the flat and give some LB's some problems covering the route.