Countdown to Kickoff: Profile on No. 86 Washington Redskins TE Jordan Reed
By Ryan Disdier
From one elite tight end to another, the Countdown to Kickoff series continues today with a look at Washington Redskins’ tight end Jordan Reed.
Last year, Jordan Reed experienced the breakout season many thought he would enjoy in 2014. The 6-foot-2 tight end burst onto the scene, hauling in 87 passes for close to 1,000 yards, as well as 11, count ’em, 11 touchdowns.
Entering the final four games of the season, Washington needed to keep winning to fend off the Eagles and the Giants. The team did just that, thanks largely in part to Reed’s contributions. Over the final four games of the year, Reed was tough to handle.
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He caught 29 passes for 378 yards and five touchdowns during that span. Reed also showed up in the postseason, as he caught nine passes for 120 yards and a touchdown in Washington’s losing effort against Green Bay.
If you want to figure out why Kirk Cousins was able to produce such quality play in 2015, than Reed is a good place to start. The talented tight end was a big reason why Cousins was able to lead the NFL in completion percentage (minimum 40 attempts).
While Cousins got much of the mainstream acclaim — as well as a catchphrase — Reed may have been the true star of Washington’s offense. One thing’s for sure, though, and that’s the fact that Cousins definitely likes having Reed as a weapon.
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So what makes Reed so special?
Well, for starters, he’s essentially a wide receiver who’s trapped in a tight end’s body. Reed has the straight-end speed, as well as the lateral quickness to beat linebackers and safeties. Reed is at his best when he’s running crossing routes, showing off his speed.
He’s a great option on slant routes, as well, as he uses his combination of speed and catching to make difficult catches. He’s big enough to withstand hits from defenders, yet quick and agile enough to make moves after the catch.
While he possesses straight-line speed, Reed also has elite quickness, which is somewhat rare for a tight end to have.
Reed is an incredibly safe option, which is why Cousins relied so heavily on him.
Playing on an offense that — at the moment — also boasts the deep-threat DeSean Jackson, Reed gets an ample amount of chances to shine. Simply put, in one-on-one situations, there are very few linebackers who stand a chance against Reed.
Reed’s impressive 2015 was rewarded with a massive, five-year extension, according to Michael David Smith of NBC Sports.
The one, lone, single caveat with Reed is health. Reed has never made it through an entire 16-game season, missing a combined total of 14 games in his short career. Aside from health concerns, though there’s not much holding Reed back from becoming a perennial Pro Bowler.
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If Reed can once again stay healthy for a majority of the season, then defenses are once again going to be on their heels. He’s truly a difference-making player when he’s on the field, and he should be able to build on a strong 2015.
But as it stands right now, Reed is the best tight end in the NFC East. Yes, I think he’s better than Zach Ertz and Jason Witten.
Hopefully Reed can remain healthy for the 2016, so he can continue to stuff up the stat sheet.