Green Bay Packers: How New Tight Ends Fit Into the Offense
By Hunter Noll
The Green Bay Packers surprised the NFL by signing free agent Martellus Bennett, then Lance Kendricks. How will the new tight ends fit into the offense?
The Green Bay Packers did something they don’t usually do in free agency when they made a big splash. The team is known for keeping its homegrown talent, but decided that Martellus Bennett was too good to pass up. Lance Kendricks was right behind him, making a significantly smaller, but still solid, splash.
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What will quarterback Aaron Rodgers do with his shiny new toys? Probably a lot of things opposing defenses won’t enjoy.
The Packers have had decent tight ends since 2013, but never anyone too threatening to a defense. Tight ends are often known as the quarterback’s safety valve. The quarterback looks for them when they’re under duress, or when no one else is open. That means a quarterback’s throwing to them frequently.
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While Rodgers still fed his tight ends often, he hasn’t had a weapon like Bennett in a while. With Bennett, Richard Rodgers, and Kendricks, the Packers quarterback is now flush with tight ends. These aren’t just safety valves either.
Bennett is a full-blown stud. He helped keep the Chicago Bears offense alive in the past, and last year became a favorite of Tom Brady, even when Rob Gronkowski was back. Kendricks is the closest thing to a safety valve, while Richard Rodgers has the size and athleticism to be a big target down field.
The Packers offense has been pass-heavy for years, and Aaron Rodgers can take credit for that. He’s put up eye-popping stats since he first became a starter. He’s now got a weapon he’s rarely had.
Bennett can stretch the field and make plays after the catch. The Packers won’t be relying on their receivers to make all the plays anymore. With Bennett, the Packers have another reliable target that doesn’t go down.
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The Packers offense was already elite thanks to Rodgers, Bennett just helps push it even further. There should be no worries about how the Packers’ new tight ends fit into the offense, unless your their opponents.