Why is Celek largely free of blame?

Meco · Joined: 30 Aug 2012 Posts: 2310 Location: Las Vegas

I read a lot of crazy things here, things that I really disagree with. People throw DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and a slew of other Eagles under the bus when they don't really deserve it. Meanwhile, there is a player who is playing like one of the worst players at his spot in the NFL and he is catching virtually zero heat from fans. Why?

Brent Celek has dropped 35 passes in the past 5 seasons and is consistently among the lead leaders in drops and in the bottom half of the league in TE catch %.

He's virtually useless in the red-zone because of his subpar separation skills and jump-ball abilities (33" vertical jump and T-Rex arms), in the last 3 seasons he's had 7 red-zone TDs. To put that into perspective, Rob Gronkowski has 29 in the last 3 seasons, Jimmy Graham and Tony Gonzalez have 18 in the last 3 seasons, Antonio Gates has 17 in the last three seasons, Jason Witten has 12 in the last 3 seasons and Vernon Davis, Jermichael Finley and Brandon Pettigrew have 10 red-zone TDs. Heck, Kyle Rudolph has 9 in the last 2 seasons.

He's a subpar blocker who is not an asset in either phase of the game as a blocker. One could easily argue that he's actually a detriment to the team in blocking situations.

The only thing he does overly well is run after the catch. He's one of the least reliable TE targets in the NFL, he's got stone hands, he's a liability as a blocker and he's not a good red-zone weapon thanks to physical limitations. Trent Dilfer highlighted him as a player who was really struggling this season and it's true, with all the quick throws the Eagles are using he should be having a fantastic season but he isn't getting separation and he's getting penalized at inopportune times.

So, why aren't we putting more blame on Brent Celek, the below average tight end? He's so easily upgraded and yet I see nobody questioning him.
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marky_b27 · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 5:30 pm Post subject:

Hater mode: He had one good season, got his contract then took his foot off the pedal.

Realistic mode: He is kept into block half the time, but that isn't his forte. Combined with the fact that he gets drilled all the time means he is bound to have a decrease in performance.
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marky_b27 · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 5:31 pm Post subject:

Also, yes, Tight End can be improved.

But then so can all positions (maybe except for running back).
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oland11 · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 5:37 pm Post subject:

So Meco, Are you to Brent Celek as PE is to Jason Avant?
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Meco · Joined: 30 Aug 2012 Posts: 2310 Location: Las Vegas

Blahman88 · Joined: 30 Mar 2006 Posts: 21758 Location: DA BRITUSH IZLES

Celek is one of the better receiving TE's in the NFL........
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Meco · Joined: 30 Aug 2012 Posts: 2310 Location: Las Vegas

PowerElite · Joined: 25 Dec 2009 Posts: 7624

babyatemydingo · Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 5901 Location: South Jersey

Celek hasn't been as horrible as some of the others.

You address greatest needs first and then worry about upgrading TE from average.
So many position are not even average at this point.

Meco · Joined: 30 Aug 2012 Posts: 2310 Location: Las Vegas

marky_b27 · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 5:47 pm Post subject:

Hammertime52 · Joined: 15 Jan 2012 Posts: 5082 Location: South Jersey

When i see you on the streets

In all honesty his play has been down. Hes had erratic QB play, taken huge hits all season, and has been used as a blocker a ton this season. But you cant tell me he doesnt make a huge play atleast once a game. Hell usually have a play wheres hes ridiculously open and makes a huge gain.
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Bird Watch: Brent Celek
Catches: 41 Yards: 509 TDs: 1 EPIC Hurdles: 1

Kiltman · Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 11017 Location: Flipadelphia

RandyMossIsBoss · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 5:53 pm Post subject:

This is what is wrong with our forum... People going around complaining about Jason Avant, Nnamdi Asomugha and now Brent Celek. When in reality, while we could certainly improve on them, they're the least of our worries.

I'm all for improving upon Brent Celek, but he hasn't acted as a liability and doesn't deserve too much blame for us being a horrible football team. At worst he's been pretty average, so while we could definitely upgrade over him and I hope we actively try to, it's way down our list of priorities right now. I'm not going to worry about our TE or CB position until we can at least handle the current mess at QB, OL and S.
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Chip...Chip...Chipadelphia

Meco · Joined: 30 Aug 2012 Posts: 2310 Location: Las Vegas

People say there are spots that are way more critical that need upgraded but I think that getting someone who can help turn red-zone chances into TDs and help the Eagles control the middle of the field and dictate match-ups on the outside is not all that insignificant.
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