TGIF is a column published every Friday. The column will give analysis on four hot topics.
Washington Redskins’ rookie tight end Jordan Reed has practiced fully all week and is expected to return to action after suffering a thigh bruise week three. Reed saw a lot of action in September and his role could continue to increase. QB Robert Griffin III has displayed great trust in Jordan Reed. He’s quickly established himself as a reliable target. The Redskins haven’t even scratched the surface on the numerous ways they can utilize Reed.
This week against the Dallas Cowboys, you could see some new wrinkles and opportunities for the sure-handed tight end to make plays.
The Dallas Cowboys have struggled against tight ends this season. Last week against the Denver Broncos, tight end Julius Thomas had a field day with nine catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns. “We played some man coverage and typically those are decent opportunities for tight ends to work against safeties,” said Dallas’ head coach Jason Garrett after the game. They’ve also played a lot of zone where collectively the corners, linebackers and safeties have struggled to cover — specifically tight ends and running backs.
Thomas wasn’t the only tight end this season who has shined against the Cowboys. San Diego’s Antonio Gates caught 10 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown in week four. Brandon Meyers of the New York Giants had seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in the season opener. So money is to be made for tight ends when facing the Dallas Cowboys.
I fully expect the Washington Redskins to work Jordan Reed with seam routes — something he’s great at but they really haven’t unleashed. Reed may also occasionally line-up as a receiver to help spread the field. He could have a breakout game against the Dallas Cowboys.
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What’s Up With B’More?
It’s all on Joe Flacco. The Baltimore Ravens will face Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers Sunday, in a game that will surely be won through the air. It’s simple, if the Ravens expect to beat Green Bay, Joe Flacco has to out-sling Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers’ pass defense is ranked 26th in the league. Baltimore’s Torrey Smith, who has strung together two impressive games of 100+ yards, should have plenty of opportunities. Getting RB Ray Rice involved in not only the run, but pass game would also be ideal for Baltimore.
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On a night that Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater — a possible #1 overall pick in the 2014 draft — played against Rutgers in front of 26 confirmed NFL scouts… The win-less Giants fell short yet again, led by the arm of Eli Manning, who continued to turn the ball over. It wasn’t all his fault. Collectively, the Giants are just a horrible football team this year. However, will they ever win? Even if they do, it’s likely the Giants will end up having a high draft pick. It’ll be interesting to see how long they stick with Eli Manning at helm. He’s personally having a horrible season, but the team as a whole hasn’t helped him much either.
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Brandon Marshall Shines Bright
During Thursday Night’s football game between the New York Giants and Chicago Bears, one player stood out in a very unique way.
Chicago’s receiver Brandon Marshall rocked bright lime green cleats in effort to bring attention to Mental Health Awareness week. “One of the things I’m going to do is wear lime green spikes this week,” Marshall told reporters in Chicago earlier this week. “The league’s going to hit me with a nice, little fine and I’m asking them to take my money and the money I’m going to match and give it to a great foundation doing some work in the mental health community.”
The league originally told Marshall that he wouldn’t be permitted to even play if he wore the highlighter cleats. Although, the league office denies that stance. Marshall is subject to getting fined, but either way he stepped up to stand out for a cause near and dear to his heart.
Marshall has been very open in the past about his own borderline personality disorder. So while every other player wore either white, black or pink shoes Thursday night — Brandon Marshall’s green cleats was definitely an attention grabber. Especially since he was seen often, catching nine balls for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
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