As a guy who played TE in HS and the small college level, this discussion bothers me. The original post and all the replies I've seen (not all of them) only look at the issue of pass catching. That is only half of what a TE does, and in many cases the lesser part of the equation.
TEs have hybrid responsibilities. In their core role, they block, certainly on running plays and often on passes. Of course, stud TEs become stars catching passes. There are TEs who function as receivers much more than as blockers. And if you have that, it's a great asset. Unfortunately, Gronk-envy leads many to forget what the essential attributes of a TE actually are. A stud receiving TE is a luxury; a blocking TE is a necessity.
I can't understand why anyone would evaluate Higby without looking at his blocking. It's like evaluating drummers solely on the basis of solos and not looking at their ability to sustain the rhythmic foundation of the band.
Now, I have not done anything like a systematic analysis of Higby as a blocker. I have looked at specific plays now and then. I wouldn't say he is a dominant blocker, but he sure seems at least solid when I look at him. And I have seen him make some really, really good blocks. I would say he's at least a competent, mid-table blocking TE. And that anyone who wants to trash him better have a done a serious look at his blocking.
Higby's production as a receiver so far is limited. His blocking seems to me solid and a big part of our offense. I am not saying that the position could not be upgraded. I am saying that McV is getting a valuable contribution to the whole offense.
Our offense right now is based on a balanced threat: Gurley running the ball and WRs attacking BOTH the middle and deep zones. Crucial to that is the blocking. We are rightly proud of our OL these days which is providing the holes and solid pass blocking crucial to that balance. We also remember at times to remember that TG and Brown contribute to the pass blocking.
But a thread like this forgets that a competent blocking TE is a big part of that formula. Higby is a big part of opening holes for our RBs. And the continuing threat of the run opens space downfield. Higby's contributions as a blocker play a key role in the success of an offense that is attacking every level of the field, including zones often attacked by pass catching TEs.
Look, I get it. Blocking is not as glamorous as catching passes. Everyone loves the idea of a stud TE receiver, and we all remember that McV has a track record of using TEs on other teams. To this point, he has not matched that level of receiving production with our TEs. One feels disappointment.
But you know, I see it differently. I am sure McV will keep looking for a stud TE. But right now, he has done what all good coaches do. He has adjusted to his personnel. He has studs at QB, RB and WR and a superbly functioning OL. And he has at least one TE who blocks well. So, he has devised an offensive attack which stresses every part of the field with a TE who contributes best while blocking. That seems to me a superb maximizing of what we have right now. Nor do I see how we are suffering because our TEs are not studs downfield.
Maybe we find our TE stud next year or later. But you know even when we do, I bet there's a place for a grunt blocking TE like Higby.
