New Tight End Duo Brings Balance to Packers

How many times have we heard those intimately involved with the ins and outs of the Green Bay Packers talk about balance? Balance has been an emphasis of head coach Mike McCarthy’s for about as long as he’s been in charge.

Of course, the kind of balance he’s usually referring to is the kind you see between the white lines on game days.

This year, on the other hand, the Packers could very well come to benefit from a different kind of balance—the kind that creates symmetry between those within the locker room. In particular, the Green Bay will hope to capitalize on the balance exhibited by the combination of two free agent additions to their tight end room, Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks.

The yin and yang of the two players was made even more obvious throughout the past week as both players addressed the media during OTAs.

While Bennett drew laughs from reporters and declared himself “captain of fun,” Kendricks spoke softly and talked about how he plans to minimize distractions now that he is back in his home state of Wisconsin. Bennett opined about his favorite literature, Kendricks discussed the similarities of the Packers’ scheme to others he has played in and how he’s going about learning the team’s offensive vocabulary.

“They kind of balance each other out,” Packers tight ends coach Brian Angelichio said with a smile when asked about Kendricks possibly living in the shadow of Bennett’s big personality. “They’ve both played a bunch of years in this league, both different personalities, both have been successful, both have shown to be good teammates and both have shown that they like to work. It’s a good mix.”

The aforementioned yin and yang doesn’t stop at their personalities, however. With both Bennett and Kendricks in the mix this season, the Green Bay offense figures to look a lot more balanced, whether in production or just in scheme. McCarthy and his staff have shown great excitement when it comes to the ability to use more two-tight end sets, of which the two newcomers could be the featured bookends.

While Kendricks, in his own words, may be more astute in the short-area facet of the passing game, he was also quick to point out opposing defenses will have to be on their toes when both tight ends are on the field at the same time, as many defenses will counter two-tight sets with a nickel look. Both can be effective within the aerial attack, but don’t think that means they don’t enjoy getting their hands dirty blocking in the run game.

While Bennett will surely continue to soak up the spotlight with his fun-loving, carefree attitude, Kendricks will keep plugging away in the shadows. It’s that contrast of light and darkness the Packers hope will add up to a lot of success on game day.

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Comments (26)

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

May 27, 2017 at 12:54 pm

Last year's offensive explosion once Jared Cook returned from injury, combined with Ted's decision to add not one--but two--new Tight Ends, says it all:

Richard Rodgers is a huge disadvantage for this offense.

His blocking is substandard. His lack of speed is so horrendous, it literally collapses the defense, bringing everyone and their mothers up in the 10-yard window. When Rodgers is on the field, the entire offense is handcuffed.

Yes, he has great hands, but that comes light years away from changing the obvious conclusion: Richard Rodgers was a terrible draft pick.

Move on, Ted. Move on.

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chugwater's picture

May 27, 2017 at 03:00 pm

I completely agree. RR is Bubba Franks 2.0. Solid possession receiver in the red zone, but hardly a difference maker.

I'm excited to see what exotic schemes MM and his staff put together not only for Kendricks and Bennett, but the entire offense. Should be a good show this fall.

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worztik's picture

May 27, 2017 at 05:04 pm

ALP... I wish you wouldn't mince words and tell us what you really think!!! I hope that your job evals go as nicely and as smoothly!!! Just sayin'....

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

May 27, 2017 at 06:08 pm

Everything I wrote is true.

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worztik's picture

May 27, 2017 at 06:28 pm

I didn't question your honesty...

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worztik's picture

May 27, 2017 at 06:37 pm

There was a "Peth" a year ahead of me in HS at Wausau Senior High (only one HS then...). Any relation??? That woulda been late 60's... just askin'!!!

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

May 27, 2017 at 09:48 pm

Oh, I'm sure we're related. The Peth's hail from that area--mostly Tomah.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

May 28, 2017 at 07:07 am

Tell me this, honestly:

When have you ever seen an entire offense take off so drastically simply by switching out an incredibly slow Tight End for a fast one? Ever? In your whole life?

I had been telling people for the past couple years Rodgers was decimating the spacing on offense and had to be replaced. He finally was replaced, and the results were precisely--to the letter--what I had been predicting. In fact, even I understated the damage Rodgers was causing.

He has to go. Period. I pray our GM sets aside all loyalty and makes the obvious, right call.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 27, 2017 at 02:11 pm

The biggest new thing about our offense this year is the ability to run or pass equally effectively out of 1 or 2 TE sets, which also means we can go no huddle, thus not allowing the defense to change its personnel if we catch them with the wrong personnel on the field. With these 2 TEs, we can send 4 dangerous receivers out on routes (5 if Monty is the RB) or audible to a run.

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NickPerry's picture

May 27, 2017 at 05:38 pm

Giving a QB like Rodgers 2 TE's like Bennett and Kendricks, 2 TE's who can stretch the field OR run block equally well, a RB like Montgomery, and the WR group he has at his disposal will be a nightmare for ANY defense. McCarthy's going to have his balance in spades this season. The Packers will be able to run or pass the ball out of any formation effectively and equally well.

Just imagine the number of "free plays" Rodgers will get as defenses try to sub and defense what the Packers offense is doing to them each week. I can't remember a season I've been more excited about the Packers offense than this year.

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Packer_Fan's picture

May 27, 2017 at 06:17 pm

I totally agree. The two TE lineup with Montgomery as RB will create a lot of mismatches. I hope MM stays creative at the start of each game. Dinking and dunking down the field to move the chains and force the tempo on the defense. None of this two short runs and then a long third down pass. That's letting the defense set the tempo. Until our own defense cones around with the new guys, every offensive possession will be important.

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worztik's picture

May 27, 2017 at 06:33 pm

NICK... I totally echo your sentiments about being excited for this season!!! The last time I was kinda 'cited bout a season was when we got John Jefferson from San Diego to go with Jimmy Lofton... just rememberin'... I think!?!?

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PatrickGB's picture

May 27, 2017 at 09:34 pm

Now if we only had a big fast wideout to stretch the field. Oh wait we have Janis.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

May 28, 2017 at 08:08 am

Everyone seems sure Janis is gone this year, but what do you think?

I'm wondering if we'll see a surprise somewhere else, like Cobb being traded or Nelson or Adams getting injured in preseason.

Little by little, Janis seems to be improving his route-running and hands. Maybe he sticks, thus keeping a core special teamer in place.

What do you think?

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ironman3169's picture

May 28, 2017 at 11:13 am

I think Janis had better show that he's worth keeping around this year. Either in the receiving corps or as an absolutely outstanding gunner.

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worztik's picture

May 28, 2017 at 12:02 pm

I think he's had as many opportunities as I care to give him as a WR! If he's our pro bowl special teams ace... fine. If he's regressed to JAG... he's gone IMO. Just sayin'...

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zerotolerance's picture

May 29, 2017 at 07:53 am

With all the options at WR, I'm sure we can find other gunners if Janis is released. I think it's time to move on from him. IMO.

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dobber's picture

May 29, 2017 at 09:38 am

When you're talking 5th or 6th WR, you're not likely talking about a high ceiling. You're talking about sub-replacement level guys who need to contribute in other places to secure a place on the 53. I think there's always room for that last WR who provides excellence in some facet of the ST game.

Let's not lose sight of the fact that Janis, on the move with the ball in his hands, is still a very good player. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he's returning KOs in 2017 (they'll not want to expose Monty in that way, and Davis is nothing special). Unfortunately, he's pretty limited in how you can get the ball to him which makes it easier for an opponent to defend. Now, if they find a younger guy who can provide that kind of ST impact and still have a ceiling to develop, that's a different matter...

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Gman1976's picture

May 28, 2017 at 02:04 pm

I can't help but remember when the Pack had 2 good / great TEs: Chumura & Jackson. Super Bowl win baby!!! Go Pack Go!!!

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dobber's picture

May 29, 2017 at 09:25 am

I like that comparison...it could be a very fitting one for Bennett and Kendricks. Bennett is not as close to the end as Jackson was, but I think the comparison is apt.

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Spock's picture

May 28, 2017 at 02:12 pm

I've said ever since MM has gotten the two tight ends from TT's huge (for him) foray into free agency that this offense will be IMHO very different. MM was a tight end himself and I think he's just licking his chops with the possible plays that can be run. Realistically, it's still going to be all about QB1, but I really believe the "malaise" (sorry, I bought my house in 1982 when Jimmy Carter was talking about the "National Malaise" and I still remember that I bought at the BEST rate I could, 16 5/8 %, so when I want to describe a historical downturn it somehow comes to mind!) of the offense early last year made MM get more creative and kind of "re-infused" his creativity. At least I hope so. I'm just really excited at how all the new and draft & developed players will come together this season! I love the look on Rodgers' face as he talks about the team. It just seems like this could be "the year". Sorry for the meandering & wordy comment: I shouldn't type anything after taking my pain pills (sigh). :)

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Cartwright's picture

May 28, 2017 at 05:43 pm

After reading this article I'm wondering if RR gets cut for an extra RB instead. If he's that much of a liability why keep him?

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dobber's picture

May 29, 2017 at 09:39 am

Let's not forget that RRod caught almost 60 passes and 8 TDs in 2015. He might have been the most productive player the Packers had catching the ball in that down season, even if he was only averaging about 9 ypc (you know, close to what Larry Fitzgerald did last season).

OK...now that the involuntary shudders have passed, I would assert that Rodgers isn't THAT bad. He's not the dynamic downfield receiver we've been lusting after, and most TEs of his sort are at least adequate blockers...which would be an improvement for him. It's not like he's only in the league because the Packers hang onto him: if the Packers cut RRod, he'd be picked up and on someone else's roster come final cutdowns at the end of camp.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 29, 2017 at 07:32 pm

I grudgingly agree about RR. Even if I still think defenses ignore him when he runs a route and salivate when he stays in to block, he is a decent #3 TE with some NFL caliber skills. I think he should make the 53 unless Sandland or someone beats him out cleanly.

I don't really drink alcohol, but a shot of rum(nah, double Galliano on the rocks) seems in order now.

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Icebowler's picture

May 28, 2017 at 08:47 pm

Hey Peth and Worztik, I also graduated from Wausau High (1966). Played football for coach Win Brockmeyer.

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worztik's picture

May 29, 2017 at 12:39 pm

Icebowler... GO LUMBERJACKS!!! I'm a bit behind you as regards graduating ('69) but, I did make a nice tackle on the Star varsity squad RB as a sophomore and Brock asked who I was! Nice compliment from an all-time HS coach! Then I started a Rock-n-Roll band and started chasing Foxes instead of football dreams... too short, too... oh well... good memories from a time not that long ago... look at the world now... SMH... just sayin'....!!!

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