For a change, the Jets have legitimate hope at tight end. Herndon returns from a suspension- and injury-ruined 2019 season, Trevon Wesco is one of the team's most improved players and Ryan Griffin -- the group's leading receiver last season -- returned to practice Saturday after spending time on the physically unable to perform list as he recovered from ankle surgery.
"I love that room," Gase said.
To maximize the talent, Gase will have to dust off some of his old game plans because his recent track record as a playcaller suggests his passing game is geared more to wide receivers than tight ends.
In 2019, the Jets finished 28th in tight end receptions (44) and used the "12" personnel grouping (one RB/two TEs) on 112 snaps, 30th in the league, per ESPN Stats & Info. research. From 2016 to 2018, when he coached the Miami Dolphins, Gase's tight ends finished 32nd in receptions (150) and utilized the "12" grouping on 413 snaps, 29th.
To be fair, Gase hasn't had pass-catching threats since 2015, when he was the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator. With Martellus Bennett and Zach Miller, the Bears finished ninth in catches (91) and 13th in snaps (257) out of the "12" look. As the Denver Broncos' coordinator in 2013 and 2014, Gase, with the dangerous Julius Thomas, ranked tied for ninth in catches (164) and 14th in two-tight-end snaps (443).
If the Jets' tight ends turn out to be the strength of the offense, it's on Gase to get them on the field as much as possible. The versatile Wesco also has the ability to line up in the backfield, which creates a wrinkle.
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"I love that room," Gase said.
To maximize the talent, Gase will have to dust off some of his old game plans because his recent track record as a playcaller suggests his passing game is geared more to wide receivers than tight ends.
In 2019, the Jets finished 28th in tight end receptions (44) and used the "12" personnel grouping (one RB/two TEs) on 112 snaps, 30th in the league, per ESPN Stats & Info. research. From 2016 to 2018, when he coached the Miami Dolphins, Gase's tight ends finished 32nd in receptions (150) and utilized the "12" grouping on 413 snaps, 29th.
To be fair, Gase hasn't had pass-catching threats since 2015, when he was the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator. With Martellus Bennett and Zach Miller, the Bears finished ninth in catches (91) and 13th in snaps (257) out of the "12" look. As the Denver Broncos' coordinator in 2013 and 2014, Gase, with the dangerous Julius Thomas, ranked tied for ninth in catches (164) and 14th in two-tight-end snaps (443).
If the Jets' tight ends turn out to be the strength of the offense, it's on Gase to get them on the field as much as possible. The versatile Wesco also has the ability to line up in the backfield, which creates a wrinkle.
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