How To Use Todd Heap

[Milton145]

Should we use him mostly for run blocking and goaline situations and let our younger, faster, more athletic TE Ed Dickson take over the receiving role to stretch the field.

I think this could be really effective. Have Dickson in while we are driving the length of the field and once we get near the goaline, throw in Todd Heap to either block for Ray Rice or come down with a lob ball or get the tough catch in traffic.

[theFRANCHISE]

I think, realistically, we won't see immediate contributions from Ed Dickson or Dennis Pitta, just because they need to catch up to the speed of the game. Rather, I'm looking for them to make moderate contributions in the second half of the season but have minimal production in the first half. We're reading great things about both guys, especially Pitta's hands, but there's still the mental aspect of the game to grasp. Blocking is not something to be taken lightly, as the wrong instinct or even an ounce of hesitation can result in a blown assignment and possibly a sack.

Additionally, route-running as a TE is a fine art, as the best TEs are the ones that can sell the run or the pass as smoothly as they can shed a block; they need to learn to have the same body language when they're about to run a route as they're about to take on a block. In some ways, TEs have to be even more precise than receivers, as a TE going out on a pass route can suddenly change a defensive assignment and open up a hole for the QB that wouldn't have otherwise been there.

For now, Todd Heap will be the primary guy and will be used mostly for blocking, as there are plenty of other weapons on the field for the defense to account for and protection will be key for Flacco to deliver the ball safely to said targets. This, however, does not preclude Heap from emerging as a weapon in the pass offense once again, as he is a master at selling the block before going on a quick route.

[harfordravenfan]

Couldn't agree with you anymore franchise, well put!

[edreedfromtheu]

The way to use Todd Heap is this...

throw to him in a situation/area where he has to do absolutely NOTHING after the catch.

This means, in the end zone, or on the sideline, or where he is catching the ball past the first down marker and doesn't have to fight for any extra yards.

If you make/let him do anything after the catch, it's USUALLY bad news. He tries to hurdle the first defender that comes to him almost every time... and that usually results in an injury or fumble.

With that being said, he does have one of the greatest Ravens plays in history when he caught a ball on the 2 yard line, withstood everything Shawne Merrimen could throw at him with a lined-up shot, and then still lunged forward for the game winning touchdown.

But yeah, if we can keep Heap from having to make decisions in the open-field with the ball in his hands, I think we're better off.

[Ravenmore74]

Todd Heap is one of those TE that we need to use in balance.
The reason is if we use less of him we don't utilize him as an option on the receiving end.
If we use to much of him he is prone to injury and we lose him for a significant amount of time.
That being said we should use him in moderation just enough so that other teams can write a game plan against him as one of are targets.

[heapitup247]

It all depends on the situation. As of right now, Todd is our best all around tight end. Dickson has alot of potential in the passing game, so I can see us using him on obvious passing downs. To start off I bet he just spells Heap, and then depending how he does gets more involved with the offense.

[CapoRocky]

Heap will benefit from the rise of Rice and the addition of Boldin. Defenses will be so busy focusing on stopping them that they will forget about Heap's ability to get open over the middle. Heap is invaluable in the redzone, where he can block for McGahee, or shed a block to catch a TD pass.

[i82much]

Four words - Heap, Stallworth, Mason, Boldin.

[The Raven]

[quote name='i82much' timestamp='1281314785' post='446843']
Four words - Heap, Stallworth, Mason, Boldin.
[/quote]

Five words - Heap, Stallworth, Mason, Boldin, Rice

No team can stop that. That's an unstoppable team right there. Heap can't be held in to block anymore. We need him in the passing game. With those main five in the passing game, no one can be doubled. Heap will be better this year, just because of the talent around him taking pressure off.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1281319416' post='446897']
Five words - Heap, Stallworth, Mason, Boldin, Rice

No team can stop that. That's an unstoppable team right there. Heap can't be held in to block anymore. We need him in the passing game. With those main five in the passing game, no one can be doubled. Heap will be better this year, just because of the talent around him taking pressure off.
[/quote]
But the offensive line still has question marks, given how there've been minor injuries to hit guys left and right at that positional group lately. If Jared Gaither's injuries continue to nag him, that'll be something to watch in pass protection. Additionally, the interior of the line on the right side still isn't set, as there's been a rotation with Chris Chester and Marshal Yanda and no clear starter. Heap aiding in pass protection may be bred out of necessity.

[i82much]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1281319754' post='446901']
But the offensive line still has question marks, given how there've been minor injuries to hit guys left and right at that positional group lately. If Jared Gaither's injuries continue to nag him, that'll be something to watch in pass protection. Additionally, the interior of the line on the right side still isn't set, as there's been a rotation with Chris Chester and Marshal Yanda and no clear starter. Heap aiding in pass protection may be bred out of necessity.
[/quote]

That's a fair point and they certainly have done their fare share of max protect in Joe's first two years. Have to think that with the off-season acquisitions and a (hopefully) healthy Heap the gloves will be off and Flacco will be expected to just make plays, get rid of the ball if he's under pressure and hopefully to an open Mason/Boldin/Heap on an underneath route.

But yeah it doesn't hurt to get the ball in little Ray's hands either. Not to mention Willis ain't so bad when the time comes to pound.

[The Raven]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1281319754' post='446901']
But the offensive line still has question marks, given how there've been minor injuries to hit guys left and right at that positional group lately. If Jared Gaither's injuries continue to nag him, that'll be something to watch in pass protection. Additionally, the interior of the line on the right side still isn't set, as there's been a rotation with Chris Chester and Marshal Yanda and no clear starter. Heap aiding in pass protection may be bred out of necessity.
[/quote]

Good point. Though, at practices I have yet to see Chester play guard. I've only heard of him getting time at center. Yanda seems to me the clear starter. I hope Gaither gets healthy soon. I'd like to see Heap get back to form.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1281320906' post='446923']
Good point. Though, at practices I have yet to see Chester play guard. I've only heard of him getting time at center. Yanda seems to me the clear starter. I hope Gaither gets healthy soon. I'd like to see Heap get back to form.
[/quote]
There was talk of rotating Chester at guard to relieve Yanda, while Tony Moll splits time at guard and right tackle. That tells me that they're not comfortable with their right guard situation, but that's just me. I've yet to watch any practice yet, so I really wouldn't know what's going on other than what I'm reading.

[Ravens Lover]

He should be used sparingly but I think he could still be a receiving threat and stretch the field

[reediddy]

I think he would be best suited being a blocker and occasionally go out for a pass. With Boldin manning the middle of the field, Heap should help our pass protection given our right side of the OL is shaky.

[JEEPercreepermd]

I think a better question to ask would be "How will the Ravens use all 3 TE's this year" TE's have always been a big part of Cam's offenses in the past, maybe now we could start seeing some multiple TE packages. It should really help big time in the red zone.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1281301403' post='446730']
The way to use Todd Heap is this...

throw to him in a situation/area where he has to do absolutely NOTHING after the catch.

This means, in the end zone, or on the sideline, or where he is catching the ball past the first down marker and doesn't have to fight for any extra yards.

If you make/let him do anything after the catch, it's USUALLY bad news. He tries to hurdle the first defender that comes to him almost every time... and that usually results in an injury or fumble.

With that being said, he does have one of the greatest Ravens plays in history when he caught a ball on the 2 yard line, withstood everything Shawne Merrimen could throw at him with a lined-up shot, and then still lunged forward for the game winning touchdown.

But yeah, if we can keep Heap from having to make decisions in the open-field with the ball in his hands, I think we're better off.
[/quote]
Todd Heap has 6 fumbles in almost a decade. USUALLY isn't exactly the best word choice. And he's not exactly the best run after the catch TE, but he certainly doesn't jeopardize the team when he tries.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1281301403' post='446730']
The way to use Todd Heap is this...

throw to him in a situation/area where he has to do absolutely NOTHING after the catch.

This means, in the end zone, or on the sideline, or where he is catching the ball past the first down marker and doesn't have to fight for any extra yards.

If you make/let him do anything after the catch, it's USUALLY bad news. He tries to hurdle the first defender that comes to him almost every time... and that usually results in an injury or fumble.

With that being said, he does have one of the greatest Ravens plays in history when he caught a ball on the 2 yard line, withstood everything Shawne Merrimen could throw at him with a lined-up shot, and then still lunged forward for the game winning touchdown.

But yeah, if we can keep Heap from having to make decisions in the open-field with the ball in his hands, I think we're better off.
[/quote]

Yes, lets not throw to Heap when he's in the open field, who knows what could happen! Instead lets make him catch the ball in traffic so he can get blindsided by a linebacker. But if he got space to run he might fumble the ball or pull a hamstring so we just have to hope he gets laid out quickly. What you're saying makes no sense. Of course we'd like him to catch the ball in the end zone and make the tough first down catches. But when he's open with room to run we should just ignore him... wow

No one thinks he's Antonio Gates or Davis, but according to you Heap should just kneel the ball when he has room to run because "If you make/let him do anything after the catch, it's USUALLY bad news." Unbelievable.

How many fumbles does Heap have? SIX in his entire career.

I say throw it to HEAP when you need a catch made and let him run!

[ravensfan160]

I agree with FRANCHISE, that the rookie TE's will make the most impact in the 2nd half of the season. Once they get on the field, they won't be asked to run fancy routes. Instead, Dickson (especially) will mostly run seam routes. His speed will be used to open up the middle of the field for Boldin and Mason underneath.

[justifythegame]

the franchise is on the money. i really don't think we see a lot of our rookie TEs at all this season. On top of that we are going to have Heap in no matter what on blocking situations because the rookies apparantley can't block well, and we are a running team that requires a lot of blocking.

[i82much]

[quote name='justifythegame' timestamp='1281413407' post='447709']
the franchise is on the money. i really don't think we see a lot of our rookie TEs at all this season. On top of that we are going to have Heap in no matter what on blocking situations because the rookies apparantley can't block well, and we are a running team that requires a lot of blocking.
[/quote]

Whoops, I was just reading and accidentally clicked the "minus" button on this post. Didn't mean to and I actually agree with you. Sorry!

[Moderator 3]

[quote name='i82much' timestamp='1281540304' post='448281']
Whoops, I was just reading and accidentally clicked the "minus" button on this post. Didn't mean to and I actually agree with you. Sorry!
[/quote]

I fixed that for you.