Merged......Pitta and Dickson

[RivenHale]

How good was Heap his first year out? I wasn't a big football fan (and also I was like nine), so can anyone help me out here? How do Dickson or Pitta match up? Obviously it's tough to tell, because they haven't been on the field much, but Todd spent most of his time behind Shannon Sharpe, didn't he?

[gopurpleandblack]

While both Pitta and Dickson display a great deal of athleticism, and Pitta appears to be a "hands guy", after watching the Steelers game on Monday night, it's clear that Dickson just doesn't have the size to block on run plays against much larger defensive ends and linebackers. Seeing Dickson lining up where I am used to seeing LeRon McClain, it was clear that Ed just isn't built for that role; he looks more like an oversized wide receiver trying to contain the Woodleys and Harrisons of the world than anyone who should be in blocking on a run play.
Pass protection and run blocking is actually a HUGE part of a Tight End's job. A great tight end from a receiving standpoint will likely catch 7 or 8 balls a game. That leaves 30-40 snaps that they aren't catching passes, and assuming they are running routes on a few of these that they aren't targeted for a pass, that's at least 20-25 snaps where they are primarily a blocker. Thus, the true mark of a great Tight End is someone who helps you in all facets of the game, not just when he is being targeted for a pass.
Todd Heap is a rare combination of size and skill with great hands, who is adept at pass protection and run blocking. Heap is particularly good as the lead blocker on a screen pass; because of he's a dangerous pass catcher himself, when he's out in front, he attracts the coverage, which leaves the running back in the open for the catch, and Heap then has the size to lead the way for positive yardage. Personally, I'd like to see Heap healthy and around for 3 or 4 more years, and either Pitta or Dickson converted into more of an offensive red zone weapon, but mostly, this depends on Heap's health issues. But as far as the future successor to Todd Heap, I think one of the two should be jettisoned after next year (once we know which one is better) and see the Ravens pick up a big run blocker for some smash mouth football.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='gopurpleandblack' timestamp='1292030484' post='569586']
While both Pitta and Dickson display a great deal of athleticism, and Pitta appears to be a "hands guy", after watching the Steelers game on Monday night, it's clear that Dickson just doesn't have the size to block on run plays against much larger defensive ends and linebackers. Seeing Dickson lining up where I am used to seeing LeRon McClain, it was clear that Ed just isn't built for that role; he looks more like an oversized wide receiver trying to contain the Woodleys and Harrisons of the world than anyone who should be in blocking on a run play.
Pass protection and run blocking is actually a HUGE part of a Tight End's job. A great tight end from a receiving standpoint will likely catch 7 or 8 balls a game. That leaves 30-40 snaps that they aren't catching passes, and assuming they are running routes on a few of these that they aren't targeted for a pass, that's at least 20-25 snaps where they are primarily a blocker. Thus, the true mark of a great Tight End is someone who helps you in all facets of the game, not just when he is being targeted for a pass.
Todd Heap is a rare combination of size and skill with great hands, who is adept at pass protection and run blocking. Heap is particularly good as the lead blocker on a screen pass; because of he's a dangerous pass catcher himself, when he's out in front, he attracts the coverage, which leaves the running back in the open for the catch, and Heap then has the size to lead the way for positive yardage. [b]Personally, I'd like to see Heap healthy and around for 3 or 4 more years, and either Pitta or Dickson converted into more of an offensive red zone weapon, but mostly, this depends on Heap's health issues.[/b] [b]But as far as the future successor to Todd Heap, I think one of the two should be jettisoned after next year (once we know which one is better) and see the Ravens pick up a big run blocker for some smash mouth football.[/b]
[/quote]

Heap is on the last year of his contract and while I wouldn't be if surprised the team re-signed him, they may decide to part ways with him considering both Dickson and Pitta are on the roster.

I can guarantee neither Pitta nor Dickson is going be jettisoned after just two seasons though. For one, both of them signed three-year deals and the team drafted them because they saw potential and see them teaming up for a number of years the same way the Pats view their TE duo.

[gopurpleandblack]

Ah, I didn't know they had three year deals. Well, that's good, that should be enough time for a thorough evaluation.

[Raven43hike]

[quote name='purple.n.black' timestamp='1292009463' post='569229']
I thought you were saying that Dickson will start.
I think Pitta should to give him some opportunities. Dickson had that dropped pass, and didn't do well blocking. Pitta really hasn't got many looks other than throws around the LOS so far
[/quote]
With Heap out Pitta will see more time

[purple.n.black]

[quote name='Raven43hike' timestamp='1292107166' post='569942']
With Heap out Pitta will see more time
[/quote]
I know. But Heap missed all but one play last week and Pitta didn't have a chance to really make an impact. But like I said, I think the coaches will give him a chance now only because Dickson didn't impress last week

[CapoRocky]

So far, Dickson hasn't proven anything yet. He did have a good catch in the NE game for 58 yards. As for the Steelers game, maybe if Dickson would have had the presence of mind to move forward towards Flacco or dive for the pass, then we would have picked up the first down. We still had enough time left on the clock to move into range for a FG to tie the game. Who knows if we would have lost in OT anyway, but we may have had a chance to win. I'm sure that Flacco would have tried to throw it into the endzone, too. Maybe, Dickson could have caught another pass. I wish that he would have thrown to Boldin or Housh. Oh well!

[neoi78]

IN YOUR OPINION(S) .. What are the strengths of each TE. I know we will find out this in more detail on monday night, but I figured I would ask before the game.

I hope they both get utilized like Brady uses his young TE's. But with so many studs on the feild, there is only 1 ball.

[rlh445]

Honestly, I'd be pretty shocked if anyone had a real opinion on this, seeing as how we haven't seen near enough of either to make an informed decision. Most of us will probably lean towards Dickson..naturally because we've seen a lot more of him than we have Pitta.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

Yeah we've seen next to nothing of Pitta (1 catch on the season). Dickson we've seen more of, and I do like the way that you can see his speed and that he is difficult to cover. The guy has of course his entire career ahead of him and will be making mistakes now, but I do get excited when I see him.

Not complaining that we haven't seen enough of them though being as Heap has been very good this year.

[MsMarvel73]

I agree with rlh445...we haven't seen enough of either of them.

My opinion: shouldn't be an either or situation. Get them both in there...nothing wrong with two tight end sets once in a while!!!

[757RavensFan]

They both have good hands.

Dickson- more athletic (faster, quicker), better route runner.

Pitta- better blocker.

[TDubbs]

I like the upside of pitta alot better. he is a bigger target, better route runner, excellent blocker and amazing hands
. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga1ln7L3qUw

[RoflDogs]

I liked Pitta more in the draft

[flaccorice27]

Dickson for the win! 3 things:

1. I like #83
2. I liked him more in the draft
3. he would've won the Steelers game for us had Joe Flacco not messed up the pass

[RoflDogs]

[quote name='flaccorice27' timestamp='1292166961' post='570283']
Dickson for the win! 3 things:

1. I like #83
2. I liked him more in the draft
3. he would've won the Steelers game for us had Joe Flacco not messed up the pass
[/quote]

My friend on facebook said something that made me chuckle
It was along the lines of "wow, Joe is such a great teammate. He underthrew the ball on purpose, so Dickson doesn't get crucified when he drops the ball Mark Clayton style"