Todd Heap

[CARavensFan]

A lot of people have been talking about Todd Heap and how he seem to be on the "decline", but I was watching the Gameplan video on the www.BaltimoreRavens.com and saw something really interesting.

If you go and watch it just before the 3 minute mark Cam and Larry (the host) start talking about Heap's job blocking and how he's been impacting our running game with how he's blocking, but as you watch the tape they also talk about how teams are still paying a lot of attention to him, they even so a clip against the Browns where they put three guys to cover him (when Mark breaks deep for the TD ) and that teams have been doubling him often in the passing game.

It just struck me as I was watching that even though he might not be putting up the big time numbers we're used to seeing out of him, the teams we are facing definitely don't see him as "washed up" or "on the decline" otherwise they wouldn't be sending so many defenders to prevent him from getting the ball.

However, I'm hoping that in one of these games (maybe against Houston?) at team will finally decide to test Heap and let him get involved in the passing game some, then we'll be rewarded with seeing that Heap is for from done being the great TE we all know and love

FYI here's the link to the video I'm talking about: [url="http://www.baltimoreravens.com/media_library/Videos/Game_Plan/08/GP_10_Offense.aspx"]http://www.baltimoreravens.com/media_libra...10_Offense.aspx[/url]

[beetus]

Hmmm, interesting... However, look at Antonio Gate in SD, he's doubled up a lot, but he's been able to get the ball thrown to him. But, Gates is kind of a punk as a blocker in the run game

[march4superbowl]

I think Heap [u]will[/u] have a 35 yard catch this game.

[CARavensFan]

[quote name='beetus' post='85506' date='Nov 6 2008, 08:54 PM']Hmmm, interesting... However, look at Antonio Gate in SD, he's doubled up a lot, but he's been able to get the ball thrown to him. But, Gates is kind of a punk as a blocker in the run game[/quote]

That's true, Mason has been doing it for us as well, but I think what Cam has been teaching Joe to do when defenses double up on someone is look for the one-on-one match-up, because its when that happens that you can get big plays. Both of our passing TDs last week came on one-on-one match-ups with Clayton beating a safety over the top and Mason beating a corner on the outside. Them being able to do that consistently should help Heap as well because if we show defenses that we can beat them on the outside when the stack the box or double Heap they'll have to start thinking about covering different weapons and that will let the remaining weapons tear it up for us .

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='beetus' post='85506' date='Nov 6 2008, 11:54 PM']Hmmm, interesting... However, look at Antonio Gate in SD, he's doubled up a lot, but he's been able to get the ball thrown to him. But, Gates is kind of a punk as a blocker in the run game[/quote]

Gates also was playing with 2 QB(Brees,Rivers) that has been in the system for 2-3+ years. IMO the reason why Heap is not putting up the numbers that many want him to is simply because of training camp and preseason. Heap missed most of training camp and 3 games of the preseason, Flacco was in a 3 man race for the QB position and didn't start taking all the reps until week 3 of preseason. In this situation Flacco didn't get a chance to build an on field relationship with Heap.

Mason was the only reciever that was able to take all the reps in training camp with Flacco, and IMO that is why he and Flacco have such a great on field relationship. There are times when Heap is open(by his standards) and Flacco doesn't feel comfortable enough to put the ball in an area for Heap to catch. We have seen Heap make some great catches were it didn't seem like he was open for our QB's in the past used Heap as a saftey valve just like Flacco uses Mason.

I think we will start to see Heap getting more involved as the season goes on. Remember we are only half way thru the season. If Heap can start to come on strong down the stretch it would be big. As teams start to add more guys in the box to stop our run, and Cam has more confidence in this oline/backs to protect Joe without help, Heap will start to get a lot more opportunities.

[RayLew52]

Heap will have a breakthrough game this year (sometime soon i hope) where he and Flacco just kind of click, and it wont stop.

[VA_Fan]

He will get a TD this weekend.

[CARavensFan]

[quote name='VA_Fan' post='85545' date='Nov 6 2008, 10:37 PM']He will get a TD this weekend.[/quote]
I hope your right, besides Heap being on of my favorite players I also have him on my fantasy team so I've been patiently waiting for him to finally get something going for me

[PIG 20]

It's pretty simple really. We have a young offensive line and a rookie QB. The best thing to do is to stack the line with as many blockers as possible. Give the QB some time or open a hole for the running game. It's giving us a "huge" advantage on "time of pocession".

Unfortunately for Heap on many of times that he has been open either Flacco doesn't see him or has made a bad pass to him.

I really don't feel there is a chemistry issue here. I just think that Cam's scheme has changed the way we use our TE's with the way we want to play offense.

Heap is still very effective and with Flacco getting more comfortable each game, I think we will be hearing more "HEEEEEEEEEEAP's" at our home games.

[ravensgirl88]

I've been saying this for awhile now, you can't pass to a guy if he's never open.

[rayvenfan_52]

[quote name='ravensgirl88' post='85559' date='Nov 7 2008, 04:15 AM']I've been saying this for awhile now, you can't pass to a guy if he's never open.[/quote]

Well thats because hes been used as a blocking TE in most of the games hes played. When he was open it wasnt a good pass. Sometimes hes been open and the ball never goes to him at all. Flacco and Heap dont seem to have any chem going on. I think when Joe starts getting better and a little bit more experienced he will see Heap and whoever else is open.

[CARavensFan]

[quote name='rayvenfan_52' post='85647' date='Nov 7 2008, 10:58 AM']Well thats because hes been used as a blocking TE in most of the games hes played. When he was open it wasnt a good pass. Sometimes hes been open and the ball never goes to him at all. Flacco and Heap dont seem to have any chem going on. I think when Joe starts getting better and a little bit more experienced he will see Heap and whoever else is open.[/quote]

Its true he's being used to block more than he has been in the past, but what was brought up in the video (and something I hadn't realized) is that he's still being double covered (and even tripled in some cases) by other teams and while its disappointing to see him not get as many catches the impact that is having on our offense as a whole is big, because when they double on Heap that leaves the other teams defense with either one less guy in the box for out running game or leaves one of our outside WRs in one-on-one coverage which equals big plays.

[rayvenfan_52]

[quote name='CARavensFan' post='85653' date='Nov 7 2008, 10:06 AM']Its true he's being used to block more than he has been in the past, but what was brought up in the video (and something I hadn't realized) is that he's still being double covered (and even tripled in some cases) by other teams and while its disappointing to see him not get as many catches the impact that is having on our offense as a whole is big, because when they double on Heap that leaves the other teams defense with either one less guy in the box for out running game or leaves one of our outside WRs in one-on-one coverage which equals big plays.[/quote]

Yup. Heap not producing big #s for us doesnt mean hes not affecting the way teams play against him. Besides its not like teams will have enough people to watchout for Todd Heap and Derrick Mason. That means someone is bound to be 1 on 1 if 1 of those guys is doubled or if both of them are. I cant wait to see if Clayton steps up for us.

[FerrariFan87]

Yeah, I was amazed that they were talking about how the Browns were still doubling Heap even though we barely even looked his way all game... that's great for our WR corp.

[H8R]

[quote name='beetus' post='85506' date='Nov 6 2008, 11:54 PM']Hmmm, interesting... However, look at Antonio Gate in SD, he's doubled up a lot, but he's been able to get the ball thrown to him. But, Gates is kind of a punk as a blocker in the run game[/quote]


You notice that Rivers has a GREAT O-line and he is a veteran, they are keeping Todd on the line to help protect Joe. Todd will be worked in once Cam can let them go Wide open Throttle.

[T-Sizzle55]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' post='85530' date='Nov 7 2008, 12:45 AM']Gates also was playing with 2 QB(Brees,Rivers) that has been in the system for 2-3+ years. IMO the reason why Heap is not putting up the numbers that many want him to is simply because of training camp and preseason. Heap missed most of training camp and 3 games of the preseason, Flacco was in a 3 man race for the QB position and didn't start taking all the reps until week 3 of preseason. In this situation Flacco didn't get a chance to build an on field relationship with Heap.

Mason was the only reciever that was able to take all the reps in training camp with Flacco, and IMO that is why he and Flacco have such a great on field relationship. There are times when Heap is open(by his standards) and Flacco doesn't feel comfortable enough to put the ball in an area for Heap to catch. We have seen Heap make some great catches were it didn't seem like he was open for our QB's in the past used Heap as a saftey valve just like Flacco uses Mason.

I think we will start to see Heap getting more involved as the season goes on. Remember we are only half way thru the season. If Heap can start to come on strong down the stretch it would be big. As teams start to add more guys in the box to stop our run, and Cam has more confidence in this oline/backs to protect Joe without help, Heap will start to get a lot more opportunities.[/quote]

I think you are reading too much into OTA's and training camp as to why Heap isn't the leadinging scorer like in the Billick era. This is a new scheme and a new system. We have the youngest offensive line in he league right now and the more blockers we have for the passing game the better. We have plays where Heap's first priority is to block. If he doesn't have anyone to block, he becomes an eligible receiver. Due to the fact that Cam wants Joe to release the ball quickly, it is usually thrown before Heap gets open. When Flacco has thrown to Heap it has been tipped or picked. Cam has said that Heap is being double or even triple teamed by defenders which allows Clayton, Mason, DW (before being put on IR), or even RBs to find themselves in single coverage. Heap might be a check down guy for Flacco and instead of throwing short he usually finds Mason for 10 to 20 yards and a first down. Heap will still make an appearance this year I'm sure, but right now he does whatever is asked of him to best contribute to the team. Right now that is protecting Joe, keeping him healthy, and opening holes for our RBs.

[neepo13]

That doesnt surprise me especially vs. the Browns. He has burned them pretty bad in the past and he burned them a few times when we faced them the first time.

[Perfekt]

heaps still one of the best players on offense to have such an impact without even touching the ball that just makes like the guy even more

[heapitup247]

The first team that looks past todd heap is gunna get hurt by him. We're winning, hell if he doesnt catch a pass for the rest of the season and we win games i dont think he minds and neither do I.

[Perfekt]

thats the same way i look at it atleast we know hes doing a good job

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='T-Sizzle55' post='85665' date='Nov 7 2008, 02:18 PM']I think you are reading too much into OTA's and training camp as to why Heap isn't the leadinging scorer like in the Billick era. This is a new scheme and a new system. We have the youngest offensive line in he league right now and the more blockers we have for the passing game the better. We have plays where Heap's first priority is to block. If he doesn't have anyone to block, he becomes an eligible receiver. Due to the fact that Cam wants Joe to release the ball quickly, it is usually thrown before Heap gets open. When Flacco has thrown to Heap it has been tipped or picked. Cam has said that Heap is being double or even triple teamed by defenders which allows Clayton, Mason, DW (before being put on IR), or even RBs to find themselves in single coverage. Heap might be a check down guy for Flacco and instead of throwing short he usually finds Mason for 10 to 20 yards and a first down. Heap will still make an appearance this year I'm sure, but right now he does whatever is asked of him to best contribute to the team. Right now that is protecting Joe, keeping him healthy, and opening holes for our RBs.[/quote]


i don't think u put enough into training camp and OTA's. There is a reason why so much is put into training camp and preseason games, especailly for a young team. Remember we are dealing with the youngest oline, an oline that wasn't together at all doing training camp. It's not that simple to just install a new offense with very young personel and expect everything to hit on all cylinders. There are plenty of times that Heap is open or has an step on a defender and just doesn't get the ball. We as fans don't see the whole game, we just see what is shown on tv(unless we are lucky enough to attend games and know what to look for).

When u are dealing with a young QB they tend to rely on the preson they feel the most comfortable with, and obviously that is Mason. Right now i would say that Joe's biggest problem is that he rely on the strenght of his arm more then the confidence that his reciever will be in the place he needs to be. This is something that is to be expected from a young QB, but as he gets more comfortable with the speed of the NFL, aswell as the offense and personel(as u mentioned T-Sizzle55) Heap will become more of an target.

I actually tape the games so i get to watch them more and see more then most. There has been times when Heap has been open for those same 10-15 yard routes that Mason has. On the 70 yard TD pass to DWIll, Heap was just as open on the other side of the field. Remember Heap has missed a couple of balls this season(inculding a TD), he and Flacco has had some miscommunication on at least 2 passes in the endzone. As this offense builds around each other more weapons will start to show up in the gameplan.

P.S. How great is it to say that Heap hasn't been a big factor this season but i'll offense is still getting the job done.

[Jesse Conroy]

I was always thinking it was something between Heap and the organization, and them not seeing eye-to-eye.

But this is good to know, thank you for this info. I will be watching to do if Houston does the same thing to Heap, come Sunday.