What young player could be a key to making the Cardinals' offense potentially unstoppable?
By Walter Mitchell
I would like to start out by saying that every time I listen to Drew Petzing, I come away feeling extremely confident in his football acumen and unique ability to communicate. I urge you to listen to this particular one of Petzing's press conferences:
https://x.com/AZCardinals/status/1957846266920218918
I think this guy is the star coach of the Cardinals' staff.
Drew Petzing is a star, because of his football knowledge, his ability to articulate it and, perhaps most of all, his 100% conviction in his offensive philosophy.
During this press conference, there was an "aha moment" for me while listening to Drew Petzing's responses to the various questions he was asked.
First off, I was extremely impressed with his response to the question of whether a star tight end is more difficult to cover than a star wide receiver --- a media member pointed out that Sean Payton, after watching Trey McBride put on quite a show during the joint practice, opined as such.
Well, Petzing's answer was something to the effect of it's a coach's job to get the most out of any star player at any position. "We are always looking for elite players who can affect the game."
In essence, kudos to Petzing for not taking the bait. It would have been easy for him to agree, given the magnitude of Trey McBride talent and how crucial he is to making the Cardinals' offense click.
Yet the "aha moment" for me came when Petzing was asked about Tip Reiman's impact on the Cardinals' offense. When asked whether Petzing had to try to tone down Reiman's aggressiveness that could lead to penalties, the OC said it was his job to make sure that Reiman play within the rules but that in no shape or fashion would he want to take out the nastiness of Reiman's aggressiveness. And then --- here's the crux --- when one of the media members suggested that Tip Reiman "is not going to wow anyone with his receiving stats," Petzing was lightning-quick to interject, "he may disagree with that."
Aha!
I mean, what if?
What if Tip Reiman develops into a prolific receiving threat opposite Trey McBride?
I mean, why not?
Even if Tip Reiman can occasionally gash the defense with an explosive catch and RAC, think of how much more difficult Petzing's offense can be to defend.
Tip Reiman (6-5, 271) is an inch taller and 25 pounds heavier than Trey McBride (6-4, 246), he has an inch longer arms and 10 1/2 hands (half an inch more than Trey's) and he runs a 4.64 40 which is close enough to Trey's 4.56, especially for a player 25 pounds heavier. Trey did not run the 3-cone drill at the Combine, but Tip ran it in 7:02, which for his size is extraordinary. Tip posted 28 reps, Trey posted 18. As for "Athleticism Scores" per nfl.com and NextGen stats --- Tip's was 95 (1st in his TE class); Trey's was 89 (4th in his TE class).
Plus, as far as Tip's development as a receiver, who better to learn from than Trey McBride.
Note: I also believe that TE coach Ben Steele is perhaps the most effective assistant coach on the staff.
Therefore, one may sense from Drew Petzing that Tip Reiman as a blocker is the quintessential reason to play a consistent diet of 12 personnel, but as a receiver (especially off of play-action), think of the heretofore shock and awe he could provide for opposing defenses.
As most of you know, for a couple of years now I have been saying that a prolific TE receiver opposite Trey McBride could make Drew Petzing's offense all the more unstoppable.
I like what we have with Elijah Higgins in the passing game. But if Tip Reiman "tips the scales" --- oh my golly what an absolute boon he could be for the Cardinals.
Coming to an NFL stadium near you? Click here:
https://www.instagram.com/tipreiman/p/DNR2h_GxIL4/
Petzing uses the 12-13 to bolster a run first attack but with movement utilizing formational diversity and motion (pre snap creativity-shift, motion?) they can use that set to improve the passing game. 12 personnel with two athletic tight ends can effectively attack the vulnerable seam routes between deep coverage zones. Petzing has to incorporate more disguise to his offense and more motion-we all know this. Petzing is really smart but would benefit from an assistant advisor, assistant OC with more experience. He also doesn't have the luxury nor latitude to coach his QB hard.
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to see Petzing throw more on first down this year instead of a 2-3 yard rush every time on 1st to set up so many 3rd down conversions. Try to get those yards by opening up the run with some early down passing. If Reiman has the hands then this could be a hard offense to cover so many receivers, especially 2 TE’s. He might not have down the field vertical catching hands like McBride but short routes within 10yds of the LOS could open up some real action !
DeletePetzing hasn't developed or schemed with (1) varied Rec route tree (2) Motions (3) Rubs. Meaning for our young receiver core there has been little openings. I also don't believe Petzing has taken advantage of Murrays ability to be a threat with RPO's and Play-action, as athletic as KM is you would think we would have more of those plays to open up field and to freeze LB. Recall McBride having zero TD - so Red-Zone passing attack is less then stellar. Red zone offense is really and. area were Petzing needs to do better. Last season we saw many Red Zone drives end in FG rather than TD.
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