NFL Tickets
Before I get started, I understand that former Houston Texans TE James Casey has yet to put up any decent numbers in his first four NFL seasons.
I also understand that Philadelphia Eagles TE Brent Celek has been a solid contributor for the Birds ever since they drafted him in 2007, as he has put together some very impressive years, including two separate seasons with 800+ receiving yards and 5+ receiving touchdowns.
But in reality, Celek has been a model of inconsistency throughout his six NFL seasons and has completely fallen off the grid when in the red-zone, as just one of his 57 catches went for a touchdown in 2012. Celek has also had the luxury of being the Eagles’ only legitimate tight end for his entire tenure, and has been used mostly as a dump-off safety valve for QBs Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick.
On the contrary, before the Eagles signed Casey last week, he spent the past four years as a back-up to one of the best tight-ends in the NFL, Texans TE Owen Daniels, and has still managed to make a difference.
Daniels is an incredibly athletic and versatile competitor who played fullback and tight end for the Texans and at his alma mater, Rice University, where he also lined up at halfback and quarterback.
I look for Daniels to take the reigns as Vick’s go-to tight end when the 2013 season gets underway, while I expect Celek’s production to quickly deteriorate. With Casey also primed to catch passes out of the backfield, and even handle some carries here and there, Celek will be soon forgotten.
I have little doubt that Casey will become an extraordinary professional footballer now that he has escaped the shadow of Daniels, and is set to launch a brand new campaign in Philadelphia.
Please follow Joe on Twitter @EaglesRant for all Eagles/NFL insight.
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