Pass Catching Tight Ends

[Ajaxab]

I've tried to find some info on how to get my tight end more involved in the passing game, but haven't been able to come up with anything. Anyone have any ideas or can you point me in the right direction?

[sabotai]

This is generally how I do it. Can't really say how well it works though.

First of all, your TE has to have a high Route Running value.
Secondly, throw shorter passes in the gameplan.
Thridly, check your formation use and make sure you are using normal formations in the passing game (lower you 3WR formation use and your TE pairs in the passing game. The TE pairs mainly because your TE2 will take an oppurtuninty here and there away from the TE you want to be throwing to.)

[fantastic flying froggies]

I agree with #1 and #2 on Sab's list above.
I partly disagree #3, i use a lot of 2 TE sets and still have a stud pass-catching TE. I think a 2nd TE will take away less chances than an average WR.

Also, one thing to add is that it also much better to have a crappy set of wide receivers, at best mediocre in route running.

[sovereignstar]

This is generally how I do it. Can't really say how well it works though.

First of all, your TE has to have a high Route Running value.
Secondly, throw shorter passes in the gameplan.
Thridly, check your formation use and make sure you are using normal formations in the passing game (lower you 3WR formation use and your TE pairs in the passing game. The TE pairs mainly because your TE2 will take an oppurtuninty here and there away from the TE you want to be throwing to.)

All three are very good pointers. It's hard to get a tight end to catch passes down the field like Tony Gonzalez, but you can get guys to catch passes from 4 to 11 yards pretty easily in my experience.

[sovereignstar]

I agree with #1 and #2 on Sab's list above.
I partly disagree #3, i use a lot of 2 TE sets and still have a stud pass-catching TE. I think a 2nd TE will take away less chances than an average WR.

Also, one thing to add is that it also much better to have a crappy set of wide receivers, at best mediocre in route running.

Yeah, it's too bad that you've got to sacrifice the skill of your other players just to get the ball to a certain player. I'd love to see something that you could toggle and determine a rough percentage of how often you want to throw to a certain position.

[fantastic flying froggies]

also, we've already had some discussions before on the subject, you may want to read these threads:

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showthread.php?t=35096

http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showthread.php?t=35957

[Ajaxab]

Thanks for the help! I'm just trying to figure out the best way to use Antonio Gates.

[Grid Iron]

Are you all too lazy to spend a whole night simming 100+ seasons and correlating the data to find the answer?;)

And don't give me the "Uh, Grid, unlike you I have a life" excuse. I've heard that one too many times. :D

[sabotai]

I partly disagree #3, i use a lot of 2 TE sets and still have a stud pass-catching TE. I think a 2nd TE will take away less chances than an average WR.

Yeah, but when you do that, you're pretty much taking away a weapon for your QB to get the ball down the feild. Doing that kind of goes overboard (running 2TE in order to get the ball to the TE) and hurts your team.

[sabotai]

Are you all too lazy to spend a whole night simming 100+ seasons and correlating the data to find the answer?;)

Yes.