Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Breakdown: Tight Ends
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme (84) celebrates his touchdown in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
TE1 — Jacob Tamme
The Falcons signed Jacob Tamme to a two-year, $3.2 million deal this offseason, and they will be hoping the veteran can use his experience to help out in the passing game.
Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA;Denver Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme (84) before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Tamme spent four years in Indianapolis playing with Peyton Manning, before following him to Denver where he spent the past three seasons. He now swaps Manning for another top-tier quarterback in Matt Ryan.
In his seven-year career, Tamme has caught 178 passes for 1,703 yards and ten touchdowns. Two of his best seasons were in 2010 (67 receptions, 631 yards, four touchdowns) and 2012 (52 receptions, 555 yards, two touchdowns).
Tamme will bring some flexibility to the position. He can be used to help in run blocking, but will also be a solid pass-catcher for Ryan in the middle of the field. This is exactly what Kyle Shanahan likes on offense. Per Vaughn McClure of ESPN, he said the following back in February:
“The threat of a tight end who could be out there, which opens up your run game but also is a threat and a matchup in the pass game, it makes a lot easier for a play-caller,” Shahanan said. “It makes it easier for O-linemen, for everybody, because it’s hard in this league when you become one-dimensional. Defenses are too good. Coaches are too good. Defensive lines are too good. And if anybody tees off on something, they’re going to stop you.”
Tamme can establish himself as the No. 1 tight end, and it will be interesting to see how he performs with an opportunity. He has often been a backup and fallen out of favor behind the likes of Julius Thomas and Virgil Green, but will have a chance to shine in Atlanta.
Next: The No. 2