Winslow vs. Witten
Okay, we've got the results from the last two player matchups. In a surprise (to me), Heath Miller edged out Jeremy Shockey, with Vernon Davis finishing a relatively close third. Wes Welker also trashed Roy Williams in their head-to-head matchup.
Today's battle will go back to tight ends one more time. I'm going to take Antonio Gates out of the discussion because of his foot surgery. If he's ready to play Week 1, he's number one in my rankings. We'll see how that plays out.
But even if Gates is ready to go Week 1, I'd put Kellen Winslow and Witten in the first tier with him. They are both coming off career seasons and are helping to change the way we look at the value of tight ends.
In standard leagues, both players would have finished as top-20 wideouts last year. In PPR leagues, Witten moves up to the top-12. That makes them reasonable fourth-round picks overall, but which one goes first? Winslow seems to be a bionic soldier, improving with every surgery. Witten has never topped seven scores, but he's topped 750 yards per season since 2004. What say you, Pancake Blockers?
And yes, I'm catching up on emails, sleep, and marathon training. We'll be back with more regular posting next week.
Comments
Witten is safer, Winslow has the higher ceiling. My choice is Witten.
Posted by: Greg | May 16, 2008 05:40 PM
Witten. Easy. Watch.
Posted by: huh? | May 16, 2008 06:20 PM
These are the fun debates, because either choice is excellent. Both TE's are the #2 targets on their teams and many weeks they are the #1 targets.
I guess I lean slightly towards Witten because he is so consistent. Even if he doesn't score he always has at least 5 or six cathces and 60 to 90 yards.
Posted by: Judd | May 16, 2008 09:11 PM
I actually like the Browns quarterback situation better than the Cowboys. The Browns have depth. If Romo goes down like mobile quarterbacks sometimes do, is Brad Johnson going to get him the ball?
One could also make the argument that Stallworth and Edwards could do more to open things up for Winslow.
That being said, Winslow's surgeries and contract demands make me nervous.
At least I know Witten is going to be on the field.
Posted by: Fredex | May 17, 2008 01:13 AM
I do not agree with anyone who says that Winslow has superior skills. I have been watching Witten since he played for Tennessee in college, and he is an amazing athlete. Combine that with his endurance, his role in a prolific offense, and the fact that he is not a head-case like Winslow, and he is the clear choice over Winslow.
Posted by: Flea Bart | May 17, 2008 09:38 AM
Witten, primarily because he is safer.
But if it weren't for Winslow's health issues, this would be the other way around.
Posted by: Stephen | May 17, 2008 11:19 AM
jason witten in a rout
not injury prone,no question marks,used often in the boys offense,plays most of his games away from snow and has great talent all around him making it difficult to double him and has a good qb in romo throwing to him
vs winslow
injury prone,tough schedule,plays in bad weather and just added talent at wr (stallworth)to take touchs away
Posted by: brent | May 17, 2008 11:30 AM