Cowboys | Jason Witten's absence will affect playbook
Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:10:56 -0700

Dallas Cowboys TE Jason Witten (spleen) has not only led the team in receptions the last five seasons, but his absence could also affect how head coach Jason Garrett calls plays. Garrett loves operating out of two- and three- tight end sets, as the Cowboys used more than one tight end on 53 percent of their offensive snaps last season. The offense was also especially effective with one running back and two tight ends on the field, a personnel package that can be used in a variety of formations because of Witten's versatility. As a result, Garrett could use more formations consisting of two backs and one tight end, a group they used only 13 percent of the time in 2011.