Cowboys hope to use Jason Witten more in red zone

It sounds crazy, but tight end Jason Witten has been an afterthought in the Dallas Cowboys' red-zone offense.

The eight-time Pro Bowler caught a NFL-record 110 catches for a tight end in 2012, and his 1,039 receiving yards tied for fourth-most in league history at that position.

He was targeted just once in 2012 and it resulted in a touchdown. Meanwhile, the top four red-zone scorers last season were tight ends -- Rob Gronkowski, Heath Miller, Kyle Rudolph and Tony Gonzalez. Dez Bryant led the Cowboys with three red-zone scores, tied for 18th in the NFL.

Fantasy Impact: 

The story points out that Witten's responsibilities are different in the red zone. There are times where he has to help block a defensive end or outside linebacker and, by the time he releases into the field of play to become a target, quarterback Tony Romo has already gone through his progressions. The Cowboys hope the offensive line improves in 2013 so Witten won't have to chip in as much. And with a focus on two tight-end sets, perhaps James Hanna or Gavin Escobar will block so Witten can become a target. It all spells good news for owners of Witten, who is easily a top-five TE in any format, but we especially like him in PPR formats, ranking him second behind stud Jimmy Graham.

Read more
Mar 15
Jimmy Garoppolo
Michael Gallup
Kenny Pickett

Cowboys news