Factoid

We’re working on incorporating distance of scoring into some of our stat projection files. So I’ve been analyzing some players and running some numbers.

Below, see a chart showing the average distance of touchdowns for tight ends over the last three years – every one who’s scored at least 8 TDs. No surprise at the top, with Antonio Gates’ 28 TD coming from a league-best average of 18.5 yards. L.J. Smith ranks last on this list, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t get downfield – it’s just that he’s been used heavily around the goal line.

Others with high average distance of touchdowns include Chris Cooley, Donald Lee and Alge Crumpler. Those whose touchdowns have tended to come around the goal-line include Chris Baker, Owen Daniels and Alex Smith.

TIGHT ENDS: AVERAGE DISTANCE OF TOUCHDOWNS, 2005-2007
(shows all tight ends with 8+ TD catches)

Avg   Player (TD)
  18.5    Antonio Gates (28)
  17.5    Chris Cooley (21)
  16.8    Donald Lee (8)
  16.7    Alge Crumpler (18)
  16.1    Tony Gonzalez (12)
  15.8    Jerramy Stevens (13)
  15.1    Kellen Winslow (8)
  12.8    Heath Miller (18)
  12.6    Jason Witten (14)
  12.0    Jeremy Shockey (17)
  11.8    Desmond Clark (12)
  11.7    Randy McMichael (11)
  11.5    Benjamin Watson (13)
  11.2    Dallas Clark (19)
  10.4    Todd Heap (14)
   9.2    Tony Scheffler (9)
   8.3    Alex Smith (8)
   8.0    Owen Daniels (8)
   5.8    Chris Baker (8)
   4.1    L.J. Smith (9)

Tight ends with 6-7 TD catches
  17.4    Vernon Davis (7)
  14.6    Daniel Graham (7)
  13.4    Robert Royal (7)
  10.3    Ben Troupe (6)
   9.6    David Martin (7)
   5.9    Mike Sellers (7)

—Ian Allan

• Comments [1]

Readers' Comments

Add a Comment

Already a registered user? Please sign in to add comments.

To add comments, you must become a registered user of our site. To register, please click here.