Cade Otton Was Mr. Separation
November 15th, 2024
Raises game.
Joe still tries to wrap his mind around how the Bucs can bounce back from the loss of Chris Godwin.
Godwin was likely having not just his best season (which is saying something), but Godwin was arguably the team MVP.
Why does Joe say that? The Bucs haven’t won since he got hurt against Baltimore.
Talk about a gut punch.
If there is any silver lining to that awful injury, it’s been the play of tight end Cade Otton, who really has raised his game. He’s become Baker Mayfield’s favorite target with Mike Evans and Godwin out.
Joe could argue since Godwin got hurt, he has morphed into one of the best NFL tight ends.
But wait, that’s not all! Whoever thought Otton had wheels? He’s got them and he’s finding ways to get open.
Who says? The PFF tribe says. Per the tribe, on each Otton targets against San Francisco, he got separation from his nearest defender.
Left unsaid is whether or not the 49ers got cute and tried to cover Otton with a defensive tackle.
Now Joe has to throw in a disclaimer. The tribe claims Otton had six “opportunities,” whatever that means. Per the offensive NFL gamebook, Otton was targeted eight times, catching five passes.
Pardon Joe for putting significantly more merit into the official NFL gamebook than some dude in an Irish dorm following a predetermined “metric.” Still, the point here is that Otton is getting open. Often.
His development this year has been a very bright spot in a depressing season through 10 games.
November 15th, 2024 at 12:18 am
I feel like since his 2nd year in the league, Otton has had the ability, he just hasn’t had the opportunities with Evans and Godwin being so productive.
November 15th, 2024 at 12:45 am
Really liked Otton’s college tape when he was drafted, solid hands catcher who really plucked the ball for the most part. He’s not flashy and he’s developed a little slower than some anticipated, but Licht got amother one right.
November 15th, 2024 at 4:37 am
So glad we got Otton! He was doing pretty good last season too and now has stepped up even more.
Cade reminds me a lot of Cameron Brate. That’s a good thing. He was with the Bucs for a long time.
November 15th, 2024 at 5:10 am
When I heard that Cade bought his OLine jeans jackets and socks for Christmas last year that sealed it for me. Talk about nailing a draft pick!
November 15th, 2024 at 8:30 am
I know how you loved the lost decade. But this is not a depressing season to true Bucs fans with the offense we have. To think is depressing because everything is not going perfect is plain childish.
We still have a good chance on winning the division. If you lack hope, then go look at Atlanta’s remaining schedule. @ Denver @ Washington home for the Chargers and @ Minnesota. God know when or if Cousins recovers this season.
We should sign Mike Edward’s to help the defense. Notice I said help not rescue.
November 15th, 2024 at 11:39 am
I agree. With many of our original starters out we have played exciting games lately and I am all for it. GO BUCS!
November 15th, 2024 at 12:23 pm
“Left unsaid is whether or not the 49ers got cute and tried to cover Otton with a defensive tackle.“
No that’s something Lovie does to enhance yards and points allowed. It’s a losing tactic – Lovie’s specialty.
November 15th, 2024 at 12:45 pm
Otton is blocking better under new TE coach Justin Peelle. With Chris out, Otton is getting more targets but I’m not really sure he’s a better receiver.
November 15th, 2024 at 8:53 pm
Great year so far by cade! What was thought as a weakness coming in to this season is now a strength! What we don’t realize yet, is Durham is just as Good as a receiver as cade and may be a better blocker. Ko has his role In the offense and special teams. And Devon is undeveloped so far but will be good. I think tight end is a position of strength now. One less thing we have to worry about in the next draft!