Post by ajvasel on Mar 14, 2006 12:28:49 GMT -5
Schobel Fills Need As #2 TE
PhiladelphiaEagles.com
By BOB KENT
In Cincinnati, Matt Schobel was a pass-catching tight end in an offense that featured the wide receiver. But that all changed Tuesday with the free agent signing a five-year deal with the Eagles.
Underutilized with the Bengals, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Schobel figures prominently in Philadelphia's West Coast offense. In fact, Schobel revealed the Eagles coaches desire to use more two tight end sets, something the team had success with in spreading out defenses.
"I think in Philadelphia, the tight end is featured a little bit more," said Schobel. "They talked a lot about wanting to go more two tight end, and actually talked a lot about Chad (Lewis) and some of the things they did with him.
"This is where we wanted to be from the very beginning. They were excited about me and that helps too."
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Schobel posted 90 receptions for 938 yards and nine touchdowns in 63 games for the Bengals from 2002-2005. He led the team's tight ends in receptions during his first three seasons in Cincinnati. His most productive season, statistic wise, came as a rookie when Schobel caught 27 passes.
"Our opportunities as tight ends there probably weren't as much as I would have liked; but I did get opportunities and when I did I usually tried to make the most of them," Schobel said.
Rotating in the Bengals' three tight end set last year, Schobel caught 18 passes and scored one touchdown.
"It was tough at times dealing with the play time and the amount that they featured us in the passing game."
But Schobel patience was rewarded with a new start in a new offense. However, Schobel is used to being moved around in the formation. In Cincinnati, he said he was flexed out and even in the backfield.
"I've made quite a few plays downfield and hopefully I'll continue to make some of those," he said. "But I also think that I can make plays underneath, find holes in zones and stuff like that."
Schobel will team with starter L.J. Smith to give Donovan McNabb a pair of athletic receiving talents who are also both capable blockers.
"Any role I do have is going to have to be earned. Nothing is promised," Schobel said. "I'm going to work hard and hopefully my role will expand."
Originally a third-round draft choice by Cincinnati in 2002, Schobel has missed just one regular season game while starting 13. He caught a game-winning touchdown at Pittsburgh in the final minute of a game in 2003 -- an 18-yarder with 13 seconds left. He also posted a career-long 76-yard touchdown reception vs. Dallas in 2004.
A native of Columbus, TX, Schobel was recruited by Texas A&M to play quarterback. After redshirting his freshman year, he transferred to Texas Christian and converted to tight end. Schobel's older brother Aaron is a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills and his cousin, Bo, is defensive end with the Tennessee Titans.
PhiladelphiaEagles.com
By BOB KENT
In Cincinnati, Matt Schobel was a pass-catching tight end in an offense that featured the wide receiver. But that all changed Tuesday with the free agent signing a five-year deal with the Eagles.
Underutilized with the Bengals, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Schobel figures prominently in Philadelphia's West Coast offense. In fact, Schobel revealed the Eagles coaches desire to use more two tight end sets, something the team had success with in spreading out defenses.
"I think in Philadelphia, the tight end is featured a little bit more," said Schobel. "They talked a lot about wanting to go more two tight end, and actually talked a lot about Chad (Lewis) and some of the things they did with him.
"This is where we wanted to be from the very beginning. They were excited about me and that helps too."
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Schobel posted 90 receptions for 938 yards and nine touchdowns in 63 games for the Bengals from 2002-2005. He led the team's tight ends in receptions during his first three seasons in Cincinnati. His most productive season, statistic wise, came as a rookie when Schobel caught 27 passes.
"Our opportunities as tight ends there probably weren't as much as I would have liked; but I did get opportunities and when I did I usually tried to make the most of them," Schobel said.
Rotating in the Bengals' three tight end set last year, Schobel caught 18 passes and scored one touchdown.
"It was tough at times dealing with the play time and the amount that they featured us in the passing game."
But Schobel patience was rewarded with a new start in a new offense. However, Schobel is used to being moved around in the formation. In Cincinnati, he said he was flexed out and even in the backfield.
"I've made quite a few plays downfield and hopefully I'll continue to make some of those," he said. "But I also think that I can make plays underneath, find holes in zones and stuff like that."
Schobel will team with starter L.J. Smith to give Donovan McNabb a pair of athletic receiving talents who are also both capable blockers.
"Any role I do have is going to have to be earned. Nothing is promised," Schobel said. "I'm going to work hard and hopefully my role will expand."
Originally a third-round draft choice by Cincinnati in 2002, Schobel has missed just one regular season game while starting 13. He caught a game-winning touchdown at Pittsburgh in the final minute of a game in 2003 -- an 18-yarder with 13 seconds left. He also posted a career-long 76-yard touchdown reception vs. Dallas in 2004.
A native of Columbus, TX, Schobel was recruited by Texas A&M to play quarterback. After redshirting his freshman year, he transferred to Texas Christian and converted to tight end. Schobel's older brother Aaron is a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills and his cousin, Bo, is defensive end with the Tennessee Titans.
