Is Tony Gonzalez's Fantasy Stock Slipping?

Ryan Lester by Columnist Written on July 08, 2009
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Tight end Tony Gonzalez #88 of the Atlanta Falcons stretches during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia.  (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images) (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images)

Whenever you leave a situation where you have been the centerpiece of the offense for so many years, there have to be some concerns that you won’t be able to match your production in your new digs. 

When Tony Gonzalez, the best offensive tight end in NFL history, was traded from Kansas City to Atlanta, that very scenario presented itself. Sure, he was going to an offense with a much better QB (Matt Ryan) that he has played with since pre-concussion Trent Green. 

You know that he will have to share with the likes of Roddy White and Michael Jenkins in the passing attack, as well as Michael Turner and the run game. Gonzalez has produced while RBs have had historic seasons (Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson), although this situation is a bit different.

If you read into what Mike Mularkey told J. Michael Moore of AtlantaFalcons.com, there could be some cause for concern over Gonzo’s fantasy value next season.

Mularkey said, “One thing he’s going to do is that he’s a productive blocker, and that’s important in our offense. As successful as he’s been as a receiver, he’s a good blocker too, and he really doesn’t get the credit that he should.”  

I’m not saying that I think Gonzo is going to be a blocking tight end all of the sudden, but he could see that responsibility a little more often with the Falcons. He’s still a top-tier tight end, but maybe it would be wise to bump him down a notch or two.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.

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written on July 08, 2009 Sports

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