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Former Ravens TE Dennis Pitta makes bold claim about his position
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- Former Ravens TE Dennis Pitta makes bold claim about his position
Every Baltimore Ravens football fan, coach, and player has their opinion about the game's complexities. Most would probably naturally point to the quarterback as the most difficult position to master. After all, no player shoulders more responsibility than the man under center. He and the head coach are the only people on the team whose names are directly tied to a win-loss record.
Quarterbacks read defenses, change protections, manage the offense, and often determine whether their team wins or loses. A former Ravens tight end, however, has something he'd like to add to the discussion.
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Dennis Pitta recently appeared on The Lounge Podcast . He shared stories from his six-year NFL career, all of which were spent in Baltimore. One of the most memorable involved his first NFL reception, a one-yard gain that ended with a crushing hit and served as his lone catch during his rookie season.
The story drew laughs. Another part of the conversation offers something that can be tossed back and forth for fodder. He believes the tight end position is the most difficult to play in football.
Dennis Pitta 's point is tight ends are asked to do some of everything
Pitta's argument isn't difficult to understand. Few positions require the same level of versatility. Tight ends must block defensive ends and linebackers in the running game, protect quarterbacks in pass protection, and then turn around and run routes against safeties and cornerbacks.
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They need the strength of an offensive lineman and many of the receiving skills expected from wide receivers. Very few players possess that combination. It's one reason elite tight ends remain among the league's most valuable offensive weapons.
The debate here is probably somewhat understandable. Of course, not everyone will agree with Pitta. Quarterbacks carry enormous mental and physical demands every week, and many around the NFL would argue no position is more difficult or scrutinized. Just look at the constant debates surrounding Lamar Jackson if you need evidence.
Ironically, former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is currently featured in Netflix's third season of Quarterback , a reminder of just how much pressure accompanies life under center. Still, Pitta's perspective carries weight.
He spent six seasons learning one of football's most demanding positions while becoming one of Joe Flacco 's most trusted targets. Whether fans agree with his conclusion or not, his explanation serves as a reminder that playing tight end requires far more than catching passes. It demands mastering multiple jobs on every snap, and that's exactly why Dennis Pitta believes no position in football is tougher.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Former Ravens TE Dennis Pitta makes bold claim about his position
