Veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez has been around long enough to know that the further downfield a wide receiver is targeted by his quarterback downfield, the better things are for him underneath matched up against linebackers.
During Friday’s win over the Miami Dolphins, Gonzalez had to be licking his chops as Matt Ryan bombs flew downfield to Julio Jones. While there were several passes the two didn’t connect on, Gonzalez sees the value in taking the shots in the first place.
“Defenses are going to have to respect that and realize that we can do it at anytime,” he said after practice Sunday. “It’s going to open things up underneath. The more those guys can stretch the field — you put them on the outside and let them run and let me work the middle with Harry (Douglas) on the other side, it’s a good combination. It’s a good place for us to be, and with the way Matt’s throwing the ball, it’s a beautiful thing.”
