While losing in the playoffs burns – especially for a team on the verge of its fourth trip to the AFC title game in seven years such as the Baltimore Ravens – there are several positives to take away from a playoff trip.
Something the Ravens were unable to experience last season as they watched the playoffs from home, this year’s two-game playoff stint can provide more than just the excitement of playing football in January. Along with the chance to make a run at the Super Bowl comes the opportunity for extra playing time – against tough competition in big moments – for young players.
Having young players – whether rookies or inexperienced former backups – earn some more on-field time that they would not receive without the playoffs is an invaluable aspect of postseason football.
One Raven who benefited from that fact was rookie tight end Crockett Gillmore. A third-round pick out of Colorado State in the 2014 draft, expectations were not too high for the 6’6, 250 pound project. He entered the season third on the depth chart behind veterans Owen Daniels and Dennis Pitta.
At best, the hopes were that Gillmore could remain active every game with Daniels and Pitta as the starters, and possibly prove his worth as a run blocker and red zone threat. But when Pitta suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3, Gillmore’s number was called as the second tight end, and he answered the call.
Having his playing time greatly increase after Pitta’s injury, Gillmore gained valuable experience needed for a young athlete who needs some polishing. The size makes him an ideal complete tight end, but without playing time, he will never be able to reach that feat. Earning 441 snaps this season (including the playoffs) – according to Pro Football Focus  – is a solid number for a rookie who entered the season as the odd man out in two-tight-end sets.
While he never became a focal point in the offense – he had 10 catches on 15 targets in the regular season for one touchdown – Gillmore did offer value as a sometimes violent run blocker. In the playoffs, Gillmore’s run blocking was on display as well as his soft hands, as he finished with two catches including a key 21-yard touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Gillmore is far from a finished product – he probably will not begin to reach his full potential until year three – but he displayed some promising signs during Baltimore’s playoff run. He finished the playoffs with 62 snaps (according to Pro Football Focus) and fared well in his first postseason action.
Let’s take a look at some of Gillmore’s key postseason plays.
In offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak’s tight end-heavy system, blocking ability by the tight end is vital. Gillmore still has some work to do in terms of being able to get leverage with his massive frame, but he showed development in year one.
Against Pittsburgh, Gillmore is the lone tight end on a run to his side.
Prior to the snap, Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds is lined up directly over Gillmore.
Gillmore works his way to the outside with Worilds as running back Justin Forsett receives the handoff.
After Gillmore gets Worilds far enough on the outside and away from the play, he begins to kick his body around, turn his back to the play and seal the defender off.
Once Gillmore gains a firm hold of Worilds, he has the strength to hold him off until the whistle. As Forsett shoots through the run lane, Gillmore is in perfect position.
Gillmore even blocks Worilds past the whistle, which ultimately drew a flag on Worilds. This is another twist to Gillmore’s game, one that can be viewed both as a positive and negative. He often blocks past the whistle or offers one extra hit once the play is over, delivering another violent attitude to the offense. But he should also be wary of penalties after the whistle which could cost the team in key situations.
Right now, Gillmore’s blocking ability is his most valuable asset, as the oft-injured Pitta was never a great blocker in his prime and Daniels is an adequate but not overly powering blocker. The uncertainty of Daniels’ future in Baltimore next season (he is a free agent) makes it even more necessary for Gillmore to come back even stronger as a blocker next season.
While Gillmore registered just two catches on two targets in the playoffs, his catches should not go unnoticed either.
His late-game touchdown to help protect Baltimore’s lead in Pittsburgh was a play that could be used more next season as Gillmore becomes more of a receiving threat.
On a fake run to the left side, Gillmore benefits from the two linebackers at the second level biting on the fake.
The play fake sells the run well enough that Gillmore can cut across between the first and second line of defense untouched, slipping past the linebackers in the process.
As quarterback Joe Flacco rolls out to his right, Gillmore finds a spot behind the left outside linebacker, allowing him to acquire open field for after the catch.
He makes the catch, turns upfield and cruises into the end zone for a touchdown.
Gillmore has showed in his limited amount of receptions that he has a knack for turning upfield and picking up yards after the catch, so short passes to get the ball in his hands and let him do damage after the catch could become staples in the offense in due time.
This was evident in the Divisional Round matchup against the New England Patriots.
Gillmore disguises himself as a blocker and stays in to fend off the outside defender on a play fake.
The tight end holds on to the defender long enough to let Flacco to begin to roll back to his right, but then releases off the defender, leaving Flacco unprotected with a rusher approaching him.
The designed free release of the edge rusher gives Gillmore open space in the flat and Flacco locates his receiver to his right.
Flacco dumps the ball off to Gillmore, who has nothing but open field on the right side. The combination of the play action to the left and Gillmore’s block of the left outside linebacker leads to ample space.
Gillmore takes advantage of the open field, and it ultimately requires two Patriots defenders to bring him down.
Heading into year two, the expectations should be a bit higher for Gillmore. He gained experience as a blocker and had some chances to display his passing skills, but his role in the offense should increase in 2015.
The uncertainty of Pitta’s career paves the way for Gillmore to assert himself as Baltimore’s potential new top franchise tight end.
He is still only 23 years old and has the massive size and athleticism to be a complete tight end. While Pitta was one of the NFL’s top receiving tight ends prior to his injuries, Gillmore figures to be a more complete product, offering value as both a blocker and pass catcher.
The 2014 season was just the start for the former top-100 pick and his performance in the postseason is a good thing to build on for next season.
Do not be surprised if Gillmore’s skill set and Kubiak’s track record of developing tight ends leads to an impressive career in Baltimore for number 80.
