DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Browns TE Gary Barnidge has some of the best hands in the NFL

Browns TE Gary Barnidge has some of the best hands in the NFL
Posted Jun 9, 2015 Kevin Jones

29-year-old veteran hasn’t dropped a pass in 3 seasons

Andrew Hawkins calls Gary Barnidge the Matthew Dellavedova of the Cleveland Browns.

“Man, he does it all,” said Hawkins.

“I’ll definitely take that,” Barnidge said with a hearty laugh.

Earlier this week, Pro Football Focus released a stat that backs up Hawkins’ claim.

"Pro Football Focus @PFF

Over the past 3 seasons, no tight end has caught more consecutive passes without a drop than Gary Barnidge with 32.
3:18 PM - 8 Jun 2015 "

According to the Washington Post, the Browns were actually ranked third in the entire league with just 16 total drops.

Barnidge didn’t even realize these facts.

“I don’t really pay attention to numbers,” said Barnidge.

That’s the epitome of Cleveland’s 29-year-old tight end. He doesn’t want recognition. He just wants to do what’s asked of him, and win football games. There is no scientific formula to his lack of drops or extra catching work done in the offseason. According to Barnidge, he just goes out, locates the football, and secures it in his hands or breadbasket. He makes it seem so effortless, so simple. And the results don’t disagree with him.

While Barnidge is a naturally optimistic guy, he’s carrying substantial enthusiasm about the new offense led by coordinator John DeFilippo. First, Barnidge has played with quarterback Josh McCown in 2008-09 with the Carolina Panthers.

“He’s a born leader,” said Barnidge. “He knows what he’s doing and he’s good at everything. He’s going to be a true leader out there for us.”

Secondly, with Jordan Cameron out of the picture, more opportunities could be molded for Barnidge. Newcomer Rob Housler will take on the role of more of a vertical threat, but with the Browns’ emphasis on running the football, multiple tight end sets will likely occupy the field more in 2015.

“We have a great tight end group. We’re all going to be used and we’re going to be asked to do everything,” Barnidge said.

Barnidge stays busy in the offseason, critiquing the latest Hollywood films and traveling to WWE events. But he also co-created American Football Without Barriers (AFWB) which helps spread youth football camps and equipment across to foreign countries. Barnidge was accompanied by teammates Alex Mack and Barkevious Mingo to Turkey, where participation was at an all-time high, including 50 girls who showed up for a separate women’s camp.

While some players are retiring from the NFL early, Barnidge sees himself on the other end of the spectrum serving as a global ambassador for the sport that’s given him so much.

“We really did break some barriers over there,” said Barnidge.

The next item Barnidge has circled on his docket is training camp. As a tight end who enjoys the physicality of blocking, OTAs limit his skillset due to the non-contact nature. Once the pads come on, Barnidge says it’ll be a whole new ball game.

“When we put the pads on, everything will click even more,” said the veteran tight end.

Link

good solid all around TE. the guy doesnt get near the credit he deserves on this board.

Kind of reminds me of Steve Heiden and or Aaron Shea.

Not great at anything, but good at EVERYTHING.

He has underrated speed too.

Hopefully between him, Dray and Housler our TE group will exceed expectations (which shouldn't be hard....)

+1, he's solid.

Not trying to rag on anyone but are we serious? Maybe he has the greatest hands in the world but he's arguably the least threatening receiver we have. I'd put Dray as a better receiver than Barnidge as at least he can get open.

Maybe its scheme and Barnidge is used primarily as a blocker but plays from him are few and far between. I'm not saying he's not a solid TE....I'm just saying dude is a blocker, not a pass catcher.

Its funny but some of my most memorable plays last year were from Barnidge and West making insane blitz pickups. I know our OL gets all the love but they had career saving blocks last year.

Anyway Dray and Barnidge are my kinda TEs. They may not wow as passing threats but they will do their part to keep the chains moving all day long.

Having seen them both run after the catch, and block, I would argue the opposite. I think Dray is a more stout blocker while Barnidge has much better down field speed.

If Barnidge or Dray were my #2 option at TE, I'd be happy with either. I hope we address the position next year.

You may be right...looked up Barnidge's combine results... Dude ran a 4.65 but weighed 30 pounds less at the time.

Jim Dray is no slouch either.

I like him he's solid, but to make the claim he's got the best hands in the NFL is like saying that guy who hit .500 in baseball that nobody heard of is the best hitter. Then you find out he was 4 for 8 for the season.

"Gary Barnidge has some of the best hands in the NFL"

Than why are there articles out there saying that our TE group is amongst the three worst in the entire NFL?

Let me guess.........those guys are bozos and you ACTUALLY get paid to talk about football, right?

You know, I never understood how fans on this board could dog Barnidge in the same posts as they praised Cameron.

I always liked what I saw when he was on the field: tough, herd player, willing to sacrifice his body.... what's not to like?

Sure, he wasn't as "pretty" as Cameron.... but he almost always seemed to get the job done- whatever job it was.

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That's exactly right.

I remember years back people did the same thing with Steve Heiden and Aaron Shea. Not flashy guys, but effective and good at what they do when they're called upon.

And you have to give him some special kudos for this! lol

Browns TE Gary Barnidge dates two WWE divas on reality show

If you were expecting a member of the Cleveland Browns to show up in a reality show and cause some drama by dating two women, you'd probably expect it to be Johnny Manziel.

However, it was Browns back-up tight end Gary Barnidge who appeared on Sunday night's "Total Divas," which follows the lives of several WWE divas.

Early in the episode, Barnidge, who played for the Panthers for two seasons before joining the Browns in 2013, was shown going on a date with Rosa Mendes.

In fact, they went out two dates.

However, when Mendes told Barnidge that she was not looking for a casual hook up and wanted a long-term relationship, Barnidge quickly moved on to diva and former Lingerie Football League player Summer Rae.

The show played Barnidge and Rae's date as a cliffhanger for next week's episode, when viewers will see Mendes' reaction to the shadiness.

http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/summer-rae-rosa-mendes-gary-barnidge-total-divas-101314

Playa!!!!

If only he could get open on a consistent basis, then we could have a real weapon.

Our skill position players (including TE) are among the worst in the league. Our TEs have combined for 2280 receiving yards in a total of 16 seasons.

and something like 1080 was from a single season from KWII.

Rob Housler has athletic ability, and hopefully some untapped potential.

I certainly think there is some level of possibility that he could break out if given the opportunity and some consistency with the QB situation.

Anyone want to bet that Barnidge becomes a rassler once his playing days are done?

I am saying the four guys on our roster have that many yards in that many seasons.

But your point is also valid, tight end has been a weak point for us for most of the return.

There is some level of possibility, but it is very small. Players usually don't magically become good after four years in the league.

Oh my bad. Completely misread your post.

If Browns are wanting to build around the run game, why do you feel it is important to get a catching TE over a all purpose TE? Dray and Barnidge are four down TE's with good hands.

Red zone attack and defense is facing Johnson in the backfield, Bowe and Heartline (or Benjamin) receivers, and Dray and Barndige at TE. In my opinion, that is not very cut and dry to stop.

Tight ends don't have to line up inline and block. No team is worried about any of our tight ends as a receiving threat.

Our guys are not "all-purpose" tight ends. They have not done anything in their careers to warrant that label. All-purpose means they are good receivers and blockers.

bugs, you have been around long enough and know the game to answer your question.

What happens to a team's running game when they don't have guys that can burn a defense?

It's hard to run when teams stack the box on you.

Yep, I remember Peyton Hillis in 2010 gained 1,100 yards rushing with TEs Ben Watson, Evan Moore, and Robert Royal; receivers Brian Robiskie, Jordon Norwood, Mohamed Massaquoi, Carlton Mitchell, and Joshua Cribbs. Don't forget QBs Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace, and Colt McCoy were scaring defenses. Even with Lawrence Vickers that offense is not even close to what Browns have today.

I want to see the defense who shutdowns Heartline, Bowe, Barnridge, Dray, and either West or Crowell for a whole game. Swap a TE for Hawkins or Gabriel and bring in Johnson in the backfield. Not saying it can't be done. I'll bet three quarters of the defenses in the league struggle.

I get Browns offense isn't cream of the crop, but it is a disservice or a gross underestimation saying this offense's play makers are in inept. Whats more, this offense has way more depth than 2010. I'm not even factoring in OL. 2010's offense line was pretty good. It falls short what Browns have today.

Peyton Hillis was the exception, not the rule.

How so?

All I'm saying is you load eight in the box against the Browns offense today. You are basically looking at three people covering Bowe and Heartline. If both Dray and Barnidge are in, either guy can be the check down. If you take one TE substitute Hawkins, now you have three guys covering Bowe, Heartline, and Hawkins. How easy is it to continually stop throughout an entire game with three DBs?

By the way, what was the Saints record last year with Graham?

Hillis was the exception because he was successful despite not having a viable passing threat along side him (please don't bring up Adrian Peterson, the ultimate exception).

Is it easier to run with more or less DBs on the field? More non-receiving threats = more linebackers and defensive linemen.

To attribute the Saints lack of success to Jimmy Graham's presence is silly. They averaged 4.5 yards per carry and led the league in total yards. The Saints were 7-9 because their defense was abysmal, not because Jimmy Graham can't block. Furthermore, the Seahawks (the team most people would point to as the smartest team in the league and a team that leans heavily on the run) just traded their starting center for Jimmy Graham.

None of our tight ends will do anything to help the passing game. They are just guys. They might be average to good blockers, but in the end that just leads to more players on the field who are good at stopping the run. Our running game stagnated last year when we lost Mack, which meant we had to keep more tight ends (and fullbacks) on the field. Because those players were on the field defenses knew we were either running or that they could cover those guys with linebackers.

How so? Really?

You are being bullheaded. It is freaking common sense. It's easier to run against 5 or 6 than it is 7 or 8. Good God, man!




I just love when guys throw out one name and then act like that is the norm. Yeah, the Saints had a bad record because they had a good TE who can get open.

Sound thinking there, bugs.

Ya, how so? Where is Hillis the exception?

Easy to run against 5-6? What? Who were the other 5-6 covering? MoMass? Robo? Browns only offense was Hillis! It wasn't 8 in the box it was more like all 11!!!!

I think you are missing the point.

More tight ends that aren't receiving threats = more linebackers on the field

More linebackers on the field = harder to run

More tight ends that aren't receiving threats = harder to run

Hold on there! Define receiving threat. Heath Miller and Greg Olsen aren't drastically different than either Dray or Barnidge. Both their teams run the football. By the way, before Jimmy Graham, who was the tight end receiver threat for Seattle? I know...I know...it's the exception.

How many teams in the NFL have it all receiving threat at TE and receiver, a star running back, and elite QB? Denver? Green Bay?

Winning football teams excel at least one area running, passing, or throwing. Playoff teams excel in one and very good at another. By excel I mean sustain threat throughout a whole year weathering any type of injuries

I totally disagree you need a TE with receiving threat to make the run game. Teams who need a receiving TE usually have holes in their OL.

Defenses loaded the box vs the Chiefs last year.
How did Bowe do last yr?
Hartline failed to give the Dolphins a scoring threat in his years in South Florida.
Yet these WRS are such difference makers they managed to end up as Browns this yr.
Sorry the Browns offense isn't this a juggernaunt.
It's bread and butter will be running the ball and trying to make 3rd down a easy conversion to keep the chains going and just eat up clock.
The Browns can't afford to get into a shootout.
Pettine knows this.
The Browns leading wr will have around 60 catches for 750 yds.
No one is afraid of the Browns TEs of doing much damage in the passing game.
Their production will come in the ground attack