In the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Week Ten clash against the Patriots, tight end Cade Otton put on a stellar performance with his multi-faceted skillset. He tied his career high in catches (nine) and finished with the second-most receiving yards in a game in his career (82). Otton, one of the most well-rounded tight ends in the game, can run an advanced route tree and plays with stout technique as a blocker in the run game and on pass sets. On Sunday, Otton spurred the offense for Tampa Bay whether on a quick hitch, sealing the edge for Sean Tucker or coming from the backside on a motion.
"Cade is a do it all," said Sterling Shepard via the Players’ Table Show. "He is going to put his hand in the dirt. He is doing those sift blocks all day and he does not complain about them…strains in the run game just like the offensive linemen and then he can go out there and run a spicy route. My man Cade does it with no gloves. We talk about that all the time."
A sift block is where a blocker from the play side – usually a tight end – comes across the formation to kick out and stall the previously unblocked edge defender on the backside. Otton executes the aforementioned blocks at a high level, extending plays to create seams. He is adept on chip-and-release routes, as well as options, with the choice of taking an inside or outside release depending on the coverage look.
The Washington product is unconventional in his approach to gameday attire. He does not wear gloves, which is what most receivers consider to be an essential commodity for success. Blocking without gloves on is more challenging a feat than catching. Engaging in a block and the grip strength required against the metal of shoulder pads without the added layer of cushion is an arduous task but is one that Otton does regularly.
Otton never complains, and instead, is the ultimate purveyor of the team game, embodying selflessness on the grass. He is a bridge for the Buccaneers in the run and pass game, not providing a tell to the defense with his versatility on the gridiron. Otton sinks when breaking on routes and is detailed in his route running, finding space against zone coverage. He plays with a competitive disposition as a blocker and knows how to generate leverage against man coverage. In Week Ten, Otton once again ignited the offense
