Do you think the Cowboys should utilize 21 personnel (two running backs, one tight end) more often than 12 personnel (two tight ends, one running back)? Specifically, utilize Hunter Luepke instead of a second tight end? He could help the overall run game more so than a second tight end, and he's proven he can catch the ball out of the backfield. Thoughts? – David Nystrom/Loudon, TN
Patrik: I've always been a huge proponent of getting fullbacks more involved in today's NFL, but the reason they haven't been is because it's a pass-heavy league that doesn't like to take a receiver off of the field to get a fullback more routinely involved. The good news for those of use who want to see more fullback (e.g., Hunter Luepke) is that the league's defenses are beginning to figure out how to shrink the field (e.g., more two-high safety) and it's my belief that only a dominant rushing attack will reopen the gates for downfield passes. And seeing as Luepke is also good in pass pro and as a receiver out of the backfield, I see little reason to keep him bottled up. It's also notable that Jake Ferguson is also the only consistently productive tight end in the passing attack, so you don't have to sell me on more Luepke at all. Just do it — like a Nike commercial.
Nick Eatman: Well, if Hunter Luepke can continue to progress his career the way he has so far, he might be able to give the Cowboys a rare situation. Think about, using Luepke could give a 12 personnel and a 21 personnel at the same time. Is a running back? Sometimes he can be, either fullback or running back or both. What about a tight end? Yes, he's played that as well already this year, too. The Cowboys can line him up on the line and put him in motion. What a weapon that would be if he could trot out there and line up as a fullback one play, a tight end on another and then maybe even as the running back. If he continues to develop, Luepke can give the Cowboys a variety of personnel looks they haven't seen before.
