Kevin Boss’ path to the end zone has been blocked this season — by his talent for blocking.
The Giants tight end, who had 84 receptions and 13 touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons, is tied for 32nd among NFL tight ends with 12 catches this season. And he has zero touchdowns.
“Obviously most guys would want the ball and I’m no different,” Boss said yesterday, “but I want to win, first off.”
Boss’ numbers are down this year because the Giants have asked their 26-year-old to be more of a blocker and less of a downfield receiver. In his first three seasons in the league, Boss tallied nine catches, 33 catches and 42 catches. He had a total of 11 touchdowns the last two seasons. He even caught two TD passes on just nine receptions in his rookie year, 2007.
This year, though, as the Giants’ young receivers mature and the running game improves, he’s headed for a drop-off. Against the Texans on Oct. 10, Boss had his best game of the season, catching four passes for 40 yards. Keep in mind though, that Hakeem Nicks caught 12 passes from Eli Manning that day. And also remember that even Boss’ backup, Travis Beckum, has a touchdown reception this season.
Boss did suffer a concussion early in the Giants’ first game this season, causing him to miss the rest of that contest and the Week 2 game. Nevertheless, in five games since then, Boss managed no more than four catches in a game and had two or less in three of them.
He hasn’t found the end zone since Week 14 last year, when he scored against the Eagles on a 4-yard pass from Manning.
This season, the Giants’ rushing attack is much improved, and Boss’ blocking is one reason why. Last year, the Giants ran for 1,837 yards, 17th in the NFL and seventh in the NFC. This year? They have tallied 1,018 yards, fifth in the NFL and first in the NFC.
The Giants’ wideout trio of Nicks, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham, has emerged as one of the most solid in the league, connecting with Manning for a total of 109 catches and 13 TDs.
“In this offense I am asked to help protect and that’s something that maybe it’s increased a little bit this year,” Boss said. “But whatever I can do to help Eli stay on his feet and get the ball down the field to our speed receivers, I’m going to do it.”
Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said if Boss is blocking more this year, that hasn’t been a schematic change.
“It’s something that’s always a vital area of ours,” Gilbride said. “He does it very well.”
Gilbride said that although Boss has fewer catches so far, things will even out over the rest of the season.
“I’ll admit yeah, early on it can be a little frustrating,” Boss said of having so little production. “Just because you want to be a little more involved to help your team win.”
Boss understands the Giants’ priorities and how he helps achieve them.
“When we’re winning,” Boss said, “there’s not much to be upset about.”