Could TE resolve Dak’s problems

I made another post regarding possible explanations for the drop in performance with Dak but likely got carried away with metrics. However, a comment by @DandyDon52 sent me down a rabbit hole which led to an interesting observation.

Instead of providing tables, I’ll give an explanation. If you want to see more data, it’s in the Fun With Numbers thread.

In the 6 years where Dak has been the primary starter (2020 injured), he has had 3 years with an elite QBR

YEAR – QBR – NFL rank…..bold is elite years

The only years Dak has had an elite QBR, he had a 20+% TE target rate:

I looked at targets for all positions but only 1 position equated to an elite QBR for Dak and it did so every time…TE…and more specifically Jason Witten.

2016 – with Witten….…23% TE targets…..elite……#3 QBR in NFL

2017 – with Witten…….20% TE targets…..elite.…..#4 QBR in NFL

2018 – without Witten….14% TE targets……good..…#19 QBR in NFL

2019 – with Witten…….22% TE targets…..elite……#4 QBR in NFL

2020 – injured

2021 – without Witten….14% TE target…….good…..#11 QBR in NFL

2022 – without Witten….12% TE target…….good..…#12 QBR in NFL

In 6 years as a primary starter:

1. Dak has had 3 years with an elite QBR. In each of those years he had a TE target rate of >20% & Jason Witten.
2. Dak has had 3 years w/o an elite QBR. In each of those years he had a TE target rate of <20% & no Jason Witten.
3. The only position (WR,TE,RB) that equated to an elite QBR for Dak was the TE position and Witten and it did so every time.

I realize it’s not that simple but I do find it interesting.

I wonder if Dak needs a possession, move the chains security blanket to maximize his effectiveness and can Schoonmaker be that guy.