While it was not a banner day for the Clemson passing offense when taking on Charleston Southern, the tight ends showed us something we have not seen out of them in two years. Between Christian Bentancur, Logan Brooking, and Olsen Patt-Henry, the Clemson tight end trio accounted for 109 of the Tigers' 207 receiving yards on the day. Bentancur led the way with four receptions for 74 yards.
Getting Bentancur more involved in the receiving game could be key to getting the most out of Tait Reynolds' potential in the second half. A tight end is usually a young quarterback's safety valve. To date, Bentancur is the only Clemson player to have caught a touchdown pass from Reynolds. While it took nearly a month for them to get on the same page again, this connection looks to be blossoming.
Although it may have been the first time since 2024 that the Clemson tight end room accounted for that many receiving yards, we do have to wonder if this is the start of something new, or the result of playing an FCS team at home after a bye. If it is the former, then maybe Dabo Swinney will finally stop criticizing his wide receivers, as Reynolds has other guys to the throw. If it is the latter, that is an issue.
Christian Bentancur could be the key to unlocking it all for Tait Reynolds
The big key here is if Bentancur can make plays for Clemson in the red zone and on third down. These are two areas where Clemson has struggled mightily on offense. Any improvement in those aspects of situational football will be a benefit to the entire system. We have seen the running game hold up its end of the bargain. The offensive line played quite well last week. Now, it is on the passing game.
The idea behind increased tight end involvement can create easier throwing lanes for Reynolds, as well as take some pressure off the receiving corps. Reynolds was not interested in throwing the ball down the field in what has been oddly described as the best game Swinney has seen him play so far. Grandiose quarterback delusions aside, Bentancur could be the key to unlocking it all for Reynolds.
Chad Morris has to find ways to call Bentancur's number, or at least get Brooking, Patt-Henry, and the rest of the tight end corps involved more in the passing game. Not only can they help improve the running game with their blocking, but they could also prevent the opposing defense from stacking the box on almost every down. Clemson does not want to remain so one-dimensionalon offense.
At this time, Bentancur's best game of his Clemson career was the most impressive part of the Tigers' dominating Week 7 shutout of Charleston Southern. The defense and special teams may have been outstanding, but a potential solution to Clemson's passing game woes presented itself in the form of Bentancur. We have seen flashes of greatness from him so far. He needs more opportunities.
In a world where it is so easy to present problems, Bentancur's emergence could offer a real solution.
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