Is Will Tye aka Baby Gates the Next Antonio Gates?
By Neal Lynch
The New York Giants rookie tight end Will Tye has a nickname: “Baby Gates”. The moniker is a reference to San Diego Chargers All-Pro pass catcher Antonio Gates. You’d be hard pressed to find a lot of people who think so, mostly because Tye’s successes have largely gone unnoticed by anyone outside Giants fans. But, Will Tye The Touchdown Guy is slowly receiving praise.
He’s the first player from Stony Brook University to score a touchdown in the NFL. He’s been steady in place of Larry Donnell, a former fan favorite who fell out of favor after drops and fumbles. Donnell, a restricted free agent, might not return next season. Though Tye was quiet against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16, he looked good against the Philadelphia Eagles in the regular season finale at MetLife. But… Baby Gates?
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Most would agree that he’s a guy the Giants can win with and will only get better next season. What’s so likable about Tye is his confidence. He believes he can be like Beckham, in that he wants the ball with a chance to win the games in the waning minutes. He even stated in that same interview that he loves to watch Antonio Gates.
Before Sunday’s contest against Philly, Tye had 37 catches on 54 targets for 397 yards and 2 touchdowns in 12 games, 7 of which he started. He’s become Eli’s go to guy when Beckham isn’t open. And what’s more, he’s become a dependable dude in the red zone, where the Giants have struggled so greatly.
In comparison, Gates had 24 catches on 42 targets for 389 yards and 2 touchdowns during his rookie campaign in 2003. So, can we expect a breakout season for Tye in 2016?