Under new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew anticipates more passes thrown his way. He had 41 catches last season, a big drop from the 71 and 83 receptions he made in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
“I think these guys kind of want to open up the game a little bit more,” Pettigrew told the team's website after re-signing with Detroit for $16 million over four years. “Spread the ball out a little bit more and try to get the tight ends the ball.
“Knowing what (Lombardi) is coming from (New Orleans), the expectation is that balls will be coming my way a little bit more. It sounds fun. It sounds exciting.“
Pettigrew, however, will continue to do a lot of blocking in the running game.