PatsFanInVa

Okay. We all saw last year that Chad was at pains to stay on the field, and at even greater pains to contribute. That was among a WR merry-go-round system, with Gabriel popping in and then back out, with Caldwells and Gaffneys added as the need arose -- that is, always -- etc.

My question is this: Anybody here think he fights his way through to more than a bit part in Tom Brady's Flying Circus for the upcoming year?

There wasn't much to his performance last year. This year the WR logjam is formidable. To get to play he's looking at the guys who beat him last year (Gaffney, Caldwell,) plus a guy with "potential" written all over him (Washington,) a reliable slot guy (Welker), and two potential superstars (Moss and Stallworth.)

Does Chad emerge this year as "in the mix"? Anybody enthusiastic about him, and think he'll be this year's surprise?

My take -- Cap-wise, it would be great to see him shoot up the charts, of course. Probability-wise... well, let's just say it would also be great if I could crap icecream, and instead of raw physical attraction, supermodels responded to humorous muttering on bulletin boards. In other words, a desireable but improbable state of affairs.

Discuss.

PFnV

PatsFanSince74

I think that Jackson has as good a chance as any of emerging "in the mix," assuming that his work ethic is better than it was reported to be last year.

Right now, the receiver situation looks awesome on paper, but there are so many unknowns that almost anyone of the guys you name could emerge as a number one or two target.

You rightly chose the term "circus" to describe this, as there are going to be at least three rings and lots of juggling. Like everyone else out here, I'm hoping that the new pieces fall in place and mesh with Brady and that we have a lights-out offense with Maroney running for 1,000 yards to boot. But, no one's caught a pass yet.

__________________
It is what it is. It wasn't what it wasn't.

Tunescribe

I would have to say that judging by all the WR help brought in it appears the coaching staff has little if any faith that Chad will contribute this year. Whether that's because of injury, slow development, or both, who knows? But I'd have to think from those moves and the numbers logjam that he's destined for IR. Put him in the bank and let him accrue interest for 2008.

pats1

I think this year will be more or less a redshirt season for him. He could go on PUP, but if he doesn't, I envision him as a 6th WR with a significant contribution to special teams.

Next year is the key.

Moss and Stallworth are likely out of here. Caldwell and Gaffney's contracts are up after this year. That leaves Welker, Washington, Jackson, and possibly a draft pick.

PatsFanInVa

I could see retention of Moss, if Stallworth excels, or if he is really "all about the rings" now. I could see Stallworth redoing his deal if he does not reach 1000 yards or thereabouts. In other words, this situation might be one or the other, rather than neither. Of course, if someone else rears up and becomes the #2 (seems unlikely, but in the Pats' passing game, whoever is open is the #1 that play...) well, it will be hard to argue for a massive expenditure if your number say you were #3.

I think for the future you're basically right, though... we're throwing it at the wall and seeing what sticks.

PFnV

brdmaverick

Chad Jackson should have another non-factor this year.

The good news is that it won't matter because of Moss, Stallworth, and Welker. Even if he wasn't having the injury problems, Jackson would still be hard-pressed to find time in our suddenly loaded WR corp.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

SeanBruschi54

Holy crap you think 4 WR's will leave without the team retaining one of them?

Honest to god i think right now they keep one of Stallworth or Moss.

pats1

If Stallworth performs well, he triggers his lucrative option.

If Moss performs well, he's g-o-n-e. Open market.

Caldwell and Gaffney could certainly be retained, but Gaffney's prospects of making the team this year to begin with are shaky.

SeanBruschi54

What is Stallworths trigger? I was unaware he had one.

pats1

Not exactly a trigger, but there's a series of lucrative bonuses, starting after this season. So if the Pats want Stallworth to stay around, they'll have to pay those.