Fencer

Washington, who also has played on special teams, was the lone wideout when the team lined up in its power package

http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal...g_up_the_pace/

Sounds like it's not just generically running with the first team, but also being THE guy in a particular package.

Or would Moss get that job if healthy? Not for his blocking skills, but because he'd force two defenders to go with him for fear of a quick jump ball?

Hmm. If I were defending Moss in a true goal-line situation, I don't think I'd put two guys on him. Rather, I'd have a Vrabel/Thomas kind of linebacker line up over him and try to knock him backwards. On the other hand, if the field were longer, that same tactic might be a quite unacceptable risk.

patfanken

You can also add the fact that both Moss and Gaffney are hurt, and with Gaffney we don't know for how long.

I've been a strong believer that the Pats will keep 6 WRs and start the year with both Brown and Jackson on the PUP. I also believe that barring a rash of injuries at the WR position, Jackson will end up on IR around week 6. By then some kind of injury will allow the Pats to reactivate Brown for his final season.

cstjohn17

I saw him out there on a couple of the short yardage situations. He may make the roster but it isn't like he is tearing it up. On special teams every now and then you see his number but he is usally not near the play and as a WR he has caught a few ball mostly against 2nd or 3rd string defenses.

If Gaffney is banged up then I have no problem adding him to the mix. I see him a notch below Gaffney and Caldwell as a receiver.

Things are looking pretty good when we are debating the quality of our 5th and 6th WRs, a far cry from last year.

BelichickFan

Washington has definitely flashed athleticism to me. All things being equal I'd keep him over Caldwell. However if Moss and Gaffney are both not expected to be ready for week 1 I could see them going with Caldwell instead to ensure we have a viable WR pair for the early weeks. Hopefully Moss practices this week.

SeanBruschi54

And theres the question in itself.

Is Washingtons athleticism better than Reche experience?

I honestly dont believe ive seen enough of Kelley to say that it does.

Metaphors

How bout this question:

Why do the Pats need an experienced 5th WR?

Those 10-12 catches over 16 games too much for a youngster to handle? It is unfair to Caldwell since he might have a more meaningful role on another team. Assuming Washington isn't worthless on ST, I think he gets half a season to show his potential. If he flames out, replace him with CJ and/or Troy off of PUP. If he works out, keep him around and try to work out a realistic contract beyond this year.

SeanBruschi54

Injuires.

Moss, Stallworth, Gaffney, Brown and Jackson.

Oswlek

Precisely. It isn't as if it is a sure thing that NE's top 2 are seeing the field every week. If anything, it is more of a sure thing that one of, if no both, Donte and Randy will miss 4-6 weeks this year. NE's WR corps gets bad in a real hurry if Washington is a starter on the outside.

That said, if Washington has been playing ST, I can see how that would help his cause, particularly if he is the second best blocking WR on the team.

__________________
"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

patsox23

Neither of these things are true, but, um...okay.

cstjohn17

Can't read your mind. Which part don't you like?

"I saw him out there on a couple of the short yardage situations. He may make the roster but it isn't like he is tearing it up. On special teams every now and then you see his number but he is usally not near the play and as a WR he has caught a few ball mostly against 2nd or 3rd string defenses."