mgteich

None of our five roster receivers were here during September of 2006, not one. I know that this isn't news. However, to me, this is a pretty amazing stat.

The problem last year was supposedly that receivers need lots of time to get in synch with Brady and to learn the offense. If that's true, then we are in deep trouble (BTW, Kyle Brady is also new). I choose to believe that the lack of talent was a more primary cause for the ineffectiveness of the 2006 receiving corps.

BelichickFan

There are two factors which should make you worry less.

One is what you said, there's more room for error when you have more talent.

But two, the WR are much more ready to go now than last year. This time last year we had a slowing Troy and Caldwell had been here all offseason. Other than that we were yet to sign Gabriel and Gaffney. What about now ? Gaffney has been here almost 12 months, Welker, Washington and Stallworth since March, Moss since April. They may not have played in games - or in many cases a lot of training camp practices, but the WR have been with the team far longer.

Box_O_Rocks

Perhaps, but looking at the four WR of the 2003-4 campaigns there was a certain symmetry between quickness, speed, power, and guile. I suspect the addition of Welker coupled with either the addition of Stallworth or development of Chad Jackson would have brought some of the balance back. Moss changed the equation; Washington apparently heating up seems to have been the final input that forced Reche out. Best of luck to him.

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cstjohn17

All I can say is thank goodness we don't have the same WRs as last year.

It will take some time and the talent will help, hopefully the play calling will focus on higher percentage plays (RB out of backfield, Welker underneath, Watson in the flat). I expect an occasional shot down the field to keep the Safeties back but the deep throws will take a little longer.

It is kind of moot because against the Jets I expect a heavy running attack.

Box_O_Rocks

Runnning against the Jets will need to set up the deep ball off play action (as long as Tommy has learned not to ignore Kerry Rhodes showing blitz). They will want to suck Rhodes into the box then knock them off balance with the passing game. Let's just hope they don't get up on them quickly and start coasting again.

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PatsFan37

To your first point, I think that's something that the media has missed. Moss getting back may have been one reason for Caldwell being cut, but Washington has improved lately and the media hasn't had access to recent practices. When Caldwell was signed, he was touted as the next Givens, with Givens' size and more speed and overall talent (the feeling at the time).

Washington fits the same bill -- a big strong possession receiver who can block in the running game.

The key to using the WRs on Sunday will be defusing the blitz. As much as Maroney is important to that, so is the screen pass. That's where Moss or Stallworth can be especially effective, taking a safety and a corner deep while the rush is sucked in. It's usually a second-down type of play, but might be nice on third and long as well -- riskier but a good way to make the DE's think twice on every third and long thereafter.

cstjohn17

This would be great, similar to how Indy puts pressure on the defense with their outside presence.

If the Jets keep their Safeties back, we run our dump it off. If they start to creep up or play 1:1 we take a shot deep our hit Watson in the middle.

Indy does it to perfection, hopefully we can achieve a similar level of execution.

Patriot_in_NY

Speculation on my part, but I think there is a correlation between the two. The more talented receiver you are, the more natural your instincts are and the learning curve is reduced. The more of a JAG you are (and Caldwell was a JAG), the longer the curve is, the more time it takes for QB and WR to get into sync. So it's pretty simple.

Last year ---> Less talent = Longer time needed

This year ---> More talent = Less time needed

Does that mean that valuable playing time isn't needed to get in sync? Of course not. Its just not gonna take 6-7 games for Brady to get into rhythm with Moss, Stallworth, Welker, et all........

Someone with Moss's talent will require an equal learning curve for Brady. He can do stuff that Brady has NEVER seen in a receiver. But because both are so talented, they should gel fairly quickly, provided they both stay healthy.

Box_O_Rocks

Screens are good and we know the Pats believe in them - but recall the Pats put on a screen exhibition against Tennessee's blitz so the Jest will be prepared. I don't believe there is anything that will stop the Jest from blitzing, the trick will be to get them off balance and to deny them the use of Kerry Rhodes in the box - I don't think screens are the answer. It's time to send Stallworth, Watson, and that other kid (if he's healthy) deep and force the Jest to keep Safety help over top. Then use the screen to disrupt the linebacker's blitz.

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PatsFan37

I was wondering about the point of using so many screens against the Titans. It's not as though Faulk needed the practice. At the time I thought it was a desperation move to keep Brady alive.

In last year's playoff game against the Jets, Brady used quick outs to Gaffney to spread the defense and defuse the blitz. So the Penguin will be ready for that. In that game, on at least occasion, they caught on and almost picked off one of those passes. And, like you say, he'll be ready for the screen.

What I loved about the playoff Jets game was that incredible coaching duel and I'm expecting something like that on Sunday. Both these guys will have something up their sweatshirts besides a whistle.