mgteich

We've come a long way from when our starting corner was of KR or/and when our #3 RB or one of the top WR's was our PR.

Has Belichick really come to the point where he will use TWO active roster positions for returners?

Let's NOT make believe that Edelman is a real option as receiver, unless you are ready to cut BOTH Branch and Stallworth. Surely, they are not needed if Edelman is an effective 4th wide receiver, and 7th receiving target.

Elijah

We'll see.

Stilla

Jeff Demps is most likely in the best shape of his life. If he doesn't make the team as a returner, then he is a risk when catching the ball.

Super Bowl XXXI: Desmond Howard 99 Yard Kickoff Return - YouTube

logan1130

Damn Desmond...

patfanken

This is not really a valid question, MG. Why? Because neither guy is solely a ST's guy. Edelman is the principle back up at the slot receiver position and has other ST's assignments, and Demps will have some value down the road as a RB/change of pace guy..

So I guess that's a long winded way of saying, NO, BB hasn't come to the point where he will use 2 active roster spots just for returners.

PatsWickedPissah

Last year BB went on record opining that the NFL is moving inexorably to eliminate the kick off play. But in 2012 it still exists albeit with markedly less opportunities for KRs than pre 2011. Demps is also looked at as a RB roll (sic) player.

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rookBoston

Maybe so, if that's what keeping Edelman and Jenks means to you. I think that's oversimplifying the situation.

Edelman can play three or four different roles on the team... maybe not all at a pro-bowl level, but he's not someone I chew my fingernails over (the idea of starting Gary Guyton was a cause for constant anxiety). In addition to KR, he could be #4 WR, #5 CB, #3 PR, #4 QB.

Jenks may be able to play a role on 3rd down and perhaps in the slot. Also, maybe he can play gunner and play in coverage units... we wont know until we see him in camp.

If they can both do a lot of things, then it takes pressure off in other places on the roster, and maybe we don't need to carry another specialist. Players like Tarp, Ihedibo, Cole, Woodhead and Branch have to be worried if they cant differentiate themselves.

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mgteich

I am just pointing out the reality. There is no reason to shoot the messenger. I think that in the end we will have both these players on the roster. This is an unfortunate situation. But we don't have anyone better. Belichick will live with it, but using two roster spots severely cramps the roster decisions. Which spots will be lose? 3rd TE? FB? 4th OT? Which of these position can Edelman fill?

If Edelman is the 4th WR, we should cut both Stallworth and Branch. The 4th WR is not asked to play at the pro-bowl level. And yes, keeping Edelman may indeed us to cut a corner that we would rather keep.

ATippett56

I don't understand the constant obsession with retaining a pure fullback on the 53 man roster. It's not as if the New England Patriots offense had trouble scoring points the last two seasons.

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mgteich

It is not an obsession.

1) We don't have a 4th OT.

2) We don't have a 3rd blocking TE.

3) After Josh came, we have signed TWO fullbacks, including one of his former players.

I would much rather have a 4th OT, a 3rd blocking TE, and a 5th short yardage RB.
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