Could Chris Baker be starting TE in '09?

[muslimman]

To be honest I dont really know much about this guy... does he have the skills to be a #1 TE in this league? In the couple games Ive seen him play I would say hes definitely a better blocker than Watson but is probably not as fast.

I feel like after the disappointing performance put on by Watson last year (it can be argued that he has been disappointing his entire career) I dont think he deserves to be guaranteed that starting spot. David Thomas is probably not the right guy to compete for that spot... but with Baker coming in things could get interesting.

What will Baker's role be here?

 

[Blizzzard]

Chris baker is the new Daniel Graham.

Watson was much better when he wasn't relied upon to be the main blocking tight end.

Watson took a downturn when Graham left via FA, and he was relied upon to be the blocker. Kyle Brady was brought in with this same idea in mind.

 

[mcsully]

who ever the better blocker is in training camp wins the job.. Our offense is built out of the shotgun.. TE isn't going to be getting much use besides blocking..

 

[Jimke]

Baker will definitely start in 2010 because Thomas and Watson

are free agents.

 

[State]

It's curious how things work out. I'm a big fan of Baker's alma mater, Michigan State, and he came out the same year that Daniel Graham was taken by the Patriots. Only in a later round by the Jets.

He's been productive and has skills, size, and speed.

But we reached for Graham, as I thought at the time. I wonder if we didn't give up then what we did, a second-rounder I believe, to move up in the first round to take Graham away from the Seahawks who coveted him and coached him at some seniors' bowl game, what we could have drafted.

Well, welcome aboard Mr. Baker. It's only nine years too late.

 

[primetime]

I was going to post this yesterday, but you're not alone. I think Baker will end up taking the majority of snaps as the starting TE next year. Watson will probably line up outside more often, but Baker will be on the field more. I always really liked him with the Jets. He's not the fastest guy in the world, but he's a solid blocker and has great hands, especially in the red zone.

 

[stinkypete]

I think we will see Watson lining up wide more often with Baker off tackle. Watson anjoyed his best years in that role. I still think he could be a solid receiving option if he is allowed to focus on the receiving end of his game.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I think we will see Watson lining up wide more often with Baker off tackle. Watson anjoyed his best years in that role. I still think he could be a solid receiving option if he is allowed to focus on the receiving end of his game.

His speed has always been his strength. It sure has not been his hands or blocking. You are right though, if he catches the ball he downright lethal as a wr.

 

[j00fek]

all he has to do is catch the bal, which ben could not

 

[Patjew]

His speed has always been his strength. It sure has not been his hands or blocking. You are right though, if he catches the ball he downright lethal as a wr.

Presuming he doesn't fumble it.

 

[DarrylS]

Interesting year for TE's, this is Watson's contract year and if he wants his payday has to pick up his game... so bringing Baker in will increase the competition which is a good thing for all.

 

[italian pat patriot]

i still believe in Ben Watson too

 

[jdk19]

They will franchise Watson.

It is inexpensive to do so. Like Philly did last year with their TE.

If they do not have someone else of more importance to franchise.

 

[DaBruinz]

To be honest I dont really know much about this guy... does he have the skills to be a #1 TE in this league? In the couple games Ive seen him play I would say hes definitely a better blocker than Watson but is probably not as fast.

I feel like after the disappointing performance put on by Watson last year (it can be argued that he has been disappointing his entire career) I dont think he deserves to be guaranteed that starting spot. David Thomas is probably not the right guy to compete for that spot... but with Baker coming in things could get interesting.

What will Baker's role be here?

Based on the contract that he signed, I would say that its more than likely he'll be battling Watson for the top TE spot on the Pats.

 

[AllabouttheVinces]

I think he's more like this year's Kyle Brady. In '07 the Pats used a lot of 2 TE sets. In '08 that set was de-emphasized because Thomas is not the blocker Brady was. Baker will bring back the 2 TE set.

 

[muslimman]

If what you guys are saying is true Baker is gonna help this team in more ways than I thought.

I like the idea of him taking off some of the pressure to block from Watson and letting Ben run free. That would mean we have semi-filled #3 WR the hole Gaffney left, this is assuming of course that Watson steps up and actually starting catching the balls thrown at him.

Not only that but Im sure a certain Fred Taylor and Laurence Maroney will benefit from Baker's presence in blocking on running plays... Now if only the defense looked as good as our offense.

 

[shakadave]

I think we will see Watson lining up wide more often with Baker off tackle. Watson anjoyed his best years in that role. I still think he could be a solid receiving option if he is allowed to focus on the receiving end of his game.

Maybe it's time to merge this thread with the one about which free agent WR we should sign. Watson is it!?

 

[ausbacker]

Presuming he doesn't fumble it.

Or tip a pass for an interception.

 

[mgteich]

You mean like Wilfork?

They will franchise Watson.

It is inexpensive to do so. Like Philly did last year with their TE.

If they do not have someone else of more importance to franchise.