Who is your Patriots 'dark horse' player for 2009?

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

For those who don't know what a darkhorse player is, he is one of those players that falls well under the radar of the more popular personalities on the team - A dark horse player is a guy that makes an impact on games almost on a weekly basis and few people and media fail to mention but most fans notice his contributions. - In the past,I think you could put a guy like Troy Brown as a dark horse player and who was for several years here

I have a tough time picking between the two guys I think will be dark horses in 2009 - Tank Williams and Greg Lewis

While some here don't even think Lewis will make the team,I think thats ridiculous,BB will seldom give up a draft pick in a trade just to cut them later.

I am going with Greg Lewis who I not only think will revive his career catching passes from Brady who is a much better QB than McNabb is,but I also expect Lewis to have 500-600 yards receiving and about 5 TDs not to mention I think he will play a role on STs as well

So Greg Lewis is MY pick ... Who is YOUR Dark Horse candidate?

 

[Sicilian]

I'm going to say Pierre Woods. I think last year showed that he was progressing and could fill in on a fairly regular basis. If he takes another step this year, I think he'll consistently contribute on 1st and 2nd down. Even if we sign someone like Taylor or draft a stud at OLB, I think Woods will at least be the first backup in the rotation, and will see significant time.

My second choice would be Ben Watson, because I believe he'll continue to develop as a good blocking TE, which will go largely unnoticed.

 

[Mogamedogz]

My buddy Gary Guyton. I think he's going to really help contribute in a big way.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I'm going to say Pierre Woods. I think last year showed that he was progressing and could fill in on a fairly regular basis. If he takes another step this year, I think he'll consistently contribute on 1st and 2nd down. Even if we sign someone like Taylor or draft a stud at OLB, I think Woods will at least be the first backup in the rotation, and will see significant time.

My second choice would be Ben Watson, because I believe he'll continue to develop as a good blocking TE, which will go largely unnoticed.

I just wonder that if Chris Baker shows some good stuff and blocks as well as he did in NY,How much time will Watson be on the field?

 

[Sicilian]

I just wonder that if Chris Baker shows some good stuff and blocks as well as he did in NY,How much time will Watson be on the field?

It's a fair question, but I get the feeling we're going to see a lot more 2 TE formations. One, we have the personnel for it, and two, I bet we see more running early in the season while Brady gets his feet under him.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

My "dark horse" on defense is Gary Guyton only if he adds a couple of pounds and gets stronger.

My 2nd guy is Shawn Crable.

My "dark horse" on offense is Fred Taylor.

 

[Lampshade]

I'm going to say Pierre Woods. I think last year showed that he was progressing and could fill in on a fairly regular basis. If he takes another step this year, I think he'll consistently contribute on 1st and 2nd down. Even if we sign someone like Taylor or draft a stud at OLB, I think Woods will at least be the first backup in the rotation, and will see significant time.

My second choice would be Ben Watson, because I believe he'll continue to develop as a good blocking TE, which will go largely unnoticed.

I'll 2nd both those picks.

 

[Grizzafted]

Crable. I think in two years we're going to be laughing about trying to turn Julius Peppers into a conversion project, when we have Crable and the guy we take this year rotating in and out in that spot.

Pierre Woods not so much, but I think Crable and (English I hope) are going to turn into studs.

 

[JustWinBrady]

Kevin O'Connell.....
2nd string QB this year...he will be getting plenty of reps during mini camp and then on to training camp while Brady is cautiously brought along. should see plenty of playing time in the pre-season games. He will be one of the most improved players from last year. If Brady can't go then who does?

 

[Kontradiction]

Chris Baker. He is a much better blocker than any of the other tight ends we have on the team and catches passes. He'll flow well in our offense where he's surrounded by other threats.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Get back to me on this after the draft.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I'm going to say Pierre Woods. I think last year showed that he was progressing and could fill in on a fairly regular basis. If he takes another step this year, I think he'll consistently contribute on 1st and 2nd down. Even if we sign someone like Taylor or draft a stud at OLB, I think Woods will at least be the first backup in the rotation, and will see significant time.

My second choice would be Ben Watson, because I believe he'll continue to develop as a good blocking TE, which will go largely unnoticed.

Me too! :snob:

 

[JoeSixPat]

Sorry - too early for my darkhorse players... I usually like to see who the undrafted rookie free agents are before making up my mind.

Last year my dark horse player was BJGE - and that worked out pretty well.

 

[fair catch fryar]

I'll play. Shawn Crable.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Sorry - too early for my darkhorse players... I usually like to see who the undrafted rookie free agents are before making up my mind.

Last year my dark horse player was BJGE - and that worked out pretty well.

I usually look at dark horse players as those that have been in the league at least 1 year and under the radar since they have been in this league,but if a rookie is one you might consider as a dark horse then this thread would not be for you.

 

[BradyFTW!]

I'll play. Shawn Crable.

What he said.

 

[JoeSixPat]

I usually look at dark horse players as those that have been in the league at least 1 year and under the radar since they have been in this league,but if a rookie is one you might consider as a dark horse then this thread would not be for you.

I would think undrafted rookies should qualify as a dark horse candidate.... but for now, under these rules, I'll go with Jason Taylor.

 

[Mike the Brit]

OK -- here's one so dark it's black: Sam Aiken. With the ball in his hand, he's a beast of a runner (admittedly, the first part is important too. ..)

 

[Lampshade]

OK -- here's one so dark it's black: Sam Aiken. With the ball in his hand, he's a beast of a runner (admittedly, the first part is important too. ..)

I've already got my name down for Woods and Watson, but darn it I want Aiken too. I'm really hoping they continue to involve him more and more.

 

[tombonneau]

Crable. I think in two years we're going to be laughing about trying to turn Julius Peppers into a conversion project, when we have Crable and the guy we take this year rotating in and out in that spot.

Pierre Woods not so much, but I think Crable and (English I hope) are going to turn into studs.

He's my man, too. Some lower body weight and look out. He certainly was a physical specimen seeing him on the field in preseason. I hope he wins the OLB spot in training camp and relegates Pierre to the bench.