Graham: Even minus Welker, Pats WRs impressive

[JSn]

Hey, maybe there's a reason to be excited...

Even minus Welker, Pats WRs impressive - AFC East Blog - ESPN

Excerpt:

"The other wideouts also are interesting, especially Brandon Tate, who more or less had a redshirt year in 2009 as he recovered from a knee injury," Williamson writes. "But Tate can be a difference-maker and is immensely talented. ... Expect Tate to quickly become a prominent member of this passing attack and quite possibly an opening-day starter."

 

[Sicilian]

An interesting blurb. A couple points that come to mind for me:

1) He doesn't count Holt for much because he thinks Tate and Price will push him out of playing time quickly. That wouldn't be a bad thing, but I think he's discounting Holt a bit too much. At worst I think he provides mentorship for those young players (Brady uses Holt as his prime example for good route running). But realistically, he's the type of guy you can count on for big catches in late game situations while Moss is doubled. He also provides positional flexibility as I think he can really play outside (ideal) or in the slot (if needed here and there).

2) The whole idea of the receiver corp made me think of this: We love Wes Welker, he's the best slot receiver in the game, but before he came to New England we had no idea how well he would gel with Tom Brady. Some keep worrying about replacing Welker, which is an unreasonable expectation, but how far fetched is it that we could find another receiver this year who gels with Brady? Maybe not to the tune of 100 catches, but between Edelman in year two, Tate and Price in year one, and Holt as a vet presence, I think the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of ONE of those players hitting a stride with Brady and blowing us away. Then when Welker comes back, we've got at least 3 good WR options, possibly more, and it's not even counting the TE's and RB's.

There's reason to be hopeful for sure, and if nothing else there's going to be some entertaining competition to follow.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

2) The whole idea of the receiver corp made me think of this: We love Wes Welker, he's the best slot receiver in the game, but before he came to New England we had no idea how well he would gel with Tom Brady.

OTOH, for some of us, the question was, to borrow from Strongbad, would he use his talents for good or for awesome?

 

[BradyManny]

I'm very excited about the state of this WR corp right now. WR3 killed this team last year. I expect Holt to start at the position, Tate and Price may push him for PT, but I agree with Sicilian that its a discredit to Holt to think he's just an afterthought.

If even one of Tate/Price contributes this season, then you have Moss, Edelman, Welker, Holt and one other guy all in the mix. To some extent, we've learned that quantity is just as important as quality at the WR position.

Then add in Gronk and Hernandez, and Crumpler to some extent, not to forget Faulk - and I think Brady will have plenty of weapons this year.

 

[FarScapeR]

I really like this group. It's very promising, with Edelman and possibly Tate taking big steps forward in contribution, Patten and Holt providing steady mentorship and proven experience good enough for the #3 position (if they have anything left). I don't want to attach any expectations to Price, but anything he can contribute in his rookie season would be a bonus. Gronk and Hernandez are interesting, but also moderate expectations.

And then there's Randy who, doggin' or not, can still burn you, despite his age.

 

[Deus Irae]

I know that it's the slow season, but couldn't these writers take more than .000000000000000001 seconds to do their columns? People whined and moaned about SMY and her AdT article, but that was Pulitzer level material compared to this crap and the "3rd time's a charm" article that Reiss mailed in.

 

[Kontradiction]

Yeah, this group does look good. I'm optimistic about Tate if he's (finally) healthy. In the little amount of time he played last year, he was able to get behind the defense. I remember in the Bucs game that he was so wide open at one point that it would have been an easily 60-70 yard TD. Brady, however, underthrew him and the result was an INT. If Tate can still show the same ability to get behind a defense and make them pay for covering him one on one and if he's fine tuned his route running to connect with Brady successfully on the underneath and intermediate routes, then he can be a weapon. What we know at this point for a fact is that Brady is high on him. That's good enough for me.

Most people know my opinion on Hernandez. He's going to be able to line-up in the slot and on the LoS in this offense (ala Dallas Clark in Indy). Right off the bat, I think he'll create some big match-up problems with opposing defenses by threatening the seam and the middle of the field. Because we have Crumpler (whose strongsuit these days is his blocking by far) and Gronk, who looks to be an aggressive blocker and a double threat in the passing game as well, Hernandez shouldn't send nearly the amount of time run blocking as he should pass blocking. As had been mentioned, he can also be effective on a draw play. Gronk I'm not nearly as sure on as Hernandez. I wouldn't be suprised to see him have success in O'Brien's offense (he's said a few times that he's planning on using the TE's in more of a pass catching role, which would explain the Hernandez and Gronk draft picks). However, the big question is whether or not his back will be an issue. He looks healthy, though. At least based on what we've seen.

As for Price, I'm high on him but the more I think about it, the more I wouldn't be suprised to see him redshirted this year like Tate was last year. If there is a season in 2011, Moss and Holt will most likely be gone. I wouldn't be suprised to see Price get more playing time in 2010 as the season wears on, but his year will be 2011 (2012 if there is a lockout). Basically, I see the WR position looking like this at the beginning of the season: Moss and Holt at flanker and split end with Edelman and Tate in the slots. That's if we go four-wide. In the event we go five wide, I can see Hernandez lining up in the slot as well. We'll probably see many more two TE sets this year, though.

All in all, this is the most competition we've had for snaps at WR in years. Certainly not a bad thing...

 

[patchick]

I know that it's the slow season, but couldn't these writers take more than .000000000000000001 seconds to do their columns? People whined and moaned about SMY and her AdT article, but that was Pulitzer level material compared to this crap and the "3rd time's a charm" article that Reiss mailed in.

I'm with you on this one. The title of this thread is wrong -- Graham didn't say anything whatsoever about the Pats' WRs. He just quoted another writer's opinion. He couldn't even be bothered to have his own opinion like the rest of us.

In that fine journalistic spirit, I'd like to report that Deus Irae, writing at PatsFans.com, described a column written by Tim Graham of ESPN.com as "crap." Irae was commenting on the state of football reportage in the deep offseason. He believes that Shalise Manza Young's recent blog on Adalius Thomas, which has been the subject of criticism among fans, compares favorably to Mr. Graham's effort. Further, Irae questions whether the current work of fan favorite Mike Reiss can meet fans' sky-high expectations, as Mr. Reiss "mailed in" a column on Shawn Crable.

If I learn more, I'll let you know.

 

[Deus Irae]

I'm with you on this one. The title of this thread is wrong -- Graham didn't say anything whatsoever about the Pats' WRs. He just quoted another writer's opinion. He couldn't even be bothered to have his own opinion like the rest of us.

In that fine journalistic spirit, I'd like to report that Deus Irae, writing at PatsFans.com, described a column written by Tim Graham of ESPN.com as "crap." Irae was commenting on the state of football reportage in the deep offseason. He believes that Shalise Manza Young's recent blog on Adalius Thomas, which has been the subject of criticism among fans, compares favorably to Mr. Graham's effort. Further, Irae questions whether the current work of fan favorite Mike Reiss can meet fans' sky-high expectations, as Mr. Reiss "mailed in" a column on Shawn Crable.

If I learn more, I'll let you know.

Now that was well played.

+1

 

[NEGoldenAge]

2) The whole idea of the receiver corp made me think of this: We love Wes Welker, he's the best slot receiver in the game, but before he came to New England we had no idea how well he would gel with Tom Brady.

I think Wes Welker's success has more to do with how good he is, and how the Pats use him, than with his "geling with Brady". Welker re-defined the slot receiver position. Before the Pats traded for him, they knew that they couldn't cover him. I think that if utilized properly, Wes would be ANY QB's favorite target. In other words, Welker, if given a real oportunity, would gel with any coherent QB. Miami was simply to stubborn of thought to realize what Wes was capable of.

 

[PatsChamp88]

Regardless of the article I can't wait for the receiver battles in training camp!

 

[captain stone]

Regardless of the article I can't wait for the receiver battles in training camp!

The only battles at WR are those among Aiken, Stanback, Slater, Patten, Anderson & Farnham - to see who'll be the last cut. Barring injuries, the first 5 spots are locks: Moss, Edelman, Holt, Price & Tate. End of competition.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

I'm very excited about the state of this WR corp right now. WR3 killed this team last year. I expect Holt to start at the position, Tate and Price may push him for PT, but I agree with Sicilian that its a discredit to Holt to think he's just an afterthought.

If even one of Tate/Price contributes this season, then you have Moss, Edelman, Welker, Holt and one other guy all in the mix. To some extent, we've learned that quantity is just as important as quality at the WR position.

Then add in Gronk and Hernandez, and Crumpler to some extent, not to forget Faulk - and I think Brady will have plenty of weapons this year.

the jets are going to need about 4 revis islands when they play us.

 

[RayClay]

Can't see how anyone can judge our receiver corps at this point.

 

[12+81=TD]

the jets are going to need about 4 revis islands when they play us.

That sir, I like.

I really believe that Brandon will pan out, I followed his career fairly close, as I am a HUGE college football fan. I don't really have a team, just players that I like, and he is one of them.

I truly can see him emerging as a great threat alongside Moss this year and hopefully Price for years to come. This kid has unlimited talent, don't let one red-shirt season change your views. Injuries happen to all of us, I broke my right middle toe this Sunday on a door-stop, don't tell me goofy injuries CAN'T happen....or I will stick my purple toe up your...

"Brandon started out his Early Years as a Wide Receiver and Defensive Back in Middle School and High School. Brandon also played guard on the basketball team at Cummings High School and helped lead his team to a State Title in his Junior season. In his 2004 Senior season, Tate had 66 receptions and 18 touchdowns, earning All-Conference honors."

Skills :singing:

 

[TealSox]

First...

The intent of this reply to was splash cold water in the faces of those that think Tory Holt will provide anything more than a veteran on the bench, much like Joey Galloway was last year. But after looking at the numbers and realizing how much of a professional Holt is, I think Holt will be invaluable to this team even if he has between 30-40 receptions. After Welker and Moss, the offense lacked a wide out that could pull down 40 receptions and be that third dimension to the passing offense.

For anyone expecting a 80 reception season from Holt, I think you need to come back to reality. We would all love to see Holt perform as if he was three years removed from college, but wishing and reality are very much divided.

Second...

I think Welker's injury is a god sent. It was mentioned on a few occasions last season how much Brady relied on Welker. In fact, he relied on him so much, that I think the offense become too one dimensional, too predictable and caused atrophy to other areas of the offense.

The team seemed better off when Brady was forced to spread the ball to 9 different receivers a game, instead of focusing on either going to Welker or Moss. I wish him the best on his recovery and I'll be glad to have him back, but I'm hoping the team can grow stronger in his absence.

Third....

These type of reports are great to read at this time of the year, but a fact is a fact: Price is a rookie and Tate has yet to play an NFL game, due to his injury while in Chapel Hill. Meanwhile, Edelman and Moss stand out as the only clear contributors for this offense, with the others, including Price, Tate, Welker and Holt, are question marks.

Lastly...

I'd rate the receiving corp a 6 out of 10, but I think the key to the offenses' success isn't dependent upon the WRs like it was in years passed. With the additions of Grono/Hernandez/Crumpler, defenses will have to account for the tight end on passing downs. I'm hoping that, along with the young group of WRs performing extremely well, that the blue man group in the TE slot can balance the scale and allow the WRs more opportunities rather than force them to create opportunities out of thin air.

 

[JoeShmoe]

Yeah, this group does look good. I'm optimistic about Tate if he's (finally) healthy. In the little amount of time he played last year, he was able to get behind the defense. I remember in the Bucs game that he was so wide open at one point that it would have been an easily 60-70 yard TD. Brady, however, underthrew him and the result was an INT. If Tate can still show the same ability to get behind a defense and make them pay for covering him one on one and if he's fine tuned his route running to connect with Brady successfully on the underneath and intermediate routes, then he can be a weapon. What we know at this point for a fact is that Brady is high on him. That's good enough for me.

Most people know my opinion on Hernandez. He's going to be able to line-up in the slot and on the LoS in this offense (ala Dallas Clark in Indy). Right off the bat, I think he'll create some big match-up problems with opposing defenses by threatening the seam and the middle of the field. Because we have Crumpler (whose strongsuit these days is his blocking by far) and Gronk, who looks to be an aggressive blocker and a double threat in the passing game as well, Hernandez shouldn't send nearly the amount of time run blocking as he should pass blocking. As had been mentioned, he can also be effective on a draw play. Gronk I'm not nearly as sure on as Hernandez. I wouldn't be suprised to see him have success in O'Brien's offense (he's said a few times that he's planning on using the TE's in more of a pass catching role, which would explain the Hernandez and Gronk draft picks). However, the big question is whether or not his back will be an issue. He looks healthy, though. At least based on what we've seen.

As for Price, I'm high on him but the more I think about it, the more I wouldn't be suprised to see him redshirted this year like Tate was last year. If there is a season in 2011, Moss and Holt will most likely be gone. I wouldn't be suprised to see Price get more playing time in 2010 as the season wears on, but his year will be 2011 (2012 if there is a lockout). Basically, I see the WR position looking like this at the beginning of the season: Moss and Holt at flanker and split end with Edelman and Tate in the slots. That's if we go four-wide. In the event we go five wide, I can see Hernandez lining up in the slot as well. We'll probably see many more two TE sets this year, though.

All in all, this is the most competition we've had for snaps at WR in years. Certainly not a bad thing...

Great post and real food for thought

Key for me will be Brady gelling with these guys in TC and early season, we remember what happened with Galloway where that relationship just didnt work out

In some ways, if Tom loses his security blanket in Welker it benefits the team as he's forced to go elsewhere and other teams (like the Saints last year) know they can just shut down Moss and Wes and were done

As per the artcile I have high hopes for Tate. A year in the system, a year with the playbook, I hope he really sticks out during the camps

 

[OldNEPatsFan]

That sir, I like.

I really believe that Brandon will pan out, I followed his career fairly close, as I am a HUGE college football fan. I don't really have a team, just players that I like, and he is one of them.

I truly can see him emerging as a great threat alongside Moss this year and hopefully Price for years to come. This kid has unlimited talent, don't let one red-shirt season change your views. Injuries happen to all of us, I broke my right middle toe this Sunday on a door-stop, don't tell me goofy injuries CAN'T happen....or I will stick my purple toe up your...

"Brandon started out his Early Years as a Wide Receiver and Defensive Back in Middle School and High School. Brandon also played guard on the basketball team at Cummings High School and helped lead his team to a State Title in his Junior season. In his 2004 Senior season, Tate had 66 receptions and 18 touchdowns, earning All-Conference honors."

Skills :singing:

His college career wasn't very impressive at all. Totals of 46 Rec. - 1127 yds. - 8 TD's.

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

even though we have not seen them play yet on the practice field yet, Im feeling better... Good addition by Holt , who I think will be a contribuitor...Tate and Price could be young and good prospects.. Eldeman could fill in for Welker for a few weeks.. Moss is Moss... And who knows if Patten will make the team, but he may lose out in the numbers game..

 

[Kontradiction]

Great post and real food for thought

Key for me will be Brady gelling with these guys in TC and early season, we remember what happened with Galloway where that relationship just didnt work out

In some ways, if Tom loses his security blanket in Welker it benefits the team as he's forced to go elsewhere and other teams (like the Saints last year) know they can just shut down Moss and Wes and were done

As per the artcile I have high hopes for Tate. A year in the system, a year with the playbook, I hope he really sticks out during the camps

Brady did go with other options when they were open. Look at the Indy game. Brady was hitting Moss, Welker, Stanbeck, Baker, Watson, and Faulk. The problem was that the TE's were needed to help in blocking most of the year and we didn't have a viable third option at WR. So often Moss and Welker were the only open options he had.