Kick Returns, Rosters, And The Draft

[mgteich]

It seems that the kick returner will become much less important with the new rule.

ISSUE #1 - Kicking off - Let's just eliminate kick returns!
One could argue that we should carry a 2nd kicker as one of our special teams only players to make sure that there are almost no kick returns.

Alternatively, we could get a kicker who kicks very high and make kickoffs an adventure.
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ISSUE #2 - Receiving - kicker returners better earn their keep by playing a position.
See the Faulk's of the world return kicks, with zero returns and zero fumbles may be the wave of the future.
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ISSUE #3 - Who is affected on the patriots?
I guess it's fairly obvious. Tate needs to show more as a wide receiver if he is to make this squad. Obviously, the shorter the camp, the better off Tate is.

 

[andrewgarrr]

1. I don't think #1 is an issue for the Patriots. Gostkowski is a complete kicker.

2. I never liked the idea of using a game-day roster spot for a kick returner. I can see this being a problem for a few teams, but the Patriots always draft and keep players that are versatile and can play multiple positions or multiple teams.

3. Tate was in, what was essentially, his rookie season in 2010. Patriots fans are giving up on him too quickly, and I think too many people want the high-flying offense of 2007 back. It's unfair to expect Tate and Price to fill the shoes of a first ballot hall of fame player in Moss. If Tate does not show significant improvement and drastically better production in year 2, I'll be hollering for him to be cut.

The shorter the camp - the better off Tate is? I don't agree at all. Tate needs a long camp with many first team reps. He needs to build a chemistry with Brady, and Brady needs to be confident in Tate. Many people have reported that Tate was open many times in the playoff loss, but Brady never saw him or bothered to look at him. Tate has the speed. His production will only improve if he continues to work with the first team. More than any other players on the team, the young WRs need to work with Brady through OTAs, mini-camps, and training camp. The longer the camp - Tate and the Patriots will be much better.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

The shorter the camp - the better off Tate is? I don't agree at all.

mgteich is correctly pointing out that the shorter TC is, the less likely it is that Tate will be beaten out for a roster spot.

 

[andrewgarrr]

mgteich is correctly pointing out that the shorter TC is, the less likely it is that Tate will be beaten out for a roster spot.

By who? Darnell Jenkins? Buddy Farnham?

 

[supafly]

By who? Darnell Jenkins? Buddy Farnham?

I don't think he is referring to anyone currently on the roster, but when/if free agency returns we could pick someone up, and also the possibility of a mid-to late draft pick.

I would assume that he also meant that Tate pretty much took Price's spot on gameday this year, but the roles could be reversed this season and Price could show more chemistry, route running, and overall ability with Brady than Tate has shown so far--not to mention less dropped balls. I think Tate makes the 53 man roster, no problem, but it'll be on him as far as playing time goes + trust with Brady.

I agree with you that last year was basically his rookie season, but he needs to keep improving here to become a viable option. I am not 'giving up' on him, but I do feel as though he needs vast improvement. If he was open and TB was not even looking his way--I think that says a lot, especially with a QB that has generally no problem finding the open man as his 4th and 5th option.

 

[Calciumee]

By who? Darnell Jenkins? Buddy Farnham?

A draft pick? Or a FA?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I don't think he is referring to anyone currently on the roster, but when/if free agency returns we could pick someone up, and also the possibility of a mid-to late draft pick.

I would assume that he also meant that Tate pretty much took Price's spot on gameday this year, but the roles could be reversed this season and Price could show more chemistry, route running, and overall ability with Brady than Tate has shown so far--not to mention less dropped balls. I think Tate makes the 53 man roster, no problem, but it'll be on him as far as playing time goes + trust with Brady.

I agree with you that last year was basically his rookie season, but he needs to keep improving here to become a viable option. I am not 'giving up' on him, but I do feel as though he needs vast improvement. If he was open and TB was not even looking his way--I think that says a lot, especially with a QB that has generally no problem finding the open man as his 4th and 5th option.

It says Brady didn't put in the reps with the kid to overcome his 2007 acquired habit of looking for his favorites and forcing the ball to them, I think that was part of his meltdown with the Jest playoff loss.

 

[supafly]

It says Brady didn't put in the reps with the kid to overcome his 2007 acquired habit of looking for his favorites and forcing the ball to them, I think that was part of his meltdown with the Jest playoff loss.

I think that is definitely one way to look at it, sure.

I am one who thinks that he may not fully trust him, have the proper chemistry with him, and look for him in times of need (like the playoff loss). I think I just have a harder time blaming Brady, than I do blaming Tate--it's likely as simple as that, although that may be unfair, and the truth likely lies in the middle somewhere. I do not find it a coincidence that we have seen him hit the open man with 5-6 different receivers this yr though, especially with the newer addition with the TE's and Branch, and the subtraction of Moss. We all know he looked to Crumpler a lot more in the NYJ loss than usual, not sure why he wasn't looking to Tate. I am going to trust the guy who just had one of the best QB seasons ever in the history of the entire NFL.

We'll have to see how Tate does. He's got potential and obvious athleticism, but he hasn't personally sold me as anything more than a average WR--if that.

 

[andrewgarrr]

A draft pick? Or a FA?

I'm not trying to be a pest, but (1) I don't think a rookie is going to beat out Tate (unless it's AJ Green or Julio Jones, which I can't see the team drafting) and (2) what FA? Sidney Rice and Steve Smith are the only players that are both significantly better than Tate and are fathomable option.

I'd be happy if either scenario worked out, but I really can't see it happening.

 

[Calciumee]

I'm not trying to be a pest, but (1) I don't think a rookie is going to beat out Tate (unless it's AJ Green or Julio Jones, which I can't see the team drafting) and (2) what FA? Sidney Rice and Steve Smith are the only players that are both significantly better than Tate and are fathomable option.

I'd be happy if either scenario worked out, but I really can't see it happening.

We never know!

 

[Ring 6]

It says Brady didn't put in the reps with the kid to overcome his 2007 acquired habit of looking for his favorites and forcing the ball to them, I think that was part of his meltdown with the Jest playoff loss.

I am so tired of hearing this BS about Brady forcing passes to a favorite receiver.
It happened in one game, the first Jets game last year, and it happened because Moss was single covered. Its ridiculous that people try to take that game and make an argument that Brady made bad decisions to get the ball to a specific guy. It just did not happen.

 

[sbpatfan]

Tate worked through back to back ACL injuries, that basically cause him to miss two years of tootball. A player capable of doing that doesn't strike me as lazy. Who knows though, I definitely think he makes the team. Hopefully he and Brady can grow off last year, fly him out to Cali Brady!