It's probably because he was a pretty poor receiver last year, being basically nothing more than Aikens running slightly deeper routes. Most people like their team's wide receivers to be, you know, good. If Tate is good this year, people will be much happier with him.
Bits of this are true, but the connection with Brady was not there towards the end of the year.
Against the Vikings, Tate showed exactly what a Patriots Receiver should be able to do. He followed Brady's eyes as he got in trouble, and got himself open and took it to the house.
And he done the same against the Jets in the 45-3.
But then at the end of the year, in the 3rd Jets game, Tate did get open 3 or 4 times in the game, Brady looked, then looked for Welker and Branch, his binkies.
The 3rd Jets game was a bit like the 1st Jets game. Instead of look for Moss or Welker, it was look for Branch or Welker. And if you have time, throw it to a Tightend.
I think Tate does have the potential to be a Maclin-type, or a Harvin if he was used out of the backfield, but that wont be needed now.
Or, he could be out of the league at the end of next season.
It's a key full 2nd year for Tate. And Price, if either of them are well improved in Camp, Branch should be looking over his shoulder.