Our Offense - Biggest Issues

[mgteich]

ISSUES

The bottom line is that if we signed Light, the offense would be ready to go this weekend, and would be one of the very best in the league.

1) A third OT is the biggest need. LIGHT is what we need.

2) We could use a veteran to backup at center and guard. Alternatively, we could extend MANKINS and wait until next year for the center.

3) As of now, Price would probably make the roster over Morris for the last spot on offense, but there is a long, long way to go. Injuries will likey be the deciding factor. Of course, Belichick could decide that Welker and Vareen are all we need at punt returner. I think that we are locked in to Tate as our #4WR because he is our kick returner.

OFFENSE (25)
QB - 3 Brady, Hoyer, Mallett
RB - 4 Green-Ellis, Woodhead, Vareen, Ridley
WR - 3 Welker, Branch, Ochocinco
TE - 3 Gronkowski, Hernandez, Smith
OL - 7 Solder, Mankins, Koppen, Connolly, Vollmer, LeVoir/Maneri, Cannon
R - 2 Tate, Edelman
C - 1 backup center
OT - 1 4th OT
#25 - 1 WR or RB

 

[StevePatsFan]

ISSUES

Of course, Belichick could decide that Welker and Vareen are all we need at punt returner. I think that we are locked in to Tate as our #4 WR because he is our kick returner.

I agree with pretty much everything you said, I really hope Light gets done!

as far as Tate, He sucked a the second half of the year, he isn't even as prolific as Bethal Johnson was from a KR standpoint, if we cant play WR, he wont stick.

 

[DaBruinz]

ISSUES

The bottom line is that if we signed Light, the offense would be ready to go this weekend, and would be one of the very best in the league.

1) A third OT is the biggest need. LIGHT is what we need.

2) We could use a veteran to backup at center and guard. Alternatively, we could extend MANKINS and wait until next year for the center.

3) As of now, Price would probably make the roster over Morris for the last spot on offense, but there is a long, long way to go. Injuries will likey be the deciding factor. Of course, Belichick could decide that Welker and Vareen are all we need at punt returner. I think that we are locked in to Tate as our #4 WR because he is our kick returner.

OFFENSE (25)
QB - 3 Brady, Hoyer, Mallett
RB - 4 Green-Ellis, Woodhead, Vareen, Ridley
WR - 3 Welker, Branch, Ochocinco
TE - 3 Gronkowski, Hernandez, Smith
OL - 7 Solder, Mankins, Koppen, Connolly, Vollmer, LeVoir, Cannon
R - 2 Tate, Edelman
C - 1 backup center
OT - 1 4th OT
#25 - 1 WR or RB

I wouldn't be surprised to see Maneri make the team as the 4th OT. As for a back-up center/OG, I tend to agree. I'd love to add Rich Seusbert who played for the Giants.. He could start until Cannon beat him out. In a perfect world, I'd love to see Connolly replaced as well..

 

[mgteich]

I edited and put in Levoir/Maneri in place of LeVoir.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Maneri make the team as the 4th OT. As for a back-up center/OG, I tend to agree. I'd love to add Rich Seusbert who played for the Giants.. He could start until Cannon beat him out. In a perfect world, I'd love to see Connolly replaced as well..

 

[mgteich]

If Tate is cut, then we will need to pick up a free agent kick returner. I'm fine with that.

I agree with pretty much everything you said, I really hope Light gets done!

as far as Tate, He sucked a the second half of the year, he isn't even as prolific as Bethal Johnson was from a KR standpoint, if we cant play WR, he wont stick.

 

[Deus Irae]

Remaining issues to address, or at least strongly consider, IMO:

1.) re-sign Light
2.) replace Connolly with upgrade as starting RG
3.) replace/upgrade/bring in competition for/augment the RBs
4.a) bring in competition for/upgrade the 3 bottom wideouts
4.b) bring in a tight end to compete for TE3 (Crumpler's return rumored possible)

 

[YearbookCurfew]

Issues?? Issues?? Don't talk about issues! I just hope we can get a better pass rush!

 

[Sciz]

I agree that Maneri could give LeVoir a fight for the 3rd/4th tackle spot. LeVoir lost his main backup spot to Ojinaka, while Maneri won 3 practice player awards last season. Looks like two players headed in different directions.

Crumpler is gone, but I don't think it's for good. Definitely could be back.

In an offense that should average right around 2 WRs per play, I don't see the point behind keeping 6 WRs. I could see Vereen, Edelman, or Price taking Tate's KR job and knocking him off the roster, or Price being cut outright. Of course, I also think there's a legit chance Welker is traded.

Agree completely with interior OL need.

 

[Tyler.Durden]

jeremy Ross could provide wr/pr/kr competition

 

[DaBruinz]

Ross is a candidate for the PS..He's a longshot to win a roster spot..

But that is why they have training camp.

 

[randomk1]

What i'm wondering is....how good of a blockers are our new TE's? Can Lee Smith or that other dude possibly take over Crumplers role while providing more of a pass catching threat?

Crumpler was damn good to watch.

 

[pdangle]

Our biggest issue on O IMO...

TOO MANY GOOD PLAYERS!

Not often a team in the NFL gets stacked to point like this. But I agree, with how this team has shaped up, overpay Light if need be. Then, gentlemen start your engines.

 

[mgteich]

1) Lee Smith was the best blocking TE in the draft. He's fine in that role.

2) Crumpler was not used by the pats as a pass-catching threat. Over his career, he has been a threat as a receiver. His average over his career is similar to that of Gronkowski and Hernandez. He has been more of a blocking bak in the past 3 years. but he is capable of running routes and catching a pass.

3) Lots of folks expect Crumpler to be back at lower pay. Last year, we had only Crump and the rooks. Now, we have two fine TE's and Crumpler is the clear #3.

What i'm wondering is....how good of a blockers are our new TE's? Can Lee Smith or that other dude possibly take over Crumplers role while providing more of a pass catching threat?

Crumpler was damn good to watch.

 

[Bostonian1962]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Maneri make the team as the 4th OT. As for a back-up center/OG, I tend to agree. I'd love to add Rich Seusbert who played for the Giants.. He could start until Cannon beat him out. In a perfect world, I'd love to see Connolly replaced as well..

I agree with much of what you say, but Connelly played quite well last year. He really did. I'm not calling him a lock or anything, but he's stepped up thus far IMHO.

 

[The Scrizz]

I agree with much of what you say, but Connelly played quite well last year. He really did. I'm not calling him a lock or anything, but he's stepped up thus far IMHO.

Connelly played quite well when asked to start. I would consider him a top-tier backup if we do sign another starting guard. Somehow I think Cannon is going to be starting at RG this year though.

If Light is brought back and we have the #17 pick as a backup I could see us signing one more vet guard who will retire in camp.

Crumpler was good, and a great guy, but he is done IMO. Not done as in can't play, just done with the Pats who look to have replaced him with young guys.

I could see the Jets sniffing around him. Their TE's after Keller are a joke and he would help their run game.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Mark Tauscher was let go by the Packers...he is pretty good

 

[patfanken]

1) Lee Smith was the best blocking TE in the draft. He's fine in that role.

2) Crumpler was not used by the pats as a pass-catching threat. Over his career, he has been a threat as a receiver. His average over his career is similar to that of Gronkowski and Hernandez. He has been more of a blocking bak in the past 3 years. but he is capable of running routes and catching a pass.

3) Lots of folks expect Crumpler to be back at lower pay. Last year, we had only Crump and the rooks. Now, we have two fine TE's and Crumpler is the clear #3.

The reason I think Crumpler will be back is his leadership qualities. I think he is worth the roster spot just for that. Remember BOTH Gronk and Hernandez are both a bit on the flacky side, though in a good way. Having Crump here, just for that reason alone is worth the spot. He could be very well brought back at the vet minimum when he is healthy enough to pass his physical.

 

[patsfan13]

We are keeping 3 QB's, unless Mallett flames out off the field.

Do we keep 4 or 5 rb: if we keep 5 rb the spot will be between Faulk and Morris, I favor Faulk here

Do we keep 5 or 6 wr if we go with 5 wr the decision is between Price and Tate, Tate has issues with his route running. How well will Price run routes? Either guy IF they develop has the speed to be the 'deep/stretch the field' guy

Do we keep 8 or 9 ol: The first 7 are easy to identify (I will assume Light is back for this discussion): Light, Mankins, Koppen, Connolly, Vollmer + Cannon, Solder, 2 spots up for grabs. The ability to play more than 1 line position will be key especially if they keep 8. Do we have PS potential among the youngsters for Dante U?

Do we keep 3 or 4 te, is the plan to keep Crump on the shadow squad or just restructure when the camp situation is clear? Depending on how they perform can they get Smith, Yeatman or both on the PS?


I wonder if Tate will 'get it' re route running. I could see Price taking his spot if we go 5 WR.

My best guess is 3 QB, 3 TE, 5 RB, 5 WR, 9 OL. Gonna be a fascinating camp/preseason.

 

[BlueThunder]

I still think if Smith can LS and play blocking TE that free's up a ST position for offense or defense.....

Gives an extra slot avail for either WR or RB...maybe even 4 TE's....

JMHO

 

[mgteich]

IMHO, the patriots are NOT going to replace one of the best long snappers in football with a blocking tight end, who might be able to be reasonable nfl long snapper.

I still think if Smith can LS and play blocking TE that free's up a ST position for offense or defense.....

Gives an extra slot avail for either WR or RB...maybe even 4 TE's....

JMHO