Unfair pressure being placed on Chad Jackson?

[JoeSixPat]

I was a bit surprised to see some of the quotes in this article - particularly Daniel Graham, who should be the last one to be pointing fingers at a guy who might not have contributed as much as some had hoped in part due to injury...

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=172319

“We’re counting on Chad to come in and do his part on this team, whatever that consists of - making blocks, catching the ball,†tight end Daniel Graham [stats] said. “We expect him to be out there giving it his all this week. It would mean a lot,†Graham said. “He’s got good size, good speed. He could do a lot for our offense.â€

Just seems to me that nearly ALL rookie WRs tend not to have big first years - but in part due to the off season moves (or lack thereof) of the front office, injuries, and other disappointing players (Gabriel) all of a suddent there's a TON of pressure on this kid.

Personally, my only expectations for Jackson this season was to turn into a 2-3 catch per game receiver over the final games - showing that he can come in next year looking to build on what he's learned, taking his position as the #2 WR, catching 45-60 passes next year.

While it does seem there's some disappointment being expressed about his lack of consistent progress, the kid is a rookie, and was injured, and this pressure of having just about NO other WRs can't be helping him any.

This seems out of character for the Patriots... and BB - the only thing that makes sense to me is that their expectations aren't truly as high as they are expressing - but that there's a psychological game going on here to see if having him called out will have a positive impact on him.

Let's hope that's the case - as everyone will likely agree that we could really use any help in our passing game right now.

I'm getting the feeling he's going to be seeing a lot of passes coming his way against the Texans - whether he catches them is a different matter.

 

[shirtsleeve]

This seems out of character for the Patriots... and BB - the only thing that makes sense to me is that their expectations aren't truly as high as they are expressing - but that there's a psychological game going on here to see if having him called out will have a positive impact on him....

I'm getting the feeling he's going to be seeing a lot of passes coming his way against the Texans - whether he catches them is a different matter.

Bingo!..Bingo! He got Bingo!

 

[edgecy]

I think Jackson is capable of a lot more, and fully expect a big game from him tomorrow.

Don't count on it, the guy hasn't practiced in a few weeks. hate to risk him to injuries by dressing him for the game.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I see it at a vote of confidence from graham that he believes in CJ

 

[PonyExpress]

An unfortunate byproduct of the Branch debacle was the spotlight focused on Jackson, unfairly IMO. 2nd rd picks should not be expected to make an impact until year 2, BY RULE. The foolish baseball obsessed media, and others unfamiliar with the draft process, are conveniently ignoring/unaware of this and therefore targeting #17 as though he were a free agent instead of a wide eyed 21 year old college senior, still adjusting to the big time. They are wilfully destroying this kid's confidence as a game, a smug reprisal against BB for the Branch trade. Receivers of Jackson's talent and potential need time, and should not be torn apart relentlessly, as the Boston media and fans have done. As for Graham, he should stay silent considering his own checkered injury history. Applying pressure on a rookie in the press is folly.

 

[fgssand]

I see it at a vote of confidence from graham that he believes in CJ

Exactly....Graham is a captain now and there is nothing wrong with stating fact and telling the truth of what this team needs right now,while at the same time telling ChadJack that he has faith and confidence in him.

Man oh man, for N.E. to have a legitimate shot at a Championship run, we need several good things to happen for this club right now. Major, or just solid contributions from Chad Jackson would be one such positive thing that would really help right now.

 

[RayClay]

I was a bit surprised to see some of the quotes in this article - particularly Daniel Graham, who should be the last one to be pointing fingers at a guy who might not have contributed as much as some had hoped in part due to injury...

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=172319



Just seems to me that nearly ALL rookie WRs tend not to have big first years - but in part due to the off season moves (or lack thereof) of the front office, injuries, and other disappointing players (Gabriel) all of a suddent there's a TON of pressure on this kid.

Personally, my only expectations for Jackson this season was to turn into a 2-3 catch per game receiver over the final games - showing that he can come in next year looking to build on what he's learned, taking his position as the #2 WR, catching 45-60 passes next year.

While it does seem there's some disappointment being expressed about his lack of consistent progress, the kid is a rookie, and was injured, and this pressure of having just about NO other WRs can't be helping him any.

This seems out of character for the Patriots... and BB - the only thing that makes sense to me is that their expectations aren't truly as high as they are expressing - but that there's a psychological game going on here to see if having him called out will have a positive impact on him.

Let's hope that's the case - as everyone will likely agree that we could really use any help in our passing game right now.

I'm getting the feeling he's going to be seeing a lot of passes coming his way against the Texans - whether he catches them is a different matter.

Give the man a Cigar. You notice the quote is from our new Captain.

Similar calling out from Brady this week.

Gabriel gone, Pass gone. This team hasn't really found it's personality yet and it's time to stand up and be counted.

You notice he said blocking, receiving, whatever.

All Jackson needs to do is make 1 or 2 big plays to influence a game, with his physical gifts.

BB is calling on the team leaders to corral the strays.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

What Frank and Biggie said, you're getting too sensitive Joe.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Give the man a Cigar. You notice the quote is from our new Captain.

Similar calling out from Brady this week.

Gabriel gone, Pass gone. This team hasn't really found it's personality yet and it's time to stand up and be counted.

You notice he said blocking, receiving, whatever.

All Jackson needs to do is make 1 or 2 big plays to influence a game, with his physical gifts.

BB is calling on the team leaders to corral the strays.

Let's just hope he is active.

 

[RayClay]

Let's just hope he is active.

I take it as getting ready for the playoffs, not a week to week thing.

 

[JR4]

maybe Graham is saying what is really being felt by the PATs.
The offense has to turn around and Jackson, rookie or not, is
the best shot at that happening. Even if the Oline blocks better
if the WRs can't get open ... what good is it.

There was one poster here that went to the fins game and said
PATs wrs were covered man to man. Without Jackson that recipe
could be what PATs have to expect in the playoffs.
Jackson with his speed can make a big difference and I'm sensing from
Graham's remarks that is how BB,Brady and coaches see it also.
Tough a rookie is put in this position but it is what it is and he needs
to know that is what is expected of him.
It's time to take off the kid gloves and kick the kid out of the nest
.... and let the rookie fly.
If he flops .. PATs are no worst than they are now.

 

[zippo59]

Definitely. The guy is a workout warrior who couldn't crack the first round in a wide receiver starved draft, and historically WR's are the position taken most often in the first round. I'm not saying his great measureables won't translate into success in the NFL, but a lot of people are acting like it's a given that he is going to be the next Jerry Rice.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I take it as getting ready for the playoffs, not a week to week thing.

True, but the playoffs are in 3 weeks and I don't think the Pats are playing possum, nor do I expect the Pats to suddenly turn on the switch and have everything click.

If he's not active tomorrow, it's a bad sign. I don't think Kelvin Kight cuts the mustard.

One question I do have. I'm assuming that if CJ is inactive they'll go with 4 wr's otherwise Bam would have been signed to the 53 man roster today and someone would have been demoted.

So it's CJ or they have just 4 wr's(Reche,Troy, Jabar, and Kelvin)?

Plus you have to wonder if the Pats had been considering cutting Gabriel for a couple weeks since they signed Mickens to put Troy on the field as a wr full time.

 

[pats63]

Chad will be fine....Dan is doing his job....Too much hype on this,just let it play out....Ofcourse cross fingers...

 

[Seneschal2]

Give the man a Cigar. You notice the quote is from our new Captain.

Similar calling out from Brady this week.

...

BB is calling on the team leaders to corral the strays.

That's correct -- and he's right for doing so. Especially now.

 

[PonyExpress]

Definitely. The guy is a workout warrior who couldn't crack the first round in a wide receiver starved draft, and historically WR's are the position taken most often in the first round. I'm not saying his great measureables won't translate into success in the NFL, but a lot of people are acting like it's a given that he is going to be the next Jerry Rice.

Who are the "many people" claiming Jackson will become "Jerry Rice" right off the bat? If anything, the majority of fans have preached patience. Aren't you engaging in the same hyperbole you seem to criticize? I trust BB/Pioli's judgment on WR talent. These are the same men who stole Branch and Givens, and had the wisdom not to overpay the precocious Twig.

 

[JoeSixPat]

What Frank and Biggie said, you're getting too sensitive Joe.

No - Graham was clearly issuing a challenge... not issuing a vote of confidence. He's implied that Chad HASN'T been giving it his all in the past.

How someone intereprets that as a vote of confidence, I'm unsure, but I still think its a psychological game to motivate the kid, not simply because they want to, but because they NEED to have him more productive going into the playoffs.

 

[cstjohn17]

I trust BB/Pioli's judgment on WR talent. These are the same men who stole Branch and Givens, and had the wisdom not to overpay the precocious Twig.

My expectations for Jackson were low, rookie WRs generally don't do anything the first year. But he has not even met my low expectations, I thought he would get limited looks but still put up 30 catches and show some promise. So far mostly because his body is not NFL ready he has shown nothing.

The Patriots WR evaluation history can only be considered average at best. Branch was a second rounder, performed very well. Givens was a 7th rounder who worked his butt off and became very effective. On the other side there is Bethel, Hayes, Terrel, Gabriel, Andre Davis, etc.

They got caught unprepared for Branch's hard line stance and the team is paying for it. The WRs are a joke, when you line up Trow Brown and Caldwell as your two starters you are immediately behind 31 other NFL teams. The lack of quality WRs has impacted all the other areas of the offense, hard to run when there is always 8 or 9 men in the box.

Next year we have a lot of picks and may be able to reload but this season is close to slipping away largely because of the crappy WRs. Hopefully Jackson comes on strong and makes me eat my words nothing would make me happier.

 

[BelichickFan]

I'm actually encouraged that they're talking about expectations for this week. Maybe there will be a Jackson sighting ?

 

[PonyExpress]

Well, we differ. The Chiefs and Chargers have long run effective offenses without premium WR talent, and the Pats can do the same. None of the "mistakes" you mention cost the Pats in any serious way. They were rolling the dice on cheap fodder. As far as Bethel is concerned, no player who contributes substantively to a SB title can be considered a bust IMO. My own opinion on why the Pats are 9-4 instead of 11-2 is the personal knowledge of BB his former assistants Mangini and Saban possess. In regards to Jackson, a 2nd rd pick should not be expected to start and contribute in a meaningful way until year 2. Your own expectations for a rookie WR are your own, and may have nothing to do with the Pats' expectations. While everyone wants Jackson to mature as quickly as possible, sometimes maturity cannot be rushed. I still believe the Pats have a puncher's chance at SB glory with the offense they currently possess, and feel no disappointment toward Jackson, because my expectations are the same for him as for any 2nd rd pick: Start in year 2.