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This deserves its own thread because of the overall implications of this game and possibly the Patriots' strategy.
6:59 1st NE 2nd & 2 at NE30 > Tom Brady pass to the middle to Matthew Slater for 46 yards to the Mia24. Tackled by Vontae Davis.
Another important play, because Slater had beaten the coverage although the timing between him and Brady was a little off (perhaps should have been a catch):
9:49 4th NE 1st & 10 at NE40 Tom Brady incomplete pass to the left intended for Matthew Slater.
Slater may be the Patriots deep field stretcher in the mold of Bethel Johnson or Dante Stallworth. It is obvious the Patriots have tried to carry this type of player and failed with Joey Galloway and Brandon Tate.
This would certainly explain why Tate's stock fell dramatically. In addition the lack of kickoff returns under the new rules, it seems that Slater is a better option to burn through the secondary and keep defenses honest when needed. Slater also caught a long pass from Brady in the preseason.
In addition to being a special teams ace, if Slater can perform what Tate and others could not- being a situational player who can be used when defenses try to play for the short pass, this would be a huge bonus for the Pats.
Am I jumping to conclusions too quickly, or is anyone else impressed with the few times Slater has been used as a WR?
Dare I say it, that he has the ability to stretch the field? =)
6:59 1st NE 2nd & 2 at NE30 > Tom Brady pass to the middle to Matthew Slater for 46 yards to the Mia24. Tackled by Vontae Davis.
Another important play, because Slater had beaten the coverage although the timing between him and Brady was a little off (perhaps should have been a catch):
9:49 4th NE 1st & 10 at NE40 Tom Brady incomplete pass to the left intended for Matthew Slater.
Slater may be the Patriots deep field stretcher in the mold of Bethel Johnson or Dante Stallworth. It is obvious the Patriots have tried to carry this type of player and failed with Joey Galloway and Brandon Tate.
This would certainly explain why Tate's stock fell dramatically. In addition the lack of kickoff returns under the new rules, it seems that Slater is a better option to burn through the secondary and keep defenses honest when needed. Slater also caught a long pass from Brady in the preseason.
In addition to being a special teams ace, if Slater can perform what Tate and others could not- being a situational player who can be used when defenses try to play for the short pass, this would be a huge bonus for the Pats.
Am I jumping to conclusions too quickly, or is anyone else impressed with the few times Slater has been used as a WR?
Dare I say it, that he has the ability to stretch the field? =)
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