RIpats88
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Underwood draws notice at WR
December, 7, 2011
By Mike Reiss
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The No. 3 receiver spot remains open in the Patriots' offense, and Tiquan Underwood is one of the new candidates to compete for the job.
Underwood's "football journey" was featured this weekend. On Nov. 27, he played 19 snaps in the win over the Eagles, with quarterback Tom Brady later saying on sports radio WEEI that Underwood "really picked up our offense very quickly [and] he’s proven that he’s very dependable in practice. He’s a good young player that really works hard. He deserves an opportunity."
Then Sunday against the Colts, Underwood played 14 snaps (vs. 10 for Chad Ochocinco) as he continued to be integrated into the mix.
Underwood is on the radar again today as he has been recognized by the coaching staff as one of the "practice players of the week." The Patriots award black jerseys to the practice players they feel best prepared them in the week leading up to a victory, and Underwood joined practice squad defensive ends Alex Silvestro and Markell Carter, quarterback Brian Hoyer, guard Donald Thomas and practice squad tight end Garrett Mills.
if he understands the offense, I hope we continue to get this kid snaps...Troy brown said he thinks hes going to have more catches the last 4 games than Ocho.
Gaffney also had some interesting comments that may show Ocho just still doesnt get it.
"It’s a pretty tough offense and if you’re not really used to it, it can be a little overwhelming," Gaffney said Wednesday during a conference call with the New England media. Now in his first season with the Washington Redskins, Gaffney will line up against this former team Sunday afternoon in the nation's capital. "With [coach] Bill [Belichick], he doesn’t play you if you don't know your stuff. He’s not going to put you out there and trust you in those situations.
"You have to be smart out there, you have to know everything. You could have four or five different routes on each play, but you gotta get on the same page with the quarterback and reading the defense at the same time."