2012 Offense - Could look a lot different

[cstjohn17]

This has been touched in a variety of threads but with so many unknowns it is possible that the offense will have a whole new cast of characters.

Of the 11 starters 6 have the potential to leave.

Starters
QB - Brady - under contract, thank goodness - this is a good start
TE1 - Gronk - under contract
TE2 - Hernandez - under contract
LG - Mankins - under contract
RT - Vollmer - under contract, back injury
LT - Light - under contract, may retire
RG - Waters - under contract, may retire

RB - BJGE - free agent
WR1 - Welker - free agent, likely to be franchised
WR2 - Branch - free agent
C1 - Connolly - free agent


Key reserves
WR3 - Ocho - under contract, high cap number, could be cut
Tackle - Solder - under contract
C2 - Koppen - free agent

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

This has been touched in a variety of threads but with so many unknowns it is possible that the offense will have a whole new cast of characters.

Of the 11 starters 6 have the potential to leave.

Starters
QB - Brady - under contract, thank goodness - this is a good start
TE1 - Gronk - under contract
TE2 - Hernandez - under contract
LG - Mankins - under contract

LT - Light - under contract, may retire
RG - Waters - under contract, may retire

RB - BJGE - free agent
WR1 - Welker - free agent, likely to be franchised
WR2 - Branch - free agent
C1 - Connolly - free agent
RT - Vollmer - under contract, back injury

Key reserves
WR3 - Ocho - under contract, high cap number, could be cut
Tackle - Solder - under contract
C2 - Koppen - free agent

The content of this thread seems to contradict the title.

 

[Rob0729]

I think the only differences we will see on the offensive personnel from last year is a different WR starting as the outside WR, Branch becoming a back up, and another different depth WR or two. Otherwise, I think the line up will be the same.

Yes, there is talk about both Light and Waters retiring, but I guess I am confident/hopeful both return. I expect Light to get an extension where most of his 2012 base salary is guaranteed so his cap number drops $2-3 million. Maybe I am just dreaming.

 

[HowardRoark]

I think the only differences we will see on the offensive personnel from last year is a different WR starting as the outside WR, Branch becoming a back up, and another different depth WR or two. Otherwise, I think the line up will be the same.

Yes, there is talk about both Light and Waters retiring, but I guess I am confident/hopeful both return. I expect Light to get an extension where most of his 2012 base salary is guaranteed so his cap number drops $2-3 million. Maybe I am just dreaming.

Do you think we bring back BJGE?

 

[DonBlackmon55]

Do you think we bring back BJGE?

yes. There is great value BB puts on veteran RB who does not have the case of fumblitis. We saw evidence of this after Ridley fumbled in Broncos game.

Also, RB depth is necessary. Lawfirm - Ridley - Vereen - Woodhead is a good foursome of youth and experience.

 

[JackBauer]

Do you think we bring back BJGE?

I see them going a different direction, but who knows. I'm probably just substituting my personal opinion of what I think should happen for my estimation of what I think the Patriots will do.

 

[stevedogc]

I think the only differences we will see on the offensive personnel from last year is a different WR starting as the outside WR, Branch becoming a back up, and another different depth WR or two. Otherwise, I think the line up will be the same.

Yes, there is talk about both Light and Waters retiring, but I guess I am confident/hopeful both return. I expect Light to get an extension where most of his 2012 base salary is guaranteed so his cap number drops $2-3 million. Maybe I am just dreaming.

I dont get why there would be an extension if Light in considering retirement and the Pats already have his replacement. I hope he comes back cause as we saw with Volmers injuries, having three starting caliber tackles was key. I wonder if the Pats would give him a little extra bonus for 2012 to entice him to put off retirement one more season. He can still play at a high level. I also wonder if the retirement talk by Light and Waters is just a way for those guys to get out of any off season camps and programs. Then they will all of a sudden make up their minds for one more year right around the time camp opens up.

 

[HowardRoark]

I see them going a different direction, but who knows. I'm probably just substituting my personal opinion of what I think should happen for my estimation of what I think the Patriots will do.

What is that different direction? Ridley/Vereen/Woodhead? Or someone else added into the mix?

 

[Rob0729]

Do you think we bring back BJGE?

Forgot about him. I say 50-50 at best. I think they will likely go with Ridley and Vereen. I still think Vereen has a chance to be an impact guy and the lack of the offseason and hamstring problems just tanked his season. We have seen in flashes what Ridley can do. He needs to improve his ball control though.

 

[Rob0729]

I dont get why there would be an extension if Light in considering retirement and the Pats already have his replacement. I hope he comes back cause as we saw with Volmers injuries, having three starting caliber tackles was key. I wonder if the Pats would give him a little extra bonus for 2012 to entice him to put off retirement one more season. He can still play at a high level. I also wonder if the retirement talk by Light and Waters is just a way for those guys to get out of any off season camps and programs. Then they will all of a sudden make up their minds for one more year right around the time camp opens up.

You extend Light so his cap number goes down for this season. If Light comes back, 2012 will likely be his last season. An extension is just a case of creative book keeping to gain more cap room (assuming they need it).

 

[JackBauer]

What is that different direction? Ridley/Vereen/Woodhead? Or someone else added into the mix?

Well, I'd hope given the expenditure that Ridley and/or Vereen are ready for primetime. Woodhead as the third down guy, and then perhaps a FA or another draft pick to round off the roster.

Or maybe they'll promote Kettani! Unlikely, but it could happen, I guess.

 

[fester]

I think the only differences we will see on the offensive personnel from last year is a different WR starting as the outside WR, Branch becoming a back up, and another different depth WR or two. Otherwise, I think the line up will be the same.

Yes, there is talk about both Light and Waters retiring, but I guess I am confident/hopeful both return. I expect Light to get an extension where most of his 2012 base salary is guaranteed so his cap number drops $2-3 million. Maybe I am just dreaming.

Why extend Light?

The Patriots right now don't need cap space, and they have three young (and 2 medium term cheap) tackles that they like. Vollmer if he stays healthy will get paid very nicely by April 2013, but Solder and Cannon will still be cheap for a couple more seasons.

If Light still wants to play AND beat out the younger/cheaper competition, then great, the Patriots have a very good starting left tackle for 2012 at a cap hit of $6.5 million dollars and a cash hit of $3.1 million dollars. That is a steal for a competent or better left tackle. And it gives the Patriots a good young group of tackles in 2013 at a very reasonable and flexible cap hit.

 

[Rob0729]

Why extend Light?

The Patriots right now don't need cap space, and they have three young (and 2 medium term cheap) tackles that they like. Vollmer if he stays healthy will get paid very nicely by April 2013, but Solder and Cannon will still be cheap for a couple more seasons.

If Light still wants to play AND beat out the younger/cheaper competition, then great, the Patriots have a very good starting left tackle for 2012 at a cap hit of $6.5 million dollars and a cash hit of $3.1 million dollars. That is a steal for a competent or better left tackle. And it gives the Patriots a good young group of tackles in 2013 at a very reasonable and flexible cap hit.

If you extend Light and don't use all your cap money, it won't affect the cap at all in future years since the cap savings will be carried forward to 2013 and negate the cap hit for that year. If the Pats plan to be agressive in free agency, it gives them cap room they may need.

Say the Pats want to go after Mario Williams, Dashon Gholson, and Brandon Lloyd while franchising Welker (just a hypothetical); they will need a lot of cap space. Extending Light will give them more of a buffer. If they don't sign the players, it gives Light the money up front that will make him happy and it really doesn't negatively affect the Pats. It is a no lose situation.

 

[stcjones]

Forgot about him. I say 50-50 at best. I think they will likely go with Ridley and Vereen. I still think Vereen has a chance to be an impact guy and the lack of the offseason and hamstring problems just tanked his season. We have seen in flashes what Ridley can do. He needs to improve his ball control though.

Ridley has had ball control issues. Started at LSU....continued this year. He will have to work on this in offseason. Otherwise, he has shown flashes of brilliance, and that he COULD be a huge offensive weapon. As for Vereen....I don't have high hopes for him. He seems injury prone and it appeared that he had trouble grasping the playbook. This upcoming season will be either make or break for him IMHO. I see them keeping BJGE if they can sign him right...If not there are some FA backs out there Jonathan Stewart from Carolina (4th year back out of oregon)...believe that is his name etc. Woodhead will definitely be back as Faulk retires. We have to bring in a TOP NOTCH VET WR this year. Ocho better be gone! Branch may come into training camp and they'll see what he has left.....Underoos should be cut.......They will need to draft a few WR and bring in at least one VET.

 

[BaltimorePatsFan]

I'll be happy regardless of what happens as long as Chad Johnson is gone.

 

[cstjohn17]

LT - Light - under contract, may retire
RG - Waters - under contract, may retire
C1 - Connolly - free agent

It is these 3 starters that worry me the most, it will be difficult to rebuild the offensive line, the WR core and the Defensive Ends in a single offseason.