Maybe we already have a solid WR corps?

[Claremonster]

Not "core." That has to do with apples. It's corps.

Corpse? The Pats have a few of them.

 

[Matt991]

We will have a solid group of receivers come week one. Obviously the receivers will not be a strength, but they will be adequate. I expect Lloyd and Edelman to be back cheap, and we will either pick up sanders or a guy from the draft. Plus we can always make moves mid summer.

I'm definitely concerned but I'm with holding judgement until the final 53 is named.

 

[Don Kipines]

All the premature freaking out is awesome. It's the same thing every year. Since 2007 there's always been a contingent that thinks we need a great deep threat to win, forgetting that Brady never had a semblance of a deep threat in his early years, unless David Patten counts. The Pats have managed to score in record numbers without a true outside receiver for years now... and right now, it's a few weeks into free agency, not even close to the end of the team-building process, and people are flipping.

This draft is stacked with outside receivers. The Tennessee guys all by themselves would make up a good class of X wideouts. There are maybe a dozen more players who could passably play the position, from guys like DeAndre Hopkins to Robert Woods to lower-round types like Kenny Stills or Marquess Wilson.

It's important to remember that the offensive roster minus that X receiver spot is already elite, from the QB to the offensive line to the tight ends to the slot receiver to the backs. These aren't the days when Tom Ashworth was at right tackle and Mike Cloud and Sammy Morris were carrying the ball. This is a monster offensive team across the board -- minus one spot. They basically need to find one guy between now and September who can threaten the outside occasionally. It's not like they have ten other holes on the roster. And it would be shocking if they didn't come out of the draft with a pretty interesting/dynamic replacement for Lloyd.

 

[mgteich]

Yes, the addition of Lloyd AND Edelman AND Sanders (and/or a draft pick) would give us a "solid" and adequate group of receivers. So, we need only need THREE transactions in order to be solid, and still WR will not be a strength? I agree with your analysis. However, we need to sign Lloyd and Edelman first.

We will have a solid group of receivers come week one. Obviously the receivers will not be a strength, but they will be adequate. I expect Lloyd and Edelman to be back cheap, and we will either pick up sanders or a guy from the draft. Plus we can always make moves mid summer.

I'm definitely concerned but I'm with holding judgement until the final 53 is named.

 

[Deus Irae]

I laugh at a great many things. Injuries and their associated spin off jokes isn't one of them (even to a Jets player).

I didn't laugh at any injuries. I made a joke about someone who's had multiple injuries which equated him with something that's easily breakable, as befitting a guy who's, you know, shown a propensity for 'breaking'. The joke wasn't personal and it wasn't being about bitter. You don't like it. Your opinion is noted.

You can't plan for freak injuries Deus, no more than you can plan for an opposition player diving helmet first at your Quarterback's knees.

That has absolutely nothing to do with what I posted.

 

[supafly]

I expect Lloyd and Edelman to be back cheap

I am holding out hope for one or the other, but I'm not personally seeing the odds being too high of both coming back.

The TC roster expansion has stirred up work for guys like this. On top of that, I also think it's a bit of an assumption to feel that no other NFL team could use a guy like Brandon Llyod as their WR3/4. To me, that's ridiculous.

He'll get work and so may Edelman, but I agree with you that it would be nice to have one or the other back for different reasons. The question of course, is do the Patriots really actually want either one?

 

[Triumph]

Not "core." That has to do with apples. It's corps.

Surely Brady can make something with "Molasses Mike" and apples?

 

[ausbacker]

I didn't laugh at any injuries. I made a joke about someone who's had multiple injuries which equated him with something that's easily breakable, as befitting a guy who's, you know, shown a propensity for 'breaking'. The joke wasn't personal and it wasn't being about bitter. You don't like it. Your opinion is noted.

It wasn't funny because you're not funny. It's that simple.

That has absolutely nothing to do with what I posted.

No, making a joke about injuries has nothing to do with injuries. Logical connection there Deus. Muppet.

 

[PatsFanStnfrd]

I want to know what the OP is smoking so I can avoid it. At best, the Pats have an incomplete WR group. Probably, the group that needs the greatest reinforcements. Worthy of a 2 WR draft. As it stands, it is mystifying why the Pats have not done more to woo DHB or another FA who is on the right side of 30.

 

[fgssand]

Yes, it is, and it is no more about sulking over Welker than is I.R. Dowling.


Also, should the starting 5 across ever end up as

Gronk
Hernandez
Amendola
Jones
Edelman

I'll find "The Glass Menagerie" to be funny and appropriate there.

Add in a rookie or two, possibly Lloyd and another free agent to go along with jenkins to the above and I think there will be plent of firepower. Let's not forget the expected contributions from Vereen and leon washingon, along with screens to Ridley.

March is just ending, there is a long time to see what happens before we actually play a game for real.

 

[JMarr]

Alright, here's where my own argument come out.

I'm thinking that the Patriots aren't in a bad position just now, vis-a-vis the wide receiver corps/situation. Considering the personnel on hand, they could do a lot without adding anyone else.

Why do I say this? Because I believe that Belichick plans to use both WR's and his TE's in the same role, relegating their titles to administrative purposes.

At present, NE could line up Gronkowski and Hernandez, Danny Amendola and Jenkins, plus put Ridley in the back field. Which of those threats gets the double coverage?

Hernandez is tall and fast, with the ability to knock a defender out of the way. Perhaps he's the true speedy WR we've been looking for. Ah, but then there's Gronkowski who excells at TE, but also has the speed on a post as well as the ability to stretch and pluck it away.

Amendola? He's an excellent slot receiver. A known quantity. If he gets in synch with TFB, watch out. No one will miss WWW. Which brings us to Jenkins. Everyone is complaining that's he's a JAG. Perhaps he is. Perhaps he hasn't been able to get into synch with a QB or playbook? Who knows. What his stats DO tell us, however, is that when he's in Man to Man, he has some issues. Those issues aren't a problem with him in Zone coverage, however.

So my point is that our offense might well eveolve and play pretty doggone good with those we have to hand, not to mention potentially regaining Edelman.

Who gets the double team? Hernandez? Gronk? Amendola? Jenkins? It's likely that teams end up playing zone, and when they do, Jenkin's abilities are upgraded. Zone is like a force multiplier with these guys.

I'm not saying that this is how things will play out, but at present, the Patriots have 3 tall targets for TFB, and a fine slot receiver and aa couple decent RB's to run a screen. Could we use another, better, pure WR? Sure. So can every single team. But as it stands, after a couple nights thoughts, I'm not near as concerned as I was earlier this week.

Those are my thoughts, anyway. I welcome yours.

I agree with some of what you're saying, but this thread title almost made me spit out my coffee. It should read "Best case scenario: Pats Are Adequate at Receiver...IF the stars align perfectly, the Pats switch to a West Coast offense, Edelman acquires a Fitzgerald-type skill set in the off season, nobody gets injured (ever) and Ridley gains 2000 yards."

Two points I disagree with: Amendola is not a known quantity--nobody is until they actually prove they click in our offense. Also no way any of these guys except Gronk commands consistent double coverage, and on running looks that won't be that big of an issue--it will just make it easier for all the safeties/LBs cheating up towards the LOS to jam him if he releases. :ugh:
BB knows what he's doing, so thankfully I see him eventually doing more at WR than he did in 2006.

 

[Deus Irae]

It wasn't funny because you're not funny. It's that simple.


No, making a joke about injuries has nothing to do with injuries. Logical connection there Deus. Muppet.

Ok, you're back to your trolling days and Andy's not around for you to play with him. I'll talk with you again come draft time.

 

[A man named Brady]

Nah it's terrible right now

 

[Gwedd]

Sorry I've been away from the board for a day. I guess my thread title was poorly worded.

My point is that, looking at what's to hand already, if we had to start the season it wouldn't be as bad as some folks think.

Coach is known for thinking outside the box and using what he has in different and interesting ways. Look at how he used to employ Vrabel in red zone packages.

What I'm saying is that we have two really excellent Tight Ends that are more than just a TE. Both of these guys have speed and are tall enough, and strong enough to give defenses fits. You add Amendola and Wright, plus put in a back with good hands, and there's an awful lot you can do, a lot of options in the passing game, especially with a QB like Brady.

Would I like to see another (or 2 or 3) WR's come in, especially guys that are GOOD? Oh yeah, I certainly would.

BUT....... if the season started today, it'd be right interesting to see what Coach could do with those players we have to hand.

V/R

 

[Salva135]

Has anyone thought about bringing in Braylon Edwards? I'm not kidding. He has to be better than some of the other camp fodder considerations, and the apoplexy it would cause among Jets fans would be an added bonus.

 

[NewEngland2001to2004]

Danny Amendola - younger and slightly bigger than Wes Welker, with more speed, just as much quickness and a better ability to play on the outside and get deep. He also possesses that knack for catching passes over the middle in traffic and coming down with a huge reception during a critical point in the game. The Patriots will be able to do more with Danny, barring any scary injuries and can employ where ever they seem fit on the offense with incredible effectiveness. So, yes you have a bona-fide number one receiver in my honest opinion. Defenders can't just shut down one aspect of his game and call it done. They have to play it complete.

Aaron Hernandez - a tightend with the quickness, explosiveness and elusiveness of an elite wide receiver who can break on routes and make plays just about as good as anybody there is in the league. A true swiss-army knife and an additional wide receiver. Could play a role as the number one receiver on just about any team. And as a tightend is one of the best. Can split inside or outside on the perimeter.

Donald Jones - not really known or popular but a lot of upside, young speed and young energy. Decent on routes and hands have improved. The kind of receiver that can do it both in regards to dirty work, inside routes and down field catches. Not a superstar but in the right system with the best Quarterback in the NFL throwing to him, who knows how good he can be. You can certainly line him up any where.

Michael Jenkins - Could be just a roster filler, but I know Bill better than that. This guy is brought in for depth, veteran leadership, knowledge and height. Yes, the guy is not fast, but he is TALL. And he two, like the previous three mentioned above, can play in the slot. May not be a game breaker or superstar, but lets admit it... who has thrown the ball to him during his career, Michael Vick?

Julian Edelman - I'm pretty sure he will resign and be brought back, and if so, before he got hurt this guy was becoming something serious in the form of a slot quy and short route guy that if you just get the ball in his hands or give him room to run he can take it. I've even seen him catch a few passes for more than 25 yards so there is something here.

Jake Ballard - very solid pass catching tightend that everyone seems to forget about. I'm sure in some packages they'll have Aaron out wide and Ballard in with Gronk during two tight end sets.

Draft - Can still draft a receiver.......................... and a good one

What I'm trying to say is remember how the ball was spread around before Wes Welker? Everybody knows to shut down Wes Welker and take those two tightends away and you can stop NE. But now, with no true main focus, and options that can play the role of the previous guy, maybe not as good, maybe even better? (Danny Amendola I think will is a blessing in disguise for NE) defenses can't really say well if I can take away the inside slot routes of this guy and shut down their tightends then we can beat them. Because now, you have more options that can do more things in regards to versatility and lining up on the field. Kind of like that anonymous group of David Givens, David Patten, Troy Brown and Deion Branch where you couldn't just focus on one guy. And even with the whole "stop Wes and the two tightends" Gronk is so dynamic that defenses still couldn't just stop those three and win whenever Gronk was on the field, so I really just think its about Gronk staying healthy and the others contributing.. everything else will fall into place. This group is just as and even more talented than the 2001 to 2004 group if you look at it so why can't they have success? The defense it what needs to step it up. You don't know and can't really say how good Donald Jones, Emmanuel Sanders (if they sign him), Michael Jenkins, or whoever else they bring in or draft will be because they will be coming to A NEW TEAM. Players can change and improve drastically on new teams with great offensive systems, coaching and quarterbacking (Jimmy Smith to JAGS, Wes Welker to PATS, Randy Moss to PATS, David Patten to PATS, Plaxico Burress to NYG, Jabar Gaffney to PATS, and etc)

 

[Deus Irae]

...What I'm trying to say is remember how the ball was spread around before Wes Welker? Everybody knows to shut down Wes Welker and take those two tightends away and you can stop NE. But now, with no true main focus, and options that can play the role of the previous guy, maybe not as good, maybe even better? ...

Welker > Amendola and the TEs are the same. So, it's now "shut down an easier WR to cover, and the TEs, and you can stop NE." That's not better, that's worse, and the main focus will still be that trio, as of today.

 

[Nunchucks]

Amendola does different things than Welker, some of them not as well, some of them better.

 

[JMarr]

Danny Amendola - younger and slightly bigger than Wes Welker, with more speed, just as much quickness and a better ability to play on the outside and get deep. He also possesses that knack for catching passes over the middle in traffic and coming down with a huge reception during a critical point in the game. The Patriots will be able to do more with Danny, barring any scary injuries and can employ where ever they seem fit on the offense with incredible effectiveness. So, yes you have a bona-fide number one receiver in my honest opinion. Defenders can't just shut down one aspect of his game and call it done. They have to play it complete.

I do agree with your take about Brady needing to spread the ball around more, but:

LOL. Are you Josh McDaniels? Just for starters, Amendola is not as "quick" as Welker. It remains to be seen if he will develop any symetry with Brady. It remains to be seen if he can stay healthy. He in no way shape or form is a
WR1--short and immediate route specialist, just like Welker, with less YAC ability.

Exactly what is it that you don't understand about the Pats inability to really "take the top off defenses" with a deep threat as being their only need for improvement on offense? DA is not going to provide that.

I certainly hope that Amendola can provide more than Welker, but this offense has been the most prolific in history since 2007, and Josh seems to be ignoring the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" rule.

 

[supafly]

Just for starters, Amendola is not as "quick" as Welker. It remains to be seen if he will develop any symetry with Brady. It remains to be seen if he can stay healthy. He in no way shape or form is a
WR1--short and immediate route specialist, just like Welker, with less YAC ability.

I think this is very debatable, JMarr. Actually I think you're wrong...and these 2 publications would both agree that Amendola is indeed faster and quicker that Welker:

Is Amendola An Upgrade Over Welker? - ESPN Video - ESPN

Danny Amendola better than Wes Welker, scout says - NFL.com

You may be referring to his immediate move off the line and that is why you put the word "quick" in quotations, but even that is debatable on many levels. I believe both of their 3 cone times were very similar, but you'd have to think that a player who is 27 is going to remain very competitive with one who is 32 considering the fact that they were so close already.


Obviously his rapport and symmetry will be key, but he does have experience in McDaniels' system, and I'm sure both Belichick and Brady will be pushing him hard.

Amendola outproduced Welker at Texas Tech in his senior year at least in terms of catches and yardage (Welker had 2 more TD's), so he's already had to deal with filling Welker's footsteps once already.

As far as "less YAC ability" that simply may not be true. Amendola is definitely faster in terms of straight line speed, and is arguably just as "shifty" and "quick" as Welker. I can respect the opinationed feelings regarding this controversy however.

I really don't like to outright try and compare the two since Welker is much more distinguished and proven...however we'd all pretty much agree that if we couldn't keep Welker we'd all choose Amendola as our #2 selection.

His ability to remain free from freak injuries will also be very key, but to date he hasn't had to deal with the kinds of nagging injuries that guys like Talib, Dowling etc have. Regardless, I'd still like to retain Edelman as a backup for insurance reasons, but I honestly don't believe that Amendola is going to be that enormous of a dropoff, and he should likely see a lot of targets like Welker did.