Tebow, Blount, Edelman

[mgteich]

What do Tebow, Blount, and Edelman have in common? For me, I hope that none of them makes the 53 man roster.

I hope that we don't need Blount as a short-yardage back, although I am OK in having Blount instead of Bolden. I just hope that Bolden steps up.

I would like to see Washington and another be our punt returners. If not, Edelman is a good one. However, Edelman is using a roster spot as a punt returner, and likely a part-time punt returner at that.

I see no reason for Tebow to be on the team, except to guarantee no issues in signing a 2014 backup QB, giving us the ability to trade Mallett. More positively, there is the possibility that Tebow and Mallett will actually compete for a backup spot this year and next. I just don't see it.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

What do Tebow, Blount, and Edelman have in common? For me, I hope that none of them makes the 53 man roster.

I hope that we don't need Blount as a short-yardage back, although I am OK in having Blount instead of Bolden. I just hope that Bolden steps up.

I would like to see Washington and another be our punt returners. If not, Edelman is a good one. However, Edelman is using a roster spot as a punt returner, and likely a part-time punt returner at that.

I see no reason for Tebow to be on the team, except to guarantee no issues in signing a 2014 backup QB, giving us the ability to trade Mallett. More positively, there is the possibility that Tebow and Mallett will actually compete for a backup spot this year and next. I just don't see it.

If Blount beats out Bolden, so be it.

But wanting Edelman to not make the roster is, IMO, short-sighted. Yes, there is the question of durability, but, in the grand scheme of things, this team will be better with him than without him, since he can help replace a good portion of Hern-idiot's role in the offense.

 

[scout]

I want to see what BB can teach Tebow, and how he uses him in games. If he is the 53rd player on the roster and makes an impact in a decisive game, then he's worth the spot on the roster. I expect to see him on the punting unit and would assume he might go for it on a 4th and short situation. Not to mention that he would disrupt the other teams schemes.

 

[patsinthesnow]

What do Tebow, Blount, and Edelman have in common? For me, I hope that none of them makes the 53 man roster.

I hope that we don't need Blount as a short-yardage back, although I am OK in having Blount instead of Bolden. I just hope that Bolden steps up.

I would like to see Washington and another be our punt returners. If not, Edelman is a good one. However, Edelman is using a roster spot as a punt returner, and likely a part-time punt returner at that.

I see no reason for Tebow to be on the team, except to guarantee no issues in signing a 2014 backup QB, giving us the ability to trade Mallett. More positively, there is the possibility that Tebow and Mallett will actually compete for a backup spot this year and next. I just don't see it.

Mgteich, what's your WR group look like without Edelman on the roster? With Amendola, Dobson, Boyce as locks, that still leaves two WR spots open.

1. Amendola
2. Dobson
3. Boyce
4. ???
5. ???
6. Slater (ST only)

With Welker and Hernandez gone, I'll be shocked if Edelman doesn't make the team. Do you have the Pats keeping two of the vets over Edelman (Jenkins, Jones, Hawkins) or Thompkins earning a spot?

Brady's lost his top 5 targets already, do we want to take away his 6th? The only way I see Edelman not making is if Thompkins is as good as advertised in training camp/preseason and we are unable to sneak him on the practice squad. I don't see us keeping both Jenkins and Jones imo.

 

[Ring 6]

Mgteich, what's your WR group look like without Edelman on the roster? With Amendola, Dobson, Boyce as locks, that still leaves two WR spots open.

1. Amendola
2. Dobson
3. Boyce
4. ???
5. ???
6. Slater (ST only)

With Welker and Hernandez gone, I'll be shocked if Edelman doesn't make the team. Do you have the Pats keeping two of the vets over Edelman (Jenkins, Jones, Hawkins) or Thompkins earning a spot?

Brady's lost his top 5 targets already, do we want to take away his 6th? The only way I see Edelman not making is if Thompkins is as good as advertised in training camp/preseason and we are unable to sneak him on the practice squad. I don't see us keeping both Jenkins and Jones imo.

Well lets hope the replacements for the first 5 are better than the 6th.
That said, Edelman belongs. He is a good PR and has some things he can do playing WR on a limited basis (WR screens, use his quickness on 3rd down, etc)

 

[NEPettyOfficer72]

If Blount beats out Bolden, so be it.

But wanting Edelman to not make the roster is, IMO, short-sighted. Yes, there is the question of durability, but, in the grand scheme of things, this team will be better with him than without him, since he can help replace a good portion of Hern-idiot's role in the offense.

I can remember the days when highlight after highlight, Blount was with TB running over players and hurdling over defenders routinely. He had like over 1,000 yards that year. I can see him playing at the same level again, especially since the guy is still young and he's hungry. And Brandon Bolden, before his injury and suspension, he was Ridley's perfect compliment, won FED-EX ground player of the week and was also becoming a key component to this offense. I'd say keep both, and I think Belichick will, as everything including interviews are hinting up to it. A strong four man RB rotation in the NFL is always beneficial especially as the season goes on, and the weather starts to change. It's great for QB insurance, depth, it's portable, it's dependable and it also wears defenses down as well as open things up for the passing game that much more. It just gives defenses more to worry about, because it gives them someone else's running style to adjust to after just having to handle the previous skill ball carrier. So with that being said, both athletes should and will make the team IMO.

And for Julian Edelman, like I've said over and over again he is a Belichick type of player and I believe one of his favorite. I also think he is a favorite of fans, Tom Brady, his teammates and the owner Robert Kraft. He is an extremely hard worker, versatile player and has a lot of talent when he is healthy. If he can fight off this injury bug, not only can he be a slam dunk slot receiver, but also an efficient overall offensive weapon for this offense. Think about it, this guy can take direct snaps, hand-offs, run screens, reverses, you name it, just get the ball in his hands in crucial situations. He is super-quick and elusive and has more speed than some may realize. And he is also one of the game's best return man and a valuable special teams guy. You would have to be high not to want him on our team, he makes us that much better just having him on the field.

 

[NEPettyOfficer72]

Also checkout WR Kenbrell Thompkins. I like this kid's attitude, potential and determination. His skillset and on-field play is turning a lot of heads in training camp, could definitely have something here. And normally, kids for the University of Miami are really good for some reason or another. http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc-9YeNMJ-0

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUUzOJBqITc

 

[chicowalker]

Edelman is a better punt returner than Washington, and as already been mentioned, offers versatility. I'd also like him back for continuity(both for the offense... and for me as a fan )

Blount? Eh, if he beats others out, so be it. He seems quite limited, but if he is useful in a return to a more reliable ground game -- particularly in clear run situations -- then great.

Same for Tebow, kind of. I don't think he's valuable as a backup QB. If the staff thinks he could play another role, I trust them with that. And while I don't like the public shows of "faith," I like Tebow's apparent enthusiasm for the game, and he clearly has physical ability.

 

[Deus Irae]

What do Tebow, Blount, and Edelman have in common? For me, I hope that none of them makes the 53 man roster.

I hope that we don't need Blount as a short-yardage back, although I am OK in having Blount instead of Bolden. I just hope that Bolden steps up.

I would like to see Washington and another be our punt returners. If not, Edelman is a good one. However, Edelman is using a roster spot as a punt returner, and likely a part-time punt returner at that.

I see no reason for Tebow to be on the team, except to guarantee no issues in signing a 2014 backup QB, giving us the ability to trade Mallett. More positively, there is the possibility that Tebow and Mallett will actually compete for a backup spot this year and next. I just don't see it.

While it's certainly not saying much, Edelman may currently be the team's second best WR.

As for Tebow, if he makes the team, he'd be a "develop" QB who has already proven he can win in the NFL. I see no downside there outside of the usual roster spot wrangling.

 

[patsfan13]

Tebow, don't care much, whatever is best for the team.

Would rather see Bolden emerge and take the spot over Blount.

Edleman has shown ability to be a play maker on ST's and last year he showed signs of becoming a play maker on the O. I hope he makes it and stays healthy.

 

[Sivy]

I'd like to see whoever wins the roster spots make the team.

 

[fnordcircle]

Tebow - I won't bother arguing about. I'd prefer to keep over Mallett but I'm in the minority on that and it's just because I'm a fan of the guy I can't really defend it other than to point to his victory tally.

Blount - I really liked what we saw out of Bolden until the suspension. Ideally Bolden would work out since I think he's gonna end up being a cheaper option but I'm not gonna be bummed if Blount stays over Bolden.

Edelman - I've seen him do more for this offense than any other WR on the team right now so I can't imagine rooting for a couple of FA pickups like Jones or Jenkins over Edelman. I love the spark Edelman provides on offense and he's one of the few players who always seems fired up.

In the end, however, I root for the team to have the best players possible on the 53 so that's why I think this is a weird OP.

 

[mgteich]

Agreed. As of now, I certainly expect Edelman to make the team.

The premise of the OP is that Bolden and Edelman are in front for their roster spots and I HOPE that we can do better. This may be unlikely in the case of Edelman, who would have to beaten out by two WR's and a PR to lose his spot.

While it's certainly not saying much, Edelman may currently be the team's second best WR.

As for Tebow, if he makes the team, he'd be a "develop" QB who has already proven he can win in the NFL. I see no downside there outside of the usual roster spot wrangling.

 

[mgteich]

I think that we need to be real. THREE wide receivers have gotten almost all the reps for years. The only reason we are entertaining so many wide receivers is that we have such question marks at the position.

For me, carrying Edelman also means carrying an extra WR, since he cannot be counted on for the season. I suppose that's fine given that we have two rookies.

As of now, Jenkins has the inside track among the vets. He's done well so far and he meets a critical need in the redzone offense. But, we have a long way to go.

I would be fine with Edelman and Jenkins if one of the rookies steps up and I had any faith at all that Edelman would be healthy. But in the end, Edelman is a better Player 52 or Player 53 than most anyone. As it is, Jenkins and Jones might be better if Washington is looking good on punt returns.

We keep on counting on Edelman. How many years has he played? How many catches has he made? He's not likely to make the team as a wide receiver; but as of now, he is likely to make the team.

Mgteich, what's your WR group look like without Edelman on the roster? With Amendola, Dobson, Boyce as locks, that still leaves two WR spots open.

1. Amendola
2. Dobson
3. Boyce
4. ???
5. ???
6. Slater (ST only)

With Welker and Hernandez gone, I'll be shocked if Edelman doesn't make the team. Do you have the Pats keeping two of the vets over Edelman (Jenkins, Jones, Hawkins) or Thompkins earning a spot?

Brady's lost his top 5 targets already, do we want to take away his 6th? The only way I see Edelman not making is if Thompkins is as good as advertised in training camp/preseason and we are unable to sneak him on the practice squad. I don't see us keeping both Jenkins and Jones imo.

 

[Big-T]

Tebow - I'd cut him tomorrow personally.

Blount - See who wins the camp competition, him or Bolden.

Edelman - Roster lock, best punt returner in franchise history and as pointed out in another thread, a couple of returns away from being one of the best in league history (he needs 75 returns to qualify), when he's healthy he has shown he can be an explosive offensive player too. Could even PUP him if needed.

Carry 4 RBs and 4 TEs, that should be ok.

 

[jmt57]

I would prefer to go with two quarterbacks and not use a roster spot on a third QB (Tebow). Right now that extra roster spot is shaping up to probably be even more valuable than usual.

- At WR the Patriots have both a lot of turnover, plus at least two rookies. If one or both of Dobson and Boyce are not contributing significantly right off the bat - a very real possibility - then the Pats could use an additional roster spot on another WR. With Hernandez gone there is a good chance that they will be relying more on their wide receivers to replace his production.

- At TE the return of Gronkowski is up in the air. If he is not placed on PUP then he might be a game day inactive for the first few weeks. That's an unused roster spot, in which case the Pats may want to use it on an additional TE.

- With all the changes at the WR and TE positions the Patriots may rely on their running game more this year. If that is the case then the Pats may want to consider keeping a FB on the roster, or a 5th RB.


Whether it be an additional WR, and additional TE, or an additional RB, making that happen will be extremely difficult if the team has three QB on the roster. I would rather see the Pats use that roster spot on one of those other positions.

 

[BradyBunch1224]

I think that Tebow will make the roster personally. he knows how lucky he is to be given this opportunity. I dont think he is going to waste it

 

[hwc]

Not for nuttin'...

I find that Pat Kirwin on his Sirius XM radio show to be the closest thing to an informed and intelligent talking head analyst on player personnel that there is in the media. I caught him talking about Blount the other day and he seemed pretty excited about the potential for Belichick to get some serious production out of the guy.

I really don't understand the negativity, sometimes. He's a three-year NFL veteran with nearly 2000 yards rushing. He's averaged 140 carries a year with 4.6 ypc average.

I think the most NFL franchises, including the Pats, would be thrilled to pencil in a 3 year veteran back for 140 carries and 4.6 ypc. Jesus, you can't hand the ball to Ridley on every run in every game for the entire season.

Blount, a proven young veteran? Or Bolden, who has 56 NFL carries for 274 and a drug suspension? I don't think Belichick hands out gold stars for rookie season drug suspensions. And, Bolden is now one screw-up away from a year's suspension. Why would you give him the roster edge over Blount?

 

[Oinko]

Mallett has barely played, only a handful of snaps over 2 seasons. I wouldn't be so sure he's a bankable starter if Brady goes down. Never hurts to have one guy who's all potential and one guy who's been through the fire before.

 

[Joker]

OINKO!!!...where ya been, buddy?...look, if you're gonna be a Tebow fan then you gotta be a Patriot fan too, now....so stop disappearing when a little controversy rears its ugly head...and besides...you inspired me to re -write a tune by Oingo Boingo...I named it "Oinko Boinko-Tebow Da' Lights!"