Ventrone at WR: a theory

[ctpatsfan77]

After all, if you think about it, it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense--it's hard to imagine any personnel grouping where Ventrone at WR would be a top target for Brady (or Cassel or Gutierrez or O'Connell).

That said, I have a hypothesis as to why they might want to try this. It depends, of course, on Ventrone's best skill--his ability to hit like a mule.

If you go back and re-watch some of the games (e.g., Redskins), you'll see that, in the running game, the Patriots frequently deploy Welker as a blocker. Basically, I think the Pats are hoping that Ventrone might be able to fill in that role, so that they don't have to overuse Welker, and can work on running out the clock. The advantage to this is that it doesn't require that Ventrone be better than Gaffney or Jackson, just that he be at least a credible threat.

Yeah, I could just be completely off-base, but, again, it seems like a more plausible explanation than trying to turn Ventrone into "only" an 8th or 9th WR.

Thoughts?

 

[bradmahn]

I don't know if they are looking for him to serve any real purpose, in-game, with snaps at WR.

They've experimented with Childress (a WR) at CB, Willie Andrews (a DB) at WR, Ventrone at WR, drafted Slater (a DB/WR/KR) - I think they just value the versatility of these athletes who project more as special teamers. If they can give you more jobs than just the one or two, they are more valuable to the roster.

 

[Metaphors]

I think that Ventrone needs to win a spot on special teams. That gets him on the field on gameday. Then your scenario becomes a lot more plausible. I don't think there is room on the roster for a "specialist" WR...particularly with CJack getting a lot of blocking duty in 2006.

 

[Palm Beach Pats Fan]

It never hurts to explore the versatility of backups, even those deep on the roster.

Sure it's unlikely that three guys among Moss, Welker, Jackson, and Gaffney all go down with injuries, but is that so much more implausible than all of the defensive secondary getting hurt a few years back, making Troy Brown a starting cornerback?

It might be the 1% (or less) chance scenario, but our coaches are prepared so that even those bizarre possibilities are covered.

 

[tombonneau]

I wouldn't read too much into where a Fringe Player like Ventrone lines up in June. He's just a body right now. Given the younger, faster players brought in who can play ST, I doubt he makes the team.

 

[dryheat44]

Yeah, I could just be completely off-base, but, again, it seems like a more plausible explanation than trying to turn Ventrone into "only" an 8th or 9th WR.

Thoughts?

The plausible scenario is so Ventrone can help at practice by serving as a scout team WR. As an offense, you want Welker on the field every time there are three receivers. If you start taking him out and replacing him with Ventrone to run certain plays, you're tipping your hand.

 

[mdhprime]

With the current depth at WR I do not think Ventrone would be a likely WR candidate. As far as lining him up to block al la Welker, well then your kind of giving the secret up...

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

The plausible scenario is so Ventrone can help at practice by serving as a scout team WR. As an offense, you want Welker on the field every time there are three receivers. If you start taking him out and replacing him with Ventrone to run certain plays, you're tipping your hand.

Remember that BB's Pats make a big deal with awards to players who make good contributions during game prep week as 'scout team' players. Ventrone could play a role as a scout physical style WR.

 

[signbabybrady]

With the current depth at WR I do not think Ventrone would be a likely WR candidate. As far as lining him up to block al la Welker, well then your kind of giving the secret up...

Yeah using another tight end would be more covert than that and should be a better blocker.

 

[BRiZ]

how about turning Watson into a ILB i like that better.

6'3" 255 (perfect size for inside)

can bench press 500 lbs (shed lineman anyone?)

4.44 40-yard dash (faster than RBs, can run down Champ Bailey anyone?)

good hands can catch the ball (interceptions anyone?)

knows TEs routes and other WR routes (flip the script, use it on D to defend)

41 Wonderlic score (smarter than QBs, could learn BB's defense anyone?)

Imagine Mayo on the weakside inside and Watson on the strongside inside.

Borderline godly.

 

[patsox23]

Belichick loves Ventrone. Ventrone has very little chance of making the 53. His best bet is to be as versatile as possible. This is a little extra bone that the staff can throw to the guy, in hopes that he'll flash a bit and justify keeping a roster spot. It will likely end in Ventrone being cut. (And then being a guy we can call in an emergency during the season.)

 

[fgssand]

If we look for Ventrone to play WR - we will be in serious trouble, nothing against the kid, just not what I would want to ever see happen.

 

[WhiZa]

It would be better for Ventrone to focus on just safety and even making the team before being a WR.

I like the Watson at ILB idea, anyone?

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Belichick loves Ventrone. Ventrone has very little chance of making the 53. His best bet is to be as versatile as possible. This is a little extra bone that the staff can throw to the guy, in hopes that he'll flash a bit and justify keeping a roster spot. It will likely end in Ventrone being cut. (And then being a guy we can call in an emergency during the season.)

So does "Mrs Bruschi". Saying Ventrone cut is only a bit better than saying Bruschi old.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

It would be better for Ventrone to focus on just safety and even making the team before being a WR.

I like the Watson at ILB idea, anyone?

No

Only if you could clone him would you waste a good TE on an experiment. It's not like we're surfeit with TEs. And think, just how rugged is Watson? Can he hold up to collisions on every down?

 

[JSn]

I think Watson is going to really show up this year. And if we could clone him, we'd have a sweet TE two-set!

 

[Brady'sButtBoy]

For this thread I can use my Swiss Army Tool of an answer for any thread about borderline candidates - Slater. Say it, "Slater," has a nice ring to it, as in: Matt Slater! Touchdown!, or, Slater Fields It At The 20, or, Matthew Slater Recovers The Fumble In The End Zone! See how easy it is? Slater, Slater, Slater...

Slater making the team may require the former Dolphin and the Navy midshipman getting spots as well because 'Slater, Eckel and Evans' sounds like too natural a law firm title to lose right off the bat.

 

[DaBruinz]

how about turning Watson into a ILB i like that better.

6'3" 255 (perfect size for inside)

can bench press 500 lbs (shed lineman anyone?)

4.44 40-yard dash (faster than RBs, can run down Champ Bailey anyone?)

good hands can catch the ball (interceptions anyone?)

knows TEs routes and other WR routes (flip the script, use it on D to defend)

41 Wonderlic score (smarter than QBs, could learn BB's defense anyone?)

Imagine Mayo on the weakside inside and Watson on the strongside inside.

Borderline godly.

You've definitely had worse ideas Briz. When I remember them, I'll get back to you.

 

[satz]

No one mentioned the obivious that he might be playing WR to better understand what he will be defending,

 

[ctpatsfan77]

It would be better for Ventrone to focus on just safety and even making the team before being a WR.

To be fair, it was the coaches' idea, not Bubba's.

I like the Watson at ILB idea, anyone?

If we could clone Watson, sure. But then I'd also want a Mike Vrabel clone at TE.