Should Kelly Washington get some time at receiver?

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I love the guy on ST - He is still fast and has a vigor that so many STers lack - He is usually one of the first in on the tackle and has a fire that few other than Izzo has on the team right now in that position on this team.

With all the speculation that Chad Jackson is not going to be anything but filling a roster spot or possibly cut in the future, besides Moss,Welker and Gaffney,the 4th WR spot is really up for grabs and I think Kelly deserves a shot at some playing time if CJ does not develop or mature into a professional athlete - Kelly certainly is and I think it would be a good idea for BB to get him in there and at least play in one of these preseason games because I think he would make a fine 4th WR if in fact CJ does not make it by week 1.

 

[Sivy]

.......yes

 

[fumbrunner]

I love the guy on ST - He is still fast and has a vigor that so many STers lack - He is usually one of the first in on the tackle and has a fire that few other than Izzo has on the team right now in that position on this team.

With all the speculation that Chad Jackson is not going to be anything but filling a roster spot or possibly cut in the future, besides Moss,Welker and Gaffney,the 4th WR spot is really up for grabs and I think Kelly deserves a shot at some playing time if CJ does not develop or mature into a professional athlete - Kelly certainly is and I think it would be a good idea for BB to get him in there and at least play in one of these preseason games because I think he would make a fine 4th WR if in fact CJ does not make it by week 1.

ABSOLUTELY! The guy has a never quit attitude. I would love to see him get a chance to take some snaps on offense and see what he could do.

 

[Pats726]

Yes...with Aiken's injury...he will be in compeition for 4th...

 

[stinkypete]

I recall he looked great at WR in preseason last year, and has worked his butt off in training camp and on special teams. He has certainly earned a chance. I would not be surprised Belichick already considers Washington his #4.

 

[Sivy]

Yes...with Aiken's injury...he will be in compeition for 4th...

aikens injured? Man, what the heck did I miss last night?

 

[Rob0729]

He will be given a chance to prove himself on offense. I think it is independent of Chad Jackson. If he is going to be on the active roster for special teams, he should be given a shot at proving himself in the preseason to get some reps in the regular season.

Granted since the guy didn't get a single catch last year, I don't know if that speaks well to what the Pats think of him as a receiver.

 

[fgssand]

aikens injured? Man, what the heck did I miss last night?

Knee enjury, blocking during a kick or a return. Stayed down for a little while, trainers out - walked of wit help of trainers and I did not see him put a whole lot of weight on leg after that.

Didn't look good but impossible for us to tell if we have ACL, sprain, kneecap or just a bad bruise.

As TC progresses, we'll look to see if he returns.

 

[Pats726]

aikens injured? Man, what the heck did I miss last night?

Aikens and TWilliams went out with knee injuries...Aiken's did not look good...Tank wasn't as bad..at least from the normal viewer...BUT we shall see..

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I bet Cincinnati regrets letting him go now - They were arrogant 2 years ago thinking they had enough receivers - Oh How they must be sorry they didn't keep him even on the PS because right now I bet he would be the #3

 

[Rob0729]

Yes...with Aiken's injury...he will be in compeition for 4th...

I don't think Aiken being in or out really affects the battle at the #4 position since Aiken was never in that battle to begin with. This is Aiken's sixth year and he has 19 catches for 250 yards and no TDs for his career. Do you really think Aikens is in contention for a receiver spot with significant time? If he makes this team, it will be as a special teamer primarily.

 

[Rob0729]

I bet Cincinnati regrets letting him go now - They were arrogant 2 years ago thinking they had enough receivers - Oh How they must be sorry they didn't keep him even on the PS because right now I bet he would be the #3

He fell to #4 in their depth charts and even when Henry was out and he went back to #3, he didn't perform all that well. I think they probably miss Washington's special teams play, but I am not sure they miss his WR play.

 

[mgteich]

I don't think the "battle" for #4 means anything to anyone but posters.

Washington is a lock to make the team as a Ster. He will always be active. He will always be available as receiver if we need him at that position.

The reality is that barring injuries only three wide receivers get significant reps. The rest of the receptions go to the tight ends and running backs (and to Vrabel).

Chad Jackson is fighting for reps and for a roster spot. Washington isn't.

All that being said, i would indeed like to see Washingto receiving passes from Brady. However, as long as Cassell and Gutierrez are out there, I would play only expendable players.

 

[Pats726]

I don't think Aiken being in or out really affects the battle at the #4 position since Aiken was never in that battle to begin with. This is Aiken's sixth year and he has 19 catches for 250 yards and no TDs for his career. Do you really think Aikens is in contention for a receiver spot with significant time? If he makes this team, it will be as a special teamer primarily.

Many of the camp notes talked about how he was catching the ball solidly and with a bit of size, making a statement about his receiver skills. He certainly was brought in for ST, but he was showing a lot in camp about his other skills. Given how Jackson has not had a stellar camp, who else besides Washington is there to really step up to number 4?? Slater...Ventrone?? That is why Aiken, I believe was making a bit of noise in that area..but now, I fear the worst.

 

[Kdo5]

Yes Kelly should get some time at WR. Chad Jackson is looking like and perhaps really is a piece of garbage.

 

[Sivy]

Knee enjury, blocking during a kick or a return. Stayed down for a little while, trainers out - walked of wit help of trainers and I did not see him put a whole lot of weight on leg after that.

Didn't look good but impossible for us to tell if we have ACL, sprain, kneecap or just a bad bruise.

As TC progresses, we'll look to see if he returns.

This is why I hate preseason.

 

[Rob0729]

Many of the camp notes talked about how he was catching the ball solidly and with a bit of size, making a statement about his receiver skills. He certainly was brought in for ST, but he was showing a lot in camp about his other skills. Given how Jackson has not had a stellar camp, who else besides Washington is there to really step up to number 4?? Slater...Ventrone?? That is why Aiken, I believe was making a bit of noise in that area..but now, I fear the worst.

Every year we hear about these guys who have stellar camps playing with the second and third teams and then get cut and not even in the last cutdown. I think Aiken if healthy has a real shot at making the team, but I still doubt he will be much of a receiver for this team.

 

[Jimke]

Definitely, after the way the wide receivers performed last night.

 

[Heck67]

I love the guy on ST - He is still fast and has a vigor that so many STers lack - He is usually one of the first in on the tackle and has a fire that few other than Izzo has on the team right now in that position on this team.

With all the speculation that Chad Jackson is not going to be anything but filling a roster spot or possibly cut in the future, besides Moss,Welker and Gaffney,the 4th WR spot is really up for grabs and I think Kelly deserves a shot at some playing time if CJ does not develop or mature into a professional athlete - Kelly certainly is and I think it would be a good idea for BB to get him in there and at least play in one of these preseason games because I think he would make a fine 4th WR if in fact CJ does not make it by week 1.

I for one have been saying all along that I thought Washington was a good reciever and should be given more playing time.....

 

[jmt57]

Does somebody have a stat for how often the Pats lined up in a four receiver set last year? As fun and exciting as it is to watch, I don't think it was as often as we may think it was.

I sure would like to see Washington get out on the field with the offense a few times this year even if it's for nothing more than an 'attaboy' for his ST play. On the other hand, as positive as that is, it would probably also mean that Chad Jackson has not worked out well.

Last year Stallworth had 46 receptions and Gaffney had 36, but those numbers are deceiving (as anybody who has responded to the assertion of fans from other teams that the Pats would miss Stallworth) already knows. Before the Eagles game Stallworth had 33 receptions for 509 yards, and Gaffney had 15 catches for 142 yards. After that it was 21/307 to 13/188 in favor Gaffney, meaning the #3 receiver had 54 receptions for 816 yards while the #4 guy had 28 receptions for 330 yards.

Now figure in the likelihood of more touches by the running backs (Maroney not hurt at the beggining of the year, Morris on IR, the addition of Jordan), barring injury and/or the release of Chad Jackson, Washington - as much as I would like to see it because I love his attitude, selflessness and work ethic - he just isn't going to get the ball very often.