2 Returner Positions for Belichick?????

[mgteich]

We've come a long way from when our starting corner was of KR or/and when our #3 RB or one of the top WR's was our PR.

Has Belichick really come to the point where he will use TWO active roster positions for returners?

Let's NOT make believe that Edelman is a real option as receiver, unless you are ready to cut BOTH Branch and Stallworth. Surely, they are not needed if Edelman is an effective 4th wide receiver, and 7th receiving target.

 

[jah]

We'll see.

 

[Stilla]

Jeff Demps is most likely in the best shape of his life. If he doesn't make the team as a returner, then he is a risk when catching the ball.

Super Bowl XXXI: Desmond Howard 99 Yard Kickoff Return - YouTube

 

[logan1130]

Damn Desmond...

 

[patfanken]

We've come a long way from when our starting corner was of KR or/and when our #3 RB or one of the top WR's was our PR.

Has Belichick really come to the point where he will use TWO active roster positions for returners?

Let's NOT make believe that Edelman is a real option as receiver, unless you are ready to cut BOTH Branch and Stallworth. Surely, they are not needed if Edelman is an effective 4th wide receiver, and 7th receiving target.

This is not really a valid question, MG. Why? Because neither guy is solely a ST's guy. Edelman is the principle back up at the slot receiver position and has other ST's assignments, and Demps will have some value down the road as a RB/change of pace guy..

So I guess that's a long winded way of saying, NO, BB hasn't come to the point where he will use 2 active roster spots just for returners.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Last year BB went on record opining that the NFL is moving inexorably to eliminate the kick off play. But in 2012 it still exists albeit with markedly less opportunities for KRs than pre 2011. Demps is also looked at as a RB roll (sic) player.

 

[rookBoston]

Maybe so, if that's what keeping Edelman and Jenks means to you. I think that's oversimplifying the situation.

Edelman can play three or four different roles on the team... maybe not all at a pro-bowl level, but he's not someone I chew my fingernails over (the idea of starting Gary Guyton was a cause for constant anxiety). In addition to KR, he could be #4 WR, #5 CB, #3 PR, #4 QB.

Jenks may be able to play a role on 3rd down and perhaps in the slot. Also, maybe he can play gunner and play in coverage units... we wont know until we see him in camp.

If they can both do a lot of things, then it takes pressure off in other places on the roster, and maybe we don't need to carry another specialist. Players like Tarp, Ihedibo, Cole, Woodhead and Branch have to be worried if they cant differentiate themselves.

 

[mgteich]

I am just pointing out the reality. There is no reason to shoot the messenger. I think that in the end we will have both these players on the roster. This is an unfortunate situation. But we don't have anyone better. Belichick will live with it, but using two roster spots severely cramps the roster decisions. Which spots will be lose? 3rd TE? FB? 4th OT? Which of these position can Edelman fill?

If Edelman is the 4th WR, we should cut both Stallworth and Branch. The 4th WR is not asked to play at the pro-bowl level. And yes, keeping Edelman may indeed us to cut a corner that we would rather keep.

Maybe so, if that's what keeping Edelman and Jenks means to you. I think that's oversimplifying the situation.

Edelman can play three or four different roles on the team... maybe not all at a pro-bowl level, but he's not someone I chew my fingernails over (the idea of starting Gary Guyton was a cause for constant anxiety). In addition to KR, he could be #4 WR, #5 CB, #3 PR, #4 QB.

Jenks may be able to play a role on 3rd down and perhaps in the slot. Also, maybe he can play gunner and play in coverage units... we wont know until we see him in camp.

If they can both do a lot of things, then it takes pressure off in other places on the roster, and maybe we don't need to carry another specialist. Players like Tarp, Ihedibo, Cole, Woodhead and Branch have to be worried if they cant differentiate themselves.

 

[ATippett56]

FB?

I don't understand the constant obsession with retaining a pure fullback on the 53 man roster. It's not as if the New England Patriots offense had trouble scoring points the last two seasons.

 

[mgteich]

It is not an obsession.

1) We don't have a 4th OT.

2) We don't have a 3rd blocking TE.

3) After Josh came, we have signed TWO fullbacks, including one of his former players.

I would much rather have a 4th OT, a 3rd blocking TE, and a 5th short yardage RB.
==========================

I don't understand the constant obsession with retaining a pure fullback on the 53 man roster. It's not as if the New England Patriots offense had trouble scoring points the last two seasons.

 

[ATippett56]

It is not an obsession.

I rather keep Edelman than reserve a roster spot for a fullback.

1) We don't have a 4th OT.

How many NFL teams have four quality offensive tackles?

2) We don't have a 3rd blocking TE.

What is Daniel Fells?

3) After Josh came, we have signed TWO fullbacks, including one of his former players.

Subsequently, running backs Brandon Bolden and Jeff Demps have been added to the roster. Tony Fiammetta has been placed on the exempt list and Spencer Larsen can't even get on the practice field.

I would much rather have a 4th OT, a 3rd blocking TE, and a 5th short yardage RB.

Two out of three ain't bad. As for a short yardage running back, Brandon Bolden just may be the answer.

 

[patsinthesnow]

I'll give you Edelman is a waste, but Demps can be our Dexter Mccluster besides just KRs.

 

[Fencer]

Why is everybody assuming that Demps, who's a late camp arrival and an UDFA, has a strong chance of making the Day 1 roster?

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

I don't understand the constant obsession with retaining a pure fullback on the 53 man roster. It's not as if the New England Patriots offense had trouble scoring points the last two seasons.

But they've had problems running the ball when they need to run the ball, when the other team is expecting the run. Belichick himself has said so recently how that needs to change.

 

[ATippett56]

But they've had problems running the ball when they need to run the ball, when the other team is expecting the run. Belichick himself has said so recently how that needs to change.

Sounds like Dante Scarnecchia needs to roll up his sleeves and put the offensive line on notice.

 

[ATippett56]

But they've had problems running the ball when they need to run the ball, when the other team is expecting the run. Belichick himself has said so recently how that needs to change.

So one fullback will make up for the lack of run blocking by the offensive line? Okay ....

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

So one fullback will make up for the lack of run blocking by the offensive line? Okay ....

Right, because that's what I said.

Blocking fullbacks generally help the running game.

The Patriots have had problems running the ball when they need to.

The Patriots brought 3 fullbacks to training camp.

The new OC usually employs a fullback.

 

[patsox23]

Our OL is in tatters FOR THE MOMENT and, in addition to the fact that McDaniels seems to be seeking a slightly more balanced approach, we have a far more dynamic RB corps this year. Please tell me we're not complaining about how the run game looked last week because it was stellar despite NO passing attack and a decidedly lackluster performance by the rag-tag bunch of stiffs who were trying and failing to get it done last week.

Mankins will be back soon. Odds are Waters will show in the another couple of weeks, and Vollmer will be off PUP any second now. The run game is NOT a concern -- at all.

 

[goheels22002]

Belichick has always liked the little guys buzzing around behind a big line and tight ends. It goes back to Dave Meggett with the SB champion NY Giants.

I think the Five Wide will be replaced by the Five Smurfs against bigger slower defenses - Brady alone in the backfield with Welker, Edelman, Woodhead, Branch and Demps.

I'd like to see the Jets safeties try to cover those little buggers zooming all over the place.

Then you come back with Stallworth, LLoyd, Gronkowski, Hernandez and Holley.

 

[ATippett56]

Then you come back with Stallworth, Lloyd, Gronkowski, Hernandez and Holley.

Holley? WTF! Try Gaffney instead!