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In the Starting Line-Up
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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.Do you suppose it might be a factor that Peyton Manning was passing for Clark's team and a rookie for Fells'?
What about blocking?
But, I Thought Dallas Clark Couldn't Block - Stampede Blue
According to Pro Football Focus, from 2008-2010, Clark was the fourth best pass blocking tight end in the NFL. In 224 pass plays that Clark blocked on, he allowed only 11 pressures. That, my friends, is impressive
Um, Fells was rated in the bottom 7 TE in pass blocking efficiency in 2010.
So what? Clark did his job very well, and Manning is no better than Brady. When it comes to blocking for a very good QB, Clark is as good as any other TE
Clark would be a relatively low cost low risk signing who could give the Pats a lot of versatility going into training camp. If he's truly done, then they haven't lost much. If he is able to still play, especially in a rotational role, then he would give them a lot of depth, flexibility and options.
As you say, a Gronk ankle injury may have cost us a Super Bowl. Aaron Hernandez has yet to play an injury free season. Clark would even be an excellent slot option if Welker got hurt. And he could be used situationally in combination with those guys to create mismatches.
The Pats' approach this off-season seems to have been to load up on depth and let the numbers and roles sort themselves out in training camp. In that spirit, signing Clark would make a lot of sense.
Fells is an atrocious blocker
...played with Manning...
...Manning smart...
...Brady smart...
Is it safe to say the smurf receiver era is over in Foxboro :confused2:
The more I read about Dallas Clark, the more I think he's useless. Permanent ligament damage in his hands means he'll never be able to close them and catch the way he used to. There were times he was staring at his hands in disbelief last year as the ball bounced off them.
They are different players, but never the less, they might be fighting for the same roster spot. The question would be whether you want insurance for Hernandez or a guy who can be used solely as a blocker. Because of the amazing depth at WR, I'd guess that Fells is more valuable right now... Hernandez is essentially a receiver who typically lines up on the inside, and you might be able to replace his production with a WR rather than another hybrid player like Clark.
Whether it’s Belichick doing a favor for a friend or genuine interest on the part of New England, it’s not a big surprise that the Patriots would at least bring [Clark] in to kick the tires and see what he has left. If he can still play and the money is right, New England would find a spot for him. The Patriots have added wide receivers at a dizzying pace this offseason — why not an extra tight end or two? After all, Clark passes what we call the Rosevelt Colvin test: Belichick has raved about him over the years, often unprovoked. Check out this quote from Belichick on Clark from 2009:
“He’s a terrific player, very hard to defend,” Belichick said of Clark. “He pretty much can do everything that you would ask a tight end to do. He’s a great vertical receiver. He can get open on the short and intermediate routes. He’s a good possession receiver on third down and in the red area. He’s good after the catch. He does a good job blocking.”
Chris Price on Clark's visit:
It Is What It Is » Trying to figure out why the Patriots would kick the tires on veteran tight end Dallas Clark
I sort of classify this in the Tory Holt / John Lynch category - BB taking a look at a veteran who he admires, and who could fill a role.
on Clark visit: as it was put to me, it was due diligence. Could it have been favor to his agent? Certainly possible.