primetime
Pro Bowl Player
- Joined
- Jun 15, 2005
- Messages
- 13,627
- Reaction score
- 15,375
These receivers are not rookies, and they know the ropes, and how to play the game.... if they are being dealt bad hands, then change the dealer, plain and simple.
They're being dealt bad hands because they're not playing with a full deck. Caldwell is mediocre, Brown is old, Gaffney is a trash-heap pickup, Jackson isn't ready, and Gabriel was slow and not particularly bright.
Caldwell and an old, overworked Troy Brown are the only legitimate NFL wide receivers on the roster (Jackson's still a prospect, if this was the NHL or MLB he'd be doing his time in the minors). I don't agree with alot of McDaniels' playcalling, but I also think Brady's handcuffed by receivers. I'm willing to bet that YAC is significantly down this year besides with Watson. This is because even when Brady does manage to complete a pass, the guy doesn't have enough separation to turn it upfield. Say what you want about Branch (I never thought he was anything more than an above average receiver, so don't call me a Branch fanboy), but at least he could get separation. Givens could too because of his strength... unlike these current receivers, Givens would fight off jams at the line, while Branch was too quick to be jammed. Troy tends to play in the slot because his quickness has gone with age so he can be jammed playing on the wings, and Caldwell gets jammed too often. Like someone else said, watch the other team's corners... they play tight against the Patriots' receivers and stop them.
This usually gives the opposing defensive line (especially when faced with beasts like Jason Taylor) time to get to Brady. Either way, the receivers are covered or pressure forces an errant throw. Brady does well despite his receivers, not because of them. Playcalling isn't that off... the receivers are pros, as you said, therefore they should be able to get separation on any particular route. Except they're garbage.
I was one person who thought the Patriots should have gone after Moss at the trading deadline. He may be a cancer in the lockerroom, but his talent and the fear he instills in opposing defenses is undeniable. He should be available for next to nothing at the end of the season. Maybe a 5th round pick and they have one of the, if not the, best receiver in the game for the best QB in the game in his prime.