Clearing the Air: Belichick Releases Statement on Dobson
On Friday afternoon, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick released a statement on wide receiver Aaron Dobson.
"In my year and a half with Aaron Dobson, he has always been respectful to me and to the rest of the coaching staff. He has never once been argumentative or confrontational. The suggestion and reporting that his playing time was in any way the result of a ‘loud disagreement’ with a coach is completely false." Release from the team's website.
The Boston Globe reported earlier in the week that Dobson had, "at least one loud disagreement with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels." This is the full story on the Boston Globe's website.
Quick Take:
Dobson had foot surgery in March, limiting his participation in Organized Team Activities, training camp and the preseason. He was unavailable in week one, but suited up against the Minnesota Vikings in week 2, catching one pass for 13 yards in the 30-7 victory.
Week three versus the Oakland Raiders and week four against the Kansas City Chiefs, the second-year receiver was inactive. With no listing on the injury report, the decision to have Dobson inactive was head-scratching.
When the Globe's story first broke, it made some sense, but still brought about some serious questions. Was it really necessary to sit him out for two games? What was the argument about? When will he be available again?
However, Belichick's statement refuting that report, brings new questions into the fold. If the initial report is false, then why was he not in the game plan? Wouldn't it be beneficial to his development to be on the field? The offense has certainly struggled and Dobson seems like he could help.
Whatever the situation might be, this story could quickly become a distraction. If Dobson is not performing in practice, I would argue the players on the field have not performed well enough on offense throughout the first four weeks to keep him off the field. If Dobson is healthy, which he said Friday, "I think I'm good", then he should be on the field Sunday.
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