 So far Tom Brady and Tim Wright have been razor sharp this season. (USA TODAY Images) |
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski may be getting the majority of attention in the passing game thanks to the big plays he makes and his importance in opening up opportunities for other players, but the guy lining up on the other side this season hasn't exactly been that bad so far through eight games.
Tight end Tim Wright, the player acquired thanks to the Logan Mankins trade to the Buccaneers, has played unbelievably well so far and has quietly gotten off to a strong start with his new quarterback. Tom Brady has targeted him 18 times so far this season while connecting 17 times for 182 yards and three touchdowns . Twelve of those receptions have resulted in first downs, including his three scores.
His last incompletion to Wright was back in Week 2 against Minnesota on a fourth-and-eight play at the Vikings' 19-yard line with two minutes to go in the fourth quarter, his only target in that contest. Since then he's 14-of-14 for 167 yards, 11 first downs, including his touchdowns.
Here's a full breakdown of his numbers through the first eight games:
Tim Wright's Totals:
Total: 17-of-18, 182 yards, 3 TD's
Totals By Down:
1st Down: 10-of-10 for 116 yards, 2 TD's
2nd Down: 4-of-4 for 38 yards, 1 TD
3rd Down: 3-of-3 for 28 yards
4th Down: 0-of-1
Red Zone Totals:
3-of-4 for 33 yards, 3 TD's
ANALYSIS: At the time it was hard not to be a little apprehensive about the Mankins trade, but at the same time, it was also difficult to believe Bill Belichick would have made the move without feeling like Wright could bring something to this offense. So far he's done a good job through the first half of the season and as Rob Gronkowski continues getting healthy along with the success we've seen from Brandon LaFell, it's hard not to believe that Wright will continue to improve. One of the biggest issues new players sometimes have has been their ability to get comfortable with the system here in New England, but fortunately for now Wright has been one of their more reliable targets in this offense.
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