Cutdown Day: PATS DISCUSSION thread

[Rob0729]

This was posted in another thread:

When Jabar Gaffney gets healthy, he'd like to go back to N.E. if possible. That's HIS priority, I'm told by a league source.

Twitter / ArmandoSalguero: When Jabar Gaffney gets healthy, ...

I think this is a done deal already.

 

[crowell33]

OK, thinking about WR:

Slater showed nothing as a WR in camp or preseason. But he's sort of listed as one.

Did Ebert show the hands, route-running, and ST capabilities to beat out Branch and the other vets? Branch had over 50 receptions last year, and is healthy.

Depth is:
Welker
Lloyd
Edelman
Ebert
(Slater)

Edelman beats out Branch, Gaffney, and Stallworth for the 3rd WR spot. Who had that in the office pool? Kid had a great summer.

 

[SacPete1]

Hernandez is a Tight End and will remain as one with the ability to shift out wide or to the slot.

You nailed it! Maybe an extra TE stays (4 instead of 3) since Hernandez has such position flexibility. It was interesting to read during camp how he was so tough to cover even by DB's. Made me think about him at the Z.

 

[ForThoseAboutToRock]

OK, maybe I should start listening to myself.

In my cutdown projection, I said I viewed this initial cut to 53 as being first and foremost about PROTECTING TALENT. Balancing out positional depth at the end of the roster could come later.

Was Deion Branch a guy who required "protecting"? IMO he's worth more more to the Patriots than any other team. His physical skills are much diminished; his value is his precise routes and his mind-meld with Brady. Who's going to outbid NE for those qualities?

But that brings up the question: who are they protecting on the roster by cutting Branch, especially with Hoyer and Koppen freeing up roster spots?

Off the top of my head:

.... eh, nevermind, my list is pretty much just guys that have been discussed a lot here the last few days; Dennard, Bolden, Justin Francis etc.

EDIT: The TE's too... will be interesting to see the fate of Shiancoe in the next week.

 

[BradyManny]

Early cut (Gaffney) followed by late cut (Branch) made more surprising/questionable due to the early cut. His WR bloodletting has really been reminiscent of his S bloodletting last year.

My first thought. Let's hope it doesn't end up that way. Obviously, we're stacked at that position at the 1's. The depth chart looks great at that level. But at some point, we'll need to rely on the 2's. And right now, we went from relying to a couple of Brady's binkies to a pair of special teamers (Slater, Edelman) who have combined for just 12 catches in the last two years.

 

[Deus Irae]

Edelman beats out Branch, Gaffney, and Stallworth for the 3rd WR spot. Who had that in the office pool? Kid had a great summer.

This is not necessarily true, especially with regards to Gaffney.

 

[Rob0729]

Gronkowski releases!!!!!!


Dan Gronkowski that is:

Dan Gronkowski - Cleveland Browns - 2012 Player Profile - Rotoworld.com

 

[ivanvamp]

If this is the WR corps 2 weeks in, I'll probably join the pitchfork committee.

What if the Pats are 2-0 and have scored 100 points in those two games?

 

[strngplyr]

What if the Pats are 2-0 and have scored 100 points in those two games?

Our running game is thriving! ..?

 

[Deus Irae]

What if the Pats are 2-0 and have scored 100 points in those two games?

I'll still probably join the pitchfork committee. It's about the playoffs, not the regular season. Every Patriots fan should have figured that out by now.

 

[TriplecHamp]

Gronkowski releases!!!!!!


Dan Gronkowski that is:

Dan Gronkowski - Cleveland Browns - 2012 Player Profile - Rotoworld.com

wow for a second I really thought we releases Rob Gronkowski. Good thing I scrolled down.

 

[Rob0729]

I'll still probably join the pitchfork committee. It's about the playoffs, not the regular season. Every Patriots fan should have figured that out by now.

The problem is if the Pats plan to bring back Gaffney and he isn't ready, they might have to wait another week or two.

 

[condon84]

Edelman beats out Branch, Gaffney, and Stallworth for the 3rd WR spot. Who had that in the office pool? Kid had a great summer.

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/10/934658-julian-edelman-page15.html#post3111578

After Lloyd and Welker, he is the closest lock WR to make this team. He's our best returner, a solid backup WR and special teams player. Gaffney and Branch fill the same spot, so I can see one of them getting cut. I think Stallworth is definitely on the outside looking in.

 

[Deus Irae]

The problem is if the Pats plan to bring back Gaffney and he isn't ready, they might have to wait another week or two.

If BB let the WR spot remain precarious for 3-4 weeks, even if it's because he's holding a spot open, wouldn't that justify cracking out the pitchforks in your eyes?


P.S. Bedard just said that he thinks the quad issue will take another couple of weeks.

 

[celticboy04]

Greetings,
Branch and Gaffney have been released. Kind of a shocker. Thought Gaffney at least as the third WR.

Celticboy04

 

[Urgent]

Could the Patriots carry as many Tight Ends as Receivers?

 

[Rob0729]

If BB let the WR spot remain precarious for 3-4 weeks, even if it's because he's holding a spot open, wouldn't that justify cracking out the pitchforks in your eyes?

If the Pats show they can live without him short term and win and the offense is running smoothly, yes. If the offense struggles, then ask me then. This team can go 2-4 weeks without depth if they refocus on the run and heavier emphasis on the TEs.

 

[TheBeers]

For years people have been saying we need a young developmental receiver and now we have one in Ebert. We're probably one injury to a pass catcher away from seeing Gaffney or Branch back. Is Holley gonna make the team? That would be interesting.

 

[moosekill]

Hi, I thought Gaffney was hurt, Stallworth was slow, and Branch seemed old. Am I surprised all of them were cut? yes I am. Am I shocked? Not really. Would I be surprised to see Gaffney or Branch back during the season, not at all.

 

[Deus Irae]

Wow....Branch and Hoyer are shocks , can't explain it. You tell me what you saw Mallett do better than Hoyer

https://twitter.com/scottzolak/status/241600093835378688