Moss, Stallworth and Brown

[godef]

1. Excuse me if this subject has been touched on, I missed it, but does anyone have concerns about Stallworth's reaction to the subsequent signing of Moss? Just an honest question, not trying to stir up anything. But presumably Stallworth was coming in to be Tom's premier receiver (presuming they could get the timing down, etc), but now in steps Moss...

If Stallworth can put aside any ego he may have, this would probably be a blessing in disguise for him. I don't think the Patriots will suddenly go bomb-happy; they simply have too many tools. I think that Moss' deep threat will be taken advantaged of to open up the short passing game as well as the running game (as touched on in a Merrill Hoge article cited in another thread), and Stallworth could be the primary benafactor of this among the recievers. Just hope that Moss is game enough to accept such a role.

2. With the sudden plethora of receivers, does anyone foresee Troy Brown seeing more and more nickelback duties? I think Brown makes the team with no questions, he just too versatile a player which makes him valuable in Belichick's schemes, but the Pats should no longer have to rely on him nearly as much as they did in the past, as the go to guy when Tom was still feeling out and getting the timing down with new, unknown receivers. I predict that, depending on the opponent from week to week, Troy may see games with his time spent predominantly on defense.

 

[Remix 6]

1. Excuse me if this subject has been touched on, I missed it, but does anyone have concerns about Stallworth's reaction to the subsequent signing of Moss? Just an honest question, not trying to stir up anything. But presumably Stallworth was coming in to be Tom's premier receiver (presuming they could get the timing down, etc), but now in steps Moss...

If Stallworth can put aside any ego he may have, this would probably be a blessing in disguise for him. I don't think the Patriots will suddenly go bomb-happy; they simply have too many tools. I think that Moss' deep threat will be taken advantaged of to open up the short passing game as well as the running game (as touched on in a Merrill Hoge article cited in another thread), and Stallworth could be the primary benafactor of this among the recievers. Just hope that Moss is game enough to accept such a role.

2. With the sudden plethora of receivers, does anyone foresee Troy Brown seeing more and more nickelback duties? I think Brown makes the team with no questions, he just too versatile a player which makes him valuable in Belichick's schemes, but the Pats should no longer have to rely on him nearly as much as they did in the past, as the go to guy when Tom was still feeling out and getting the timing down with new, unknown receivers. I predict that, depending on the opponent from week to week, Troy may see games with his time spent predominantly on defense.

Stallworth said he was excited about joining the team and excited about playing with Randy. If he was selfish..he wouldnt be here.

why try Brown at nickel again? Gay is back..we got James..Scott played well at times..Meriweather and Wilson are both better options. unless injury bug hits again..i dont see Troy going defense.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

1. Excuse me if this subject has been touched on, I missed it, but does anyone have concerns about Stallworth's reaction to the subsequent signing of Moss? Just an honest question, not trying to stir up anything. But presumably Stallworth was coming in to be Tom's premier receiver (presuming they could get the timing down, etc), but now in steps Moss...

If Stallworth can put aside any ego he may have, this would probably be a blessing in disguise for him. I don't think the Patriots will suddenly go bomb-happy; they simply have too many tools. I think that Moss' deep threat will be taken advantaged of to open up the short passing game as well as the running game (as touched on in a Merrill Hoge article cited in another thread), and Stallworth could be the primary benafactor of this among the recievers. Just hope that Moss is game enough to accept such a role.

2. With the sudden plethora of receivers, does anyone foresee Troy Brown seeing more and more nickelback duties? I think Brown makes the team with no questions, he just too versatile a player which makes him valuable in Belichick's schemes, but the Pats should no longer have to rely on him nearly as much as they did in the past, as the go to guy when Tom was still feeling out and getting the timing down with new, unknown receivers. I predict that, depending on the opponent from week to week, Troy may see games with his time spent predominantly on defense.

1. Has been answered numerous times but one more time cant hurt. Stallworth loves the opportunity to be playing across from Moss. He thinks its a great idea and he cant wait to play alongside him. I think he was more excited about Moss coming here than anyone else, including fans! This benefits Stallworth greatly since he wont have to worry about being tied up with the top notch CB's and wont be double teamed. He could easily be the best WR we have this year and that would make him happy because we'd more than likely pick up the rest of his contract.

2. Brown will do everything as usual. A little of this, a little of that, but more than likely he'll spell other WR's and be a great slot guy.

 

[Pats726]

2. Brown will do everything as usual. A little of this, a little of that, but more than likely he'll spell other WR's and be a great slot guy.

Also he can be a very smart punt return guy and do NOT forget that if the team carries 2 QBs...he'll be the emergency QB...(NOT that in anyway he or anyone else EVER wishes that happen..)

 

[PushnPencils]

1. Excuse me if this subject has been touched on, I missed it, but does anyone have concerns about Stallworth's reaction to the subsequent signing of Moss? Just an honest question, not trying to stir up anything. But presumably Stallworth was coming in to be Tom's premier receiver (presuming they could get the timing down, etc), but now in steps Moss...

If Stallworth can put aside any ego he may have, this would probably be a blessing in disguise for him. I don't think the Patriots will suddenly go bomb-happy; they simply have too many tools. I think that Moss' deep threat will be taken advantaged of to open up the short passing game as well as the running game (as touched on in a Merrill Hoge article cited in another thread), and Stallworth could be the primary benafactor of this among the recievers. Just hope that Moss is game enough to accept such a role.

2. With the sudden plethora of receivers, does anyone foresee Troy Brown seeing more and more nickelback duties? I think Brown makes the team with no questions, he just too versatile a player which makes him valuable in Belichick's schemes, but the Pats should no longer have to rely on him nearly as much as they did in the past, as the go to guy when Tom was still feeling out and getting the timing down with new, unknown receivers. I predict that, depending on the opponent from week to week, Troy may see games with his time spent predominantly on defense.

The threat of Moss on one sidecould only benefit Stallworth. Moss getting double covered means Stallworth probaby won't be.

 

[patsox23]

This benefits Stallworth greatly since he wont have to worry about being tied up with the top notch CB's and wont be double teamed. He could easily be the best WR we have this year and that would make him happy because we'd more than likely pick up the rest of his contract.

Exactly. Stallworth benefits more than anyone on the Patriots, except maybe Brady. Also, FWIW, it's not like BEFORE RANDY Moss came in here thinking he'd be a 100+ catch #1 WR. This system has rarely been that, it's all about spreading it around. Donte knew that coming in. The advent of Moss on the depth chart has, in my view, made Stallworth's job easier.

 

[Dragda]

2. Brown will do everything as usual. A little of this, a little of that, but more than likely he'll spell other WR's and be a great slot guy.

He'll fair catch punts when the game's on the line.

 

[Mainefan]

What does that mean, Dragda?

 

[godef]

Stallworth said he was excited about joining the team and excited about playing with Randy. If he was selfish..he wouldnt be here.

You make it sound like the Pats acquired Moss first, and then Stallworth, so this is a useless response.

why try Brown at nickel again? Gay is back..we got James..Scott played well at times..Meriweather and Wilson are both better options. unless injury bug hits again..i dont see Troy going defense.

Three words; injuries, injuries, injuries.

 

[godef]

1. Has been answered numerous times but one more time cant hurt. Stallworth loves the opportunity to be playing across from Moss. He thinks its a great idea and he cant wait to play alongside him. I think he was more excited about Moss coming here than anyone else, including fans! This benefits Stallworth greatly since he wont have to worry about being tied up with the top notch CB's and wont be double teamed. He could easily be the best WR we have this year and that would make him happy because we'd more than likely pick up the rest of his contract.

OK, that's good to hear. I had not heard his POV. thanks

 

[Grizzafted]

Just remember, a smart defensive gameplan executed well will shut down even the most dynamic passing offense. (ala SB 36). Hopefully we don't fall too hard for the deep passing game and stick with the smart play, which is ball control.

 

[Born_a_Patriot]

I get the feeling that though BB truly respects and appreciates what Troy Brown has done for the team he would rather see him retire than comeback to the team, though he rather keep him than deal with the instability it might cause. BB will cut anyone, but I think Troy brings enough to the table that it outweighs his need and desire to cut him.

 

[JoeSixPat]

He'll fair catch punts when the game's on the line.

Troy is the "trusted hands" guy when BB is much less concerned about needing any yards on the return and much more concerned about a fumble

Assuming he's healthy the fact that as one player he provides depth at 3 positions gives him an excellent chance of making the team.

On Stallworth, without Moss, Stallworth sees consistent double teams. With Moss Stallworth is only looking at single coverage - and the offense benefits by being able to rotate Moss and Stallworth to keep them fresh or can put both on the field at the same time.

Both Stallworth and Moss have likely come to terms with not seeing the ball enough to grab 85 + catches a season. Every other team in the NFL knows this about the Patriots as well so if they wind up with 45- 65 catches, as long as the YPC is decent they've done enough to prove their value to us and every other team in the NFL for a big payday.

 

[cstjohn17]

Just remember, a smart defensive gameplan executed well will shut down even the most dynamic passing offense. (ala SB 36). Hopefully we don't fall too hard for the deep passing game and stick with the smart play, which is ball control.

I agree with the general point but it is not always about ball control, it is about winning. The weapons on offense give BB even more options for his game plans. One week it may be about ball control and winning 20-14, the next week it may be about scoring and winning 30-21.

Teams like Indy and SD are going to score points, I expect to win these games the Patriots will have to score over 27 points. Especially against Indy which has really moved the ball against us the last 3 times we have played.

Averaging over 30.2 and 407.6 yards.

SD
1/14/2007 - 21 points, 352 yards
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/gamebook/NFL_20070114_NE@SD

10/2/2005 - 41 points, 431 yards
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/gamebook/NFL_20051002_SD@NE

Indy
1/22/07 - 38 points, 455 yards
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/gamebook/NFL_20070121_NE@IND

11/5/2006 - 27 points, 354 yards
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/gamebook/NFL_20061105_IND@NE

9/9/2004 - 24 points, 446 yards
http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/gamebook/NFL_20040909_IND@NE

 

[bakes781]

I'm still having a hard time adjusting to the idea of Randy Moss on the Patriots, but I think you have to temper your expectation for this guy. It's really hit or miss with this guy IMO. He could be great or he could be cut. There's a reason the Pats only had to give up a 4th round pick for him. Wes Welker is the guy I'm most intrigued to watch. He's the guy who more than likely will be here for the long haul.

 

[Rob0729]

Call me cynical, but I think Stallworth is not griping about the Pats adding Moss because he is playing for a big contract next year. It was widely known that Stallworth was going to take a one year deal from the Pats to rehab his image with Brady throwing to him and cash-in in 2008. That is basically the deal he took from us.

If Stallworth publically complains or becomes a lockerroom cancer about Moss coming here, it could cost him millions and I think he knows it. I think it is his fear of losing millions that will keep his mouth shut. He did do pretty well with Joe Horn drawing the double coverages for him in N'Orleans.

 

[patsfan-1982]

i think stallworth is happy about moss being here cause with out moss he would have seen 2 and 3 guys covering him how he will be man to man i know we give a 2th rd pick for walker but he is not a big time WR hes a good ST guy now hobbs and marrony dont have to erturn kickoffs and he will return punts

 

[MoLewisrocks]

why try Brown at nickel again? Gay is back..we got James..Scott played well at times..Meriweather and Wilson are both better options. unless injury bug hits again..i dont see Troy going defense.

Some of us will just never learn...

I get the feeling that though BB truly respects and appreciates what Troy Brown has done for the team he would rather see him retire than comeback to the team, though he rather keep him than deal with the instability it might cause. BB will cut anyone, but I think Troy brings enough to the table that it outweighs his need and desire to cut him.

Aside from the fact that that flies in the face of everything BB has actually said - several times now - on Troy having a valuable role to fill on the 2007 team...

i know we give a 2th rd pick for walker but he is not a big time WR hes a good ST guy/b] now hobbs and marrony dont have to erturn kickoffs and he will return punts

So, not only do you refuse to punctuate, you apparently believe BB would trade a second rounder for a ST'er to return kicks...

 

[Born_a_Patriot]

Aside from the fact that that flies in the face of everything BB has actually said - several times now - on Troy having a valuable role to fill on the 2007 team...

What else is he going to say. I wish he retire and go away.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

What else is he going to say. I wish he retire and go away.

He could and usually would be a lot more non-committal.

He has said barring the unexpected (regarding his rehab) he sees a role for Troy on this team in 2007. He has also addressed the concerns of those who feel the Moss signing effectively pushed Troy off the roster. Said the two roles have nothing to do with each other, and that Troy does things others don't do (including Welker) and those are things this team continues to value.