Six wide receivers

[mgteich]

I can't see us cutting Caldwell or Washington.

 

[JackBauer]

I suppose it depends on the severity of Gaffney's injury.

 

[signbabybrady]

It is easy for us to say keep 6 but that means depth would be lacking elsewhere. That is going to be a real tough choice and I would not want to have to make that choice.

 

[shakadave]

Keep both now while Gaffney is hurting. Cut Caldwell when Gaffney returns. I predict Washington will slowly gain (/keep gaining) on Caldwell as he catches up in the statistic of time spent in the Pats system. Washington also adds value on special teams.

 

[DaBruinz]

Keep both now while Gaffney is hurting. Cut Caldwell when Gaffney returns. I predict Washington will slowly gain (/keep gaining) on Caldwell as he catches up in the statistic of time spent in the Pats system. Washington also adds value on special teams.

Sorry, but I just don't see this "value" that Washington supposedly brings to special teams. What I saw was someone who isn't a good gunner and someone who was late in on the tackles...

 

[stinkypete]

Simple question. Who is more likely to contribute to a championship, Reche Caldwell or Rashad Baker?

Nuff said.

 

[patsox23]

I can't see us cutting Caldwell or Washington.

I think of those two Washington is more likely to stay. He's got better size/speed and he's more versatile (very good and extremely willing on S/T's).

 

[patsox23]

Sorry, but I just don't see this "value" that Washington supposedly brings to special teams. What I saw was someone who isn't a good gunner and someone who was late in on the tackles...

I wasn't watching that closely, but I've heard he's been quite good as a gunner this year, and in the past, so if tonight he wasn't as good, I'm not sure that's as big a deal. A big part of why they liked him enough to bring him in was that he excels in that role.

 

[DaBruinz]

I wasn't watching that closely, but I've heard he's been quite good as a gunner this year, and in the past, so if tonight he wasn't as good, I'm not sure that's as big a deal. A big part of why they liked him enough to bring him in was that he excels in that role.

This is the first I've heard of Washington ever excelling as a gunner. To my knowledge, they liked him because of his willingness to do whatever it took to make the team.

But, even in the previous games, Washington didn't impress me on special teams as a gunner.... Maybe I am missing something, but I haven't noticed him except when he's been late into a scrum...

 

[patsfan55]

This is the first I've heard of Washington ever excelling as a gunner. To my knowledge, they liked him because of his willingness to do whatever it took to make the team.

But, even in the previous games, Washington didn't impress me on special teams as a gunner.... Maybe I am missing something, but I haven't noticed him except when he's been late into a scrum...

i thought it was in kickoff or kick return as an upfield blocker or somethin

btw, when did gaffney get hurt?

 

[Fencer]

I can't see us cutting Caldwell or Washington.

I tend to agree.

Also, since I missed most of the game -- how was Washington on STs?

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I can't see us cutting Caldwell or Washington.

I have to agree, I stated carrying six wr's in your other post.

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showthread.php?p=489377#post489377

There are just too man questions related to health with Randy, Jabar, and even Troy, plus Donte has a history of hammy problems.

i think Rogers makes the practice squad.... too many people falling in love with him on playing on the second unit.

 

[biffman]

I really like Washington. He's seems to be picking up the system. You really can't ask for a better 4th/5th WR. By the end of the year, he'll be getting plenty of playing time, IMO. Caldwell has looked only "so-so" to me.

 

[rookBoston]

Hell, I've been expecting six WR since before Moss was signed. Was it really ever in question? Even with six, it's tough to pick just six.

Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Brown, Gaffney, Caldwell, Washington, Jackson, Childress... that's nine players that I'd like to keep right there.

It would be hard to send Gaffney to IR. Along with Welker, he's the guy I'm most optimistic about in this offense. And I really like what I saw from Washington against Carolina. Kid can play.

Is one of these guys gonna get traded?

 

[Ring 6]

I think 6 is very reasonable. We have been able to carry 6 in the past with no issues, although 5 is more common.
We still do not know if the philosophy has shifted and we will be more dependant on the pass this year. If so, having 6 good WRs is a bonus, but not a luxury. We will have injuries to the WR corps. We will use 4 WRs sets in every game. 5 would be active, and the 6th active whenever there is an injury.
The other side of the coin is that Watson can be considered the 5th WR, Faulk has at times filled in there, so only having 4 active with the 5th ready for injuires is doable too.
Its a great problem to have.
IMO, after Moss, Stallworth and welker who are all arguably better than any WR we had last year, we have last years #1, a guy who came in and became very productive by the playoffs (Gaffney) a guy who seems further ahead today than Gaffney was when he joined the team--as well as more physically talented (Washington) plu Troy Brown, and last years 2nd round pick probably going to pup.

Washington is the wild card to me. We havent seen enough of him to judge, but through a full camp, I guarantee BB has determined whether washington is a guy ready to tap his immense potential (he would have easily been a round 1 pick if he wasnt injured) or a guy who will just never reach that level for whatever reason.
To me he is a roster decision in a vaccuum, regardless of anyone else. If BB sees him capable of reaching the potential (and close to it) hes a lock. If he is just struggling to fill the last roster spot he can stay or go, no difference.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Some arguements FOR 6 wides:

1. With Graham's departure, the TE passing set is not as robust as last year, shifting the emphasis on Wrs.

2. With Maroney as feature back, he's best served running out of the single I with lots of wideouts creating seperation via the short pass threat.

3. Unlike last season, this season we have 6 servicable wideouts so we wouldn't be carrying non-contributors at the position

4. Wideouts get injured; this crew has an injury record

Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Caldwell, Washington, Gaffney (if back in 4 weeks)

I'm assuming Troy Brown is PUP and held in reserve for mid-season to replace whomever gets injured.
Plus one of the WR kids on the PS

 

[BradyManny]

I'm assuming Troy Brown is PUP and held in reserve for mid-season to replace whomever gets injured.
Plus one of the WR kids on the PS

Is Troy Brown basically just a "shadow roster" player already signed onto the squad...as much as I appreciate Troy, it's hard to actually see him getting reps, PT or taking up a roster spot given Gaffney, Caldwell & Washington - to varying degrees - have all shown they deserve a spot.

 

[MetalBleachers]

Sorry, but I just don't see this "value" that Washington supposedly brings to special teams. What I saw was someone who isn't a good gunner and someone who was late in on the tackles...

Agreed. Can someone explain what Washington brings that Caldwell doesn't in terms of a 4th/5th WR slot? Washington has looked solid vs. second team defenses. Whom would you rather have step in for this team: Washington or Caldwell?

And, sorry I missed it, but what did happen to Gaffney? Was that last week?

 

[JoeSixPat]

I can't see us cutting Caldwell or Washington.

Agreed. Too much injury to take any chances. While I think Gaffney, Washington or Caldwell all could fetch something via trade, I'd rather be as deep as possible at WR for as long as I can be, and be in good position for a SB run rather than have an extra 4th round pick next year.

 

[Mark Morse]

This is dependent on the severity of the injuries to Gaffney and to a lesser extent Mike Richardson.

I see Caldwell getting traded and Bam Childress taking his spot. Childress can help all over the field including playing an emergency DB. Childress plays special teams including KO returms (do you really want Ellis Hobbs returning KO's). Washington and Childress make it do to their flexibility and willingness to play special teams.

Caldwell is also carrying a salary of about $1.55 this year and Childress is at minimum. Childress reminds me of Troy Brown when he was struggling to make the roster his 1st three years in the league.