The Offense is Loaded

[Give Kraft A Hand]

A truely horrible idea.

Williams and Chism have shown almost nothing.

I would much rather have Hollins and one of Douglas or Boutte for this year.

They need Hollins. If they sign Diggs then I’d assume both Douglas and Boutte are gone which is fine.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

And as far as the offense being "loaded" is concerned:

Don't like ANY of the RBs after Stevenson & Henderson;
The TE position is a Complete unknown after Double-H;
We still haven't found an answer for the Slot position;
And of course, there are the two Yuge question marks at LT and now at Center, which are, like, you know, only two of the three two Most Important positions along the OL..

I guess it's depressing that our 3rd-4th options at RB aren't all-pros. I do like having a legit FB in Reggie Gilliam, and count that as an improvement -- sort of our latter-day Heath Evans. You know, the only name anybody remembers in our RB room in 04 after Dillon and Faulk. Wait don't tell me, you think Mike Cloud was the intangible unsung "it" factor that year.

We liked a blocking TE who we lost, time to see what we drafted.

As far as a third WR upgrade, after Doubs and AJB, but this one in the slot position, that would be lovely. Douglas and Hollins have lower YPC. Boutte has a great YPC but to date, but almost strictly on the outside. So yeah, a 1000 yard, 10 TD slot receiver would be a great addition. How many of those are there? Or should we start throwing more to, e.g., Brown in the slot? Is it just definitionally important to you to have a lot of yards and scores from the slot? Can you name me a slot receiver, even an unavailable one, that would be an "answer," including the breakdown of snaps he lined up in the slot? (Some people still call JSN, for example, a slot receiver, but he's now almost always on the outside.) What do we need out of the slot before we consider the position "answered"?

Oline got a lot better -- point taken at Center. LT, a little less. We have more bodies to throw into the breach in the event of another injury. I'm assuming we'll be playing an LT with both legs working. That's an improvement right there. Not world-beating, but 2025-beating, the benchmark for improvement.

Interestingly, AJB, in his candid storytelling about the day he came onboard, referenced Vrabes really lighting into Campbell (in addition to Maye taking over a meeting from Josh.) Actually, for the few words he spoke, he low-key called out two guys on his first day while explicitly attempting to be humble and respectful.

I think the question is really whether we get more out of this crew, and how much more. Secondly, is there anybody we just can't score on? And the equivalent questions on the defensive side of the ball.

Loaded? I dunno, loaded for us. In 2025, DM amassed 4394 passing yards, 31 TDs, 8 int.s, 72% completion rate and drumroll... 47 sacks taken.

- Does Drake get another little bit of time through O-line improvement?
- Can Drake break bad habits and get a little bit of time through discipline (not patting the ball, deciding to throw it away faster where needed)?

If he's getting time for throws everywhere to develop, those numbers improve from an already good base, and I'm high on that improvement being more than marginal. I think the Doubs and AJB pickups are behind a lot of descriptions like "loaded," but the upside can be pretty intoxicating. What if we're looking at a 40+ TD, 4500+ Yard, still 70+% year, holding int.s steady at 8?

That's not out of the real of possibility, just with the pickups we have made.

Of course, everybody could play worse too, or... "but the schedule."

 

[Huckleberry1]

Super Bowl MVP in the only individual award that matters.

Dude, that's like so deep.

And irrelevant.

My post was about the hypocrisy of the voters, who claimed that where the team finishes in the regular season was the primary criteria when it looked like the Rams would be the first seed in the NFC, then changed it to touchdowns when Stafford only got a talent rich roster to the 5th seed.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Screw the season MVP. Let Maye be the SBMVP with a win and no one will remember who won the regular season mvp. Especially in NE.

Super Bowl MVP in the only individual award that matters.

You two may not care, but winning the regular season MVP gives players a lot of clout around the NFL. Anyone can win the Super Bowl MVP as it just one game and you need your team to put you in that position. It doesn't mean your the best player in the NFL.

Dude, that's like so deep.

And irrelevant.

My post was about the hypocrisy of the voters, who claimed that where the team finishes in the regular season was the primary criteria when it looked like the Rams would be the first seed in the NFC, then changed it to touchdowns when Stafford only got a talent rich roster to the 5th seed.

Everyone knows it was a lifetime achievement award for Stafford. While this was his best season, a QB of a 5th seed team winning the MVP is an oxymoron. I think Maye would've secured it had they swept Buffalo and taken the #1 seed. That loss at home up 21-0 hurt and gave permission to voters to cast the ballot for Stafford.

 

[Family]

WR has no depth behind Brown and Doubs.

What?

 

[Water Boy]

Just curious who our 3rd Center is behind Brown. I'm assuming a PS player.

 

[p8ryts]

Just curious who our 3rd Center is behind Brown. I'm assuming a PS player.

Rizy?

 

[Huckleberry1]

The offense could be loaded. But it all hinges on injuries. It's not out of the realm of possibilities that both Bubblewrap (AVT) and Grandpa Moses are out for extended periods of time.

Game over, man?

And all eyes will be on TRex Campbell. But true connoisseurs will watch Wilson at center. He's the key. But there'll be growing pains with him.

So potential is, at best, good. That's all one could say if one is committed to reality.

" committed to reality" ? This coming from the guy who says Spencer Rattler is a better quarterback than Drake Maye?

Well, at least you have Captain KKK on your side, that guarantees you are wrong about everything.

 

[captain stone]

Just curious who our 3rd Center is behind Brown. I'm assuming a PS player.

Rizy?

As of today, yes. And this should never, Evah have been allowed to happen.

The nepo-tards upstairs should use this down time to give James Daniels' agent a call and ask him how his client's pectoral injuryS are progressing and if he's ready for a visit to Foxborough soon......

 

[State]

As of today, yes. And this should never, Evah have been allowed to happen.

The nepo-tards upstairs should use this down time to give James Daniels' agent a call and ask him how his client's pectoral injuryS are progressing and if he's ready for a visit to Foxborough soon......

Excellent suggestion.

 

[BobDigital]

Let's compare across the NFL to cast i think are better overall. I am taking QBs out of it.

#1 Rams - A top 5 OL... maybe the best. Nacau is a beast and well worth his headaches. Adams is still very legit. Arguably best #2 in the league. The depth behind the top 2 isn't bad either... But why spread it around more than you have to. The top 2 is so good it eats into Atwell's number who isn't a bad #3 WR. Higbee is a quality starting TE in the NFL. Not elite or top 10 or anything.. but clearly starting level. Also Williams is a very good RB... but behind that line and with that light of a box... he doesn't have to be.

#2 Vikings. Borderline top 10 OL. Not top 5... but clearly above average. I mean their Jefferson is still one of the best in the game. Addison is a elite #2 in this league easily. Hockinson on a better team is close to a 1000 yard TE. He is legit top 10 easily in a bad situation. Add in Jauan Jennings and they have 4 very good options. Their depth after isn't amazing.. but who cares? As for RBs.. Not amazing... Does Aaron Jones have another good year? IDK... but behind that OL they will make it worth with most any back. Even with the worst QB room in the NFL they still got push with teams fearing the WRs like they should have.

#3 Broncos. Most call them they best OL in the NFL. I won't say they aren't. Adding Waddle is good. Him and Sutton make for a very good combo. Idk who the #2 is... but they have the IMO the best #2 in the NFL (all due respect to the Rams/Bengals). Franklin is a very good #3 WR. But something i haven't talked about much is depth. while they lack a true super star #1 the Broncos have the best WR depth in the NFL IMO. Lots of young upside in Bryany/Mims. Oh and Evan Engram is their TE. Older but still very solid. Dobbins is a good RB... but behind that line who really cares?

#4 Seahawks - This will surprise some people with the loss of their star RB. It shouldn't. They still have a top 10 OL IMO. NSJ makes everything much easier. Kupp is still a very good #2. Barner is a very good young TE and still has a little more upside i think. Rasheed is a good #3.. they just didn't need to lean on him much last year. As for RB.. Losing Walker will hurt.. but that OL room with make a decent RB look good. Charbonnet is a proven NFL RB. Price will probably be a very solid rookie. I think this unit still holds up well.. My goodness though, Darnold just bounces from one ideal QB situation to the next doesn't he? It almost makes you believe he is pretty good... lol.

After this it gets harder... MAYBE the Pats are 5th? IDK. Bengals OL is still kind of trash... Bills have a better OL than the Pats and good depth.. but their #1 isn't as good as Brown.. I would argue whoever you would say their #2 is isn't as good as Doubs. And top line talent matters... but they have endless #3 weapons... And Cooks. Bears have a great OL... but a lot of young unproven talent. Eagles? Hard to give them they benefit of a doubt. Smith can probably be a #1 without Brown.. but not as good. You also need to project Lemon being an instantly pretty damn good. Even then who knows... Lions and Cowboys have claims for sure too. Without looking into it much. I think Cowboys at #5 is where I'd go on just a surface glance.

Overall #5 is where i think personally the Pats start to enter the conversation with a few other teams.

 

[mayoclinic]

You can't take the QBs out of it.

Denver is not a top 5 offense. Never will be with Nix at QB.

 

[TommyD4207]

Let's compare across the NFL to cast i think are better overall. I am taking QBs out of it.

What's the point, then?

 

[BobDigital]

What's the point, then?

Well the thread was about our offense being loaded. In my mind a loaded offense is more about the weapons and supporting cast than the QB. When most people talk about how loaded an offense is or the level of talent in an offense, in general you don't often include the QB in those discussions. It tends to be seen as a separate discussion.

 

[patfanken]

Let's compare across the NFL to cast i think are better overall. I am taking QBs out of it.

#1 Rams - A top 5 OL... maybe the best. Nacau is a beast and well worth his headaches. Adams is still very legit. Arguably best #2 in the league. The depth behind the top 2 isn't bad either... But why spread it around more than you have to. The top 2 is so good it eats into Atwell's number who isn't a bad #3 WR. Higbee is a quality starting TE in the NFL. Not elite or top 10 or anything.. but clearly starting level. Also Williams is a very good RB... but behind that line and with that light of a box... he doesn't have to be.

#2 Vikings. Borderline top 10 OL. Not top 5... but clearly above average. I mean their Jefferson is still one of the best in the game. Addison is a elite #2 in this league easily. Hockinson on a better team is close to a 1000 yard TE. He is legit top 10 easily in a bad situation. Add in Jauan Jennings and they have 4 very good options. Their depth after isn't amazing.. but who cares? As for RBs.. Not amazing... Does Aaron Jones have another good year? IDK... but behind that OL they will make it worth with most any back. Even with the worst QB room in the NFL they still got push with teams fearing the WRs like they should have.

#3 Broncos. Most call them they best OL in the NFL. I won't say they aren't. Adding Waddle is good. Him and Sutton make for a very good combo. Idk who the #2 is... but they have the IMO the best #2 in the NFL (all due respect to the Rams/Bengals). Franklin is a very good #3 WR. But something i haven't talked about much is depth. while they lack a true super star #1 the Broncos have the best WR depth in the NFL IMO. Lots of young upside in Bryany/Mims. Oh and Evan Engram is their TE. Older but still very solid. Dobbins is a good RB... but behind that line who really cares?

#4 Seahawks - This will surprise some people with the loss of their star RB. It shouldn't. They still have a top 10 OL IMO. NSJ makes everything much easier. Kupp is still a very good #2. Barner is a very good young TE and still has a little more upside i think. Rasheed is a good #3.. they just didn't need to lean on him much last year. As for RB.. Losing Walker will hurt.. but that OL room with make a decent RB look good. Charbonnet is a proven NFL RB. Price will probably be a very solid rookie. I think this unit still holds up well.. My goodness though, Darnold just bounces from one ideal QB situation to the next doesn't he? It almost makes you believe he is pretty good... lol.

After this it gets harder... MAYBE the Pats are 5th? IDK. Bengals OL is still kind of trash... Bills have a better OL than the Pats and good depth.. but their #1 isn't as good as Brown.. I would argue whoever you would say their #2 is isn't as good as Doubs. And top line talent matters... but they have endless #3 weapons... And Cooks. Bears have a great OL... but a lot of young unproven talent. Eagles? Hard to give them they benefit of a doubt. Smith can probably be a #1 without Brown.. but not as good. You also need to project Lemon being an instantly pretty damn good. Even then who knows... Lions and Cowboys have claims for sure too. Without looking into it much. I think Cowboys at #5 is where I'd go on just a surface glance.

Overall #5 is where i think personally the Pats start to enter the conversation with a few other teams.

It is kind of remarkable, how nationally the Pats are viewed so poorly in relation to other teams. Most don't even have them "rated" in the top 10. The best I've seen rated is 7th. Most of the time its 10-13. Personally, I LOVE it. Bring in my best Rodney Harrison underdog routine and I'll be a happy man all season.

But still, we DID have good offseason with FA and the draft. We DID improve the talent at our most critical needs. So, why the **** are the Ravens listed miles ahead of us. Didn't we beat them on the road last season with our backup LT. Didn't they lose some key starters?
I mean Jalen ****ing Hawkins is considered one of their key upgrades and we don't get any credit for replacing him with an All Pro. And

BTW, while Jesse Minter was a hot HCing prospect, but a prospect, nonetheless. Also, installing new defensive and offensive systems to the team. Now I know WE did that last season to great success, but Vrabel, Josh, and Williams had a lot more Gravatas than Minter/Doyle/Weaver. Minter has NEVER been a HC before, and Doyle had one year as one for the Bears, but Johnson truly ran the offense there, and Weaver had just one year as a DC 6 years ago, the Texans that year (2020) ranked 27th in points allowed and 30th in yards allowed. (isn't AI grand. ) So, it is understandable why Weaver hasn't been a DC since then.

So, I ask again. Why are the Ravens listed almost universally way ahead of the Pat going into TC? You have until late July to solve this mystery

 

[Brick27]

Folks really *****ing about 3rd center. Anything to find a way to ***** here by some of the resident mental illness patients. James Daniels hasn’t played at center since 2021, by the way..

 

[n1997y]

When I first saw this I had to look twice to be convinced it’s not AJ.

Kyle trying to look like him?

 

[TommyD4207]

When I first saw this I had to look twice to be convinced it’s not AJ.

Kyle trying to look like him?

Great late hands on that, sold the throw going outside, caught it inside.

 

[rochrist]

Well the thread was about our offense being loaded. In my mind a loaded offense is more about the weapons and supporting cast than the QB. When most people talk about how loaded an offense is or the level of talent in an offense, in general you don't often include the QB in those discussions. It tends to be seen as a separate discussion.

Without a QB, an offense can't be considered to be 'loaded'.

 

[WhatJustHappened]

Without a QB, an offense can't be considered to be 'loaded'.

Are you saying Drake isn't good?