Prisco names Chad Jackson in his 2008 "Breakout" 30

[JoeSixPat]

Seems like Prisco's high on Jackson's potential - though I'm sure he's going to generate the ire of certain Patsfans by suggesting that the Patriots need a third receiver to step up.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10882613

29. Chad Jackson, WR, New England Patriots: He has had two injury-plagued seasons that have limited him to 13 catches. That should change now that he's healthy. With Donte' Stallworth gone to the Cleveland Browns, the Patriots need a third receiver to step up. Jackson has the size and speed. Now that he's a year-and-half removed from a torn ACL, this is his time.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Et tu, Prisco?

 

[OhExaulted1]

I'd like to see the Wendy's guy step up along with CJ. They're both overdue to produce.

 

[RayClay]

That clinches it. Start sculpting the bust.

 

[?????]

Prisco is a moron. Really he's clueless.

 

[fgssand]

While it would be great to see Chad Jack "step up" and claim a position that seems tailor made for him, he has not yet proved he is capable. But he does not really have too as Gaffney is very capable 3. Priscoe seems to forget that about Gaffney and a couple of pass catching TE's and a RB that could easily make up for any kind of deficiency at the # 3 WR, especially when #1 & #2 are as good as you can find.

Also, does he really think David Harris is going to increase his tackle numbers in 2008 - significantly?? In 2007 there were only a handful that had higher than 127 (not 125 as Priscoe says) tackles - other than Willis at 170 and maybe Beason and DJ WIlliams and at 140 - he already had a high number - I don;t see him surpassing that in 2008 and if he does, the Jet "D" will really suck as he will be on the field forever. Personally, I think the Jets will miss Hobson more than they realize.

10. David Harris, LB, New York Jets: He started nine times last season and was a tackling machine in those games. He is an active linebacker who knows how to get to the football. He had 125 tackles in 2007. That number will jump significantly in 2008.

 

[pats1]

Prisco is a moron. Really he's clueless.

How so? Many people have noticed the Pats are giving Jackson every opportunity to win the job outside, and that Gaffney is the backup plan. I don't know if you've read the minicamp reports, but Jackson has begun to turn things around and most people are expecting him to win the job and breakout this year. Hell, I've been saying that since March 2007. Same with Dave Thomas.

 

[pats1]

While it would be great to see Chad Jack "step up" and claim a position that seems tailor made for him, he has not yet proved he is capable. But he does not really have too as Gaffney is very capable 3. Priscoe seems to forget that about Gaffney and a couple of pass catching TE's and a RB that could easily make up for any kind of deficiency at the # 3 WR, especially when #1 & #2 are as good as you can find.

Also, does he really think David Harris is going to increase his tackle numbers in 2008 - significantly?? In 2007 there were only a handful that had higher than 127 (not 125 as Priscoe says) tackles - other than Willis at 170 and maybe Beason and DJ WIlliams and at 140 - he already had a high number - I don;t see him surpassing that in 2008 and if he does, the Jet "D" will really suck as he will be on the field forever. Personally, I think the Jets will miss Hobson more than they realize.

Gaffney isn't the prototypical #2 outside receiver. Jackson is. While Gaffney did perform well last season at #2 (that is, if you call Welker a "#3," only because he's in the slot), he'd make a great opposite slot, #4 wide receiver. Jackson has the physical abilities that Gaffney doesn't, and his attitude (he was one of the youngest players on the team last season, and the youngest his rookie year) seems to have adjusted. Like I said, every indication from minicamp has Jackson starting camp atop the depth chart opposite Moss.

 

[JoeSixPat]

While it would be great to see Chad Jack "step up" and claim a position that seems tailor made for him, he has not yet proved he is capable. But he does not really have too as Gaffney is very capable 3. Priscoe seems to forget that about Gaffney and a couple of pass catching TE's and a RB that could easily make up for any kind of deficiency at the # 3 WR, especially when #1 & #2 are as good as you can find.

Yes - "need" is certainly a relative term when you're talking about a team that was offensively dominant as the Patriots were. But of course there's potential for the offense to be even more effective (even if that means Moss and Welker's numbers dropping.)

It may be that Prisco thinks the team would benefit from the additional deep threat that Jackson could provide on the opposite side from Moss and views Gaffney as more of a 10 - 12 ypc possession receiver - and looks at RBs and TE's in a similar manner.

 

[JSn]

Speed and good hands up the left are really going to do a number on D's this year, especially with a healthy running game. I'm rooting for Chad. I agree that if covering the Patriots means sneaking a few extra guys on the field, so be it. haha

Really, though, Stallworth wasn't uber-productive last year (correct me if I'm wrong) for a guy with #1 potential, but he still gave D's cause for concern. We need that back and we need to keep the idea of destroying records out of mind (but how cool would it be to break a few more?).

I'll admit I don't know much about Dave Thomas, but he make a mean double-bacon cheese.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Really, though, Stallworth wasn't uber-productive last year (correct me if I'm wrong) for a guy with #1 potential, but he still gave D's cause for concern. We need that back and we need to keep the idea of destroying records out of mind (but how cool would it be to break a few more?)

I'd say Stallworth's presence was definately a factor in defensive schemes up to mid season. When they saw that the Patriots were not turning to him very much - and indeed when Gaffney began taking more reps - obviously they gave much less attention to him.

I think its unlikely we'll ever see a coach come out and state exactly why that was. Some believe strongly that Stallworth just sucked as a deep threat WR and therefore that's why he was never really used like that.

But it may be that Stallworth, while a credible deep threat, was never able to show he could be an all around receiver at least in the Patriots system (and of course given his salary level at that of the team's #1 deep threat WR, it was a no brainier the Pats weren't going to pay him what his contract called for, nor compete with the Browns' offer either)

A recent blurb from RotoTimes seems to hold this view: http://www.rototimes.com/article/2008/6/Fantasy-Football-Impact-Report-Donte-Stallworth

Teams are finally starting to realize that Stallworth is not much more than a deep threat and should be used (and defended) as such. This isn't a knock on Stallworth; he is one of the best at what he does and can drive defenses crazy.

Given what we saw of Chad Jackson in college - where he was much more than just a deep threat WR - I can see where his upside and potential to give the Patriots the alternative deep threat and all around WR they potentially desire is significant.

He's still yet to do it on the field of course - but if healthy we know the raw materials are there.

 

[PromisedLand]

Excellent summary, JSP. I absolutely agree. And I don't think it's spin.

 

[signbabybrady]

Chad Jackson has a boat load of talent. As pointed out he is healthy. And now 3 years in he should know the system very well, it is time for him to shine. Dust off those jerseys that you bought a few years ago because he is going to break out this year.

 

[fgssand]

Gaffney isn't the prototypical #2 outside receiver. Jackson is. While Gaffney did perform well last season at #2 (that is, if you call Welker a "#3," only because he's in the slot), he'd make a great opposite slot, #4 wide receiver. Jackson has the physical abilities that Gaffney doesn't, and his attitude (he was one of the youngest players on the team last season, and the youngest his rookie year) seems to have adjusted. Like I said, every indication from minicamp has Jackson starting camp atop the depth chart opposite Moss.

I have not given up on the Chad Jack by any means. I love his size, speed, hands all of it - not sure if his head & body has caught up to his potential yet (immaturity issues year one and knee surgery). This is his time to prove it. My only point was that Priscoe simply did not even mention Gaffney, who in his third year can and has filled the WR opposite RM position quite capably. Gaffney is no Stallworth (who had a better postseason than all our WR's except Welker), but he is reliable and should be even more comfortable in year three with NE.

No doubt, having Gaffney backing up Welker, Jackson and Moss is most desirable - I just want to see Chad Jackson make the name for himself that we all had hoped. Surely, he looks to me to be a better WR than Jennings, but he needs to prove it.

Priscoe was off target the way he phrased his comments by insisting that Chad Jack must step up and become the # 3 (opposite RM of course, not in the slot), and totally ignoring the productive and capable Gaffney.

 

[?????]

How so? Many people have noticed the Pats are giving Jackson every opportunity to win the job outside, and that Gaffney is the backup plan. I don't know if you've read the minicamp reports, but Jackson has begun to turn things around and most people are expecting him to win the job and breakout this year. Hell, I've been saying that since March 2007. Same with Dave Thomas.

Nothing to do with Jackson at all, or even this article. Have you read any other articles from Prisco? He really is an idiot.

Revis and Harris (The two Jets in that list) are players who I am unbelievably excited about, he was right to name them in the list. Doesn't take away from the fact that he's a moron which he's proved time after time in the past.

 

[?????]

Also, does he really think David Harris is going to increase his tackle numbers in 2008 - significantly?? In 2007 there were only a handful that had higher than 127 (not 125 as Priscoe says) tackles - other than Willis at 170 and maybe Beason and DJ WIlliams and at 140 - he already had a high number - I don;t see him surpassing that in 2008 and if he does, the Jet "D" will really suck as he will be on the field forever.

Harris started 9 games last season, I think missing almost half the season (Thanks Mangini) may have dragged down his tackle #'s a tad. He had the highest Tackles per game ratio in the league. He was a pure beast for us when he came in last season and this year he will have a much better NT in front of him so there should be much more space for him to work with. It's a nightmare for any Linebacker to have Dewayne Robertson as a 3-4 NT.

Personally, I think the Jets will miss Hobson more than they realize

Please God tell me you are kidding. Hobson is addition by subtraction, and don't for one second think I'm saying that because he went to the Pats, where in fairness he could be a pretty decent rotation guy. He was a God awful starter though.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Gaffney isn't the prototypical #2 outside receiver. Jackson is. While Gaffney did perform well last season at #2 (that is, if you call Welker a "#3," only because he's in the slot), he'd make a great opposite slot, #4 wide receiver. Jackson has the physical abilities that Gaffney doesn't, and his attitude (he was one of the youngest players on the team last season, and the youngest his rookie year) seems to have adjusted. Like I said, every indication from minicamp has Jackson starting camp atop the depth chart opposite Moss.

I'm wondering what it is about Gaffney that makes you say he's not a prototypical #2? His speed? Ability to go deep perhaps? As you said he's an excellent slot receiver and seems to run routes well.

If Jackson can offer more than Gaffney and earns his starting spot, given Jackson's attributes, how do you see affecting our offense? Do you think it might actually improve or become more dominant over last year?

 

[pats1]

I'm wondering what it is about Gaffney that makes you say he's not a prototypical #2? His speed? Ability to go deep perhaps? As you said he's an excellent slot receiver and seems to run routes well.

If Jackson can offer more than Gaffney and earns his starting spot, given Jackson's attributes, how do you see affecting our offense? Do you think it might actually improve or become more dominant over last year?

Speed. Size. Playing style.

As far as the offense, of course. I've been high on Jackson since he was drafted. As I said in the 2007 offseason when Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Washington, and Brady came along, 2008 would be the year when Jackson and Thomas would shine. Well, judging by the fact that Thomas will have to suck badly to lose the #2 spot that has been essentially given to him, and the fact that they have not replaced Stallworth on the roster, it's obvious that they really are looking for Jackson and Thomas to live up to their draft status and begin the era of their effectiveness in this offense.

We all know about Jackson's talents, but we also heard about some potential attitude problems, and then of course the injuries. I think the Jackson is really looking to capitalize on this opportunity that the Pats are giving him to develop into a premier NFL receiver across from Moss. The chemistry between Gaffney and Brady is undeniable, but chances are you'll still be seeing a lot of spread formations from the Pats this season, even with more of Maroney's and Morris' ground game than we saw last year. But Gaff right now is a veteran backup plan to the offensive presence Jackson is expected by the Pats to be.

My feeling is that, come November when Moss, Jackson, and Welker are comfortably installed as the productive top-3 that they're capable of being, the love affair that PatsFans seems to have with Gaffney will hopefully end. Again, I'm not saying that I don't like Gaffney (I've been accused as such for giving Caldwell the edge over him coming off the 2006 season), but by June and July, Belichick and the Pats have a pretty good idea of what each player's role is going to be on the team. Training camp will certainly refine that, but seeing Jackson out there opposite Moss in minicamp, seeing him perform, and hearing him talk about the opportunity that he was given means something.

 

[fgssand]

Harris started 9 games last season, I think missing almost half the season (Thanks Mangini) may have dragged down his tackle #'s a tad. He had the highest Tackles per game ratio in the league. He was a pure beast for us when he came in last season and this year he will have a much better NT in front of him so there should be much more space for him to work with. It's a nightmare for any Linebacker to have Dewayne Robertson as a 3-4 NT.



Please God tell me you are kidding. Hobson is addition by subtraction, and don't for one second think I'm saying that because he went to the Pats, where in fairness he could be a pretty decent rotation guy. He was a God awful starter though.

1) While he only started 9 games.....he saw plenty of action before he started. However, if you take away his 17 tackle Buffalo game and his 24 tackle redskin game (both jet losses) his stats are very ordinary, actually. I am not trashing Harris by any means, wish we had him.

2) Playing Hobson as an OLB seems to me to be out of position- yet he still started 14 games. However, was probably the best thing that ever happened to Victor as it paved the way for him to come here.

Good players (his 2006 numbers look prety good to me) tend to play very well when they play on very good teams.......Hobson will fit right in playing a position better suited for his skills,in the middle where his smarts and technique (rarely gets beat one on one) will enable him to do very well here.

This will be a great addition for NE and because of that it will reflect negatively on Mannotsogenius.

 

[Leave No Doubt]

Gaf's done a great job but IIRC he was never picked up to become a #2 receiver- he was better than Reche overall and at that time the WR situation wasn't exactly dynamic. But Gaf's developed and imo is a solid player, he's got some chemistry with Tom, and other teams aren't all over him either which helps. Gaf's dependable too, for the most part. He's a good addition to our offense and imo plays an important role.

But the potentially amazing addition to our offense will be a healthy, gamed CJack.
If CJ represents as advertised and stays healthy, our offense is just sick. Wes, Gaf, Moss, CJ, Maroney, Morris, a 100% pre-injury Dave Thomas...ARE you kidding me. Throw in an improved D and life is good in Flying Elvis Land :rocker: