another receiver signed - Bennie Fowler

per PFT: Bennie Fowler signing with Patriots

Almost 700 ST snaps over the last three seasons. Preferably that’s all they need him for, but I guess you never know with this WR group.

I'm guessing he'll be a Pat for three weeks.

He can cover kicks. Awful as a WR though.

mcmurtry86 said:

He can cover kicks. Awful as a WR though.

Click to expand...

Hogan and Patterson combined for 2 rec for 17 yards.

Mack Herron said:

Hogan and Patterson combined for 2 rec for 17 yards.

Click to expand...

How is that relevant to Fowler

mcmurtry86 said:

He can cover kicks. Awful as a WR though.

Click to expand...

In 2015, Manning's last season, Fowler had a 64% catch rate (and caught Manning's final NFL pass in the SB - a 2-point conversion).

In 2016 & 2017, Fowler averaged a 50% catch rate with Siemian, Osweiler and Lynch throwing the ball.

- 698 receiving yards and 5 TDs in three seasons with only one fumble (self-recovered)
- averaged 227 ST snaps per season, 15 ST snaps per game (would be top-5 on the Pats)
- averaged about 2 tgts and 1 rec per game

Seems like a fine #4/#5 WR to me, especially on a 1-yr deal at the minimum salary.

ctpatsfan77 said:

I'm guessing he'll be a Pat for three weeks.

Click to expand...

Probably outlasts Coleman on the roster.

maineman209 said:

...Seems like a fine #4/#5 WR to me, especially on a 1-yr deal at the minimum salary.

Click to expand...

Not to me, even on a one-year contract at the vet minimum.

maineman209 said:

Probably outlasts Coleman on the roster.

Click to expand...

Damning with faint praise.

captain stone said:

Not to me, even on a one-year contract at the vet minimum.


Damning with faint praise.

Click to expand...

Fowler is a STer, first and foremost. If he's successful in kick/punt coverages, and isn't needed for more than about 12 catches on the season, then he's a fine signing at the vet minimum.

But, yeah - outlasting Coleman on the roster probably won't be a high bar.

Presuming that we carry a full roster, this isn't a matter of whether a player is worth the money. It is a matter of whether he is worth a roster spot TODAY, and then whether the is worth a roster spot on Game Day.

I know your frustrated at not being paid by a team for your knowledge that Fowler isn't worth having on the 53 for a tryout an in case a special teamer is heart in practice this week.

captain stone said:

Not to me, even on a one-year contract at the vet minimum.


Damning with faint praise.

Click to expand...

Kid can play. Good signing

Mack Herron said:

Hogan and Patterson combined for 2 rec for 17 yards.

Click to expand...

I don’t think Hogan is very good as the primary WR option and I think we’ve seen that experiment enough times to realize his ineffectiveness in that particular role.

mgteich said:

Presuming that we carry a full roster, this isn't a matter of whether a player is worth the money. It is a matter of whether he is worth a roster spot TODAY, and then whether the is worth a roster spot on Game Day.

I know your frustrated at not being paid by a team for your knowledge that Fowler isn't worth having on the 53 for a tryout an in case a special teamer is heart in practice this week.

Click to expand...

I think that the Fowler signing may be related to Hollister's recovery from his hamstring injury, at least in part. Over the course of last season, Hollister had developed into a pretty good player on the kick and punt coverage units. If Hollister is still limited in practice this week, Fowler may be active in his place. It seems to me that Fowler is at least a bit more likely than McCarron to be able to make positive contributions on those ST coverage units.

OTOH, if Hollister is healthy, he may be activated while Fowler sits. It's also possible that both are active while JMac sits. It'll be interesting to see how that all works out, anyway.

This idea of signing a ST player who can also play a WR is better than signing a WR who can play special teams.. particularly as a PR....

Once again we descend into the abyss of arguing over active player #47 or inactive player #53.. nice luxury, eh???

ctpatsfan77 said:

I'm guessing he'll be a Pat for three weeks.

Click to expand...

And then it will be... wait for it... Bennie and the Jets!