Pop is an unusual player.
That is, he doesn't fit the New England model of a slot receiver. He's not a shifty, high playing strength, good ball carrier, need-six-yards-catch-the-ball-at-four-and-bull-your way-for-the-other-two type. Edelman was the model for that and others have tried to imitate him.
Pop is a slot receiver, but he does his best work further downfield. He doesn't have the flat-out speed or playing strength to burst through tackles -- his sweeps and reverses are disappointing -- and he falls over. What are his strengths, then? He has amazing hands and ball-tracking abilities. The thing that makes him fall over (positioning himself to take the ball off-balance) is just what enables him to make great catches.
Unfortunately for him, the slot role was taken by Diggs soon after the start of the season (I think they initially wanted Diggs to play outside). So except for a few great plays (I'm remembering New Orleans and Cincinnati) he didn't have that many opportunities.
Don't give up on Pop, cap'n!
