Donte Stallworth to IR

[patfanken]

That was just surprising and fast. You know it was funny, but I wondered why Stallworth looked so unhappy at this locker interview after the game. He probably was in some pain, but didn't know how bad it was.

I can only echo Fencer's remarks. I'm sure we all hope he gets his ring.

Branch looks like the obvious choice to replace him, but I wonder what exactly he gives us that we don't already have in Brandon Lloyd, only a lot better. He still can't get separation against man coverage, and the only routes he can run now are short and intermediate ones.

While Stallworth might not have been the all round receiver Branch was, he could at least do some things that Branch can't. Looks to me that the most likely choice is giving Slater his shot. He HAS the speed, even though he's never been a natural receiver. He HAS been going to the WR practices for the last 5 years. He MUST have improved a little?

 

[BingoBrown]

Is it possible Branch had nagging injury which prevented him from getting open?Fans here, treat this coaching staff as if they are a bunch of morons.

What if they told Branch to take some time to heal up.

 

[Lamanai]

I don't get all the hate on Branch.

Good hands, runs good routes, willing and able blocker and is always in the place he's supposed to be when he's supposed to be. Oh, an a track record of raising his game for the big contests. Guess that is not enough because people think "he can't get separation anymore.". I keep seeing that phrase. Was that ever really his thing?

Welcome back, Deion.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

While Stallworth might not have been the all round receiver Branch was, he could at least do some things that Branch can't. Looks to me that the most likely choice is giving Slater his shot. He HAS the speed, even though he's never been a natural receiver. He HAS been going to the WR practices for the last 5 years. He MUST have improved a little?

Slater like myself has speed to get open but as the ball approaches unlike all god WRs, he has no clue how to converge on it but worst of all fights the ball like a kung fu master. Other than that he's a great stretch the field deep threat.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I don't get all the hate on Branch.

Good hands, runs good routes, willing and able blocker and is always in the place he's supposed to be when he's supposed to be. Oh, an a track record of raising his game for the big contests. Guess that is not enough because people think "he can't get separation anymore.". I keep seeing that phrase. Was that ever really his thing?

Welcome back, Deion.

He's slower than Brady. Really, he is.

 

[PatriotReign]

What's with all the branch bashing, yah he's lost a step yah he's a bit slower yah he's older. But you got to admit when everyone else is covered and others teams look past branch, Brady knows right where he is and branch knows where to be. They always seem to connect. And not always but sometimes you see branch make big plays in openings.

For the first time since Edelman torched the Jets for a long touchdown on thanksgiving we had a WR who could actually stretch the field. Excuse me if I'm not ecstatic to see old man Branch back. Don't get me wrong the guy has done a lot for this team over the years but at this point he has almost nothing left.

Though where we really missed out was getting Reggie Wayne to come here during the offseason. I didn't think he would have been a good signing but after the year he's had, boy was I wrong.

 

[BananaRepublican]

I was not impressed with Stallworth. Ran and was caught from behind (something he said last time would never happen).

The defender was fast but he also had reached top speed while Stallworth was trying to accelerate and dodge other guys.

What the hell do you want? He got over the goal line in a big game on a big play and your niggling about how he did it?

 

[MoLewisrocks]

I really have to wonder if he's actually injured or not. He was interviewed post-game and he seemed fine. I'm guessing they're just making room for Branch.

No, I almost posted that I wouldn't be surprised. After the TD he disappeared. He was standing over on the sidelines holding on to something and and someone was working on his leg. I thought sure the hammy had tweeked on that awkward lurch for the EZ. Might not be a big deal but at this juncture they aren't holding roster spots for anyone for more than a day or two.

Shiancoe was a real waste of one not to mention that short term IR slot. Might have been nice to have that back for the olympian.

 

[RIpats88]

dissapointing...while Branch is probably more reliable...I was excited about the prospect of being able to have more plays like that.

maybe we could bring back Jabar Gaffney? he sure has some speed as well.

 

[BananaRepublican]

I don't get all the hate on Branch.

It's not hate. It's pure disappointment that we're losing a deep threat and gaining little to no threat.

Don't let Kukulkan scare you on the 21st. And I do think the skull is real but they won't get it back because there is little justice in this world. We got robbed.

- Xunantunich

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I don't get all the hate on Branch.

Good hands, runs good routes, willing and able blocker and is always in the place he's supposed to be when he's supposed to be. Oh, an a track record of raising his game for the big contests. Guess that is not enough because people think "he can't get separation anymore.". I keep seeing that phrase. Was that ever really his thing?

Welcome back, Deion.

Because many Pats fans dig the long ball.

That said, I'd rather have more of Vereen's 83 yarders than more of Edelman's/Stallworth's bomb TDs.

 

[upstater1]

So, I'm probably the only one who prefers Branch!

Stallworth did little here back when he had speed.

One great catch and suddenly he's a threat??!

I understand what everyone is saying about Branch, but know this. He struggled last year with injuries, did very little, and then when crunch time came in the Super Bowl and Brady was looking for him on 3rd and 17s, 4th and 19s, suddenly, he was the only guy on the field who could make the play. And he did. he converted that big 4th down. He was also wide open on an intermediate route on the play before that and Brady threw behind him.

I want Deion as insurance. I have confidence that he will be there in the crunch.

Don't get me wrong, if Stallworth could do what he did yesterday even once more, I'd prefer him. But having seen him play in the past, I have little confidence in that.

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

Damn it.I couldnt believe when i saw it.:bricks:Is there anyone out there at this point besides Deion?

Not much available, maybe try someone's practice squad.

Best Available NFL Free Agents - Offense | The Sideline View

Mike Williams
Chad Johnson
Terrell Owens
Mark Clayton
Lee Evans
Jabar Gaffney
Jason Hill
Greg Camarillo
Legedu Naanee
Adrian Arrington
Deon Butler
Brett Swain
Bryant Johnson
Mike-Sims Walker
Demetrius Williams
Rashied Davis (slot)
Anthony Gonzalez (slot)
Blair White (slot)
David Anderson (PR) (slot)
Preston Parker
Maurice Stovall (TE)
Jerheme Urban (slot)
Chansi Stuckey
Arnaz Battle (PR)
Michael Clayton
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Derrick Williams (slot)
Carlton Mitchell
Jarett Dilliard
Logan Payne
David Clowney (KR)
Terrence Toliver
Jaymar Johnson
Nick Miller (PR/slot)
Chastin West
DeMarco Sampson
Max Komar (slot)
Jamel Hamler
Dominique Curry
Dexter Jackson (PR/KR)
Jesse Holley

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

Nice flip-flop everyone. Funny how a week ago there was a thread about Stallworth and the the majority of posters complained about the signing saying he was done. Now a week later, everyone's upset he's going to IR.

 

[Froob]

what the...how? when? Damn....anybody know what David Patten is up to these days?

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

So, I'm probably the only one who prefers Branch!

Stallworth did little here back when he had speed.

One great catch and suddenly he's a threat??!

I understand what everyone is saying about Branch, but know this. He struggled last year with injuries, did very little, and then when crunch time came in the Super Bowl and Brady was looking for him on 3rd and 17s, 4th and 19s, suddenly, he was the only guy on the field who could make the play. And he did. he converted that big 4th down. He was also wide open on an intermediate route on the play before that and Brady threw behind him.

I want Deion as insurance. I have confidence that he will be there in the crunch.

Don't get me wrong, if Stallworth could do what he did yesterday even once more, I'd prefer him. But having seen him play in the past, I have little confidence in that.

Stallworth looked like he still had some legs. Deion hasn't looked like he has much left in the tank but is probably the best available option.

 

[BradyManny]

On the one hand, it now seems that the fate of the Patriots season rests heavily on the health of its weapons, moreso than at any other point. The loss of Edelman looms large.

On the other hand, Brady has been deprived of his full weaponry all season and is putting in an MVP caliber season.

I would hope Gaffney is on speed dial.

And as insane as it sounds, if Aaron Hernandez were to get hurt, somebody has to play that position, and its not Gronk, Hooma or Fells - I have to wonder if Belichick would even consider calling upon the clearly unstable and uncommitted Kellen Winslow. He's about the only body out there that can play that position in our offense with the release of Shiancoe.

Its also possible Shiancoe goes unsigned and we can get him back if the need arises.

Either way, I don't like to think about it...

 

[scout]

The defender was fast but he also had reached top speed while Stallworth was trying to accelerate and dodge other guys.

What the hell do you want? He got over the goal line in a big game on a big play and your niggling about how he did it?

Not at all. I just didn't see it as a game saving catch, and I understand an opponent was running at full steam. After he caught the ball, did you think to yourself, wow that guy sure can run? Right before that catch, he looked lost. So in his last stint with the Pats, how many catches did he make?

 

[TheBeers]

It would be really cool if Slater could suddenly become a mediocre WR... Definitely has the speed. Unfortunately, I don't think that's ever happening.

 

[alvinnf]

This is a real bummer. I was excited to have his speed out there. Personally I felt like he would add a whole new dimension to this team. One more type of weapon to worry about. It's unfortunate.