Kmart and James White...

[JDot]

This has been a pretty awful year for injuries. But just trying to look to the bright side, I see Keshawn Martin and James White.

Both have really stepped up. White really gaining Brady's trust out of the back field, and Kmart sorta of with Jules roll(Punt returns too).

I found it really interesting today that Tom was looking to Martin over Lafell. I get match ups play a part of where the balls go. But Kmart has been pretty reliable, all things considered.

Obviously, the injuries on O have been bad. But just trying to look at the glass half full. These 2 have been a pretty nice surprise.

 

[EMpats]

I really like Martin as a 3rd/4th receiver. He's athletic, catches the ball with his hands, and can play both the slot and outside. Obviously it's not ideal having him as your primary receiver but I do think he was was find for this team and can help them in multiple ways even when Edelman and amendola return.

 

[JDot]

I really like Martin as a 3rd/4th receiver. He's athletic, catches the ball with his hands, and can play both the slot and outside. Obviously it's not ideal having him as your primary receiver but I do think he was was find for this team and can help them in multiple ways even when Edelman and amendola return.

Ya, no way Kmart should be a number 1 option. But if /when we get Jules and Dola back, he will be a good 3 or 4 option like you say.

Pretty impressed with the guy.

 

[Froob]

Hope Martin gets re-signed. Nice third/fourth wide out. Sucks half his catches get negated by BS penalties.

 

[HeadHunter]

I think our boy Kmart will flourish even more with Dola and Jules back, he should be able to show us even more when Defenses key in on those guys and Gronk.

 

[Tunescribe]

I wonder if anyone really does call him KMart. That would be a tough nickname to answer to.

 

[upstater1]

I wonder if anyone really does call him KMart. That would be a tough nickname to answer to.

That was the nickname for many years of Kenyon Martin in the NBA, pretty good player.

 

[strngplyr]

I like Martin's role, White is still criminally underused as a pass catcher. They go to him for one stretch per game and never look his way again.

 

[JDot]

I like Martin's role, White is still criminally underused as a pass catcher. They go to him for one stretch per game and never look his way again.

I think White not being used more, comes down to his pass protection. If you notice, he is never really asked to really stay home and pass protect. And I really think that is why he is not getting used more then what he is. The Pats seem to kinda of scheme around that when he is on the field.

I might be wrong tho.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

Brandon LaFell still exists?

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

Considering he has been absent from football for a year along with how little practice he had with the Patriots I was happy with SJ's performance. I know he didn't produce a lot of yards but I liked how he looked running with the ball. Assuming another game or two will see his comfort level and snaps grow (after this game I feel like that's a good possibility), SJ's contribution could end up being a big deal (OL?). A guy who is productive by taking the ball and hitting the hole quick and with authority has been an ingredient, IMHO, the Patriots have needed for some weeks.

I'm also happy with Martin. He appears to be shaping into a good 3/4. And if he can be a good PR that would make him a guy we definitely want to stick around.
For LaFell I think people's expectations are a bit too high for him. I categorized him as a guy could thrive off of the lesser attention he would get. But expecting him to be highly productive as a primary WR was/is, IMHO, unwarranted. I'd expect him to be less productive if he is getting the more competitive attention from a defense.

 

[IcyPatriot]

Brandon LaFell still exists?

He's banged up but someone had to play.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Martin was the WR3 across Edelman and Amendola during that small stretch when the offense was healthy. He made big plays vs. the Cowboys and Colts.

I hope come playoff time Martin is the WR3. Lafell has been atrocious this year. His production for a #1 WR in a Brady offense is worse than Reche Caldwell. He's been a bad starting WR in general this whole season.

Seriously, what happened to Lafell. Martin being a pleasant surprise should keep him off the field in the playoffs.