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Wow - I am surprised at how many people think that these heavily talented receivers would thrive here despite compelling if not overwhelming evidence to the contrary. One main reason the Patriots don't often go for high-priced wide receivers is the very high bust rate in New England due to a very complex offense that requires a lot of chemistry, film breakdowns, and quick read-and-react. True, a lot of the guys we've brought in have been late in their careers, guys like Joey Galloway, Reggie Wayne, Chad Ochocinco, Torry Holt, etc., but reports have almost always said their reason for not making it is the playbook, since the Patriots weren't expecting blazing speed from these free agent bargains.
I don't think it's as simple as giving an incredibly talented player a few routes to run and figuring he will "stretch the field". The Patriots have very high standards for their WRs; in addition to the playbook and offensive philosophy, they are also looking for guys who can block well. Being a great route runner is part of the puzzle but by no means everything. You also have to analyze and understand which route to run. It helps to look at players who have thrived here despite that they may not be, or were not as, good in other offenses. Deion Branch comes to mind.
Yes, I realize that Randy Moss thrived here - for a couple of years - but Moss has been singled out many times by BB as a very intelligent wide receiver, and let's remember he initially came here at a very low cost. I really don't think you can just take a lot of guys and throw them into this offense to get similarly elite results. Not to say that some of the top-tier wide receivers wouldn't be great. DeAndre Hopkins has been brought up. Guys like Julio Jones and AJ Green - well, I'm guessing they would fit in, but still not 100% sure. I know there are certainly some players like Dez Bryant who would fail miserably despite having all the talent in the world.
I don't think it's as simple as giving an incredibly talented player a few routes to run and figuring he will "stretch the field". The Patriots have very high standards for their WRs; in addition to the playbook and offensive philosophy, they are also looking for guys who can block well. Being a great route runner is part of the puzzle but by no means everything. You also have to analyze and understand which route to run. It helps to look at players who have thrived here despite that they may not be, or were not as, good in other offenses. Deion Branch comes to mind.
Yes, I realize that Randy Moss thrived here - for a couple of years - but Moss has been singled out many times by BB as a very intelligent wide receiver, and let's remember he initially came here at a very low cost. I really don't think you can just take a lot of guys and throw them into this offense to get similarly elite results. Not to say that some of the top-tier wide receivers wouldn't be great. DeAndre Hopkins has been brought up. Guys like Julio Jones and AJ Green - well, I'm guessing they would fit in, but still not 100% sure. I know there are certainly some players like Dez Bryant who would fail miserably despite having all the talent in the world.