Nostalgia Time: Great Patriots Role Players & One Hit Wonders

[sean10mm]

This is the thread to talk about your favorite guys who at some point had a big impact on the dynasty's success, but you think are easily overlooked.

Just going to chip in two names off the top of my head:

1. Shane Vereen - The classic Pats receiving back who kind of gets lost in the shuffle between Kevin Faulk and James White, but was a key cog in the 2014 Super Bowl run, leading the team in receptions in that game.
2. Brandon LaFell - A guy who had decent talent but never really panned out anywhere in the league... except in the 2014 season for the Pats, where he was exactly the "one more piece" they needed with Gronk, Edelman and Vereen to round out the passing game nicely. He wasn't a superstar, but it only took him a couple weeks to become a steady contributor in an offense that's notoriously unfriendly to new players. And it extended into the playoffs, where he caught the game-winning TD in that insane double-comeback game against the Ravens, and chipped in a TD in the Super Bowl.

 

[Steve102]

Mosi Tatupu says hello.

 

[maust]

If we are restricting ourselves to unsung 'Dynasty' guys I'll go with Otis 'My Man' Smith for 1.0 and James Devlin for 2.0

 

[Uptown]

Ted Washington
Leigh Bodden
Brian Waters
Andre Carter
Revis
Brandon Lloyd
Talib
Akeem Ayers

Also, I’ve always liked Mike Wright before the concussions.

 

[Steve102]

I think one of the key tone setters back in 2001 was Bryan Cox.

 

[oldrover]

https://imgflip.com/gif-maker

That's JR Redmond getting out of bounds on the third of three catches in a row, on the final drive of SB 36.

FYI for the young pups.

 

[DropKickFlutie]

I still think Troy Brown is massively overlooked. A great special teams guy, receiver, also played defense when needed. Ultimate leader and team guy, and was there while we had multiple amazing win streaks spanning multiple seasons.

.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Bethel Johnson in 2003 was an unsung hero with some incredibly timely kick returns...

Titans game: McNair puts his team up late in the 4th quarter. Bethel returns the ensuing kickoff to their 15yd line, setting up a go-ahead TD with victory shortly iced later with a Ty Law pick-6.

Colts game: Colts score just before the half to make it 17-10 Pats. Bethel returns the kickoff for a TD with no time left in the half; If he gets tackled, the half was over. In the 4th quarter, the Colts tied the game at 31. Bethel returns the kickoff 67yds to the Colts 31yd line, setting up the final TD and the thrilling finish.

Broncos game: The Broncos completed a long 14-play drive with under a minute left in the half to recapture the lead at 17-10. Bethel returned the kickoff 60+ yards deep into Broncos territory, allowing the Pats to steal a FG before the half in the tightly-fought intentional safety game.

Then of course he had the big TD catch to open the scoring in the frigid rematch against Tennessee.

Regards,
Chris

 

[tasmlab]

Ultimate one-hit wonder has to be Jonahs Grey.
- Plays like one game
- Breaks an NFL record for rushing and four TDs in a game
- Gets a Sports Illustrated cover
- Never plays again.

 

[Sully]

What about Mike Cloud? Had a few big games for us.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

If we are restricting ourselves to unsung 'Dynasty' guys I'll go with Otis 'My Man' Smith for 1.0 and James Devlin for 2.0

The way Otis got torched in SB31 by Andre Rison and by Marvin Harrison in Indy after Otis' return in 2000, I had visions of Bruce or Holt blowing by him for a cheap TD. Lo and behold, he held up very well in SB36. I tip my cap to him.

And Develin was huge in the team's recent run, especially in 2018. Losing him in 2019 really hurt. I hope he recovers fully.

Regards,
Chris

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

What about Mike Cloud? Had a few big games for us.

The BC product had a moment in that 2003 season for sure.

Regards,
Chris

 

[oldrover]

https://imgflip.com/gif-maker

“Drop kick me, Flutie, through the goalposts of life!”

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

That's JR Redmond getting out of bounds on the third of three catches in a row, on the final drive of SB 36.

FYI for the young pups.

JR had some big moments in the Snow Bowl as well.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Mosi Tatupu says hello.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

JR had some big moments in the Snow Bowl as well.

Regards,
Chris

pre 'Dynasty' [The Big Valley?]


Anyway, Eugene Profit blocking a punt in crunch time to beat the Saints at the Super Dome in '86 for our 7th straight win

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Bethel Johnson in 2003 was an unsung hero with some incredibly timely kick returns...

Titans game: McNair puts his team up late in the 4th quarter. Bethel returns the ensuing kickoff to their 15yd line, setting up a go-ahead TD with victory shortly iced later with a Ty Law pick-6.

Colts game: Colts score just before the half to make it 17-10 Pats. Bethel returns the kickoff for a TD with no time left in the half; If he gets tackled, the half was over. In the 4th quarter, the Colts tied the game at 31. Bethel returns the kickoff 67yds to the Colts 31yd line, setting up the final TD and the thrilling finish.

Broncos game: The Broncos completed a long 14-play drive with under a minute left in the half to recapture the lead at 17-10. Bethel returned the kickoff 60+ yards deep into Broncos territory, allowing the Pats to steal a FG before the half in the tightly-fought intentional safety game.

Then of course he had the big TD catch to open the scoring in the frigid rematch against Tennessee.

Regards,
Chris

Big play of the game catch vs. Seahawks in Foxborough that year too

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

How can we forget:



I think the Pats are the only team with three OT postseason wins. All three on first-possession drives after winning the coin toss.

I hope the Pats find a red jacket small enough when they induct the coin into the HOF.

Regards,
Chris

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Big play of the game catch vs. Seahawks in Foxborough that year too

Following season, my friend.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

I still think Troy Brown is massively overlooked. A great special teams guy, receiver, also played defense when needed. Ultimate leader and team guy, and was there while we had multiple amazing win streaks spanning multiple seasons.

.

He's in the Pats' HOF.

Mosi, Fairbanks, Francis, Stingley and especially Julius belong in there.