NOW I buy the "Washington's pre-season role shows he's staying" argument

[Rob0729]

I seriously doubt any of us missed the fact that we started out wanting to get Maroney a bunch of action. But something I also didn't miss was the fact that Washington kept on playing, and Caldwell saw more action later with the (other) 2's and 3's.

Caldwell played with the first unit since one of his receptions we thrown by Brady. After the first two drives (where Maroney ran for most of the plays) they started to rotate Caldwell in with Washington. I didn't see Caldwell play at all with the third stringers other than two plays. Both Caldwell's and Washington's night pretty much ended around the same time. Washington's night ended on the last drive in the third and Caldwell's ended on the first drive in the fourth. I think you are overstating it a bit.

 

[sieglo]

Washington can't hold Caldwell's jock.

 

[cstjohn17]

Washington can't hold Caldwell's jock.

If he could it would add to his versatility and may help him gain a roster spot.

 

[Metaphors]

Injuires.

Moss, Stallworth, Gaffney, Brown and Jackson.

The depth chart is made up of players who can actually take the field. Troy and CJ aren't on the depth chart and who knows what Gaffney's status is. Take them away and Caldwell is likely the 4th WR, which is a dramatically different situation from a #5. I've been saying all along that the Pats will keep 5 WR and Caldwell/Gaffney are in a battle for the #4 spot. The loser gets cut and looks for a better opportunity elsewhere. Considering Caldwell is 27 and Gaffney is 26, I'm sure they would appreciate being cut over rotting on the bench in their contract year.

I would expect the 5th WR, 4th RB and 3rd TE to all contribute on special teams. Evans certainly isn't the best option the Pats could come up with as a RB, but his play on multiple ST units keeps him on the team. I think it is the same consideration for the 5th WR and 3rd TE spots. I don't know who is getting it done on ST for those spots, but I bet they will be on the roster on Sunday.

I figure there are about 36 roster spots needed to field an offense and defense that can cover the various formations (4 wide, jumbo package, nickel, dime, etc.) and effectively manage an injury to any position. Add the 3 specialists and you have 6 gameday actives left, including the above mentioned 5th WR, 4th RB and 3rd TE. These 6 are the core STers (Izzo, Woods, Evans, Andrews, etc.). If you keep a veteran, non-ST 5th WR...then one of those ST aces has to go, or at least be inactive. Who are you going to cut/sit so that Caldwell/Gaffney can have great seats while waiting for Moss to pull up lame?

 

[mgteich]

The decision is with us again. gaffney practiced today.

 

[DaBruinz]

Neither of these things are true, but, um...okay.

Really? Because that is what MOST people who have reviewed the tape have said. Washington's made a few catches and been in on STs plays, but has not been the 1st player on the seen. As I stated yesterday, from my previous viewings, he looked to be the 4th to 6th person in on the coverages. That's not good when he's supposed to be a gunner.