Patriotic Fervor
2nd Team Getting Their First Start
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2005
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There must have been "one thing" that the coaches wished he would learn or get through his head. It seemed like they gave him enough time to prove himself while he was here. It seemed like there was he just did not "Get it". Like he did not drink the Kool aid or something. It is like they thought he had the stuff but he was missing the "it" factor.
Can somebody explain what I mean to myself?
Well, first off, if they do take the guy on, it won't be for WR purposes. It's special teams all the way.
As I remember it, Johnson's biggest problem at WR during his tenure here was that he had a lot of difficulty with timing on his routes. I think that's the main reason he looked as bad as he did. Otherwise, BB was right - you can't coach speed, and Johnson had that in spades.
With the current special teams make up on this team, Johnson might actually be able to do some very nice things, assuming he's in game shape.
As for bringing in other people for other positions rather than taking a look-see at Bethel, you have to ask, who? I've got to assume the front office and the coaching staff have done their homework here and know what they're doing, at least risk-wise.
I'd at least be hesitant to speculate on the exit possibilities of anyone on this WR corps. In my estimation, you have to look at it thusly: Moss is Moss - no further explanation required. Welker has become the go-to man in any possible tight circumstance, and his value cannot possibly be diminished. After that, you have an array of....weapons. That's what they are, and that's how they should be viewed. There is considerable talent at this level of the WR corps, and the coaching staff implements these weapons as game plans and game conditions dictate.
There is considerable debate on this board about Gaffney having supplanted Stallworth as the number 3 receiver, but I view them as interchangeable parts.
Stall's production has tailed off in recent weeks, 'tis true, but that does not mean his value to the team has necessarily been diminished. In the open field after the catch, only Moss is more dangerous.
FWIW, I think they keep their top 4 (Moss/Welker/Stallworth/Gaffney) next season, but that Stall's contract will doubtless have to be adjusted. Just like Moss, he's having the time of his life, and knows wherever he goes, it most likely won't be remotely like this. He knows what butters his bread.
Chad Jackson remains an enigma, potential personified that's been unexploited. He was a high draft pick, and in the absence of actual poor performance on the field, the Pats are usually a bit reluctant to write such projects off until such time as they have no alternative.
Should the Pats draft a WR on Day One, however, I'd begin to be a bit concerned if I were Chad Jackson. A trade wouldn't be out of the realm of the possible, however, and if that scenario came to pass, I'm sure BB/Pioli would demand just and adequate compensation!
Getting back to Bethel...if he's not signed by next Thursday, it would doubtless mean they (the Pats) (1)are looking at him for ST possibilities next year, or (2)were just engaging in a "curiosity satisfaction" episode this past week.
Hey, stranger things have happened!
