Branch and Gaffney have both been much better players than Stallworth in recent years. Stallworth has 41 total catches from 2008-today.
No question. And while his 47 catches for the Pats in 2007 weren't bad, there was no way the Pats were going to keep him with a $6 million price tag in Year 2 when Moss had proven he was the better player.
Now obviously Stallworth has had a string of bad luck since then - in injuries and incarceration alone - and hasn't exactly had ample opportunities to show what he can do when healthy and not under house arrest.
But in those fleeting moments when he's been healthy and had a chance to show how much is left in the tank, he's not done much.
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say I hope he proves all the naysayers wrong - but this is probably is last chance to show he can contribute - a very tall order for a guy stepping back into the game, even with some familiarity with Brady and the system.
But between Stallworth, Branch and Gaffney (who I think is still ineligible - with Branch still injured with a hammy I think) Stallworth is the best option and may even get some reps to go long, draw coverage, and perhaps give Lloyd a better opportunity to make some deep catches.
I think between now and the playoffs, it's in the team's interest to showcase Brandon Lloyd as a dangerous weapon. If Stallworth has any speed left at all, at the very least perhaps that will stretch defenses and give Lloyd a better chance to make some catches.
That's my hope anyway.
