Rivers released; Troy's clock started

[pats1]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2007/11/rivers_released.html

November 6, 2007
Rivers released
By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff

The Patriots announced the release of TE Marcellus Rivers today.

Rivers' release clears a spot on the 53-man roster. That spot could potentially go to WR Chad Jackson or CB Eddie Jackson, as the team must make a decision with both players tomorrow on whether to place them on season-ending injured reserve or the active roster.

The move with Rivers is not unexpected. The Patriots have Benjamin Watson and Kyle Brady as tight ends on the roster, and used offensive lineman Russ Hochstein as a third tight end Sunday.

Also, the Patriots officially started the clock on WR Troy Brown today.

Posted By: mreiss | Time: 07:01:03 PM

 

[BradyManny]

My bets on CJ being activated. That's too much talent to shelve for the remainder of the season.

 

[Mack Herron]

Agree that CJ goes active. If it had been EJ, I think they would waive Ventrone. Which could still happen, but CJ and EJ deadline is tomorrow, so they would need to create two spots to activate both. My guess is that EJ goes to IR. Mitchell returns to STs for Rivers.

 

[BradyManny]

As I just said in another thread, Reiss speculated in his recent mailbag that Mitchell would be ready to return by the Bills game and that Eddie Jackson was not healthy enough to contribute yet. Just want to throw that out there, though either way, I think CJ replacing Rivers is the most obvious move right now.

 

[patsox23]

The Pats would be well served to at least get a GLIMPSE at Chad Jackson prior to next year when they'll have a lot of decisions to make on guys like Moss, Stallworth, Washington and Gaffney. Hope it works out. And I hope Rivers stays close.

 

[ATippett56]

The Pats would be well served to at least get a GLIMPSE at Chad Jackson prior to next year when they'll have a lot of decisions to make on guys like Moss, Stallworth, Washington and Gaffney.

The decision for Randy Moss by the Patriots organization is a "no brainer".

 

[sebman2112]

Has anyone mentioned the fact that Chad Jackson played out of the slot a lot in college, he's 6'1" and weighs 215-220lbs?

The point is that CJ can replace Rivers as an inside receiving option, and he's big enough to help out as a blocking WR. Kelley Washington also fits that blocking role, but I don't think he's as good of a receiver out of the slot.

 

[mgteich]

Rivers wasn't our slot receiving option. He was our insurance in case one of our two blocking TE's are injured. Is it strange to hear Watson called a blocking TE?Well, he blocks more than he catches passes. It is that role tht would be missed if he were to be injured again.

Has anyone mentioned the fact that Chad Jackson played out of the slot a lot in college, he's 6'1" and weighs 215-220lbs?

The point is that CJ can replace Rivers as an inside receiving option, and he's big enough to help out as a blocking WR. Kelley Washington also fits that blocking role, but I don't think he's as good of a receiver out of the slot.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Wow! I must be the only one surprised that it's Rivers who's gone instead of Ventrone. Missed that prediction by a mile. BB must correctly figure Rivers will still be available on the shadow roster if needed as an emergency warm body at TE.

 

[The Predator]

What does it mean to start the clock on troy? does that mean we need to decide his fate in 21 days?

 

[ctpatsfan77]

What does it mean to start the clock on troy? does that mean we need to decide his fate in 21 days?

Si, senor.

 

[sebman2112]

Rivers wasn't our slot receiving option. He was our insurance in case one of our two blocking TE's are injured. Is it strange to hear Watson called a blocking TE?Well, he blocks more than he catches passes. It is that role tht would be missed if he were to be injured again.

I know Welker is the slot WR, and Watson is the main receiving TE, but Rivers was used as a receiving option, epecially when Watson was out. I didn't say he was a slot receiver, though.

I mentioned that Chad played out of the slot a lot in college so people would realize he's at least used to working over the middle, and could help replace that inside receiving option, if needed. I also think CJ & Washington could help out as blocking WR's if in-game injuries called for it, but NE would likely just bring in another O-linemen, or Vrabel if they really needed a blocker.

Rivers will probably stay around on the shadow roster, and if there was a serious injury to one of the TE's, I'm sure NE would sign him or another TE.

Also, I've been pretty happy with Watson's contributions as a blocker this year, have you?

 

[oldrover]

Rivers' hands cost him the spot.

 

[spacecrime]

Wow! I must be the only one surprised that it's Rivers who's gone instead of Ventrone. Missed that prediction by a mile. BB must correctly figure Rivers will still be available on the shadow roster if needed as an emergency warm body at TE.

Wait a day. Tomorrow you may find Ventrone gone, and the Jackson Brothers on the roster.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I fully expect Ventrone to be gone. Was just surprised at Rivers but now upon reflection I'm not. ST play rules.

 

[BradyManny]

I mentioned that Chad played out of the slot a lot in college so people would realize he's at least used to working over the middle

Yes, Chad has for some reason been considered primarily a deep threat, but he thrived in the slot in college. How about a 4 wide set with Stallworth and Moss outside and Chad and Welker inside. That would wreak havoc

 

[BradyManny]

I fully expect Ventrone to be gone. Was just surprised at Rivers but now upon reflection I'm not. ST play rules.

Ventrone will be gone, IMO - as soon as there is a suitable ST replacement, whether it's a healthy Mitchell or Eddie Jackson. Rivers spot clearly seems to open the door for CJ.

 

[PatsSteve1]

What does it mean to start the clock on troy? does that mean we need to decide his fate in 21 days?

Yes. I'm a bit surprised it wasn't Ventrone as well. If it means Chad Jackson is activated, when will he have his breakout game?

 

[mgteich]

I have also been quite satisfield with Watson as a blocker. If he is injured, that is the role that is hardest to replace. I just don't want to be in the position of signing a street TE if there is an injury. I don't like counting on the shadow roster. During the game, O'Callaghan and Hochstein are both decent options as a blocking TE. Vrabel should be restricted to the goalline jumbo package.

I've heard Chad Jackson projecting as many things. I had never considered him a strong option as a blocker. Jackson will likely be our #6 WR as of tomorrow. He will project as an inactive for the next game. I do expect him to move up on the depth charts. He could move up enough to cut Gaffney (or Washington). Personally, I would like to see him replace Gaffney if he can show himself to be an upgrade.

I know Welker is the slot WR, and Watson is the main receiving TE, but Rivers was used as a receiving option, epecially when Watson was out. I didn't say he was a slot receiver, though.

I mentioned that Chad played out of the slot a lot in college so people would realize he's at least used to working over the middle, and could help replace that inside receiving option, if needed. I also think CJ & Washington could help out as blocking WR's if in-game injuries called for it, but NE would likely just bring in another O-linemen, or Vrabel if they really needed a blocker.

Rivers will probably stay around on the shadow roster, and if there was a serious injury to one of the TE's, I'm sure NE would sign him or another TE.

Also, I've been pretty happy with Watson's contributions as a blocker this year, have you?