Terrified of our WR situation

[mgteich]

The team has made its choices.

It genuinely believes that we are stronger with Sanders/Amendola/Jones/WR4 than with Welker/Lloyd/Branch/Edelman.

The team didn't do this to reduce the quality of the offense, NO MATTER HOW THEIR DECISIONS APPEAR TO US.

 

[flasox27]

Re: And The Focus Shifts to Wide Receiver

If Brady wanted Welker on the team he would have told him to take the Pats offer before the FA period. Brady is about winning and Welker is not a clutch player as his performance in the Superbowl and the championship game illustrates. I think if iti is so important for Brady to have a receiver he knows, they should bring back Moss. He can run the same routes as LLoyd and has knowledge of the Pats system.

 

[Mack Herron]

Your 2013 WRs:


Aiken, Kamar WR 6-2 213 23 2 Central Florida
Amendola, DannyWR 5-11 188 27 4 Texas Tech
17 Ebert, Jeremy WR 5-11 195 23 R Northwestern
13 Holmes, Andre WR 6-4 223 24 2 Hillsdale
Jones, Donald WR 6-0 208 25 3 Youngstown State

 

[flasox27]

Re: And The Focus Shifts to Wide Receiver

That poster doesn't realize no wide receivers = no passing attack = no wins.

Rest assured that there will be two receivers on the field with more speed than last year to catch passes along with our tightends. McDaniel has shown the ability to develop receivers in Denver and St. Louis.

 

[Keyser Söze]

Your 2013 WRs:


Aiken, Kamar WR 6-2 213 23 2 Central Florida
Amendola, DannyWR 5-11 188 27 4 Texas Tech
17 Ebert, Jeremy WR 5-11 195 23 R Northwestern
13 Holmes, Andre WR 6-4 223 24 2 Hillsdale
Jones, Donald WR 6-0 208 25 3 Youngstown State

starting to get jealous of the jets.

 

[supafly]

Re: And The Focus Shifts to Wide Receiver

I wonder how Brady feels at this point? Cut a deal to get salary cap room and see his wide receiving corps decimated. I wouldn't blame him if he
reported to training camp in late August.

Brady made out just fine on the deal, don't let anyone fool you, especially since there's never been anyone to have a guaranteed contract over the entire life of the deal in all of sports, let alone in the last few yrs of your career in your mid to late 30's. On top of that, he trusted Kraft/Belichick and co. to develop a better all around roster and team--not just bring back Wes Welker. Let's remember that both sides benefitted, not just the front office. Brady will still walk away with double the guaranteed money that Wallace/Harvin will see in their new mega-deals as the young new faces of the NFL. We can all appreciate the flexibility of Brady and the front office, but let's not make it out like he's sitting at home sulking either.

When the WR corps is done and over, I imagine we'll have improved. In all reality many are just jumping to conclusions anyway since only the first 2 WR positions receive any significant looks, although we need some depth at the WR3 position.

We made a straight swap for Amendola/Welker--as intended. They improved the WR3 or WR4 position with Jones over Edelman. That leaves us with a hole to fill in the WR2 posititon, and really nothing else. That can be done through the draft, through FA, through a trade, or through a camp cut.

Basically we have 4 ways to fill ONE starting role/and ONE depth role (assuming that at least one of Stallworth/Branch/Edelman comes back for the back end spot of WR4 or WR5). On top of that we have 5 months to do it.

 

[upstater1]

The team has made its choices.

It genuinely believes that we are stronger with Sanders/Amendola/Jones/WR4 than with Welker/Lloyd/Branch/Edelman.

The team didn't do this to reduce the quality of the offense, NO MATTER HOW THEIR DECISIONS APPEAR TO US.

Ex-ing out Branch and Edelman would have improved the depth regardless.

What I would have loved to see was Welker/Sanders/Amendola/Jones.

 

[Jimke]

Re: And The Focus Shifts to Wide Receiver

Brady made out just fine on the deal, don't let anyone fool you, especially since there's never been anyone to have a guaranteed contract over the entire life of the deal in all of sports, let alone in the last few yrs of your career in your mid to late 30's. On top of that, he trusted Kraft/Belichick and co. to develop a better all around roster and team--not just bring back Wes Welker. Let's remember that both sides benefitted, not just the front office. Brady will still walk away with double the guaranteed money that Wallace/Harvin will see in their new mega-deals as the young new faces of the NFL. We can all appreciate the flexibility of Brady and the front office, but let's not make it out like he's sitting at home sulking either.

When the WR corps is done and over, I imagine we'll have improved. In all reality many are just jumping to conclusions anyway since only the first 2 WR positions receive any significant looks, although we need some depth at the WR3 position.

We made a straight swap for Amendola/Welker--as intended. They improved the WR3 or WR4 position with Jones over Edelman. That leaves us with a hole to fill in the WR2 posititon, and really nothing else. That can be done through the draft, through FA, through a trade, or through a camp cut.

Basically we have 4 ways to fill ONE starting role/and ONE depth role (assuming that at least one of Stallworth/Branch/Edelman comes back for the back end spot of WR4 or WR5). On top of that we have 5 months to do it.

We can always pick up a couple off the waiver wire when the final cuts are made. This is 2006 revisited. God help us if our remaining two go down in training camp.

 

[upstater1]

Not terrified. They went to an AFCCG with nobodies in 2006, and no TEs. Even with 4 guys named Moe, we've got Gronk, Hernandez and the backs. I'll take that and a stellar D over prime Randy Moss any day, especially with #12 at the helm.

And they lost.

In a year in which a good WR who didn't drop a ball when all alone at the goal line would have meant a Super Bowl ring.

That's a horrible example. It's the exact opposite of what we want to happen. If 2006 is a template, it's a template for what NOT to do.

 

[supafly]

And they lost.

In a year in which a good WR who didn't drop a ball when all alone at the goal line would have meant a Super Bowl ring.

That's a horrible example. It's the exact opposite of what we want to happen. If 2006 is a template, it's a template for what NOT to do.

Okay, so let me get this one straight...

According to you it was the WR's fault for blowing a 21-3 lead in the AFCCG?

They went 12-4 that year, and should have won the SB had the defense not blown the lead, which was the biggest lead blown in conference championship history.

But you're going to blame Caldwell for dropping a pass that Gaffney then caught for a TD anyway a couple of plays later?

 

[supafly]

Ex-ing out Branch and Edelman would have improved the depth regardless.

What I would have loved to see was Welker/Sanders/Amendola/Jones.

Not much use for both Welker and Amendola, is there?

Why would you have wanted both of them on the same team?

I can see Welker/Edelman or Amendola/Edelman, but I'm not getting the Welker/Amendola want?

At one point I too questioned if they both could be a fit here, but after a day or two to think it over it didn't appear to have much potential.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Your 2013 WRs:


Aiken, Kamar WR 6-2 213 23 2 Central Florida
Amendola, DannyWR 5-11 188 27 4 Texas Tech
17 Ebert, Jeremy WR 5-11 195 23 R Northwestern
13 Holmes, Andre WR 6-4 223 24 2 Hillsdale
Jones, Donald WR 6-0 208 25 3 Youngstown State

Is Ebert the fat one or the bald one?

 

[Jimke]

The team has made its choices.

It genuinely believes that we are stronger with Sanders/Amendola/Jones/WR4 than with Welker/Lloyd/Branch/Edelman.

The team didn't do this to reduce the quality of the offense, NO MATTER HOW THEIR DECISIONS APPEAR TO US.

Let this "cranky old man" remind you of something. No way in hell Bob
Kraft lets Belichick sign Sanders to an offer sheet. Bob would not want
to tick off the Rooney family. Don't you remember the Welker signing?
They changed the offer sheet to a trade, a #2 draft pick like the tender
offer called for plus a #7 draft pick. Perhaps something like this could occur again.

 

[upstater1]

Not much use for both Welker and Amendola, is there?

Why would you have wanted both of them on the same team?

I can see Welker/Edelman or Amendola/Edelman, but I'm not getting the Welker/Amendola want?

They are indeed a little different. KLind of like saying, why Hernandez and Gronk on same team. Yes, they both play out of the slot, but Amendola is different.

 

[Brady6]

Your 2013 WRs:


Aiken, Kamar WR 6-2 213 23 2 Central Florida
Amendola, DannyWR 5-11 188274 Texas Tech
17 Ebert, Jeremy WR 5-11 19523R Northwestern
13 Holmes, Andre WR 6-4 223242 Hillsdale
Jones, Donald WR 6-0 208253 Youngstown State

Yes on 3/16/2013

Game 1 - 9/8/2013

 

[upstater1]

Okay, so let me get this one straight...

According to you it was the WR's fault for blowing a 21-3 lead in the AFCCG?

They went 12-4 that year, and should have won the SB had the defense not blown the lead, which was the biggest lead blown in conference championship history.

But you're going to blame Caldwell for dropping a pass that Gaffney then caught for a TD anyway a couple of plays later?

Yes, the Patriots offense stalled in the second half. If Deion branch were there, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Patriots win that game. NO DOUBT.

1st drive second half: 3 and out

2nd drive: TD, Ellis Hobbs runs back 80 yards, the Caldwell drop and Gaffney TD

3rd drive: 3 and out

4th drive: 47 yards, FG. With a first down at the 18 yard line, Brady threw 2 incomplete passes to Caldwell.

5th drive: Hobbs returns to midfield. 2 incomplete passes, 45 yard field goal.

6th drive: 3 and out

7th drive: INT after incomplete to Caldwell

ANEMIC

Were it not for Hobbs, they might have been shut out.

 

[supafly]

They are indeed a little different. KLind of like saying, why Hernandez and Gronk on same team. Yes, they both play out of the slot, but Amendola is different.

Like I said, the thought crossed my mind for a day or so also, so I don't mean to act like it's a totally insane idea either, but Amendola offers an upgrade to Welker by not only working the slot but also being able to pull in some passes in the traditional sense for grabs over the mid-range portion of the body.

Welker seemed to be great at the lower ankle to midsection grabs, but wasn't as good as the higher grabs in the upper body. I honestly believe that Amendola does have better hands. The question is IF he can remain healthy enough to not miss many games, although his injuries don't really lead one to believe that they are in the chronic sense.

I would like to bring Edelman back myself, to add as an insurance policy to Amendola--should he miss a handful of games. He has also been working as a receiver outside the numbers a bit, in more of a developmental role, and also has obvious ST abilities. If they bring Edelman back I would be happy, but the writing is on the wall that they may have moved on.

 

[Brady6]

The team has made its choices.

It genuinely believes that we are stronger with Sanders/Amendola/Jones/WR4 than with Welker/Lloyd/Branch/Edelman.

The team didn't do this to reduce the quality of the offense, NO MATTER HOW THEIR DECISIONS APPEAR TO US.

I don't know that they think they're better right now but I think they believe over the next 3-5 seasons they're better off with,

Jones (25) over Lloyd (31)
Amendola (27) over Welker (33)
Sanders (25) over Branch (33)

Sometime you have to take a step back in order to take multiple steps forward. I tend to agree that the things they've done in the receiving core this offseason are what's best for the long term outlook of the position.

 

[supafly]

Yes, the Patriots offense stalled in the second half. If Deion branch were there, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the Patriots win that game. NO DOUBT.

1st drive second half: 3 and out

2nd drive: TD, Ellis Hobbs runs back 80 yards, the Caldwell drop and Gaffney TD

3rd drive: 3 and out

4th drive: 47 yards, FG. With a first down at the 18 yard line, Brady threw 2 incomplete passes to Caldwell.

5th drive: Hobbs returns to midfield. 2 incomplete passes, 45 yard field goal.

6th drive: 3 and out

7th drive: INT after incomplete to Caldwell

ANEMIC

Were it not for Hobbs, they might have been shut out.

I agree with you that they could have used a better receiver corps, and unfortunately the defense couldn't hold on--possibly due to illness and fatigue.

However, the defense itself was great that year for the most part, and they had the #2 scoring defense in the NFL, and decent secondary stats. It could be a template for providing something more along the lines of the 2006 season, but with a much better receiving corps than that.

One of the most important factors to remember in that game was that once Peyton led them to the opening drive TD and 2 pt conversion to open the second half, the score was cut to 21-14 (they kicked a FG right before the half to cut it to 21-6, which proved to be important).

Once it was 21-14 the Colts had a decent amount of momentum, the crowd was right back into it, and that momentum allowed them to continue to score many pts in the 2nd half which proved to be our downfall.

I don't think the comparison to the 2006 WR group are too relevant at this point in time though. We have the #1 replacement to Welker--hands down, and a replacement to Edelman in the WR sense with D.Jones already. The only thing we're currently missing is the replacement to Llyod whose cut was made approx. 90 minutes ago. It isn't time to panic at the moment.

 

[Brady2Moss]

Re: And The Focus Shifts to Wide Receiver

Brady made out just fine on the deal, don't let anyone fool you, especially since there's never been anyone to have a guaranteed contract over the entire life of the deal in all of sports, let alone in the last few yrs of your career in your mid to late 30's. On top of that, he trusted Kraft/Belichick and co. to develop a better all around roster and team--not just bring back Wes Welker. Let's remember that both sides benefitted, not just the front office. Brady will still walk away with double the guaranteed money that Wallace/Harvin will see in their new mega-deals as the young new faces of the NFL. We can all appreciate the flexibility of Brady and the front office, but let's not make it out like he's sitting at home sulking either.

When the WR corps is done and over, I imagine we'll have improved. In all reality many are just jumping to conclusions anyway since only the first 2 WR positions receive any significant looks, although we need some depth at the WR3 position.

We made a straight swap for Amendola/Welker--as intended. They improved the WR3 or WR4 position with Jones over Edelman. That leaves us with a hole to fill in the WR2 posititon, and really nothing else. That can be done through the draft, through FA, through a trade, or through a camp cut.

Basically we have 4 ways to fill ONE starting role/and ONE depth role (assuming that at least one of Stallworth/Branch/Edelman comes back for the back end spot of WR4 or WR5). On top of that we have 5 months to do it.

I agree with most of this. My only question is in regards to the guarantees. Didn't they simply guarantee his next 2 years of salary which he was essentially guaranteed anyway given the nature of the dead cap that would result in cutting him? I hate how the media acts like he some how magically got 30 more million in guaranteed money he was going to get that anyway.

If you or someone else could clarify this that would be great!