The Receivers

[mgteich]

Yes, lots depends on matchups. I found it interesting that Amendola were very close in the number of reps. On our passing teams, in a game where we scored 4 passing TD's, our #2, #3 and #4 WR's totaled 3 receptions.

RECEPTIONS (25)
11 Edelman
6 Tight Ends
5 Running Backs
3 Wide Receivers not named Edelman

Many here fussed for months about our #4 and #5 receivers. As expected, they had zero receptions. With Gronk, Chandler and a receiving RB or two, the role of even the #3 WR is not likely to be a major one.

 

[PatsBoy12]

One of the things that I wonder about and will be watching is how many reps Amendola is getting early this season. There was a lot of speculation early last season as to why he was sitting out so many plays and why it seemed he was not being targeted. I even remember reading somewhere that he, himself, got frustrated at one point. But he came on so strong at the end of last season and, I could argue, was the key reason we beat Baltimore in the divisional round. I wonder if that was a direct correlation to him not playing as much early, which means he had a lot more juice left at the end. He's an injury prone guy and I fear overuse (if there is such a thing).

The issue, I know, is depth right now. He has to be out there because we just don't have enough bodies at the position. I hate that LaFell is out right now! He is one of my favorites on the team already and I love the way he plays the game. He's a complete receiver. He does everything well, including blocking. In fact, I'd put him up at the top in that category for WR's even without watching every receiver in the league. He's just that good at it.

I know you've expressed that this is a position of weakness for the team and I see your point, though I don't think it's a big deal. I'm not arguing that point so much as I'm saying that the term WR should be replaced with pass catcher. We have some really talented pass catchers at the TE and RB positions. I think those guys, as Vereen showed in the SB, are just as valuable (depending on the opponent, of course) as WR's.

 

[mgteich]

I agree with all you say.

Let's go back a couple of months. How many of us would have been satisfied with relying on Amendola AND Dobson? With health, we are in fine shape.

One of the things that I wonder about and will be watching is how many reps Amendola is getting early this season. There was a lot of speculation early last season as to why he was sitting out so many plays and why it seemed he was not being targeted. I even remember reading somewhere that he, himself, got frustrated at one point. But he came on so strong at the end of last season and, I could argue, was the key reason we beat Baltimore in the divisional round. I wonder if that was a direct correlation to him not playing as much early, which means he had a lot more juice left at the end. He's an injury prone guy and I fear overuse (if there is such a thing).

The issue, I know, is depth right now. He has to be out there because we just don't have enough bodies at the position. I hate that LaFell is out right now! He is one of my favorites on the team already and I love the way he plays the game. He's a complete receiver. He does everything well, including blocking. In fact, I'd put him up at the top in that category for WR's even without watching every receiver in the league. He's just that good at it.

I know you've expressed that this is a position of weakness for the team and I see your point, though I don't think it's a big deal. I'm not arguing that point so much as I'm saying that the term WR should be replaced with pass catcher. We have some really talented pass catchers at the TE and RB positions. I think those guys, as Vereen showed in the SB, are just as valuable (depending on the opponent, of course) as WR's.

 

[PatsBoy12]

I agree with all you say.

Let's go back a couple of months. How many of us would have been satisfied with relying on Amendola AND Dobson? With health, we are in fine shape.

That is a great question and I think we both know the answer. I certainly know I would not have been happy to walk into the season with them as our primary targets. What is your opinion on Dobson? Why do you feel it's just not working with him as of right now?

By the way, thank you for posting about football. This is not a slight at all toward anyone on the board who is occupied with the cheating stuff because that stuff is relevant, but it's good to talk just football and you're one of the few that always posts football-related threads.

 

[RayClay]

No matter what you do, there's only one football. I expect more passes to TEs in the future. Wideouts and 3rd down back will need to be prepared and focus like a laser on improving their niche.

I see Dobson having a unique role, but he'll need to be ready when called on. Maybe not a lot of touches. Amendola's role is about the same as edelman's, so he needs to be ready for games where teams overplay to stop squirrel.

When LaFell is back, his powerful YAC is unique and should grant him touches. It's almost a truism that, if the TEs aren't dominating in touches, that advantage isn't being exploited and is a waste.

 

[RayClay]

I agree with all you say.

Let's go back a couple of months. How many of us would have been satisfied with relying on Amendola AND Dobson? With health, we are in fine shape.

Me. When we picked up Kenbrell, I was ecstatic. Perfect PS signing we may never need.

 

[mgteich]

Actually, I think that it is working out for Dobson. He and Amendola are getting about the same number of reps. Both have had a career with lots of injuries, and seem ready and able to contribute. This game Amendola seem to be getting the downfield plays (with Brady missing him on one occasion). That is not a great slight on Dobson. Amendola earned his position.

My bottom line is that I am well satisfied with our three top wide receivers, and with LaFell. I also feel that, for the half of the season, this position is the relative weakness in our offense. With health, our offense should be all but unstoppable, especially in the red zone. This will be the case as long as our receivers are respected downfield. If not, the defenders will shorten the field.

That is a great question and I think we both know the answer. I certainly know I would not have been happy to walk into the season with them as our primary targets. What is your opinion on Dobson? Why do you feel it's just not working with him as of right now?

By the way, thank you for posting about football. This is not a slight at all toward anyone on the board who is occupied with the cheating stuff because that stuff is relevant, but it's good to talk just football and you're one of the few that always posts football-related threads.

 

[IcyPatriot]

My only criticism is I would hope for less production from Gronk and Edelman in easier contests ... but it is early so that will not be the case until at least mid season. I think Dobson will have a decent year and many more after this year. He may never be more than a #3 ...that's not a problem IMO. I think he will have several 5 or 6 catch games when needed. I think he will out produce Chandler and maybe even Amendola.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Actually, I think that it is working out for Dobson. He and Amendola are getting about the same number of reps. Both have had a career with lots of injuries, and seem ready and able to contribute. This game Amendola seem to be getting the downfield plays (with Brady missing him on one occasion). That is not a great slight on Dobson. Amendola earned his position.

My bottom line is that I am well satisfied with our three top wide receivers, and with LaFell. I also feel that, for the half of the season, this position is the relative weakness in our offense. With health, our offense should be all but unstoppable, especially in the red zone. This will be the case as long as our receivers are respected downfield. If not, the defenders will shorten the field.

I hear you. Your final two sentences make it so important for Dobson to come on quick. LaFell can also stretch the field a bit and, though more rare, Edelman can as well. I, like you, believe we are good enough at wideout. We look even better when we don't make the distinction between WR's and pass catchers.