We Do Not Need Any More Receivers

[unoriginal]

How will Ashlie Lelie upgrade the position?

 

[maverick4]

We had one of the most balanced teams this past year, and would have gone to the Superbowl if we had not suffered major defensive injuries. If Seau or Rodney had never gone down, I believe the Patriots would not have lost their big lead against the Colts. We went from the 2nd-best scoring defense to one of the worst, once we lost our depth.

 

[PATRIOTS-80]

ok, unoriginal, you just strengthened my argument...

There's just one d@mn WR in FA that could upgrade the position, and we won't get him!!!!!!!!!! So just stop "the sign a FA WR" nonsense!!!

 

[upstater1]

We don't need more WRs, we just need better ones than the 5 we had.

+1 I completely agree.

Tom Brady didn't look good this year. Not in the playoffs either. I blame the WRs for that. Even at the end of the year we looked bad. Against the Chargers, nada. Against the Colts, sucky. We need a wideout that will allow Caldwell and Gaffney to take on their natural roles as #2/3 receivers.

Letting David Givens go was a good decision. I can't blame the Patriots for the Branch fiasco, but if he was on the team, I'm 99% certain Brady would be getting fitted for his 4th ring.

Do we absolutely need a WR to win? No. But I think the lack of a #1 is definitely a reason we didn't win this year.

 

[NYCPatsFan]

While I do believe the Pats should draft heavily on defense, I would not be shocked if they drafted Dwayne Bowe in the first round.

Imagine if they do. Next year would be an introductory year for Bowe and I think CJ will have a decent year, but I see the explosion with wr's in 2008. Stats indicate CJ breaks out in his 3rd year.

Imagine having Gaffney, Caldwell, CJ, and Bowe in our stable of wr's. I'd say that is a healthy compliment of wr's.

Agree fully. And I like your quote better.

Go Pats!!

 

[unoriginal]

ok, unoriginal, you just strengthened my argument...

There's just one d@mn WR in FA that could upgrade the position, and we won't get him!!!!!!!!!! So just stop "the sign a FA WR" nonsense!!!

I'm with you. There's not much out there that's an arguable upgrade from our starting two. Kevin Curtis? Bobby Wade? Kelley Washington? All these people stomping for more WRs are like babies throwing their rattle: don't want what they got but don't know where the next one's gonna come from.

(The rest of this is not directed at Patriots-80)

There are half a dozen wide receivers out there in FA that MIGHT be as talented as Gaffney and Caldwell. It's 50/50 whether they excel in the offense. And from there its anyone's guess if they'll win a starting spot.

Then you have the people stumping for a wide receiver high up in the draft. That's a great solution, if we're looking for a starting receiver for the 2009 season. And of course there's the off-chance he might bust. I like how the logic goes on this: Chad Jackson did nothing his rookie year. Might be a bust. Solution: draft another wide receiver and immediately ask for meaningful contributions in our complicated passing scheme. I'll look forward to all y'alls mystified posts come November where the rookie'll get called lazy, stupid, and immature. No doubt these threads will come accompanied by calls to "stop being so cheap" and go after the next "sure thing" WR in FA.

The Pats will pick up a mid-tier FA if they like him better than Troy Brown/Chad Jackson at the number three spot. Expecting anything more in the offseason carries with it the high likelihood of me having to read your maniac depressive rants about "the system" come camp time, and that's something I'm simply not interested in. Please temper your silly expectations and arrive at the realization that the Pats will find a bunch of scrap heap wide receivers that will make casual fans go "WHO???" all the while avoiding whichever nutcase the Redskins are courting and simultaneously declining to give up a 1st/2nd/3rd/candy bar for Randy Moss.

The Pats already have many perspective players on the roster that can fill that last open wide receiver slot, some of whom are special teams wizards like Jonathan Smith and Kelvin Kight. There will be rookie FAs and probably a late draft pick, perhaps another veteran cut like Jabar and Smith last year, and even if we make absolutely no moves this offseason, out of that swarm of unheralded players I think someone will emerge that will do what the Pats need, and will do so for a minimum contract value.

 

[GoWhalers]

+1 I completely agree.

Tom Brady didn't look good this year. Not in the playoffs either. I blame the WRs for that. Even at the end of the year we looked bad. Against the Chargers, nada. Against the Colts, sucky. We need a wideout that will allow Caldwell and Gaffney to take on their natural roles as #2/3 receivers.

Letting David Givens go was a good decision. I can't blame the Patriots for the Branch fiasco, but if he was on the team, I'm 99% certain Brady would be getting fitted for his 4th ring.

Do we absolutely need a WR to win? No. But I think the lack of a #1 is definitely a reason we didn't win this year.

In general, I agree with you. The Patriots' ability to move the ball, either in the air or on the ground, was extremely hampered during the playoffs. The defense, on the other hand, played great despite the revolving door of injuries. That one I'll credit to Belichick.

The Pats-Chargers game really highlighted our lack of offense. The offensive line did a great job in pass protection all day, but we could not run the ball, nor could receivers get open. It was only because of an amazing effort by the defense and a few good bounces that the offense had a chance to win that game.

The Pats-Colts game was similar in a lot of ways, although the offense got off to a better start. When the Patriots needed some first downs to either rest the defense or kill the clock, they just couldn't get it. Those repetetive 3-and-outs will wipe out even a Pro Bowl defense (see: Bears).

I don't necessarily know that we have to draft a WR in the first round -- part of me would like to see us draft a great run-blocking OL -- but we had better get some players in on offense who can help move the chains. Brady is god, and he carried this team to the AFCG with the help of the defense. But we could not get 10 yards when it mattered, and especially against the tougher playoff defenses.

What would have happened if we had faced Baltimore? Maybe 10-6 Pats, all safeties!

 

[Coog548]

WR needs an upgrade but its not the most imporant thing this offseason.. Theres no true #1 receiver. I know alot of people believe thats there no need for a #1, but there needs to be an upgrade of what we have. However though if Chad Jackson becomes what everyone believes he will be then theres the #1 and Caldwell and Jaffney will be good on the other side of him. If we could get that receiver from LSU or a top reciever in the draft then they must do it. They should not reach in FA or the draft for one though.

 

[The Gr8est]

If Caldwell makes the catch when he was uncovered on the sidelines and scores, are we even having this conversation?

It was ONE play.

 

[The Gr8est]

I'm with you. There's not much out there that's an arguable upgrade from our starting two. Kevin Curtis? Bobby Wade? Kelley Washington? All these people stomping for more WRs are like babies throwing their rattle: don't want what they got but don't know where the next one's gonna come from.

(The rest of this is not directed at Patriots-80)

There are half a dozen wide receivers out there in FA that MIGHT be as talented as Gaffney and Caldwell. It's 50/50 whether they excel in the offense. And from there its anyone's guess if they'll win a starting spot.

Then you have the people stumping for a wide receiver high up in the draft. That's a great solution, if we're looking for a starting receiver for the 2009 season. And of course there's the off-chance he might bust. I like how the logic goes on this: Chad Jackson did nothing his rookie year. Might be a bust. Solution: draft another wide receiver and immediately ask for meaningful contributions in our complicated passing scheme. I'll look forward to all y'alls mystified posts come November where the rookie'll get called lazy, stupid, and immature. No doubt these threads will come accompanied by calls to "stop being so cheap" and go after the next "sure thing" WR in FA.

The Pats will pick up a mid-tier FA if they like him better than Troy Brown/Chad Jackson at the number three spot. Expecting anything more in the offseason carries with it the high likelihood of me having to read your maniac depressive rants about "the system" come camp time, and that's something I'm simply not interested in. Please temper your silly expectations and arrive at the realization that the Pats will find a bunch of scrap heap wide receivers that will make casual fans go "WHO???" all the while avoiding whichever nutcase the Redskins are courting and simultaneously declining to give up a 1st/2nd/3rd/candy bar for Randy Moss.

The Pats already have many perspective players on the roster that can fill that last open wide receiver slot, some of whom are special teams wizards like Jonathan Smith and Kelvin Kight. There will be rookie FAs and probably a late draft pick, perhaps another veteran cut like Jabar and Smith last year, and even if we make absolutely no moves this offseason, out of that swarm of unheralded players I think someone will emerge that will do what the Pats need, and will do so for a minimum contract value.

Rational posting will get you nowhere....knock it off!

 

[wdkantro2]

I can't believe some people actually think we should draft a WR. Don't you guys remember we drafted one last year, and you *****ed about him all season? Why would you want to go through that again?
I don't see how you can sign someone to try and be the #1 guy, because Gaffney and Caldwell have proved they can play, and you don't want to bump Chad off the depth chart before the kid gets a chance. If only Ricky Proehl were 5 years younger, he would be a solid pickup....we need a guy like that to be a surehanded guy who can play almost any WR role.

 

[maverick4]

Then you have the people stumping for a wide receiver high up in the draft. That's a great solution, if we're looking for a starting receiver for the 2009 season. And of course there's the off-chance he might bust. I like how the logic goes on this: Chad Jackson did nothing his rookie year. Might be a bust. Solution: draft another wide receiver and immediately ask for meaningful contributions in our complicated passing scheme. I'll look forward to all y'alls mystified posts come November where the rookie'll get called lazy, stupid, and immature. No doubt these threads will come accompanied by calls to "stop being so cheap" and go after the next "sure thing" WR in FA.

It comes from the Matt Millen school of team-building. Keep wasting picks on receivers, without patience, until one pans out!

 

[upstater1]

If Caldwell makes the catch when he was uncovered on the sidelines and scores, are we even having this conversation?

It was ONE play.

Yes, we are. Our offense was repeatedly abused by aggressive defenses this year. Brady was being blitzed, the run game was run blitzed. We had safeties in our backfield all season. It's a problem.

 

[dhamz]

If Caldwell makes the catch when he was uncovered on the sidelines and scores, are we even having this conversation?

It was ONE play.

Yes. We would. Would we think we didn't need to increase speed at LB if we don't have 12 men in the huddle and convert that last drive into a first down? Of course we would. Even championship teams have holes and spots they can improve.

Our offense struggled at times this year because our WRs couldn't get open. At other times, teams were able to crowd the line of scrimmage and stuff our running game because our WRs aren't downfield threats. There is no denying that. Why would we not want to improve what is clearly a position of weakness?

And where does the idea come from that a team with our cap room and our draft picks has to pick between LB, S, CB, or WR? We have the opportunity and means to improve all of them. Why would we not try to do that?

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Agree fully. And I like your quote better.

Go Pats!!

Thanks, I believe we're about to enter even better times in Patriots football for these enxt three years at least. Just need to deal with the next few months from that loss.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I can't believe some people actually think we should draft a WR. Don't you guys remember we drafted one last year, and you *****ed about him all season? Why would you want to go through that again?
I don't see how you can sign someone to try and be the #1 guy, because Gaffney and Caldwell have proved they can play, and you don't want to bump Chad off the depth chart before the kid gets a chance. If only Ricky Proehl were 5 years younger, he would be a solid pickup....we need a guy like that to be a surehanded guy who can play almost any WR role.

I think most players they draft will suffer a transition period in the NFL. I think CJ is going to be dynamite his third year. If they draft a wr with one of their top 3 picks, I see the wr being a minor contributor in year one, but in year two(CJ's third) it could be scary for the rest of the NFL.

But honestly I think the Pats will look at who will be major rivals(Indy and SD) and look at the ways they must upgrade.

Against Indy they need to have quicker and more secondary help IN GENERAL.

Against SD they need to be more stout against the run behind the front three.

If they don't upgrade one or two of those lb positions they will be in trouble playing indy. Even someone who can cover gates. you figure rivers will get even better.

they need some defensive help to go up against these teams.

 

[The Gr8est]

Yes. We would. Would we think we didn't need to increase speed at LB if we don't have 12 men in the huddle and convert that last drive into a first down? Of course we would. Even championship teams have holes and spots they can improve.

Our offense struggled at times this year because our WRs couldn't get open. At other times, teams were able to crowd the line of scrimmage and stuff our running game because our WRs aren't downfield threats. There is no denying that. Why would we not want to improve what is clearly a position of weakness?

And where does the idea come from that a team with our cap room and our draft picks has to pick between LB, S, CB, or WR? We have the opportunity and means to improve all of them. Why would we not try to do that?

Fair enough, but we would be talking about it just like any other position in need of improvement, not as the achilles heel that prevented us from winning the SB.

 

[AzPatsFan]

In general, I agree with you. The Patriots' ability to move the ball, either in the air or on the ground, was extremely hampered during the playoffs. The defense, on the other hand, played great despite the revolving door of injuries. That one I'll credit to Belichick.

The Pats-Chargers game really highlighted our lack of offense. The offensive line did a great job in pass protection all day, but we could not run the ball, nor could receivers get open. It was only because of an amazing effort by the defense and a few good bounces that the offense had a chance to win that game.

The Pats-Colts game was similar in a lot of ways, although the offense got off to a better start. When the Patriots needed some first downs to either rest the defense or kill the clock, they just couldn't get it. Those repetetive 3-and-outs will wipe out even a Pro Bowl defense (see: Bears).

I don't necessarily know that we have to draft a WR in the first round -- part of me would like to see us draft a great run-blocking OL -- but we had better get some players in on offense who can help move the chains. Brady is god, and he carried this team to the AFCG with the help of the defense. But we could not get 10 yards when it mattered, and especially against the tougher playoff defenses.

What would have happened if we had faced Baltimore? Maybe 10-6 Pats, all safeties!

Gee... Its a shame that you unable to watch the playoffs. The Offense averaged 31.6 points per game in the playoffs. That sure sucks not being able to move the ball and score and score against "the tougher Defenses"...

You sound like a Clots fan complaining the Offens is bogging down when they didn't get to fifty.

 

[DaBruinz]

if WR aint a need then why is Safety?

future replacement for Troy.
safety: future replacement for Rodney

i think Sanders is the replacment though.

Safety is a need because the Pats need someone to replace Eugene Wilson. The kids confidence is near non-existant as a free safety. Ever since he broke his arm against the Eagles. 2005 and 2006 were major disappointments. 2005 because it was supposed to be his breakout year and 2006 because he was mimicing 2005 and then got injured.

Who says that the Pats don't already have a replacement for Troy? It could be Kight. It could be Childress, though I think he is gone, honestly. The Pats will probably draft his replacement, though not until the 3rd or 4th round. David Ball and Chris Davis would be sweet.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Safety is a need because the Pats need someone to replace Eugene Wilson. The kids confidence is near non-existant as a free safety. Ever since he broke his arm against the Eagles. 2005 and 2006 were major disappointments. 2005 because it was supposed to be his breakout year and 2006 because he was mimicing 2005 and then got injured.

Who says that the Pats don't already have a replacement for Troy? It could be Kight. It could be Childress, though I think he is gone, honestly. The Pats will probably draft his replacement, though not until the 3rd or 4th round. David Ball and Chris Davis would be sweet.

I'm not down on Eugene. He never got started this year and probably tried to do too much last year when Rodney went down.

In general the way I saw Baltimore's defense swarming, the Pats definitely need speed i the secondary and if they could get a top notch safety, even with some versatility, I think they'll draft one. Just need playmakers.