What's The Case for Boutte?

[Sicilian]

Boutte hasn't looked bad, it's just that his skill set kind of overlaps with too many other guys. Polk and Baker play a similar position, and you want to get them some snaps to see if they're legit. Osborn and Bourne are already veteran presences there as well. I think if WR was a simple matter of pure talent over roles/skillsets, Boutte would probably make it over Thornton. But Thornton adds a speed element that Boutte doesn't really have. And as skeptical as I am about Tyquan, that still provides more value (right now) than a fifth Z receiver.

 

[mike_usagisan]

Has Osborn done anything this preseason? If not, I could see Boutte getting in over him.

 

[Sicilian]

Has Osborn done anything this preseason? If not, I could see Boutte getting in over him.

Nothing in the games, but I think he's been kind of getting the veteran treatment. There have been decent reports from practices if I recall.

But even if he's just fine, I'd rather keep him. If it's Boutte over Osborn, you now go into week 1 with Thornton as your MOST experienced receiver. That feels too imbalanced for my tastes.

 

[Real fan 02]

Tyquan says but... but I'm running with the so called ones.

I loved hearing TT has been makes catches on gonzo in practice!

 

[Love The Drake]

I loved hearing TT has been makes catches on gonzo in practice!

Everyone has been making catches on Gonzo in practice by reports.

 

[Real fan 02]

Everyone has been making catches on Gonzo in practice by reports.

Yeah if you let them tell it... I know I saw a video clip TT made a catch seemed like during a drill nothing really competitive.

 

[mike_usagisan]

I loved hearing TT has been makes catches on gonzo in practice!

I do wonder if we need to be prepared for the defense taking a step back this season.

 

[Real fan 02]

Has Osborn done anything this preseason? If not, I could see Boutte getting in over him.

Reports have been he's been one of the best WRS all camp. I believe Osborn, Polk, pop are the starters week 1.

 

[mike_usagisan]

Reports have been he's been one of the best WRS all camp. I believe Osborn, Polk, pop are the starters week 1.

Thanks. I must have missed those.

 

[Real fan 02]

I do wonder if we need to be prepared for the defense taking a step back this season.

The camp reports are accurate. Those catches are in drills, no pass rush, or anything of real completive nature.. looked like gonzo was jogging and just shadowing the reciever.. when it was completive I've heard gonzo locked up AJ brown and was physical with devonta Smith. By virtue of loosing judon and Barmore we will still be a dam good defense.. but Barmore especially makes us elite. I'd say top 10ish.. don't forget we probably have the leagues best secondary.

 

[Sicilian]

I do wonder if we need to be prepared for the defense taking a step back this season.

I would actually be very surprised if they didn't. You lose Belichick's experience, lose your best interior rusher for an indeterminate amount of time, and have a first time play caller. I think it would be unfair to expect them to be at exactly the same level.

The HOPE, is that if the offense can improve even a little bit, that the defense won't be forced into quite as many bad field positions, and won't have to keep immediately trotting out onto the field after a three and out. If that's the case, I think production wise they can be pretty similar.

I think the defense will still be good, but if the offense is more of the same, they won't be SO good that they can cover up for the lack of complementary football.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I would much rather take my chances on a roster spot with Thornton than Boutte.

Thornton is vastly more athletic than Boutte, has an extra year in the league, and the coaches are constantly praising Thornton's camp. Very difficult to understand why people prefer Boutte. We need athleticism.

 

[Real fan 02]

I would actually be very surprised if they didn't. You lose Belichick's experience, lose your best interior rusher for an indeterminate amount of time, and have a first time play caller. I think it would be unfair to expect them to be at exactly the same level.

The HOPE, is that if the offense can improve even a little bit, that the defense won't be forced into quite as many bad field positions, and won't have to keep immediately trotting out onto the field after a three and out. If that's the case, I think production wise they can be pretty similar.

I think the defense will still be good, but if the offense is more of the same, they won't be SO good that they can cover up for the lack of complementary football.

They will have little drop off it's to be expected. It's more about the talent on the field though. With Barmore we are elite. Without him I'd say we are top 10ish. However if the offense is better this season I could live with the defense taking a slight dip.

 

[rochrist]

://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/attachments/upload?type=post&context[thread_id]=1164349&hash=78f151e1763d1fda884286fb4c6a30f6.

I think Boutte has made a great case for himself to be on the active roster this year. He has shown great ability to separate , make the tough catches, and go up and take the ball away from defenders. To the contrary Thornton has not shown much….he has continued to struggle in training camp, still has difficulty separating, and we all know how fragile he is!!!! I think Thornton is unfortunately a BUST and it’s time for him to go….Expect big things from Boutte this year!

This is contrary to every single report on training camp.

 

[mgteich]

Reports have been he's been one of the best WRS all camp. I believe Osborn, Polk, pop are the starters week 1.

Thornton is a starter. And as the mediots continue to say, this will surprise patriot fans.

 

[Zuma]

 

[Real fan 02]

I would actually be very surprised if they didn't. You lose Belichick's experience, lose your best interior rusher for an indeterminate amount of time, and have a first time play caller. I think it would be unfair to expect them to be at exactly the same level.

The HOPE, is that if the offense can improve even a little bit, that the defense won't be forced into quite as many bad field positions, and won't have to keep immediately trotting out onto the field after a three and out. If that's the case, I think production wise they can be pretty similar.

I think the defense will still be good, but if the offense is more of the same, they won't be SO good that they can cover up for the lack of complementary football.

To your points. Everything is centered around them being a much better offense. If they can be a middling offense say 14th, 15th. They would be a far better team. If the defense is logging the minutes on the field like last year then we will see a repeat of last seasons offense.

 

[Since1960]

Thornton is vastly more athletic than Boutte, has an extra year in the league, and the coaches are constantly praising Thornton's camp. Very difficult to understand why people prefer Boutte. We need athleticism.

We need “athletes” not “track stars” that can get open and *catch* the ball. Our “One Catch Wonder” (Thornton) thus far has been paid for 34 games and has 35 catches. Given those stats, I’d rather see what Boutte can do *but* the next time he makes a nice grab with his big toe out of bounds then it’s “next man up” time!

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

We need “athletes” not “track stars” that can get open and *catch* the ball. Our “One Catch Wonder” (Thornton) thus far has been paid for 34 games and has 35 catches. Given those stats, I’d rather see what Boutte can do *but* the next time he makes a nice grab with his big toe out of bounds then it’s “next man up” time!

All the reports are that Thornton is running with the 1st team and will start. We will see how it goes. I am more patient than you when someone has elite athleticism.

 

[Since1960]

All the reports are that Thornton is running with the 1st team and will start. We will see how it goes. I am more patient than you when someone has elite athleticism.

I do hope you’re right!