An Independent Patriots Blog
Less than a week into free agency, the Patriots have picked up three veteran receivers in Stallworth, Gonzalez and Brandon Lloyd. And it appears that they are doing with the wide receiver spot what they did with the defensive line spot last season: bring as many tested veterans in, sift through and find the ones who can play, and toss the rest.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/less-than-a-week-into-free-agency-the-patriots/
Michael Lombardi reports the Patriots have also signed Robert Gallery, the 2nd overall pick from the 2004 draft. Gallery came into the league as a tackle, but was moved to guard. He had a rough year with Seattle last year, projects as a versatile back up for the Pats. And he looks like The Undertaker so that’s a bonus.
Donte Stallworth returns to the Patriots on a one year deal per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
This should surely make a lot of Patriots fans very happy, not only the nostalgic ones, but those clamoring to add some deep speed to the roster.
With the addition of Brandon Lloyd, Anthony Gonzalez and now Stallworth it seems clear that the Patriots want to add a new wrinkle to their offense come hell or high water. And as much as I hate to say it they’re absolutely protected if Welker were to hold out (though all signs have pointed to that not happening) or hoodie-forbid get injured.
This does put an even bigger question mark over Chad Ochocinco, though I’m still of the opinion that they should keep him around for camp.
Ultimately you only need one of the three free agent wide receivers to truly emerge and there’s been enough thrown at the wall that one of them should, with the favorite of course being Brandon Lloyd. Additionally the Pats should be in line to have a much better 4-WR package in 2012. As much as the 2-TE offense was tough to stop in 2011, it will no longer have to be their bread and butter, and instead just another tool in the toolbox when it’s needed.
It seems clear that Josh McDaniels is having a big influence in adding multiple receiving threats, and it might be safe to say we should be seeing more spread offense out of the Pats again in 2012.
I think the Patriots signing Anthony Gonzalez is borderline insignificant, the equivalent of the Red Sox signing a Carlos Silva. Gonzalez is a nice player to bring to camp, but he’s made five catches in the last three years. He’s had hamstring, knee, ankle, groin and concussion issues since 2009. Good camp guy with speed, but it’ll be an upset if he’s anything more than that.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-think-the-patriots-signing-anthony-gonzalez-is/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8estrbty0U8
Here’s newest Patriot Daniel Fells catching a touchdown for the Rams in 2010. Looks like the Patriots won’t plan on just carrying Gronk and Hernando at tight end. Fells should give them some flexibility, but he’s definitely more than just a third tight end to serve as a blocking specialist.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/heres-newest-patriot-daniel-fells-catching-a/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVAo0PsTE6k
Greatest Games: Rob Gronkowski vs Washington Week 14, 2011 (by PatriotsRazorDotCom)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/greatest-games-rob-gronkowski-vs-washington-week/
From what I hear about Gonzalez, he’s the perfect Patriots player. Hard-nosed, tough, smart, a good teammate — sounds positive. But there’s one more quirky reason Gonzalez fits right in. Ready for this one? He’s also been maimed by a cheap shot from Patriots killer Bernard Pollard. Seriously. According to a column by ESPN’s John Clayton in November of 2010, Gonzalez’s season was ruined by a PCL injury suffered from a Pollard cheap shot. He was then playing with the Texans. Some of Gonzo’s injury issues stemmed from that hit. In Indianapolis, he was never quite able to get over all of that.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/from-what-i-hear-about-gonzalez-hes-the-perfect/