https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hc9EutK6U2w
In a move that felt inevitable as soon as Jordan Matthews was lost for the season, the Pats signed receiver Eric Decker to a one-year deal. Though we all remember what a pain in the ass Decker was playing for the Broncos and Jets, he’s definitely near the end of the road. But perhaps a shot at a ring and nothing to lose with the best quarterback he’s ever played with 😉 can help him squeeze out one last productive season. You can see his most recent work above.
He was 1-6 vs. the Patriots with two touchdowns and under a 50 percent catch rate. Seems like I was more afraid of what he could do than he ever actually did. His best game against the Pats was six catches for 94 yards with the Jets in 2014.
I am eager to give him a look. He has good size and brings a similar physical presence inside that Matthews would’ve brought. Decker’s experienced and shouldn’t be holding anything back. It could turn into an interesting year with him and Brady, especially the first four weeks.
Overall I think there were a lot of people panicking about the receiver situation and I’m not sure why, whether they’re worried about no Edelman the first four games or if they just don’t see the “deep threat.” Ultimately I think the Patriots aimed to have the Dorsett-Edelman-Hogan as the primary receiving trio, regardless of what happened to Matthews or what happens to Britt or Mitchell. Patterson has already shown he can be a reliable option on the outside as well. The weaponry is there and it’s far more proven than it was in 2013 or 2006, the favorite bad receiver years of the Pats’ dynasty.
Couple that group with Gronk and James White and I can’t get myself too worried about the offense. It will be interesting weeks one through four, and maybe someone like Decker emerges in that time. But this is still a depth move more than anything. If everyone stays healthy they might not even need to dip beyond the top trio with Patterson.
I know there are still rumblings about Dez Bryant, but if the Patriots didn’t draft and are one of the 31 other teams that haven’t signed him yet, I don’t think they’ll be bringing him in anytime soon. I get that he’s talented, but he’d also be expensive and potentially volatile. Seems not worth the risk, especially for a team that prides itself on building a team, not collecting talent.
Went to camp today. I think Dorsett and Patterson will make plays in this offense. Very Poor man’s Cooks and Moss. Thinking more like contributions we got from the likes of Stallworth , LaFell, and Gaffney. Solid but not 1,000 yd plus guys. Barrios looks the part but has. A long way too go. Having Hronk and Edelman at the end of the year is huge. Have that plus Hogan, White, any of above or Britt contributing and it’s a good offense. Especially if the run Game picks up. Speaking of which Trent Brown is just huge. With Mason, the potential of Wynn, and Cannon with Gronk and Allen and this team should be able to pave some serious holes.
Wise and KVN look ready to make a leap. Excited to see them with High on the field. Claiborne, Shelton with Flowers plus rostional guys could be nice upgrade over last year, too. People don’t want to acknowledge the Pats had no answer for the run in the philly game either, a big reason why here were more safeties running around. Even though I never want to see Richards on the field again. Is this the worst pick in BB tenure? Tavon W a huge reach but could play. Ron Brace was awful. Richards just looks out of place athletically.
Thanks for sharing your observations. I think Richards might be the worst pick who played the most? Dowling, Brace, others never saw the field or were so close to defensive snaps. I mean, if something happens to Chung we’re probably getting Richards A LOT.