Patriots.com/Andy Hart: Tom Brady, Bill Belichick want to spread the ball around

A lot of buzz this week about Brady relying too much on Edelman and Gronk, but I think it’s tad bit overblown. Of course they want to make everyone a threat to get the ball, but we’re very early in a process that has left Brady with protection issues. It’s understandable that he’s going to stick with his favorite guys at this point.

The bigger point is that the Patriots are not going to win the Super Bowl if Edelman and Gronk are the only threats in the passing game. And that’s assuming they get through a full season healthy, the chances of which go down when the defense is keying on them.

Unlike past years, there is some talent at the receiver position outside of Edelman and Gronk, but they’re still finding their comfort zone. Tim Wright is still learning the offense, as demonstrated by Brady having to tell him where to lineup one play against Minnesota. Gronk and Dobson have just a couple games under their belt after seeing no action in the preseason.

It’s hard not to be a little disappointed in Amendola, though there’s still plenty of time for him to start showing up. However he’s healthy and had a full year in the system. It’s not too much to expect more than three catches for 16 yards in two games.

As I mentioned it’s a process, you need more than two threats in January. In September it doesn’t matter all that much as long as you’re moving the ball.

After a solid protection game against the Vikings and coming home to Foxboro, Brady should have growing confidence in his offensive line. And with more film review the Pats should be able to start adjusting their offense to their strengths.