Patsies sign M.Vick's old security blanket

It's very significant in that they now have one TE on their roster.

 

The TE position is such an afterthought in the Pats' offensive scheme. I don't think it matters who they pick up... I can't see any TE having more than 30 or so catches in 2010.

 

Last year was only the 2nd season in which Brady had a TE with fewer than 30 catches...and in both seasons Ben Watson had 29. You can't see any TE having more than 30 catches because you don't have any TEs on the roster capable of doing so. The system has been just fine in distributing the ball to TEs over Brady's career.

 

Actually...

With the exception of 2006, when the Patriots' receiving corps was headlined by the uber-forgettable Reche Caldwell (team leader that season with 61 grabs for 760 yards), no Patriots TE has caught more than 36 balls in a season going back 6 years (probably more... I randomly stopped there).

Watson was the leader in all of these seasons. (Year - catches/yards.)

2009 - 29/404
2008 - 22/209
2007 - 36/309
2006 - 49/643
2005 - 29/441
2004 - 30/364

The TE in their offensive scheme is probably 80/20 with blocking/routes.

 

Crumpler is a good signing for the Pats. The guy looks like an offensive guard now, he's so fat. He may be too heavy to be an effective receiving TE much anymore, but the guy can block his ass off.

 

So you are saying that Jermaine Gresham at 22 is still a possibility?

 

I wouldn't count it out, I guess. Crumpler might choke to death on a cheeseburger running a flat out route.

 

That's exaclty what I said at the HOF game last season and thought maybe as the season goes on he'll drop the weight.

Nope.

But I agree. At least now, they have a good blocking TE.

 

Per Rotoworld:

 

How does that prove your point that there's no way a TE catches more than 30 balls because of the scheme? Obviously 2008 doesn't apply since I mentioned Brady specifically. It's no coincidence that 2008 saw a low in receptions by the TE. In every other season, a TE either hit 30 catches or came very close. It's one thing to suggest that TE is geared more toward blocking than receiving in the Pats system (which I'd agree with). It's another to suggest that whomever you plug in is irrelevant.

Your initial point was that the TE position was an afterthought and any old TE could fill the position. That's simply not the case. Crumpler is a good signing because he's a solid blocker, and the Pats have largely looked for solid blockers at TE. The players they picked up prior to last season weren't random signings; they were chosen specifically for their blocking ability. They've largely looked to one pass catcher from the position. Last season was different. The Chris Baker/Alex Smith signings seemingly demonstrated a desire to get the TEs more involved in the passing game. It also seemingly failed. Still, with no Ben Watson in blue any more, don't be surprised if Belichick fills out the roster with another solid blocking TE or two and replaces Watson with one solid pass catcher. And don't be surprised if the latter exceeds 30 catches.

 

Don't forget about that Watson TE screen. Belichick loved to call that TE screen to Watson on 2nd and 3rd down once teams started to overcommit to Kevin Faulk.

 

I disagree with this. Tight end is important for the Pats, just not in the pass catching area lately. They want a tight end who is a really good blocker, and can catch some passes in situations. That's why they brought in Baker last year, and why they are bringing in Crumpler this year. The Titans coaches gave him alot of credit for helping Johnson get 2000 yards with his ability to seal off the outside and pull into holes

 

I think we're agreeing more than disagreeing... I'm not saying Crumpler wasn't a good signing (maybe, maybe not). All I know about his blocking is what I've read, but it sounds like a strong point, which is good because he'll be doing a lot of it.

I'm just saying that the TE position has not been productive in the passing game for a number of years now, probably for several reasons.

1. Scheme. The offense runs out of the shotgun about half the time. (http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/4713/an-afc-east-look-down-the-shotgun-barrel).

2. Production of Welker and Moss. There are only so many attempts per game, and if they're getting targeted 75% of the time (random number, but it's probably fairly close to that) there won't be too many passes left to distribute to everyone else.

3. Talent. Although Dan Graham and Watson were both first-rounders, Graham was never that productive as a pass catcher, and Watson has freakish athleticism but can't seem to run a good route (and also has problems with drops). He's been one of the most frustrating guys to watch because he has all the tools, but just can't seem to get it together consistently.

I'd like to see them go to the TE more often, especially in the Red Zone... I'm not saying anything along the lines of, "The Patriots just don't CHOOSE to throw to the TE." They've tried to get more out of the position (as you pointed out, with the signings of Baker and Smith last year), but in general it hasn't worked out.

 

My earlier post simply meant that no one they pick up will end up having a career year here in terms of the passing game. Of course they're looking for blockers. I just wouldn't expect Crumpler or any other FA pickup to contribute a lot in pass production.

 

The Globe thinks Aaron Hernandez (TE Fla.) could be in focus for the Pats in the 2nd round, along with either Damian Williams (WR USC, who they are having in next week prior to his pro day) or Golden Tate (Only a 2 of 7 mocks I've seen have him going in the 1st rd).

 

I keep hearing Tate too. Don't know about you, but I'd rather they use all those firsts and seconds on defense!

 

A solid young RB with one of the first 4 picks would be nice. That geriatric crew is always injured.