Last chance for Pats' second-stringers

TDJets72027 · Aug 30, 2007

The New England Patriots host the New York Giants at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Gillette Stadium in the final preseason game before things get real in just over a week. For many players, tonight is the last chance to make the squad before cuts come down on Saturday.

The Patriots (1-2) were aggressive with player acquisitions in the offseason and spent some serious time on the wide receiver position. As projected to open training camp a month ago, that spot has been major area for competition.

Troy Brown and Chad Jackson were placed on the physically unable to perform list and won't be ready until at least week seven, if at all. But heading into tonight's action there are still 10 other names on the receiver depth chart to deal with. Let's break them down.

Randy Moss: Picked up from Oakland in a trade during April's draft, Moss took less money to come to New England. He has been out of action since injuring his leg at the start of this month.

Although he has not been able to log game time with quarterback Tom Brady, Moss was working very hard in the offseason program and fitting in as a team player. Unless there is something going on behind the scenes that would anger the bigwigs, Moss is a lock to make the team.

Donte Stallworth: A free agent pickup from Philadelphia, Stallworth adds much-needed speed to the receiving corps but has a recent history of injuries. Stallworth still has a lot left in the tank and should be a major part of the offensive attack.

Wes Welker: After three years of haunting the Patriots with Miami, the small (5-foot-9) but elusive Welker comes to Foxboro loaded with talent and versatility. Look for Welker to have a big year as the slot receiver and punt return man.

Reche Caldwell: The team's leading receiver a year ago with 61 catches for 760 yards and four touchdowns, Caldwell has been quiet in the preseason and is definitely on the edge of making the team or getting the boot. His year of experience in the system might save him.

Jabar Gaffney: Came on strong at the end of 2006 with 21 catches for 244 yards and two TDs in the playoffs alone. Gaffney has turned in a solid camp and has opened some eyes. If the Pats keep six wide receivers, Gaffney is in for certain.

Kelley Washington: Picked up as a free agent after four disappointing seasons in Cincinnati, Washington adds a size element (6-foot-3) to the receiving unit. His willingness to play special teams could be the factor that gets him on the roster.

Bam Childress: On the outside looking in, but versatile enough to make a case for himself. Childress has too much accrued time to play on the practice squad, so he either makes the team or moves on. He played receiver and cornerback, but his overall mediocre talent level means he won't make the cut in this bunch.

Kelvin Kight: Same story here for Kight. He's been a project and played in four games a year ago, but the numbers crunch hurts his case and leaves him out of the picture.

Chris Dunlap and C.J. Jones: Two young guys with some skills and special teams ability, but the practice squad is the best hope for either of these kids.

So what does it all mean? Moss, Stallworth and Welker are the top three. Caldwell, Gaffney and Washington are the next in line and could force the Patriots to keep six receivers.

With the injuries that this group has gone through in the past, keeping six would be smart insurance. Of those six, only Caldwell played in every game last year.

The good news is, this a problem that most teams would like to have. And after last year's receiver-of-the-week experiment handcuffed Brady, the results are guaranteed to be better in 2007.
Click to expand...

Union Leader

jaybird15 · Aug 30, 2007

Bye Bye Kelly!

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Last chance for Pats' second-stringers

TDJets72027 Rex Ryan baby

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Last chance for Pats' second-stringers

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