The New England Patriots have a checkered history of bringing on long-lost running backs and receivers who come in and contribute immediately and sporadically. Soon, weeks after, they are replaced by the new flavor of the month.
Bill Bellichek has been doing this for years, and its worked like a charm. Finds like Josh Gordon and Cordarelle Patterson this year are just two examples of how the Patriots find something out of nothing.
However, everyone doesn't agree with this method. Some believe for a team to have true success, they need big name and pedigreed wideouts.
Analyst Steve Smith said on NFL Network.
“They need to stop going down to the Salvation Army to get their wide-receivers. They need to get some real wide-receivers.”
Steve Smith was known as one of the NFL's best wide receiver for a long time. The 16-year veteran who retired in 2016 had 10 seasons with 70 or more receptions and five seasons eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark.. His best season was with the 2005 Carolina Panthers. That year he led the NFL in receptions and catches with 103 and 1,563 yards respectively. He also had 12 receiving touchdowns, also leading all NFL wide receivers.
The Patriots are 10-5 on the season and are ranked first in the AFC North Divison under head coach Bellichek. They score on average 26.5 points per game, which ranks 8th in the entire league. However, their defense is not quite as good, as they do allow 21.5 points per game, which ranks 11th in the NFL.
The Patriots will face off against the New York Jets at home in Week 17.
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