New England Patriots: Who Could Step Up in the Pats’ New-Look WR Corps?

May 10, 2013   ·   James Ermilio   ·   Jump to comments


Some say that familiarity breeds contempt.  For the New England Patriots offense, familiarity bred touchdowns, season after season.  
Continuity and chemistry is incredibly valuable to the Patriots receiving corps.  QB Tom Brady expects his receivers to read the defense the same way he does and run their option routes accordingly.  The Patriots offense is predicated on timing and decision-making, making intelligence as important to a Patriot WR's success as straight line speed or measurables (apologies to Chad Jackson).  
That's what made Wes Welker so valuable and dangerous out of the slot.  He read the same keys as Brady and made smart pre-snap decisions.  After the snap, he was disciplined with his route-running—a hard cutter who didn't get lazy and round off his routes.   
Now, Old Reliable Welker is gone, headed to Denver for a catch with Peyton Manning. And for that, the Pats better hope they can defy another...

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