New England Patriots Rumors: Brandon Lloyd Could Provide Jolt Pats Offense Needs
Monday, February 13, 2012
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| StLouisRams.com |
NFL Writer
Whether the New England Patriots make another deep playoff run next season – and finish the job – may hinge on the team bringing in a play-making wide receiver, such as Brandon Lloyd.
With both Wes Welker and Deion Branch’s contracts set to expire, there are big decisions to be made this offseason in Foxboro.
The need for a down-field receiver is nothing new for the Patriots since Randy Moss was released and has been a contributing factor in each of the team’s past two playoff knockouts against the New York Jets and New York Giants. They thought they had solved the issue last year with Chad Ochocinco, but he was a virtual non-factor in Foxboro this season.
Though the Patriots took the Giants down to the wire in the Super Bowl, it is easy to see the value in bringing Lloyd in. New England’s over-reliance on Rob Gronkowski was exposed late in the Super Bowl, as they were unable to convert on key third downs in the fourth quarter with the injured tight end serving as a decoy. With Aaron Hernandez (eight catches, 67 yards and a touchdown) blanketed, Tom Brady was forced to try to find Welker on a vertical route rather than his normal curl and crossing routes.
Conversely, the Giants took advantage of their deep receiving corps, all of whom have the ability to make downfield catches, late in the game. Brady didn’t have a receiver during New England’s last two drives who was a threat to hurt the Giants the way Mario Manningham’s 38-yard sideline catch during the Giants’ final drive burned the Patriots.
The effect of potentially signing Lloyd, who has made clear his desire to continue to play for Josh McDaniels, is tied to with whether Welker stays a Patriot.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been vocal about the team’s need to keep Welker since the summertime, but it remains to be seen whether the money is right for both sides. Much of the New England offense revolves around Welker’s route running, and his departure would leave a huge void in the New England offense.
Even if the Patriots are able sign Lloyd, it’s hard to argue the Patriots would improve without Welker’s 100-plus catch production. And dating back to the Moss days, Welker’s underneath production has been immense in creating space for other New England receivers and tight ends. Without Welker, opponents could focus more energy on Gronkowski, Hernandez and Lloyd while not worrying about giving up chunks of yardage underneath.
With Welker and Lloyd, however, the Patriots offense could be devastating. Lloyd (30 years old) is four years younger than Ochocinco and proved last season he could be productive in a struggling Rams offense.
Brady would be able to take advantage of his outside burst and long arms instead of having to be perfect on every throw underneath. Teams would also no longer be able play mainly man defense while occasionally doubling Welker and sending help on seam routes for Gronkowski or Hernandez.
The Steelers did this against the Patriots and Brady was unable to make them pay. The threat of Lloyd on the outside with Welker running his curls and the tight ends in the seams would be a lot for teams to game plan against.
While signing Lloyd could be a great deal for the Patriots, he wouldn’t have nearly the same impact if Welker is taken out of the equation.
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