Reggie Wayne: Tom Brady Helpful In Spite Of Deflategate Distractions
Apparently Reggie Wayne had reasonable expectations for his preseason debut with the New England Patriots, which came just four days after the veteran wideout signed with his new team.
Wayne was targeted twice by quarterback Tom Brady. He caught neither attempt, and the second target, which Brady threw behind him, clanged off his finger tips. Still, Wayne held his head up after the Patriots’ 17-16 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers.
“I’m doing better than I thought I would,” Wayne said, via MassLive.com’s Kevin Duffy.
The Patriots’ offense is considered extremely intricate, and it’s been a stumbling block for many veteran wide receivers who have tried to play under Brady.
“I knew from afar this playbook wasn’t simple,” Wayne said.
Brady is doing what he can to help his new teammate comprehend the system, including putting in some extra work during practice.
“He’s a professional, man,” Wayne said, via the Providence Journal’s Mark Daniels. “He knows what to do. Things happen. Everybody is going to have some bumps in the road here and there. I’m sure he knows what to do, knows how to take care of that. I’m just glad, in spite of all that stuff, he’s able to pull me to the side and kind of help me out. Whatever the situation is, it is. That’s my teammate and I’m willing to do whatever I can to help.”
It remains to be seen if Wayne can catch on more quickly than the likes of Joey Galloway or Chad Ochocinco, but his first game was expectedly sloppy. The former Indianapolis Colts receiver will need to digest the Patriots’ complex offensive playbook soon, however, if Brandon LaFell — who’s still dealing with a foot injury — can’t get back on the field by Week 1.
The Patriots have just 13 days and one preseason game left before their Week 1 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Thumbnail photo via Jeremy Brevard/USA TODAY Sports Images
