New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady made a telling omission while discussing the loss of Julian Edelman on Monday.
Brady, in his weekly appearance on WEEI’s “Dennis & Callahan, mentioned wide receiver Keshawn Martin as a potential fill-in but not Aaron Dobson.
“Keshawn Martin is still obviously a good player for us and is hopefully coming back here soon,” Brady said. “And I’ve got a lot of confidence in Brandon LaFell. (Danny Amendola)’s role has been very different than Julian’s was for us. I just think they’re a little different type of players. And certainly Julian has been incredible for us. Incredible.”
The Patriots acquired Martin in a trade with the Houston Texans on Sept. 17, and he had overtaken Dobson as the Patriots’ “X” receiver and Brandon LaFell fill-in after the team’s Week 4 bye. Martin has experience as both an outside and slot receiver, which is similar to the role Edelman plays in the Patriots’ offense. Martin has been hampered by a hamstring injury for the past four weeks, however, and was inactive in Weeks 7 through 10 despite practicing.
Martin, if healthy, could even overtake Danny Amendola in certain two-receiver sets. Amendola does the majority of his work out of the slot, while Edelman splits his time lining up inside and in the “Z” role, which is out wide and off the line so he can go in motion.
Amendola should see more reps as an outside receiver, but Patriots head coach Bill Belichick likes to play to his team’s strengths. Amendola has caught 29 of 34 targets for 308 yards with two touchdowns out of the slot, while he’s caught 11 passes on 14 targets for 95 yards lined up outside.
Martin was praised by Patriots receivers coach Chad O’Shea during the Patriots’ Week 4 bye for his versatility. The 25-year-old receiver has 44 career receptions for 511 yards with four touchdowns since being drafted in the fourth round out of Michigan State in 2012.
Martin is the Patriots’ most athletic receiver, based on combine testing numbers. He ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash with a 6.85-second 3-cone, 4.13-second short shuttle, 39.5-inch vertical leap and 10-foot, 2-inch broad jump. He fell out of favor with the Texans but appeared to catch on quickly before going down with the injury.
Brandon LaFell likely will stay as the Patriots’ “X” receiver, while Dobson could be used as a backup in both outside roles. Dobson received 20 snaps with one catch for 5 yards on four targets once Edelman left Sunday’s game with a broken foot.
The Patriots also signed wide receiver Chris Harper off their practice squad Tuesday. Harper impressed in training camp with 15 catches for 150 yards with a touchdown. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound rookie is similar to Edelman, since he can play in the slot or the “Z” role. Harper likely was brought up to provide depth, not to play a major role. If Martin continues to sit out with his hamstring injury, however, Harper could see reps Monday night against the Buffalo Bills.
Patriots tight ends Scott Chandler and Michael Williams also could see more reps with Edelman out. Third-down backs James White and Brandon Bolden also must produce more than they did Sunday, when they combined for just one catch and 6 yards.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said no single receiver can replace what Edelman offered to the Patriots, but they likely will rely on Martin and Amendola most heavily. The trade used to acquire Martin is looking smart with Edelman likely out until the playoffs.
Thumbnail photo via Facebook/MSUHeadCoachMarkDantonio
