Arrivals Of RB Fred Taylor, And TE Chris Baker!
By Matt DeLucia
The New England Patriots, so far during this free agency period are making all the right moves. With the arrivals of RB Fred Taylor, and TE Chris Baker to bolster the offense for New England. Added on top of the re-signings of OL/G Russ Hochstein and FS James Sanders returning to the team, the Patriots have been pretty active so far this tear. The best part about these moves is that the team’s doing so, without breaking the bank and spending millions upon millions.
With fans of the Patriots having plenty of reasons to be enjoying them also, since all of the above mentioned players can and will have an instant impact on the team. Hochstein can fill in at just about any spot on the offense line, which is a HUGE plus especially when an injury pop up unexpectedly. As for Sanders returning to help out in the secondary (which is much needed) he’s a young player that’s still learning all the roles, but most importantly he’s been healthy the past few seasons.
Bringing in players that fit the mold of the Patriots team is always a plus, and that’s what both Taylor and Baker are. Players that can impact the offense from day one with the play-making ability, personalities and leadership roles. Taylor may be getting over the hump so to speak in terms of age but anyone that’s seen him over the past few seasons in Jacksonville knows he’s got plenty left in the tank. Plus he doesn’t have to be the everydown player, not with Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris and Laurence Maroney being on the roster also.
As for Baker, who has the ability to not only catch the ball and make things happen, he can open up the field for the Pats receivers with his hustle and blocking ability also. Which is great when you have Randy Moss and Wes Welker on the outside, it could make the difference for them in getting open and scoring easier now. Now all the team needs is to find that third go to receiver for next year, since Jabar Gaffney has left and signed with the Broncos. The question now is where does the team find that third receiver, is it the draft or the mediocre crop of receivers left on the open market.
That answer will come soon enough question in regards to the Patriots receiving core. But remember no matter who it is, one thing’s for sure they’ll need to fit the Patriots style and mold on offense. Oh and being able to catch the ball when your wide open (unlike Gaffney) in a requirement, lol. Just wanted to point that out briefly!