New England Patriots: Five Takeaways From Final Preseason Contest
By Cyrus Geller
Aug 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) celebrates with wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (85) after scoring a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
1. Aaron Dobson looks good
With second year man Aaron Dobson out for the majority of the summer, we became obsessed with Kenbrell Thompkins and Brandon LaFell fighting for the third receiver spot. But we forgot about how good Dobson is when healthy. Last night, when I doubt he was even 100% healthy, he looked like he could dominate on the outside throughout 2014. Thompkins and LaFell are solid players, and I guarantee they will prove to be extremely valuable for the Pats throughout the year, but they simply are not Dobson.
Dobson caught three balls for 59 yards yesterday, including a 33-yard touchdown catch early in the second quarter. Dobson has the prototypical height to be a dominant outside wideout (6’3), and he has the speed, and new-found physicality to boot. The one thing that is missing from this Patriots offense is a force outside the numbers, but Dobson (if healthy), can be the guy to bring that element to this offense in the coming season.
He looked good in his cuts, fought hard for the ball, and flat-out beat defenders all night long. I can’t wait to see him paired with a healthy Rob Gronkowski.