Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
3. Keshawn Martin after a week of study
In his first game as a Patriot, Martin impressed, snagging three passes for 33 yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars. It will be interesting to see how a week of playbook study benefits the former Texan as he adjusts to the Patriots’ complicated offensive scheme. Martin is trying to carve out a role for himself that will keep him relevant on the roster when Brandon LaFell returns from the PUP list.
During practice last Wednesday, Martin was seen sporting a black jersey, which is given to the best practice players of the week. It’s clear that the veteran is squirrelling his way into Tom Brady’s bank of trust.
#Patriots practice players of the week: Justin Coleman, Darius Fleming, Khyri Thornton, Asante Cleveland, Keshawn Martin & Tavon Wilson.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 30, 2015
Here’s a picture of Martin cutting so sharply to get open for Brady on that touchdown that he spun his man on the ground:
Keshawn Martin changed direction on his TD route when Brady broke the pocket and caused Aaron Colvin to fall pic.twitter.com/IdogtIeIym
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 28, 2015
If Martin heats up, the Patriots are truly going to have an embarrassment of riches at Brady’s disposal.
Next: 2. Lewis-Blount up against an elite run defense