Patriots: 5 players who must step up in Week 14
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4. Keshawn Martin
As noted by Pats Pulpit’s Rich Hill, Martin led all skill players by lining up on 97 percent of all offensive snaps. Yet he didn’t have too much to show for it, catching just three passes for 45 yards. Martin was unable to hang on to the Patriots’ last-ditch effort, a throw over the middle on 4th and 10. It was a tough catch to make, yes, but you’d expect Julian Edelman to hold on.
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Look for the Patriots to continue using Martin as a main fixture in the passing attack against the Texans, Martin’s former team. Martin’s 10 receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown this season for the Pats is the most attention he’s received since 2013, when he caught 22 balls for 253 yards and a pair of scores.
Like LaFell, Martin must make the most of his opportunity while Edelman is on the sideline. He won’t get a better chance to prove his worth to a Patriots’ coaching staff that won’t think twice about cutting an underachieving depth wideout in the offseason.
It’s clear that the Patriots want Martin to be a main contributor in the aerial attack, at least for the time being. It’s up to Martin to show he’s up to the challenge.
Next: 3. Malcolm Butler