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New England Patriots: Dwayne Allen Praised by Former Head Coach

By Nick Ziegler

Dec 5, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) celebrates his touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) celebrates his touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots were recently praised by Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano for their deal to acquire Dwayne Allen.

Coming into the offseason, one of the most important things for the New England Patriots to accomplish was finding a suitable replacement for Martellus Bennett.

After acquiring Bennett from the Chicago Bears prior to the start of the 2016 season, Bennett went on to have a great season in New England. Bennett was originally brought in to be a sidekick for Rob Gronkowski in the Patriots’ two-tight end formations.

However, injuries to Gronkowski forced Bennett into a much larger role. Bennett was able to provide the Patriots with a great season, and the deal to acquire him ended up being a big win for New England.

Due to the great season for Bennett, he was arguably the best tight end available on the free agent market. With other needs and hefty contract demands from Bennett, it was understandable that the Patriots had to move on.

Finding a replacement for Bennett was not easy, but the Patriots were able to acquire Dwayne Allen from the Indianapolis Colts. After just receiving a new contract from the Colts in 2015, Allen will now be playing for the Patriots. His former head coach, Chuck Pagano, had nothing but great things to say about Allen.

"“I think we lost a great player in Dwayne,” Pagano said to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. “He’s been a staple in our offense for the last five years. We came (to the Colts) together back in 2012. You’re getting a really good football player. You’re getting a great person. You’re getting a guy that is going to be excellent in that locker room. You’re getting a guy that will buy in, and he is going to do his job.”"

Allen is coming off of a pretty good 2016 with the Colts, as he totaled 35 receptions, 406 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns. Allen’s numbers might have been better last season, but Jack Doyle had a breakout season and forced Luck to throw him the ball more.

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If something does happen to Gronkowski, Allen is good insurance for New England to have. According to his former coach, the Patriots are getting a great guy both on the field and in the locker room.

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