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New England Patriots: Dwayne Allen has bounced back from awful spring

By Nick Ziegler

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 01: Dwayne Allen #83 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 01: Dwayne Allen #83 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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One of the most important players for the New England Patriots this coming season will be tight end, Dwayne Allen. However, he didn’t get off to the start he liked with the team this spring.

Shortly after the New England Patriots won their fifth Super Bowl, they were right back out there for spring practices. With some new faces, the Patriots were beginning their preparations to attempt to repeat as champions.

As one of the key offseason acquisitions, a lot of eyes were on former Indianapolis Colts tight end, Dwayne Allen. Unfortunately for Allen, he did not appear to be ready for spring practices. His struggles become a cause of concern in New England, and he knew that he would have to be better.

Fortunately for Allen and Patriots, spring practices mean that there is time to improve before training camp. So far, it looks like Allen has worked extra hard, and is playing up to his capabilities.

"“Spring was horrible,” he told Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. “It’s one of those things where you have an offseason where you’re training, you’re doing well, you’re thinking that you’ve trained and prepared enough, and then you come into OTAs and it’s like, ‘Oh my goodness, I have not trained enough.”"

With the Colts, Allen was a good tight end. In five seasons, Allen totaled 126 receptions, 1,451 receiving yards, and 19 touchdowns. While Allen might not be a starting caliber tight end, he is certainly a very good second option.

Due to the loss of Martellus Bennett in free agency, the Patriots will need Allen to be a reliable tight end. In the Patriots’ offense, they like to utilize two tight end formations frequently. Also, Rob Gronkowski is coming off an injury-plagued season. While he is healthy now, there are some concerns about his durability.

So far in training camp, Allen has proven to be a favorite target of Brady in the red zone. Last season, Allen was able to total six touchdown receptions, as he is certainly a good weapon inside the 20.

Next: 3 Takeaways from loss to Jags

After years of trying to defeat the Patriots with the Colts, Allen will now be in a position to be in the playoffs once again this season. On one of the best offensives in football, Allen will likely be poised for a great season with Tom Brady throwing him the ball.

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