Patriots: 3 lies haters tell themselves about Pats’ roster
By Jerry Trotta
1. “TE signings won’t mask WR deficiencies.”
At this juncture, most Patriots fans would agree that the team’s receiving corps is the offense’s biggest shortcoming. Not only does the unit lack a certified No. 1 option, but you can debate whether there’s even an elite No. 2 receiver on the roster.
However, there’s a reason New England didn’t spend big on the position. Assuming no superstar wideouts rejected Bill Belichick at the negotiating table (wouldn’t that be something?), the Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith signings were a huge reason why they didn’t splurge on a WR.
Despite that being obvious to seemingly all Patriots fans, haters maintain the notion that Henry and Smith won’t mask the deficiencies of the receiving corps.
Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith will thrive with the Patriots.
If this was New England’s first rodeo running a two TE set, then sure, we’d welcome any and all criticism about their new offensive approach. However, that isn’t the case, as Rob Gronkowski and the late Aaron Hernandez formed an historic partnership at the position several years back.
Guess what? The Patriots’ WR corps wasn’t a world-beater during the Gronk-Hernandez era, either. In fact, Wes Welker was their leading receiver during that three-year stretch. Behind him, you had an aging Deion Branch, a young Julian Edelman and Brandon Lloyd for one season.
Again, we understand why fans are tempering expectations for the receiving corps. Honestly, we’re right there with you. However, haters convincing themselves that Henry’s and Smith’s presence won’t help blanket the unit’s defects is laugh-out-loud funny.
