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What the return of Jabar Gaffney means for the Patriots’ passing game 05.02.12 at 11:02 pm ET
By

Jabar Gaffney (AP)

With the news the Patriots are ready to bring wide receiver Jabar Gaffney back into the fold, it gives the New England passing game another familiar face and brings one of the most dependable No. 3 receivers the Patriots have had in nearly 10 years back to Gillette Stadium.

The 31-year-old, who played in New England from 2006 through 2008, caught 85 passes for 1,059 yards and eight touchdowns in three seasons for the Patriots while operating almost exclusively as the No. 3 receiver in the New England passing game. While others struggled in that role, Gaffney was able to flourish, and became the best and most consistent pass-catcher the Patriots have had at that spot since Brady assumed the starting quarterback job in 2001.

It was also clear that even though he departed New England for Denver following the 2008 season, he maintained a great affection for the Patriots and Bill Belichick. In the days leading up to the New England-Washington game this past season, it was clear that Gaffney still had a great affection for Belichick and the Patriots.

“It was the best,” Gaffney said. “He pretty much … he gave me a lot of insight on the NFL. A great coach. He makes his players be students of the game. He helped me out a lot. He’s the man.

“I’ll never forget what I learned there, playing under Belichick. Like I said, he taught me a lot about the NFL and how to survive in the NFL and how to be a great player.”

“Jab could do everything well,” recalled quarterback Tom Brady the week before the Patriots met the Redskins earlier this year. “I think that’s his versatility, he’s got good size, he’s got long arms, he’s got good speed, he’s got good quickness, he plays every position, he’s smart.

“He’s just one of those guys that, from the day we got him here, he was just so reliable and dependable because he knew what to do and he did it well. You gain a lot of trust from the quarterback when all those things match up. I was bummed when he went to Denver, and I was bummed when he went to Washington.”

Gaffney should still be able to have an impact on the New England passing game. He is coming off the finest year of his career, as he finished the 2011 season with career-highs in catches (68) and yards (947), and tied his career-best with five touchdown receptions, all for a Washington passing game that finished in the middle of the league in most major statistical categories. The fact that he can still get up and down the field at a good rate, his previous knowledge of the offense and his excellent rapport with Brady all figure to make him a favorite to make the final roster.

However, it was already a crowded field before the Patriots made their bid to bring back Gaffney. Now, they have 11 receivers on the roster, not including seventh-round draft pick Jeremy Ebert: Gaffney, Wes Welker (presuming he signs his franchise tender), Brandon Lloyd, Deion Branch, Donte Stallworth, Anthony Gonzalez, Julian Edelman, Chad Ochocinco, Tiquan Underwood, Matthew Slater and Britt Davis. At least one veteran of note won’t make it to opening day.

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  • Lyle Johnson8450

    Julian Edleman, I like the guy bu he is a goner. Gonzalez better get healthy too.

  • Brendan

    I can’t see them getting rid of Slater because of his special teams ability. Gaffney will definitely make it because of Brady’s comfort level with him. It will definitely be the most competitive position in training camp.

  • mg

    Welker is being pressured to fold. Cheap g.m. and owner. b.b. tactics are getting old. How about concentrating on winning a Super Bowl, instead of punishing your best receiver.

  • dadmeister

    9 million take it and shut up or go to big mac (want fries up this crap) with a big big $10 /hr.

  • ne711

    Goodbye Ocho.

  • RP

    I heard Troy Brown is coming out of retirement too. What’s Bethel Johnson up to? Call Food Mart and tell him to turn in his apron, the Pats are calling and offering at least $1.00 more than Minimum Wage
    Sweet, Superbowl here we come

  • John

    Stallworth will be the one let go, Edelman has value in all three phases.

  • Rsmrob100

    I think you nailed it. Some people think they will keep him as insurance against Welker but I am not so sure. I don’t think Wes is going anywhere.

  • johnhenryhatesbaseball

    Dante’ will get drunk and drive his car on to the practice field and hit Welker.

  • Yldrs11

     ”At least one veteran of note won’t make it to opening day.”

    Donte Stallworth, Anthony Gonzalez,Chad Ochocinco better step it up. Good competition at WR this year. BB is definitely putting pressure on Welker so if Wes decides to hold out he better come ready and prepared to produce whenever he decides to get back on board. I say take the $9 mil and play it out Wes.

  • Garyritter

    If he caught the bleepin ball, we would have won.Welker’s value outside of New England is not what he thinks it is.

  • Benny

    Ocho definitely looks out now…plenty of “long” receivers now and I doubt his 2 or 3 catches over 16 games will be missed.

  • Timmyp2353

    “Hahahaha I am uncreative and have nothing to add to this conversation.” – johnhenryhatesbaseball.    Why don’t you throw a Ray Lewis or O.J. joke in there too?

  • Paul Murphy

    Bye Bye Ocho

  • Paul Murphy

    Bye Bye Branch

  • Paul Murphy

    Ocho and Branch Too Old and Too SLOW

  • innovator

    I really don’t think Gaffney is a threat to Welker…Anyone notice that no other teams were signing Welker to offer sheets??  He will play out his tender,and become a UFA after 2012….Saying that,,I’m really not wanting Gaffney on the field over Lloyd,Welker,Gronk,Hernandez,and definetly not in front of Stallworth..Donte is our only true burner….

  • innovator

    I’ve always wondered if Bethel Johnson is actually Clifford Franklin….

  • innovator

    Edelman CAN NOT run routes outside,or get behind the secondary and make plays…Stallworth still can,and proved it last year….Edelman is a nice punt returner though….

  • Bbeau_2001

    Agree with mg that this has the makings of pushing Welker to sign but what does he want? Does he think he is as valuable to any other team in the NFL as the Pats. I don’t think so, take the money and enjoy it!

  • Anonymous

    Yeah being cheap has kept them so so far away from winning another Super Bowl…I think their plan is working.

  • Trollslayer

    So sayeth the troll. 

  • Leverage

    It’s called gaining ”Leverage.”  It’s smart business.

  • Anonymous

    Very clear message being sent to Welker…guy is not going to get paid Fitz/Megatron money, quit bitching about 9.5 million a year and sign the tender Wes.  This is a business over at Foxboro believe it or not.  5’9″ 30+ yr. old slot WR’s are really not in high demand around the NFL…and the Pats know this.

  • Skmcc8584

    Are you kidding? Do you think he gets anywhere near those numbers elsewhere? How come he didn’t get them with Miami ?

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