Dwayne Allen: New England Patriots TE is ‘Just About Winning’

Following the surprising trade between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, tight end Dwayne Allen addressed the Boston media Friday.

There is always something shocking a trade when the New England Patriots are involved. Like the media and fans, newly acquired tight end Dwayne Allen didn’t see the move coming.

After the shock wore off, however, Allen told the Boston media in a conference call that he is excited about the trade and looking forwards to playing for a great organization.

"“I was a bit shocked,” Allen told the media. “I knew something was going to happen. I did not know I was going to be traded to the New England Patriots, but after the initial shock wore off came some excitement and definitely a lot of joy.”"

The trade, which involved the Patriots also receiving a sixth-round pick in exchange for a fourth-round pick, made more sense with Martellus Bennett bidding his farewell to Patriots fans. It also made sense with the Colts deciding to work out a new deal with tight end Jack Doyle, leaving Allen available for trade or release.

The 27-year-old tight end is coming off a year in which he caught 35 passes for 406 yards and six touchdowns. Not exactly the production Bennett gave the Patriots, but his versatility is what caught the attention of Bill Belichick. That aspect of his overall game is what Allen recognizes as his importance to the defending Super Bowl champions.

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"“One thing that I’ve caught onto early is coach Belichick saying, ‘The more you can do,'” Allen said. “I’m just about winning. I want to win. I understand the more skills I can provide the offense, hopefully the more mismatches can be created for myself and other players. That’s what I’m about. I’m excited to be utilized as a football player again and not be confined to any box, but just to be a football player, tight end.”"

Oh, and part of that excitement is getting the chance to play alongside who he labels as the best tight end in the NFL. Although Bennett and Rob Gronkowski didn’t get the chance to play in the majority of games together, they formed a feared duo when they were on the field together. Allen doesn’t rank as high as Bennett, but he and Gronkowski could provide matchup problems, especially in the red zone.

"“Extremely excited about joining the ranks with Rob,” Allen said. “He, of course, is the best tight end in the National Football League so I think there’s a lot that I can learn from him. I have been in situations where I had to split time with other tight ends. I’m not sure what my role is going to be, but I’m excited just to get to work and learn from everyone around me.”"

Gronkowski is in a different league than the tight ends he has split time with in Indianapolis. Although Colby Freener and Jack Doyle are talented, there is no comparison to the All-Pro tight end.

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As far as playing with Tom Brady, Allen talked about the “unbelievable” play of the future Hall-of-fame quarterback and how honored he is to have the “opportunity to work with him.” In not so many words, he basically said it was a dream come true.

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