Patriots gridiron news: Dwayne Allen admits difficulty learning new offense

New tight end Dwayne Allen is excited to be a member of the New England Patriots, however, learning their offense has been challenging.

Some pick it up quickly, while others have trouble adjusting.  Newly acquired tight end Dwayne Allen is  the latest offensive player having a tough time picking up the New England Patriots offense.

Allen, acquired in a rare trade with the Indianapolis Colts, had a bad spring and admits that he is having difficulty learning his new offense.

"“It’s extremely hard,” Allen said, via the Boston Herald.  “I’m not going to sugarcoat it.”"

The former Colts tight end is reportedly coming along despite the hardships.  But his struggles so far, if not completely turned around,  could turn into an issue.

With tight ends James O’Shaughnessy, Matt Lengel, Jacob Hollister and Sam Cotton all challenging for the third tight end role, Allen’s spot could become available.

In other words, the 27-year-old tight end’s roster spot is not guaranteed.  However, if continues to trend upwards, the Patriots will have a solid tight end to pair with Rob Gronkowski.

Related Story: New England Patriots: Dwayne Allen Is A Belichick Kinda Guy

In acknowledging his struggles, Allen is embracing the challenge as well.

"“It is hard but also stimulating and very exciting,” Allen said of learning the playbook.  “It is one of those things that where you pray for something so long, and when it comes, you can’t cry because it’s harder than you thought it would be.”"

He is grateful for the opportunity to play for a team he admired from afar.  Hopefully, what he did catching passes from Andrew Luck can translate to bigger things playing in a Tom Brady led offense.

Super Bowl banners get a new location

Remember that problem they had finding a location for the fifth Super Bowl banner?

Well, that issue is solved.  The team’s official team Twitter account revealed Thursday where all five banners will hang.  After some Gillette Stadium renovations, the new location is ready for the raising of that fifth banner in less than two weeks.  That’s when the Patriots kick of the NFL season against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Conveniently, there is more than enough room for a few more banners.

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Malcolm Mitchell concerns?

The New England Patriots are stacked at wide receiver and it’s probably a good thing they are.

Second-year wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell is expected to make a leap following a solid rookie season, but how much will he actually see the field?

Following a week in which he’s been absent from the practice field, some concern is surfacing concerning his availability going into the regular season.

Mitchell did play in the second preseason game against the Houston Texans, but was held out from playing in the preseason opener.  He is also unlikely to play against the Detroit Lions Friday night.  With the 53-man roster decision looming, the Georgia Bulldogs alum could start the season on PUP.  That’s if the knee issue is dealing with is more serious than reported.

If the Patriots go in that direction, it could open a roster spot for receivers like Devin Lucien or undrafted free agent Austin Carr.

Next: New England Patriots: Tom Brady’s top 5 receivers of all time…so far

Fortunately, the team will still have depth at the position.  Julian Edelman, Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola round out a pretty solid group of wide receivers.