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New England Patriots: Dwayne Allen looking to rebound after rough start

By Sam Minton

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots and Dwayne Allen #83 celebrate during the game against the Buffalo Bills Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots and Dwayne Allen #83 celebrate during the game against the Buffalo Bills Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Dwayne Allen had a rough start to his career with the New England Patriots. The veteran Tight End is trying to build chemistry with Tom Brady early on and become a significant part of the Patriots offensive arsenal.

Being Rob Gronkowski’s backup isn’t a fun job. He is the greatest Tight End to ever play the game so expectations are high. Last season Dwayne Allen dealt with those expectations and came up short. Allen’s first year with the New England Patriots can only be described as disappointing.

Last season Allen played in 16 games (8 starting) and only mustered 10 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. Not the greatest of numbers when you are going up against Gronkowski.

This season Allen’s role seems to have changed. The battle for Gronk’s backup will be heated. The Patriots brought in Troy Niklas and also have Jacob Hollister who they signed as an undrafted rookie last season. Both have looked pretty good so far this offseason.

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Allen is primarily known as a run blocker, but if he wants to get playing time he will have to become a quality pass catcher. It seems that Allen is aware of this and is getting to work with Tom Brady.

On the Patriots first day of minicamp, Allen and Brady spent some extra time to work on the duo’s chemistry. Allen seems grateful for the help.

"“Any time you step onto the practice field, it’s about getting better. During practice, after practice,” Allen said after Day Two of minicamp. “There were obvious deficits in my game I needed to work on, so I tried to take the time to work on them, and Tom was gracious enough to help me work on those.”"

The Patriots haven’t had a dynamic duo at tight end since 2012 with Gronkowski and a player who shall not be named. If Allen could become a pass-catching threat, it will add another wrinkle to the Patriots offense.

Next: Rob Gronkowski rubbing off on Troy Niklas

After a rough introduction Dwayne Allen is hoping he can gain the favor of the Foxboro Faithful.

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