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New England Patriots: Eric Decker adds a new aspect to the Patriots offense

By Sam Minton

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 10: Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders defends a pass attempt to Eric Decker #87 of the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 10: Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders defends a pass attempt to Eric Decker #87 of the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Eric Decker may be an aging wide receiver, but he could help the New England Patriots offense in an area they need to improve in.

When you look at the current batch of New England Patriots wide receivers there are some similarities that you can see. A lot of these guys are rather small, meaning that the Patriots can sometimes struggle in the red zone. Thank God the Pats have Rob Gronkowski, but he can easily be doubled team since he is the Patriots premier red zone threat.

With the New England Patriots signing Eric Decker on Thursday, they have another option. Decker is a great red zone target, standing at 6’3″ and weighing 214 pounds. Decker has also scored 38 of his 53 receiving touchdowns in the red zone.

Decker’s addition is due to the Patriots lack of depth at wide receiver. The Patriots will be without Julien Edelman for the first month of the season due to his suspension, and also have Malcolm Mitchell and Kenny Britt rehabbing injuries. Tom Brady will have to make some magic when the regular season starts.

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We have seen veteran wideouts come to New England and somehow find the fountain of youth. Decker will be looking to do the same thing.

Decker’s prime was in Denver. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels actually drafted Decker while he was head coach. In 2013, Decker had 87 catches for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Decker’s role in New England

It will be interesting to see what Decker can do. Players haven’t had the best of luck when joining the Patriots in the middle of the offseason. We saw how successful Reggie Wayne and Chad Ochocinco were with the Patriots.

With the lack of depth at the position, Decker could play a big role. Last year with Tennessee was the first time Decker wasn’t a top option at wide receiver. This is his chance to show that he still has the ability to be a solid wideout.

The Patriots will definitely need him to perform right away. Decker is slated to be the No.2 wideout while Julien Edelman is suspended. He should see a lot of targets, especially in the red zone.

Next. Tom Brady has mellowed with age. dark

The New England Patriots like to turn the NFL’s trash into stars. Decker gives Tom Brady a solid option in the red zone, who will help with Julien Edelman suspended. Let’s see how much gas Decker has left in his 31-year-old tank.

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