Patriots gridiron news: James Develin an offensive threat; McCarron ‘muff’s’ up

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Zach Cunningham #41 of the Houston Texans tackles James Develin #46 of the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Zach Cunningham #41 of the Houston Texans tackles James Develin #46 of the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Riley McCarron really “Muffed” up 

Don’t let that 27-20 score fool you.  The New England Patriots had the game in hand throughout most of the contest, but a late fourth quarter special teams turnover gave the Houston Texans the ball in scoring position and they capitalized.

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The scapegoat of that turnover was a player who got his start in the Texans’ organization and a player who was sent packing on Monday.

With an opportunity to really make a name for himself, wide receiver Riley McCarron admitted he made a really “stupid play” on a muffed punt that gave the Texas hope when down 27-13 late in the game.

"“I made a stupid play,” McCarron told reporters following Sunday’s game.  “I should have handled the ball.  It’s as simple as that.  I did not make the decision on a fair catch, obviously, but I know the one I should have made now.”"

With no catches in his debut, the huge mistake is what stood out for Riley McCarron in the game and on Monday, the second-year receiver was waived by the team.

Surprise?

No.  When players make that kind of a mistake, they usually either enter Bill Belichick’s doghouse or find themselves searching for another chance in the NFL.  For McCarron, that opportunity could come again if the team decides to add him to the practice squad once again, which is possible given the team’s lack of depth at the wide receiver position.