The New England Patriots got unexpected production in the passing game from none other than fullback James Develin.
With a shortage of options at the wide receiver position, the New England Patriots were expected to utilize their running backs out of the backfield a lot more in the passing game. No one expected one of the main contributors to be fullback James Develin.
Yes, that’s right. The big, bruising, run-blocking fullback had 4 receptions for 22 yards in the Patriots 27-20 victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday. Not flashy but considering the fact that he barely touches the ball once or twice a game it was a wrinkle in the offense fans may just see more of.
When asked about his sudden production in the passing game, Develin gave the classic New England Patriots answer. He was just doing his job.
"“I’m just trying to go out there, do what the coaches ask me to do, get as open as I could and catch every ball that came to me,” Develin said following the game. “Thankfully I was able to do that today, but we have a ton more that we can work on offensively and I’m excited to get back to work.”"
Develin has spent time working with the tight ends unit, so it is no real surprise Tom Brady has looked his way. The only big shock was the number of times the big fullback had an opportunity to make plays.
While James Develin is no Rob Gronkowski, with more reps in the passing game, he just may find a way to be production and make a big play here or there at some point in the season.
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.
Back at No. 1
If you thought the offseason drama the New England Patriots endured would derail the team, you should’ve known better.
Although things were looking bleak earlier in the summer, Bill Belichick’s crew have found a way to set differences aside and do their job. Yes, it’s just one game and one week, but with the way Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski looked on the field along with an improved defense, the Patriots dynasty doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.
This is all reflected in this week’s NFL power rankings where the New England Patriots have knabbed the No. 1 spot following a 27-20 Week 1 victory over DeShaun Watson and the Houston Texans.
The win came with a couple consequences as the team lost running back Jeremy Hill to a torn ACL and waived wide receiver Riley McCarron, but overall the New England Patriots showed cohesion and enough reason to believe they are still one of the top teams in the NFL.