Patriots Gridiron News: Dwayne Allen could be an X-factor vs. Colts
If the New England Patriots are without Rob Gronkowski Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts, tight end Dwayne Allen will need to step up.
If there is ever a better time for New England Patriots tight end Dwayne Allen to contribute in the offense, it will be Thursday night against his old team the Indianapolis Colts.
Acquired prior to the 2017 NFL season in a trade with the Colts for a fourth-round pick, Allen has had a reduced role with the Patriots as primarily a blocking tight end. Although he hasn’t done much in the passing game, Allen does have the capability and he could have his number called a few times if Rob Gronkowski is not active for the Thursday night matchup.
Of course, it is never safe to assume what the Patriots offensive game plan will be, but Allen is prepared to step up if his name is called.
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"“[I approach it] the same as any other week,” Allen said, via WEEI. “We have a lot of information that I have to go through that I’ll go through. I have my routine, and having a routine is the best thing for anyone in this building, because you stay ready. You have your routine, and in case anything changes, you’re in that routine, and everything’s the same for you.”"
With only one catch for negative yardage entering the Week 5 game, Allen wouldn’t figure to be a big part of the passing game, even if Gronkowski does not play. But, don’t put it past Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to do just the opposite.
How ironic would it be for Dwayne Allen to have his best offensive night in a New England Patriots uniform against his former team.
Although he is not hyping up the opportunity, the possibility of getting a little revenge on the Colts has to be in the back of his mind.
"“Man, it’s the next game,” Allen said of facing the Indianapolis Colts. “I personally don’t look at it in any other way than it’s the next game. And it’s the next game on a short week, so (we need) a lot of mental preparation and getting the body ready to go out there and execute.”"
Just because it’s the Colts, lookout for a couple plays called for Allen in this one.
Deflategate still on the mind of Tom Brady?
Four years and three Super Bowl appearances later, is Tom Brady still seeking revenge on the Indianapolis Colts for Deflategate?
While it would seem Brady and the New England Patriots have moved on after hoisting two Lombardi trophies since the cheating scandal, Skip Bayless isn’t putting it to rest, at least as far as the reigning NFL MVP is concerned.
Here is what the “Undisputed” co-host said on a recent airing of the FOX Sports debate program:
"“You’re going to see the reemergence of Psycho Tom tomorrow night. You’ll see him in that crazed state wanting ultimate payback from the organization, Indianapolis Colts, who tried to blow the whistle on him just before halftime of that AFC Championship Game.”"
In case you have forgotten, Tom Brady eventually served a four-game suspension handed down by the league for more likely than not ordering the deflating of footballs. The controversy involving air in a football led to the Patriots superstar being called a cheater and only added more ridicule on the organization for pushing the envelope when it comes to NFL rules.
Gameday injury news
It is now time for the annual Rob Gronkowski day-to-day injury status.
The New England Patriots tight end was one of eight players listed as questionable for Thursday night’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts due to an ankle injury. It is highly possible the team will decide to rest Gronkowski given the short week.
The other seven players listed as questionable include Josh Gordon, Jacob Hollister, Adam Butler, Geneo Grissom, Elandon Roberts, Eric Rowe and Danny Shelton.
New England Patriots: 3 players to watch in Thursday night matchup. dark. Next
The Colts have already ruled out T.Y. Hilton, Kenny Moore and Jack Doyle.
If Rob Gronkowski is held out, backup tight end Dwayne Allen will have to step up on the passing game. It could also be a huge opportunity for second-year tight end Jacob Hollister if he is active for the game.