New England Patriots rumors: Keep an eye on Stephen Anderson
By Sam Minton
The New England Patriots have struggled to get constant production from their tight ends. With Stephen Anderson being activated from the practice squad Tom Brady has another weapon.
The New England Patriots always seem to find the diamonds in the rough. Whether it be Malcolm Butler or even this year undrafted free agent JC Jackson. The Patriots may not be done just yet.
Jacob Hollister was just put on injured reserve and is out for the season. That means that the Patriots have an extra spot on their roster. So now we are introduced to Stephen Anderson.
Anderson has had a short NFL career so far. In 2 seasons he has 36 catches for 435 yards and 2 touchdowns. That may seem like nothing special, but he didn’t have Tom Brady as his quarterback.
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The Patriots haven’t gotten a ton of production from the tight end position. Rob Gronkowski struggled and has looked like a shell of himself. It is insane how rapidly he has aged. Gronkowski has struggled to find the end zone only having 3 touchdowns this season.
Dwayne Allen is more of a blocking tight end so I don’t imagine him racking up the yards. That leaves Stephen Anderson to fill the void, especially with how he describes himself.
"“I think I’m a true hybrid,” Anderson said. “I’m probably not going to move a D-tackle, but I’ll be able to get in there. I feel like blocking is just half attitude, and then the other half is technique, so being able to get in there and complete my blocking assignments.“Then running routes, I’m pretty confident against linebackers, and safeties and corners, I think I can get open against them, too. So just a true hybrid. My dad used to use the term when I was younger, ‘Swiss army knife,’ so I can do a little bit of everything.”"
If the Patriots want to win they are going to have to rely on the passing game. I know it will be a cold day and I expect Sony Michel to get a nice amount of carries, but if the Patriots can get the passing game going, it is game over.
I am pretty sure the Chargers are busy planning for Rob Gronkowski, James White, and Julian Edelman so Anderson should get some favorable matchups. Maybe Sunday will be the day that Stephen Anderson truly becomes a part of this New England Patriots squad.
Next. Bill Belichick weary of savvy Philip Rivers. dark
Sunday is going to be a great game and Stephen Anderson could definitely be a surprise X-factor.