New England Patriots: What Antonio Brown’s release means (and what it doesn’t)
Recently acquired wideout Antonio Brown was waived by the New England Patriots on Friday after only having played one game as a Patriot amid an additional sexual assault allegation. How much will it affect the team?
The brief addition of Antonio Brown gave New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady a chance to play with a top-tier wideout for the first time in a while.
The first concern from the start has nothing to do with football, but with off-the-field issues.
Allegations of sexual assault against Brown surfaced September 10th by a former trainer, while a second came just 6 days later.
What It Means
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Veteran wideouts Josh Gordon and Julian Edelman will continue on as the top 2 receivers for the Patriots, though that was never in question. Brown’s departure opens up an opportunity for rookie wideout Jakobi Meyers, who was a standout during the preseason, to try to carve out his own role in this offense.
All while fellow rookie receiver N’Keal Harry, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this month, recovers from his ankle injury which he suffered in camp.
This also could mean that the Patriots will rely on the running game more as the season rolls on. With a loaded backfield of talent consisting of Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, and James White, the Pats seem perfectly capable of doing so, despite having a banged-up offensive line.
The offense will only get better and get healthier as the season moves along.
What It Doesn’t Mean
The New England Patriots offense was going to be good before the signing of Antonio Brown.
The AB signing just seemed to just make it over the top. Yes, losing an All-Pro talent is unfortunate, but this will in no way break the team.
There is talent all over the Pats’ offense: Quarterback, wide receivers, running backs, offensive line.
The only place where they may lack star power is the tight end position, with All-Pro Rob Gronkowski retiring shortly after the Patriots’ Super Bowl LIII victory.
They will be just fine.
If for some reason this unit isn’t producing to the best of its ability, the amazing group on the other side of the ball can help a great deal.
This Bill Belichick defense has not allowed a touchdown since last season’s AFC Championship Game in January, with the New England Patriots outscoring their last 3 opponents, including the high-scoring Los Angeles Rams, a total of 89-6.
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Coach Belichick will rally his troops and keep the team focused on the task at hand, which is attempting to stay undefeated and defeat their division rival New York Jets when they come to town on Sunday.