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New England Patriots: Mohamed Sanu is the prototypical Tom Brady receiver

By Matt Fiore

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 20: Mohamed Sanu #12 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 20: Mohamed Sanu #12 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots add another receiver to Tom Brady’s arsenal with the addition of veteran wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.

The New England Patriots went right to the phones after a blowing 33-0 win over the New York Jets. Apparently Bill Belichick thought it was time to add another option to the offense.

Mohamed Sanu was acquired early Tuesday morning from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for 2020 2nd round pick.

After an Antonio Brown release, injuries to Phillip Dorsett and Josh Gordon, and a question mark to how N’Keal Harry will fair once return, it was clearly time to make a move for a durable veteran receiver.

Rumors floated that Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard and Denver Broncos vet wideout Emmanuel Sanders would be the most logical options via trade.

But it’s now clear that the Patriots set a need for a bigger, stronger wide receiver rather than a more slot type like Emmanuel Sanders.

Mohamed Sanu caught 66 balls for 838 yards to pace a 4 touchdown year last season in Atlanta. Through seven weeks this year, his numbers were on pace to take a hit, with the Falcons being just 1-6. Something small to note, Sanu was on the wrong side of a 28-3 Super Bowl comeback three years ago in Houston.

A figurative role for Sanu is to be a receiver lining up on the inside and out. He is a great route runner, has one of the best set of hands from any receiver in the league, and was seldom used “flex” type player in Atlanta. The Falcons set Sanu all over the field. He took handoffs as a running-back from Matt Ryan, and also was in a “wild-cat” set, taking direct snaps as well.

This type of player seems perfect for the New England Patriots, who have patented “the double pass” play that seems to always fool opposing defenses. It will be interesting to see if they merge Sanu into any trickery play-calls.

Many might wonder how this core will shape out once the dust settles. If or once Harry is activated, and Josh Gordon makes his return from injury, it will be a very deep arsenal of receivers.

Next. New England Patriots Rumors: 3 players who could solve needs at tight end. dark

You would figure Mohamed Sanu takes the WR3 role, limiting Dorsett to a smaller role. While rookies N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, and Gunner Olszewski  all shape the bottom of the depth chart. Gordon and Edelman you would think remain the starters.

Sanu is under contract until after the 2020 season. Was this a smart trade barring the costs for the New England Patriots?

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