New England Patriots: Mohamed Sanu is the offensive X-factor of 2020
A more “explosive” and health Mohamed Sanu will help the New England Patriots offense tremendously in 2020.
One of the biggest disappointments towards the end of the 2019 NFL season for the New England Patriots was the lack of production from veteran wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.
Acquired in NFL trade deadline deal with the Atlanta Falcons for a second-round pick, Sanu was supposed to be another solid option for Tom Brady.
Except for a 10-catch performance against the Baltimore Ravens, Mohamed Sanu was anything but that as an ankle injury limited his production and contributed to the Patriots offensive struggles in the game to follow.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
But don’t fear, the 30-year-old should be back to the player the team expected him to be following surgery over the offseason. This is according to Sanu’s trainer Hilton Alexander in an interview with ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
"“I would tell you he’s probably faster, quicker, leaner and in better shape now than prior to the surgery,” Alexander said. “I would say he’s way ahead of the curve.”"
That is good news for a New England Patriots offense going into training camp without Tom Brady for the first time since 2000. Along with Julian Edelman, Sanu will be a player who should develop quick chemistry with expected starter Jarrett Stidham.
With just 26 receptions and 207 yards in his eight games with the Patriots in 2020, Mohamed Sanu not only has something to prove to the team and fans, he also has something to prove to himself. And that is getting back to the player the Patriots were rumored to have interest in prior to finally pulling off the deal that teamed him up with Tom Brady.
"“I think he knows he was a shell of himself toward the end of the season. He wasn’t in the position where he could do the best he could and be able to offer that Mohamed Sanu that everybody has grown to love all those years in Cinci [2012-15] and Atlanta [2016-2018],” Alexander continued. “I know the fans didn’t get a chance to see 100 percent Mohamed Sanu. I promise you, that is a huge chip on his shoulder now.”"
Mohamed Sanu is an X-factor for the New England Patriots in 2020
A sure-handed, possession type receiver, a healthy and eager Mohamed Sanu will help a young quarterback like Jarrett Stidham tremendously.
Along with Julian Edelman, the 30-year-old receiver will not only be a factor on the field, he also adds a leadership to a wide receiver group that is depending on young playmakers like N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers to make big leaps in their second season.
Next. New England Patriots: 5 veterans on the early 55-man roster bubble. dark
If the New England Patriots do indeed get more out of those players, Sanu doesn’t have to set the world on fire as far as receiving stats go. He simply has to be a reliable option for Jarrett Stidham in an offense that should be less complicated than it was with Tom Brady under center.
If he is more the player we saw in that game against the Baltimore Ravens, Mohamed Sanu will at least be worth the second-round pick the team traded away. The real good news is that he appears motivated to make a statement in 2020.