In response to chiefret's comment:

That was back when

1) TB did not realize yet that he can rack up stats like Manning did

2) The entire league was not familiar with the Pats system (they are now the most studied)

3) TB still had the patience to work things out with all the receivers (limitations on how much players can train during the week may be a factor here too)

4) TB had no fear of getting hurt

Other than a long lob on the left sideline to WW, how many times have you seen TB complete that pass over the last 3 years? How many attempts? All his long attempts are to the middle. 

This has got to sting Brady. WW going to ctach balls for Manning?

 

The Patriots have to get someone else to get those 115 or so receptions every season now. 

 

I see this move perhaps as a tell tale sign that the Patriots offensive scheme is changing. With Gronk and Hernandez beig about the best TE duo in the NFL (and hopefully being healthy), Edeleman getting more passes his way and Vereen also capable as a wideout at times, they seem to be headed with a new look. At least I am wondering. 

 

They surely can't be done after signing Brady to this contract. They aren't going to pull the rug out from under him like is being done to Flacco (has any team like the Ravens imploded so fast for ONE player's needs?).

 

With the free money, I think you go with an experienced WR and deep threat. Brady has one KEY lost weapon now. This team surely has to be considering Ed Reed and Pollard right now. How could you not? I also think they are going to trade Mallet for a pick or two. Are they considering actually moving up to grab Tavon Austin? 

 

I can only guess. BB.....can anyone read this guy's mind? I've got to trust he's got something in mind. Could he be thinking about trading Ridley for picks and signing Steven Jackson? Jackson is a player he covets. He's has GOT to be drooling over Ed Reed + Pollard. Seems the Patriots have sat back and watched other teams clear house. These teams have cleared house because of big contracts to players that can be had at a cheaper price after their first multi-year contract runs out. With cash available for FA's you have to put most of it to a big time threat downfield. Right now I am guessing the Patriots are calming Brady down and perhaps saying "wait until you see what we're getting you!" or maybe Brady has known this would happen with Plan B known to him? 

 

Big $$ on a WR now. Sign the rest of our UFA's. Make our secondary one that scares the socks off other teams. Sign Reed and Pollard. Trade Mallet and Ridley? I say we think about it. Don't forget Brandon Bolden, he's a very impressive runner. At first I was against signing Jackson but, now I am for it. I love Ridley but, BB hates fumbles. Vereen stepped it up. Woodhead, ou know what youre getting. Bolden is a quite capable and under rated back. 

 

Not a big fan of Lloyd. I expected more. He is NOT the deep threat we need desperately.

 

Amendola? Not sure. 

 

Whatever happens, it's going to be interesting. But this hurts. This is a new chapter for the Patriots. The post WW era now. Big shoes and a big heart need to be replaced. Not necessarily easy things to find in the NFL. 

 

In response to mrbungle's comment:
[QUOTE]

This has got to sting Brady. WW going to ctach balls for Manning?

 

The Patriots have to get someone else to get those 115 or so receptions every season now. 

 

I believe that Hernandez will make a great slot receiver. They would still have the Gronk, Ballard and Hoosh as TEs

In response to pezz4pats' comment:

Do you really think Wes is the be all end all?  Do you think BB is going to go into training camp with 2 receivers under contract?  It's the 2nd day of Free Agency for goodness sake.