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Offensive participation

Email|Link|Comments (6) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff September 8, 2008 08:40 AM

A look at the snaps played by offensive skill-position players in the Patriots' 17-10 victory over the Chiefs:

WR Jabar Gaffney -- 53 of 58 snaps
WR Randy Moss -- 52 of 58
TE David Thomas -- 49 of 58
QB Matt Cassel -- 43 of 58
WR Wes Welker -- 36 of 58
RB Sammy Morris -- 29 of 58
RB Laurence Maroney -- 24 of 58
QB Tom Brady -- 15 of 58
TE Stephen Spach -- 15 of 58
FB Heath Evans -- 13 of 58
WR Kelley Washington -- 12 of 58
RB LaMont Jordan -- 2 of 58

(snaps don't include two kneel-downs, but do include one holding penalty on Stephen Spach)

ANALYSIS: Despite playing the most snaps, WR Jabar Gaffney didn't have a reception. ... On the flip side, RB LaMont Jordan's 2-play tally was a surprise. ... RB Sammy Morris led the backs in snaps, primarily because he was also serving as the third-down back in the absence of RB Kevin Faulk (suspension). ... With starting TE Benjamin Watson out with a knee injury, David Thomas stepped into the No. 1 role.

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6 comments so far...

Mike, Was DThomas held in with more blocking assignments or more in patterns? I'm surprised at the lower number of Welker snaps... Did you notice a difference of personnel after Brady went down? Or do you think this was a shift due to analysis of last year and just part of the game plan?

Sorry, I missed the game. I'm moving and the DirectTV isn't hooked back up yet...

Posted by Patrick M. September 8, 08 09:06 AM

Moss wasn't very active after the first quarter (partly it seems b/c the coaches didn't trust Cassel to throw very much), and his comments after the game were pretty negative. Hoping that Brady's absence doesn't bring out the "bad" Moss who takes plays off.

Posted by wd September 8, 08 09:18 AM

Mike - did you get a chance to look into that new rule that was put in after Carson Palmer got taken out low in that playoff game vs. Pittsburgh a couple years ago? ... and does the Pollard hit on Brady apply in this situation? ... Cheap shot or not, it would have been nice if Sammy Morris FINISHed his block. I love Sammy, but it just goes to show you why you've got to play to the whistle = FINISH!!!

Posted by BurkieInBoston September 8, 08 09:39 AM

Moss was just upset that Brady is done for the season. Wouldn't you be ?

As per Gaffney ... He did not have a catch in the Super Bowl either ?

A) Super Bowl ... no comment needed

B) Opening day and Brady's knee gets wrecked

C) God help us ... and God had better be Matt Cassell

Posted by Blair from Canada September 8, 08 10:35 AM

I was surprised at the low number of carries by Lamont. Look for him to get more (carries and catches) while Brady is out and the Patriots emphasize the running game. Agreed on Morris' block - next time, pile drive the guy into the ground until you hear the whistle.

Posted by TRB September 8, 08 01:34 PM

What is the deal with Ben Watson? Is he playing or not?

Posted by Muckbeast September 9, 08 01:19 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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