Anyways, I was reading a FSN article today talking about how Moss isn't going be the Moss of old this year. They don't expect him to have either double digit td's or 1000 yards receiving. He'll be a good deep threat and that's about it. And with Rodney out to start, Samuel not seeing much playing time and Randy still hurting, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jets pick them off this weekend.
I dont think anyone is expecting Moss to come in a put up giant numbers. NE's has never had a receiver that has gotten 1000 yards in receptions in a single season (since 2001) Branch never got 1000 yards in receptions on those superbowl teams. No one did. The patriots picked up Moss because like you said he is a legit deep threat / jump ball receiver. That is what they want from him. That and the price was cheap. Moss holds no power in his deal. Stallworth is the burner on the roster. It will be very hard to defend the run when both Stallworth and Moss are on the field. Turns into a pick your poison type of situation. Stop maroney and give up the long ball, or stop the deep threat and give up the run. You add watson and welker to the equation and it gets more complicated. Last year the patriots running game suffered at times because teams could constantly stack the box. That was because the pats had no deep threat. Caldwell was there best receiver. Not exactly a speed demon. The pats 2006 core created pretty much no separation. Not to mention Caldwell is not that fast.
Randy went through a full practice yesterday. I don't think he is hurt. he has had limited time with Brady over the preseason, but at least he had some time. In the time they had they worked together well. However there will be a learning curve. I doubt they use him in anything complicated until he gets comfortable with the offense. Dont forget he will be being defended by a rookie in Revis if he plays.
The lose of Seymour sucks. Green and Wright are very capable back ups. I don't think this will be a huge issue vs the jets due to the extremely thin offensive line the jets are sporting. but as a whole it sucks to lose him. Especially vs the san d's of the world. People are sleeping on Warren and Wilfork tho. They where the two pro bowl caliber players on that line last year. Sey was good last year, but he was also hurt.
Losing Rodney sucks. Thats the one area that the pats have big question marks at. Sanders is a good player, but he ain't no Rodney. Same goes for Meriweather. He is just a rook. The depth at the position is decent, but they can be exposed. The silver lining to that huge cloud in the opener is Chad cant throw the long ball. If the pats can expose that offensive line they should be ok. Not to mention Rodney barley played last year. That said this is a weakness over the first four weeks no doubt.
I am not saying the lose of Seymour and Rodney is not a big deal. If the pats and the jets play well I believe the pats come out on top due to three simple factors. Execution, coaching and talent. If the pats execute they win the game. The jets just dont match up with them. However anything can happen on any sunday and if the jets execute better they can beat the patriots. Don't forget Jones has missed ample time due to injury also.
It should also be said the pats may need a bit of time to get the machine working efficiently. The jets should give them a great game. The pats will be at there best ion the second half of the season. Barring major injury of course. I don't care about wins and loses. I just want them to be efficient team that gets better as the season progresses.Late in the season is when the depth they have is valuable.