Benjamin Watson [stats] never has to look far during training camp to find a new face that instantly reminds him that things should be different for him this year.
With Randy Moss, Donte’ Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelley Washington brought in to bolster the receiving corps and tight end Kyle Brady signed as a free agent, Watson can be sure that teams will no longer assign a safety and linebacker to smother him every time he heads downfield.
No, with Moss, Stallworth, Welker, Washington and Brady joining Troy Brown [stats], Reche Caldwell [stats] and Jabbar Gaffney, Watson should be able to exploit coverage mismatches with his sprinter’s speed, receiving ability and tremendous physical talents.
Of course, seeing all of the accomplished newcomers might also leave the fourth-year tight end fighting to have the football thrown his way. Watson joked he already has issued a reminder to quarterback Tom Brady [stats].
“I told him, ‘I know you’ve got all your new toys, Tom, but don’t forget me,’ ” Watson said. “We’ve got some great players in, but none of that matters if we don’t come together and produce as an offense.”
The 26-year-old had different concerns last year when he became Brady’s clear No. 1 target following the departures of Deion Branch and David Givens. The Patriots [team stats] basically held ongoing auditions at receiver throughout 2006, with Watson remaining the only reliable target from start to finish, which allowed opponents to concentrate on shutting him down.
Despite being inactive for the final three regular-season games with an injured knee, the 2004 first-round draft choice still finished second on the team with a career-high 49 receptions and 643 receiving yards. He led or tied the team in receptions five times and paced the Patriots in receiving yards six times but was held to only one catch on three occasions, including the Jan. 7 playoff win at San Diego.
With all of the new receiving weapons, Watson could be freed up more in one-on-one coverage.
“It’s a little different than coming into the season last year, but by no means am I forgotten,” he said. “I know everyone has their role on the team, and we’re all going to do our role. My role, whatever it’s going to be, is going to try to help this team win games.”
Watson is looking forward to being teammates with established stars like Moss, Stallworth and Kyle Brady.
“It’s exciting to watch these guys who have been at the top level of receiver,” he said.
“I was in college watching them, so I may be able to learn a lot of things. I’m going to like that.”
I'm real excited about Watson this year, this is going to be his breakout year, he was Brady's favorite target last year, and this year, will be open all day because of the additions.
Watson revs up: TE excited by new offense
Watson revs up: TE excited by new offense
HE DID WHAAA!?!
Linear Mode
