Opinion: Revisiting Chris Baker
I’ve been watching the comments for a few days about Chris Baker and his game with the Patriots and seeing if we’re worried about Baker and what he’ll do as a Patriot. I’m of the opinion that Baker’s a good enough player that in playing with the Pats, he’ll get more attention and such. Unsure QBs often throw to their Tight Ends or RB checkdowns. Why? Because it’s an easy read, generally players are mismatched or in space and they’re in their line of vision.
Yes, I would have preferred the team keep Baker with Keller, but for the money to keep him a Jet last year, it wasn’t worth it to hold onto him in a role that would increasingly be one as a blocker as Dustin Keller begins to really shine. For more on the subject, read Bent’s post on Baker from last month.
Another reason that I’m not that concerned? Just look at the Patriots roster at Tight End.
Benjamin Watson (6-3 255)
Chris Baker (TE 6-3)
David Thomas (6-3 248)
Alex Smith (6-4 258)
Tyson DeVree (6-6 245)
Now, immediately knock off DeVree, a UDFA from last season. That still leaves the team with four Tight Ends, and there’s no way that the Patriots can afford to keep four, maybe even three Tight Ends without one as a long-snapper like James Dearth is for the Jets.
Ben Watson was one of Belichick TE fetishes from the first round of the 2004 Draft. Watson hasn’t met expectations, but he’s improved as a blocker and a fair option for the passing game, he’s also been struggling with nagging injuries and he’s likely to be the cut according to the Boston Herald’s Karen Guregian. Dave Thomas is more blocker than pass-catcher and Alex Smith can catch some passes, but I’m not clear about how good of a blocker he is.
Still this is just one team. Someone is going to come available to the Jets, and they’re a place where a player like Alex Smith or Ben Watson could see time. The Jets will be able to find someone should they need before the season starts in earnest.
Filed under: Main Page, Opinion
that would be a perfect scenario.
Get a TE that we need and get someone from the Pats.
Totally disagree…. I can see the Pats keeping 4 TE’s. If they cut one loose they will cut D Thomas loose who is an average pass catcher and a below average blocker.
I dont think they have a FB that will make the team. They might keep 4TE’s
The Pats also have too many RB’s. ANd It would be ideal to steal a Belichick favorite in Ben Watson.
The pats also have a buttload of WR’s, at least according to my father, mega Pats fan. So I wouldn’t mind seeing one travel a few miles south. Julian Edelman, probably unlikely, but they can’t keep everyone
6 wr’s and 4 TE’s, extremely unlikely
I think the baseline was this: Chris Baker did not want to be here. There was a lack of effort and enthusiasm in the ‘08 campaign and he made it obvious that he no longer wanted to play for us no matter the $. Obviously one of the reasons the Pats picked up Baker was that they had monitored the situation and knew he had a chip on his shoulder.
I remember when Vilma and Pennington left for NO and MIA respectively, there were many players that came out and said they were going to miss playing with them. I heard no such sentiment in regards to Baker.
I am very pleased with the TE’s currently on the Roster.
First , of course Keller is going to have a Monster year.
Jack Simmons can contribute, when their is motion and shifting in the offense, but he can’t block with the big boys, but the effort is certainly there. Kareem Brown is an excellent “third string” TE, he blocks, he plays specials, had two nice catches against the Rams, will contribute on defense. I watched Hunter practice in Cortland , he is a differance maker in the run game at TE, and the guy can run a ten yard out.
IMO first and third string TE’s are covered nicely. The Jet s are in a position to pick and choose the right TE at the right price…. Brilliant
I will miss baker the first down maker. But Keller is ready to be a great TE. His blocking is getting better and he works his tail off trying to develop it. Kareem brown showed nice hands the other night. he has the size and blocking ability that we need. The kid from Minnesota can play TE well. Good hands and route running and he sure can block! Hey JOHN PAUL FOSHI was cut today by the FADERS! err raiders!
You ever think he was just sick of being on a bad team thats going nowhere. You know the old saying if you need to think about it you probably don’t have a #1, well this is exactly that scenario. Hey Jets fans guess what? Your going nowhere for atleast the next few seasons probably longer. Good luck with rookie a rookie qb and rookie coach. Wake up
Oooh! Look there! Under the bridge. It’s a cute little troll. He’s even got an adorable name.
Methinks he’s hearing footsteps.
Nothing to see here.
Bent can you block people?
Or Should I be asking Basset and Co.?
It’s already been dealt with. Move along.
O Ok. Ben Watson err. Franchez uhhhh Dwayne Bowe….
He wanted to leave cause Tanny treated him like garbage. Why not honor our vets, create a culture where they keep a role and help bring along the rookies. We treated Baker, Pennington Vilma, etc. like garbage and then are shocked we can’t seem to solidify a winning attitude. I hope things improve with Rex, but the issues with Thomas and Leon are concerning.
The team is worse for not having Baker. He and Keller would have been a great duo. Maybe he wanted to much, but I think Bakers skill set has been under appreciated and will be sorely missed.
Thank you East Side.
He is playing happily for the Pats for less than he was willing to sign for here.
And Benny, AFAIK, Baker was not only a whiner but he lied to the press about his contract situation and alleged promises. The only garbage here…
Case closed.
Harlan
Keller looks like he can block a bit. Not great but he does look better.
If he can be on the field more, like he said, he’ll have a great year.
Benny, why would you blame the Jets for their treatment of Chad, Baker and company? if anything the Jets overpaid for Baker back in 2006 and then were willing to let him become a free agent a year early. The Jets worked with Chad to keep him here in 2006 and more or less allowed him to punch his own ticket in 2008. If anyone treated Chad poorly it was the fans who cheered when he went down in 2007 and then went nuts calling for Clemens in 2008 because Chad “didnt have the arm to win”. It’s all of us fans that created the type of environment that led Woody Johnson to go overboard and sign Brett Favre.
As for the original topic the jets will find a TE if they feel they need one. With so much real money and cap money tied into that offensive line there is no way they should have to overpay for a “blocking TE”. The waiver wire will likely work just fine if nobody steps up and claims the role.
I think it’s more likely the Pats would trade a TE rather than just cut him straight – the Bengals have lost two already this pre-season. Also, it looks like the Pats will be using TE’s as full backs.
I just noticed the Pats don’t have and Full Backs. wow Im ashamed.