Brandon LaFell shows a lack of effort in loss
When the Patriots brought in the former Carolina Panther on a 3-year, 9-million dollar contract, the expectations were that Brandon LaFell would bring more size and physicality to a smaller Patriots receiving corps, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Dobson's foot injury.
He certainly has that, at 6'3" 210 pounds, as we saw when he completely leveled Miami safety Jimmy Wilson for pass interference on a Danny Amendola first down. Unfortunately, it was a dumb, costly penalty, at a time when the Patriots had yet to make a first down in the second half.
That was about all we saw in terms of physicality from LaFell, who finished the day with zero catches for zero yards. Two plays in particular stood out to me, and they both came at the end of the fourth quarter.
Brady targeted LaFell on a deep throw down the left sideline, and actually threw a pretty good ball. LaFell slowed down, looked up like he lost the ball, and let it bounce about five yards in front of him. It was one of the strangest plays I've seen in awhile. Had he kept running at full speed, he would have been hit in stride for a touchdown.
Brady again targeted LaFell on a deep ball, this time into some coverage in hopes that LaFell could use his size to go up and get it. He didn't make much of an attempt to go up and get the ball, and lucky for him it still dropped right on his chest through the defenders hands, but he couldn't come up with it.
It is beyond me why Thompkins wasn't in the game that whole drive. Yes, LaFell is bigger, but Thompkins always brings effort and is becoming more and more reliable. LaFell could have been fatigued, but that shouldn't affect how hard he plays. It's the NFL, players are always getting tired. His effort on Sunday raises a lot of questions. He has the tools, but does he have the heart and desire?
If he continues to make it look like he's not even trying, he could find himself on the bench and out of New England.
Follow me on Twitter - @b_thibs34
For more of my articles, click here.
He certainly has that, at 6'3" 210 pounds, as we saw when he completely leveled Miami safety Jimmy Wilson for pass interference on a Danny Amendola first down. Unfortunately, it was a dumb, costly penalty, at a time when the Patriots had yet to make a first down in the second half.
 |
| Brandon LaFell chats with the media, via NESN |
Brady targeted LaFell on a deep throw down the left sideline, and actually threw a pretty good ball. LaFell slowed down, looked up like he lost the ball, and let it bounce about five yards in front of him. It was one of the strangest plays I've seen in awhile. Had he kept running at full speed, he would have been hit in stride for a touchdown.
Brady again targeted LaFell on a deep ball, this time into some coverage in hopes that LaFell could use his size to go up and get it. He didn't make much of an attempt to go up and get the ball, and lucky for him it still dropped right on his chest through the defenders hands, but he couldn't come up with it.
It is beyond me why Thompkins wasn't in the game that whole drive. Yes, LaFell is bigger, but Thompkins always brings effort and is becoming more and more reliable. LaFell could have been fatigued, but that shouldn't affect how hard he plays. It's the NFL, players are always getting tired. His effort on Sunday raises a lot of questions. He has the tools, but does he have the heart and desire?
If he continues to make it look like he's not even trying, he could find himself on the bench and out of New England.
Follow me on Twitter - @b_thibs34
For more of my articles, click here.
