Dwayne Allen knows he has to be better

AP Photo | Michael Dwyer

“Do your job” is a phrase heard all around the New England Patriots’ organization. It means stepping up in your role in the best way possible to help the team win.

But, tight end Dwayne Allen is feeling he’s off to a bit of a slow start.

During media availability after the Patriots’ practice on Tuesday, Allen stated, “I certainly haven’t played up to my potential.”

Coming into a whole new team and learning a whole new offense takes time, and Allen understands that. While speaking to reporters, he admitted that “a lot goes into every offense, especially this one” and that “the non-verbal communication between the quarterbacks and receivers, certain things Tom [Brady] expects, when you’re not able to execute those things, you’re not out there as much.”

Allen has been thrown to six times this season, but has yet to record a catch. Most of his contribution has come as a blocker. He has been on the field for 149 of 365 offensive snaps (40.8 percent) so far this year.

Though he hasn’t had many passing opportunities, Allen knows that that rapport with the offense will continue to develop over time. But for now, he’s just focusing on what he can do to help the team win.

“You own up to your role, you embrace it, and you continue to get better,” he said. “It’s all about the team winning at the end of the day.”

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