Don’t rush to judgment
Speedy Agholor worth Pats’ cash
Nelson Agholor has shown the ability to beat tight man-coverage. He can create separation from defenses that throw pressman looks at an offense.
If anyone is wondering why the Patriots supposedly overspent for Agholor, signing the receiver to a twoyear, $22 million deal, with $16 million guaranteed, look no further than his wheels.
If Agholor does what he does best — beats defenses down the field — he’ll be well worth the price, and then some.
It’s pretty obvious the Patriots had a plan in mind when revamping and revitalizing the offense, and bringing in a new set of weapons.
The two tight ends, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, will be great giving opposing defenses fits, especially trying to match up and defend them wherever Josh McDaniels has them lined up. The duo will also help disguise whether a run or pass play is coming, given both can block.
Agholor?
Along with tight end, he’s the type of receiver that’s been missing from the offense for a long time.
He’s a much-needed speed component who can take the top off a defense. Why is that important, or worth the type of contract he signed?
In today’s offense-driven NFL, Agholor has the type of speed that makes defenses have to pay attention. While Damiere Byrd was the Patriots “speed” guy last year, and had a decent year, he rarely, if ever, drew safety coverage. He didn’t scare anyone. Agholor will, because he’s a legitimate threat on the outside. He’s a differencemaker just running down the field, with the type of attention he draws. He might not be the best out there, but he’s still a big play waiting to happen. That makes him the perfect piece to add at receiver.
“I think the organization definitely had a plan when they put everybody together. We’re going to work hard and figure it out,” Agholor said during his media session Wednesday. “I think they make very calculated decisions. For them to think enough of me, to bring me in and put me in this position, I’m excited and I look forward to working hard and helping this team be who we need to be.”
Part of the reason the Patriots were likely drawn to Agholor, outside of his speed (he was clocked at 4.42, and also scored well in the short shuttle and three-cone drill) was the success he’s had against them in the past.
Minus a benched Malcolm Butler, the Patriots secondary couldn’t cover him in the 41-33 Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. Agholor led all receivers with nine catches for 84 yards.
And while his Eagles career had some bumps in the road, earning a reputation for having too many drops, he’s coming off a career year with the Raiders. He had 48 receptions for a career-high 896 yards, with eight touchdowns. Even more eye-catching was his 18.7 yards per reception. That was the second-best in the NFL.
Agholor said he doesn’t mind lining up anywhere, be it outside or inside, but he clearly developed as an outside threat last season while hauling in passes from Derek Carr.
“I am just comfortable going out there executing concepts,” Agholor said. “I like to be able to move around depending on scenario, or situation, or routes that need to be executed. I think coach McDaniels historically has done a great job with moving his receivers around and I am excited for that opportunity.”
Between Agholor, the two tight ends, and Kendrick Bourne, the Patriots have at least made an attempt to provide better weapons for
Cam Newton, who right now appears to be the Day 1 starter.
Agholor indicated he was currently in Southern California, where he’s working with Newton and Jarrett Stidham, as well as other Patriot receivers and tight ends.
“Cam Newton is a great quarterback,” Agholor said. “I think he’s a league MVP for a reason. I know he can do whatever needs to be done. For me, it’s just about getting out there to practice with him. And I’m excited. Excited to work with him. Excited to grow. I know he’s going to push me and I also feel like coach McDaniels is going to put us in position (to succeed).”
Agholor said from the outside looking in, he knows New England is “a special place.”
“The picture’s very clear when you join the Patriots,” Agholor said. “We have one goal in mind and we work very hard towards that goal and it takes a great sacrifice. So I think for me, what I’ve been through, and understanding I have to sacrifice to grow as a player and play at a high level, I really embrace being a part of this team.”
He doesn’t need to be considered a No. 1 receiver to massage his ego. He’ll be whatever the Patriots need him to be.
And what that is is fairly obvious given the Patriots’ lack of having a burner on the outside. The Patriots have been reluctant to pay receivers top dollar. Randy Moss was one of the exceptions. With a struggling offense, Agholor should prove worth the price.
“I think I’m going to do whatever needs to be done to try and find a way to win,” said Agholor. “I think everybody else can have a label, in how they look at me, but I know that on the field, I give myself and my teammates a great opportunity to make plays and win.”
With the cast now assembled, that should ultimately prove true.