With Leon Washington cut, who are the Patriots Returners?

In somewhat of a surprise the New England Patriots let go veteran running back/kick returner Leon Washington. The same Leon Washington who averaged 29 yards a return including one he brought to the house after 98 yards last season. Bringing in that type of production in the era of less concussions and more touch-backs along with seeing both the 49ers and the Ravens run wild on their special teams units en route to the Super Bowl, the move made sense.  Until Sunday when Bill Belichick cut the veteran a day after surviving the "final cut". I guess you just have to chalk it up to Bill just bringing another veteran for a look and move forward.

While the loss of Washington would dampen most expectations from the return units, the Patriots do have some interesting possibilities throughout their roster to fill the void.

The punt returner is Julian Edelman.  At least he should be. When healthy he is a dynamic returner for the Patriots.  Unfortunately health is a big concern with Julian so in case of injury Belichick will probably just break the glass and let a veteran like Matt Slater or Devin McCourty stand back there fair catching for the most part to let Tom Brady just go to work.  The possibilities for this position aren't as intriguing as the kick returners though.

Since it feels like 90% of kickoffs end up in the 3rd row of the far end zone now a days the Patriots can tinker with the return pairings on kickoffs.  The possibilities actually have me excited for the 2nd half kickoff this week more than the 1:00 pm kickoff. (We all know Bill's going to defer) As Ian suggested when reporting Leon Washington being waived an intriguing name is rookie wide receiver Josh Boyce.  Josh had a quieter camp than Aaron Dobson or surprise undrafted free agent Kenbrell Thompkins but really displayed his speed in the last preseason game teaming up with Ryan Mallet for a touchdown.  As all Madden video game fans know speed is key in the return game and Boyce's 4.3 40 time could become a serious weapon for the Pats.

Another option for the Patriots is running back LeGarrete Blount.  After climbing the ranks at the running back depth chart, Legarrette may be swung up the kick returners depth chart as well.  He has a little of experience at the position and offers a different type of returner than Boyce. Blount is massive and listed at 250lbs.  No one that big has ever returned a kick for a touchdown but LeGarrete may be the guy

“I don’t know many people that have had a kickoff returner that’s my size. It’s a pretty good thing I think.”

Me too LeGarrette, me too.  He will definately get his chance and if his long touchdown runs are any indication we may see a first this season.  A fantasy idea is if Blount was back there not with Boyce but with Jamie Collins.  As a jack of all trades player Jamie could in theory return kicks, sure its my theory but hear me out.  He has speed and explosiveness attached to a solid frame and has been described as a violent and relentless football player.  Just imagine opposing teams attempting to bring down Blount and Collins. Maybe I did a little too much imagining, but if Dan Connelly can do it then why not? Time to go test my theory out in Madden.



Frank Cypriano
@JulioFranko17