Brandon LaFell's comfort growing in complex Patriots offense


Brandon LaFell could've went down the road of several additions in the past. Joey Galloway, Chad Ochocinco, and others have failed to pick up a complex offensive system. It seems that LaFell has put his nose to the grindstone and really put together a solid camp, but he's not getting overconfident. According to the AP, he puts himself at a eight out of ten in growth since off-season training activities. He also spoke on his growing rapport with Tom Brady:

"We've been getting better and better, each and every day, each and every week," said LaFell, who has four catches for 45 yards and a touchdown in the two games. "The more and more reps I get with this guy ... it's only getting our timing better and he's trying to find me more."

It seems as if LaFell is saying that he's graduated from the rudimentary understanding some of the previous free agents, and has advanced to working on timing specific alterations to get himself in the best spot for Brady to find him open. We've heard countless times that people are just trying to pick up the system at this stage, so I'd expect at least a Brandon Lloyd type production from LaFell in his first season. I'd bet on more, since it seems that LaFell's personality gels better than Lloyd's did in his brief time here.

Overall, the confidence and understanding is a good step, but it's hard to get too excited about the strong blocking wideout until we see him in game action. If the positivity surrounding him proves true come the regular season, then this offense could be as dangerous as any in football with the stout defensive unit giving them extra chances with the ball. LaFell wouldn't be the only reason, but he'd certainly be a big factor.

What do you expect of the former Carolina Panther? Let's chat by commenting below or on twitter @TheFib0624

--Bill Stiles