Brian Tyms doing big things in limited role
Brian Tyms, who turned heads in the preseason with some impressive touchdown grabs on deep balls from Jimmy G, lived up to his reputation and turned in a game-changing play on Sunday when he hauled in a 43-yard pass from Tom Brady early in the second half. The play swung momentum firmly in the Patriots direction and was a refreshing throwback to the days when Brady connected on deep balls regularly (Tyms even did the Randy Moss signature celebration).
Many, including myself, had pegged Aaron Dobson as being the vertical threat the team needed this season. Dobson appeared to be a player poised to breakout in his second year, but he has done the exact opposite. When on the field, which has been somewhat rare after being a healthy scratch in two games earlier this year, Dobson has been largely invisible. The only time he stuck out in Buffalo was on a brutal false start penalty, after which he did not see the field.
After a truly encouraging rookie season during which he recorded 40 receptions for 557 yards and 4 TDs; so far in 2014 AD has managed a paltry 4 grabs for 38 yards, and for now appears to have been surpassed in the deep threat role by Brian Tyms, who for much of the season to this point was not even a lock for the roster.
But the release of Kenbrell Thompkins and the activation of Tyms is an indication that the coaching staff is high on him and the big-play potential he brings to the offense. Unlike Dobson, Tyms made his presence felt in a major way on Sunday, battling off Buffalo defenders for that phenomenal touchdown grab. That play was one of the eight snaps Tyms played on the day.
Tyms made the grab over talented Bills corner Stephen Gilmore. After the game Tyms was not shy in admitting he thrives when things get physical and there is a battle for the ball (From ESPN.com):
Without any semblance of a deep threat, the Patriots have and will continue to have issues in the receiving game. With no outside threat, teams can flood the middle of the field which makes things extremely difficult for #12. We saw the best example of this in Kansas City. If Tyms can be that guy defenses worry about outside the numbers, he could work wonders for a steadily improving offense.
@PatriotsLife
@LC_NEP
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| Getty Images |
Many, including myself, had pegged Aaron Dobson as being the vertical threat the team needed this season. Dobson appeared to be a player poised to breakout in his second year, but he has done the exact opposite. When on the field, which has been somewhat rare after being a healthy scratch in two games earlier this year, Dobson has been largely invisible. The only time he stuck out in Buffalo was on a brutal false start penalty, after which he did not see the field.
After a truly encouraging rookie season during which he recorded 40 receptions for 557 yards and 4 TDs; so far in 2014 AD has managed a paltry 4 grabs for 38 yards, and for now appears to have been surpassed in the deep threat role by Brian Tyms, who for much of the season to this point was not even a lock for the roster.
But the release of Kenbrell Thompkins and the activation of Tyms is an indication that the coaching staff is high on him and the big-play potential he brings to the offense. Unlike Dobson, Tyms made his presence felt in a major way on Sunday, battling off Buffalo defenders for that phenomenal touchdown grab. That play was one of the eight snaps Tyms played on the day.
Tyms made the grab over talented Bills corner Stephen Gilmore. After the game Tyms was not shy in admitting he thrives when things get physical and there is a battle for the ball (From ESPN.com):
"Gilmore is really good. I knew regardless if I ran past him, he had make-up speed so I have to attack the ball," he said. "That's just my M.O. I always try to attack the ball. I don't like to let the ball come to me. There are a lot of good players in this league that can make a play. I wanted the ball more."
Without any semblance of a deep threat, the Patriots have and will continue to have issues in the receiving game. With no outside threat, teams can flood the middle of the field which makes things extremely difficult for #12. We saw the best example of this in Kansas City. If Tyms can be that guy defenses worry about outside the numbers, he could work wonders for a steadily improving offense.
@PatriotsLife
@LC_NEP
