The New England Patriots were not thrilled about their opening performance against the Miami Dolphins. The offense struggled. Tom Brady struggled. Turnovers were a big issue and the receiving corps was an issue. Heading into Week 2, the Patriots are trying to figure out what went wrong as Brady admits the pressure is on. Could the solution be to sit Danny Amendola and put more trust into tight end, Tim Wright?
The Patriots gave up a lot in order to get Wright. New England traded away the ever-reliable All-Pro offensive lineman, Logan Mankins, in order to acquire the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end. At the time, the move appeared to be a backup plan to Rob Gronkowski who was being reported as questionable to start the year after tearing his ACL in 2013. Gronkowski put those doubts to rest when he put a touchdown on the board in Week 1. So what does that mean for Wright?
According to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com, the Patriots are looking to increase Wright's playing time on the field. The versatile tight end has only been with the team for just over two weeks and still managed three catches for 15 yards on Sunday. Considering Julian Edelman led the team with 95 yards on six catches, those numbers are considered good. However, could the increase of Wright's time on the field come at a price for someone like Danny Amendola?
Reiss writes that the Patriots are frustrated with the wide receiver's progress entering his second year with the team. Amendola has a contract that warrants him to be a leading guy, instead running back Shane Vereen and Kenbrell Thompkins ranked ahead of him. He only put up one more yard than Wright in the game and the Patriots might start to decrease him playing time as a result.
Amendola will also have to compete with a healthy Aaron Dobson who could push the receiver to the bench as well. Dobson had been struggling with injuries in the preseason, but managed to impress in the final game. He was listed as inactive on Sunday, but most expect him to return and be a strong contributor to the team in need of offensive performers.
Brady admits that he is not worried about the team, but notes that several improvements must be made this week. The Patriots will take on the Minnesota Vikings and former backup quarterback, Matt Cassel. New England will look to balance the offense out more and improve communication.
"It's a terrible feeling around here. It's a quality of life issue I think we all face when we lose," Brady said, via CBSSports.com. "Hopefully it motivates us to go out there and have a great week of practice and be prepared for this game and try to beat a very good team."
