Aaron Dobson put together a very successful rookie campaign with the New England Patriots last season. The wide receiver found himself being an immediate starter after the team lost players like Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez and managed 519 yards and four touchdowns. Considering the overall weaknesses of the Patriots' offense last season, that was considered a success. However, this year Dobson has barely been seen on the field and as the Patriots offense once again struggles to get started, many fans are wondering where he has been.
Dobson started the year off injured but managed to get on the field for the final preseason game. Things looked hopeful that he could continue the momentum he had coming off his rookie season, but Dobson's stats do not read as such. Dobson has played one game and has one catch for 13 yards. That is not exactly what New England was looking for, so where has the wide receiver been?
According to Shalise Manza Young of the The Boston Globe, Dobson has been riding the bench after "mouthing off" to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The wide receiver has been inactive for the past two games despite looking healthy at practice. There is no word on what the receiver's status is heading into Week 5, but there is no doubt that the Patriots are in desperate need of him. He could be the best downfield target on the roster which is a huge weakness for the Patriots at the moment. If the two can mend their issues and Dobson returns to the field, it might give the offense the jumpstart it needs.
Until Dobson returns, the Patriots will continue to scratch their heads at the issues with the team. Certainly the offensive line and run game are to blame while Tom Brady has not looked his usual elite self either. The quarterback believes New England simply does not have the talent to be a high-flying unit this year.
According to Globe, there is a belief that Larry Fitzgerald or Andre Johnson could be on the team's radar for a mid-season deal. Making marquee deals in the middle of the season is 100 percent out of Bill Belichick's nature, but the offense needs something and that might be it. If the Patriots remain in contention when the trading period begins, New England could make some calls. The team was linked to both receivers in the offseason. Fitzgerald has an expiring contract to his name while Johnson is very unhappy in Houston. Both receivers would give Brady that elite target he believes the offense is lacking at the moment.
