Tom Brady does not want to discuss the New England Patriots' chances at getting to the Super Bowl, but it is becoming clear they have the roster to do so. Patriots fans have likely forgotten all about the team's early-season struggles that had many questioning the future career of Brady. The offensive is operating at full speed thanks to some unlikely players stepping up into the spotlight.
While players like Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman continue to put up big numbers for the Patriots, there are a few other offensive weapons starting to build their name with the team. Tim Wright came to New England just before the season began in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gronkowski was still rehabbing injuries and New England needed help at the tight end position. While Gronkowski continues to excel, Wright is digging his hole in the unit as well.
Wright had a solid game in the win over the Detroit Lions, catching two touchdown passes in the firth half simply because Detroit was not covering him at all. The defense focused in on Gronkowski, leaving Wright to catch the touchdown passes. However, the tight end is not upset over the lack of attention he got from the opponent saying it is the exact way the team drew things up.
"We both work hard just trying to play off of each other," Wright said, via the Boston Herald. "However the dice may fall, however the defense plays it, who covers who, the other guy's just got to be ready for the opportunity. That's what we pride ourselves on. The defense was doubling guys and playing zone a lot. In zone you've always got to find the open spot."
The two-tight end package for the Patriots proved to be very successful and makes Wright a fantasy sleeper pick going forward. The Patriots have Brandon LaFell and Edelman taking the attention from the cornerbacks while Gronkowski gets double-teamed by the rest of the secondary. That leaves Wright wipe open for the catches and scores.
The Patriots are also enjoying the success of a deep running back group. After losing Stevan Ridley for the season, Jonas Gray became the unlikely star of the running back group only to be replaced by LeGarrette Blount who appears to truly succeed in the New England offense. Gray got zero points in Week 12 after getting benched and it is unclear if he will start in Week 13. Blount will be the better pickup for the rest of the season. He had 78 yards and two touchdowns in Week 12 after being with the team for just four days. Head coach Bill Belichick clearly loves what Blount brings to the offense and will continue to put the running back in.
