Branch Watch: Perspective Time

There's been a lot of anguished handwringing over the lack of Pats receiving threats. Deion Branch may or may not play this season. Troy Brown is a year older and a step slower. Rookie Chad Jackson is just now getting back on the field. And who knows what to expect from Doug Gabriel and Reche Caldwell?

Should we be concerned? Sure, a little. But step off the ledge, dude. For one, the tight ends (led by sure thing breakout stud Ben Watson) will take up a lot of the slack. And more important: This offense is about execution, not playmaking. Solid receivers who run good routes and catch the ball will keep things humming. Star players are nice, but for this team not essential.

Perhaps a trip down memory lane will cement my point. Faithful reader I.P. notes that the Pats won their first Super Bowl with a collection of no-name skill players. RB Antowain Smith. TE Jermaine Wiggins. And the receivers? Yes, Terry Glenn made a cameo appearance, but had little impact. Troy Brown was a minor god that year, but he made his biggest plays on special teams. (And few would have considered him a top-flight NFL receiver, which is the claim Branch seems to be making for himself.) David Patten? Love him but ... meh. As best I can tell, the Pats' third wideout that year was Charles Johnson.

Charles Johnson?? I thought he used to catch for the Marlins or something.