New England Patriots: Can Tom Brady Turn Corey Coleman Into A Pro Bowl Receiver?
The New England Patriots made a wise decision Tuesday morning when they decided to sigh WR Corey Coleman. Many will remember Coleman for his “trade me scene” during the Cleveland Browns’ season of HBO’s Hard Knocks. Well, Hue Jackson did indeed move him to the Buffalo Bills but even with their lack of receiver depth, Coleman still didn’t make the final 53. Now, he gets a shot at redemption with the Patriots and Tom Brady, and this may be a blessing in disguise for all parties involved.
For those who only know Coleman from his lack of production with the Browns, let’s think about why the Patriots did sign the out of work receiver. Heading into Week 2 of the 2018 NFL season, the Patriots are in desperate need of pass catchers. Against the Houston Texans in Week 1, Brady fired off 39 pass attempts, however, only nine of his 26 completions went to a WR. With Julian Edelman suspended for four weeks, the Patriots are dealing with a cast of throwaways in Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Chris Hogan. To say that the Coleman signing was not a smart move, you’re fooling yourself.
Nevermind his issues this offseason. One has to remember where he’s heading now. The Browns cut him looking for a change. The Bills cut him thinking they had their answers at the position but Coleman is a playmaker who just needs the right opportunity. And what better place to get that than New England? This is the team that makes Pro Bowl players out of third-string players. So why can’t Corey Coleman be the next in line?
Remember the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles when Brandin Cooks went down? Who stepped up in his place with six receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown? But where did Hogan come from? This is what could happen to Coleman who will now take passes from arguably the greatest QB ever in Tom Brady. This is not a Browns Training Facility where he’s catching passes from Tyrod Taylor or Baker Mayfield. Brady wins Super Bowls and makes ordinary players household names.
It remains to be seen what Coleman’s role will be moving forward, but if given proper snaps, he could find his way as one of the top receivers in the AFC. Don’t believe me, take a look at his stats while with the Browns. In 2016, Coleman caught 33 passes for 413 yards in just 10 games. In 2017, Coleman caught 23 passes for 305 yards in nine games. While they are nowhere close to Pro Bowl numbers, Coleman is a stretch-the-field type of receiver. Over his career, he’s averaged 12.8 yards per reception which means, when he does catch it, he has the ability to go the distance.
This is what the Patriots are lacking. This is why they signed Cook last year and why they gave Patterson a chance. Hogan also has the ability but he just can’t stay on the field long enough. Coleman is on his last chance possibly in the NFL and if Bill Belichick and Tom Brady can’t get him to get his act together, then who can?
You want to see what a player with a chip on his shoulder is capable of? Corey Cole is the poster child for this. With Rob Gronkowski doing his part, Hogan struggling, Patterson still finding his way, this is the Coming of Age moment for Coleman now. He’s in a position to change the course of his career and the season for the New England Patriots. With a strong showing against the Jaguars, Dolphins, and Lions, Coleman can solidify his spot as the No. 2 behind Edelman.
It’s a long shot but 5-6 catches per game with his averages will put him around the 80+ yards per game mark. Once you have Brady’s trust, that goes a long way. Hopefully, Coleman is ready to receive direction from two of the game’s greats. If he does, then this is easily the steal of the season.
[BXReporter]
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
