Historically, the Patriots have sought to build their wide receiver depth chart around the former.
But in the last couple of years, seemed to be drafting and signing the latter.
Let us count the ways.
But before we do, know that I am exempting Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas from this list.
So let’s acknowledge the feel-good nature of his Joseph Campbell-like Hero’s Journey and focus on the rest.
(As an aside, I still love this show.
It holds up, even 60 years later.
The writing was brilliant.
He was an incredible comedian.
Young Mary Tyler Moore is the hottest woman in G-rated TV history.
Further perspective: Will Levis is at 70.7.
One plagued by an injury as well as Brian Kelly.
But also with a lot of potential.
Belichick must have thought so anyway, as he gave the rookie 55 snaps in Week 1.
Only to make Boutte inactive for the next eight games, and 12 of the next 15.
He never took a snap in Week 1 of this season, and was inactive in Week 2.
But then he started getting on the field.
And made the most of his chances:
And followed that one up with a 33-yarder Sunday.
So it would seem he and Drake Maye have that undefinable QB-WRmance thing going.
Giving everyone a reason to feel good in the midst of two straight blowout losses.
Advocating for yourself is the American Way.
But let’s not lose sight of the fact he was drafted 187th.
Was a part time player in his final year of college.
Was benched by the GOAT of coaching even as he had the worst offense in the league.
And went into the Houston game with 12 career targets and six receptions.
In the end, he might turn out to be right and prove he’s been under utilized.
With two career fumbles and eight interceptions while targets over his three seasons.
There’s an old cliche about promising an elephant and producing a mouse.
Baker hasn’t even provided the mouse yet.
The way the truly great ones do.
And however successful he is, it’ll be fascinating to see how it plays out.
I think I can now say, without fear of contradiction, that it hasn’t played out.
Not even a tiny, microscopic bit.
We don’t need these guys to be humble.
We just need performance to match their egos.
Not the one whose mouth is always open.
Really puts a ribbon on the whole premise.
That’s the Old Balls Difference.)
