Malcolm Mitchell released

PaulinMyrBch

Don't touch his dog food
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 10, 2003
8,316
MYRTLE BEACH!!!!
This injury has always puzzled me. He actually stayed in the game for at least one play after he got hit. I never imagined he wouldn’t be ready this year.
 

DennyDoyle'sBoil

Found no thrill on Blueberry Hill
SoSH Member
Sep 9, 2008
42,273
AZ
What a bummer. When he was healthy, he was the first out on the field to put in work before games and he seemed to have some chemistry with Brady.

They don't win a championship without him. He should never pay for a drink in Boston. I hope he gets better and has a career. Really this is too bad.
 

InstaFace

The Ultimate One
SoSH Member
Sep 27, 2016
21,754
Pittsburgh, PA
Yet another example of how cruel the NFL is to not have guaranteed contracts be the default. It really hits the NFL's lower-classes the hardest. Even just guaranteeing the first million or two of every year's salary (leaving the huge expenditures on stars more malleable) would leave far fewer players wondering how an injury that was "part of the game" could have cost them all their projected career earnings.
 

Ale Xander

Hamilton
SoSH Member
Oct 31, 2013
72,430
This blows. I loved his story, I loved his play, I loved 2016. With all the signings and injuries, expected though. Puts pressure on Britt and Decker to perform.
 

Koji’s Slider

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 21, 2018
1,474
He will catch on somewhere, too much talent to not. However, the NFL really needs to look into guaranteed deals, or even just something like an cap relief injury designation that would allow someone to get paid, but allow the money to come off the books. At some point the Steelers are going to have to release Ryan Shazier, and that’s going to be a shame.
 

ifmanis5

Member
SoSH Member
Sep 29, 2007
63,740
Rotten Apple
A binky of mine, thought he was great. It's hard to become attached to NFL players since their shelf life is so short. Wish him well and maybe one day he'll be healthy again.
 

Bergs

funky and cold
SoSH Member
Jul 22, 2005
21,613
Yet another example of how cruel the NFL is to not have guaranteed contracts be the default. It really hits the NFL's lower-classes the hardest. Even just guaranteeing the first million or two of every year's salary (leaving the huge expenditures on stars more malleable) would leave far fewer players wondering how an injury that was "part of the game" could have cost them all their projected career earnings.
This is a great idea. Surprised I never thought about that as a middle-ground solution.
 

bakahump

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jan 8, 2001
7,518
Maine
Shit.

Liked the kid. Had a good head (from what we know) on his shoulders and he should do well in life.
 

steveluck7

Member
SoSH Member
May 10, 2007
3,994
Burrillville, RI
He will catch on somewhere, too much talent to not. However, the NFL really needs to look into guaranteed deals, or even just something like an cap relief injury designation that would allow someone to get paid, but allow the money to come off the books. At some point the Steelers are going to have to release Ryan Shazier, and that’s going to be a shame.
I was listening to Beetle and Zo on the radio when this broke. They talked about it for a minute then beetle said "can i say what we saw? I probably can now, right?" Zo sort of grumbled and then they agreed not to talk about it in detail. Beetle finished that bit off by saying "let's just say, based on what we saw this is not a surprise and i would be surprised if he's on the field anywhere this year." I can only imagine how hobbled he was trying to participate in drills, etc.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
A binky of mine, thought he was great. It's hard to become attached to NFL players since their shelf life is so short. Wish him well and maybe one day he'll be healthy again.
You said it. Disappointed in the situation. Loved him when he was healthy and thanks for 2016. Fuck injuries.
 

Dotrat

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 11, 2002
2,135
Morris County NJ
This sucks--he seems like a really good guy who made real contributions in the all-too-brief times he was healthy.
 

joe dokes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 18, 2005
30,237

Yet despite the fact this team is dying for receiver depth and Mitchell was the most competent rookie receiver the team had since Deion Branch in 2002, shrugs will outnumber sneers when we try and figure out why he was released.
How does he write that without even a mention about past and present knee problems that have been widely reported. He did write:
We've known for more than a week he was on the outs and he hasn't been able to get on the field since the preseason last year when he collided with tight end Jacob Hollister during a game against the Texans.
But "on the outs" suggests something more than "unable to play." Is there something more?
 

dcmissle

Deflatigator
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Aug 4, 2005
28,269
How does he write that without even a mention about past and present knee problems that have been widely reported. He did write:


But "on the outs" suggests something more than "unable to play." Is there something more?
It is a borderline fraudulent piece without an acknowledgement of this injury history, as you note.

https://sportsinjurypredictor.com/player/malcolm-mitchell/7485

He is one of two or three guys in this entire market who I trust, so it’s deeply disappointing.

EDIT.

I will allow for one possibility. I will not claim it because I have not done the research and the sample size may be too small, but it would not surprise me: if the fuse is significantly shorter for “injury cases” in Fox; much less patience.

That would be understandable given the time horizons down there, but if you’re going to say that, say it, and don’t go with the innuendo.
 
Last edited:

RedOctober3829

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
55,298
deep inside Guido territory
How does he write that without even a mention about past and present knee problems that have been widely reported. He did write:


But "on the outs" suggests something more than "unable to play." Is there something more?
Well, Mitchell was outright waived and not waived with an injury designation. That means he passed his final physical before they released him.
 

joe dokes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 18, 2005
30,237
Well, Mitchell was outright waived and not waived with an injury designation. That means he passed his final physical before they released him.
That was also absent from Curran's note. The fact -- aside from the official NFL designation -- is that he's been unable to play, apparently for all to see, due to knee issues. Is Curran suggesting he wasn't really hurt? That he wasn't rehabbing with appropriate vigor? That there's some "reason," beyond his ability to play, why he's "on the outs."
 
Last edited:

BigSoxFan

Member
SoSH Member
May 31, 2007
47,088
This WR group is kinda terrible on paper, at least until Edelman gets back.
Edelman
Hogan
Dorsett
Britt
Decker
Patterson

Even adding Edelman doesn’t make it much better since we have no idea what he’ll be like upon his return. Given that Patterson is going to be a gadget player, somebody in the Dorsett/Britt/Decker group really needs to pop. And I’m not exactly holding my breath.
 

RorschachsMask

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 23, 2011
5,203
Lynn
It feels weird to even say but Mitchell was one of my favorite Patriots of this whole run. Obviously him being such a great person off the field plays a big role in that. Him saying his heart hurts was tough to read, i really hope he can get himself healthy but not sure how likely that is.

"New England, thank you! My heart hurts, but I smile when thinking about all the love, support and patience you have given me. To the community this is not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you later. Go Pats!"
 

Harry Hooper

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jan 4, 2002
34,368
By Patriots standards, Britt and Decker are large receivers (both listed at 6'3") which could give Brady a different kind of target. I am riding on the Britt bus minivan.
 

joe dokes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 18, 2005
30,237
I think we've been here before.



Kyed

Still doesn't really explain Curran's use of "on the outs," as opposed to the tried and true "cant make the club from the tub."
Mitchell was certainly reliable and dependable from a learning-the-playbook and staying-out-of-trouble angles. He just can't get/stay healthy.
 

lexrageorge

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,096
Curran is doing some serious trolling there, to the point it's really hard to take anything he'll say with any degree of seriousness going forward. FWIW, Zolak and Bertrand this morning doubled down on their "he's not playing football anytime soon, if ever" take, which they based on what they saw from his workouts. Contrary to what Curran may want you to think, the Pats are not under any obligation to keep an injured player (whose career is likely over) on their roster for the duration of his contract.
 

PaulinMyrBch

Don't touch his dog food
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 10, 2003
8,316
MYRTLE BEACH!!!!
Looking at last years stats, this is how the groups breakdown for percentage of total completions.

WR's - 45%
RB's - 32%
TE's - 23%

I included Develin's 6 catches with the RB group.

Cooks 17% and Dola's 16% were the meat of those numbers for the WR's, Hogan was 3rd at 9%.

Gronk 18% and White 14% led the way for their respective groups.

Cooks/Dola/Gronk/White total 65% of the completions. So I think we really need one WR to step up until Edelman is back, and then I think that receiver plus Hogan and Edelman will get the majority of catches through the season. I know the WR group looks weak, but 3-4 of those guys are just depth, we need Dorsett possibly to be the man breaking out. Early reviews have been positive. I don't think we'll see as much 11 personnel in the first 4 weeks. I bet we're a bit heavier until Edelman is back. Hoping Edelman is right when he's back (obviously).
 

mauf

Anderson Cooper × Mr. Rogers
Moderator
SoSH Member
Edelman
Hogan
Dorsett
Britt
Decker
Patterson

Even adding Edelman doesn’t make it much better since we have no idea what he’ll be like upon his return. Given that Patterson is going to be a gadget player, somebody in the Dorsett/Britt/Decker group really needs to pop. And I’m not exactly holding my breath.
This is the worst receiver corps the Pats have had since the 2006 squad, where Reche Caldwell was the only player with 50+ catches (and Troy Brown was the only WR besides Caldwell with more than 25).

A lot rides on Gronk’s health. If defenses have to key on him, that will open opportunities for everyone else, but if he’s not playing, the league’s better defenses will absolutely smother this crew.
 

The Talented Allen Ripley

holden
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Oct 2, 2003
12,723
MetroWest, MA
Edelman
Hogan
Dorsett
Britt
Decker
Patterson

Even adding Edelman doesn’t make it much better since we have no idea what he’ll be like upon his return. Given that Patterson is going to be a gadget player, somebody in the Dorsett/Britt/Decker group really needs to pop. And I’m not exactly holding my breath.
Berrios?
 

Super Nomario

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 5, 2000
14,012
Mansfield MA
Cooks/Dola/Gronk/White total 65% of the completions. So I think we really need one WR to step up until Edelman is back, and then I think that receiver plus Hogan and Edelman will get the majority of catches through the season. I know the WR group looks weak, but 3-4 of those guys are just depth, we need Dorsett possibly to be the man breaking out. Early reviews have been positive. I don't think we'll see as much 11 personnel in the first 4 weeks. I bet we're a bit heavier until Edelman is back. Hoping Edelman is right when he's back (obviously).
Sometimes 11 personnel is dictated by game situation. In the two-minute drill, they can't really play Develin or Dwayne Allen. If they're losing in the second half and need to throw, they need more receivers out there. And even in those heavier lineups, they need someone to step up. Allen was awful as a receiver last year, and Hollister did little. Maybe we see some White / Burkhead lineups? I dunno.

They have Brady and Gronk and what should be a good OL / run game, but man the receiving corps is a house of cards.
 

Saints Rest

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Bedard and Price at BSJ have been raving about Patterson. Catch of the day has been a repeated term for him. They also praised his willingness to get his nose dirty in WR blocking drills.

I think Patterson will surprise this year in the same way that Hogan did 2 years ago.
 

tims4wins

PN23's replacement
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
37,055
Hingham, MA
Bedard and Price at BSJ have been raving about Patterson. Catch of the day has been a repeated term for him. They also praised his willingness to get his nose dirty in WR blocking drills.

I think Patterson will surprise this year in the same way that Hogan did 2 years ago.
It's not just those two, Phil Perry and Curran, as well as Reiss, mention his name on a near-daily basis it seems.
 

Bowhemian

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 10, 2015
5,698
Bow, NH
This is the worst receiver corps the Pats have had since the 2006 squad, where Reche Caldwell was the only player with 50+ catches (and Troy Brown was the only WR besides Caldwell with more than 25).

A lot rides on Gronk’s health. If defenses have to key on him, that will open opportunities for everyone else, but if he’s not playing, the league’s better defenses will absolutely smother this crew.
Seriously, the receivers this year may not be as good as the past few years, but IMO they do not deserve that comparison.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
Everything I have read in the podcast/ twittersphere is very positive on Patterson. Hopefully this is a case of BB seeing a super athletic guy and coming up with a plan that takes advantages of his strengths and puts him in a position to maximize his potential... which is what BB said to Patterson while trying to get him to sign as a free agent. I loved the Berrios pick even if my guy was Trey Quinn but Berrios is already behind given his unavailability in May/June. Pre-2018 draft we were talking here about a potential for getting guys in the WR development pipeline. Whether they go FA or draft, the current crop of receivers are retreads, some better than others, guys who have been on the team but are aging, and almost complete unknowns. Everything could turn out fine with this group it's just more question marks for a position group than usual going in especially on offense.
Rumor has it they were eyeing Calvin Ridley as well... makes sense. Alabama guy known for his route running, football IQ, and his ability to create space through that. Definitely an area of the roster that could still use some long term consideration.
 

BigSoxFan

Member
SoSH Member
May 31, 2007
47,088
Seriously, the receivers this year may not be as good as the past few years, but IMO they do not deserve that comparison.
Someone in the Dorsett/Britt/Patterson/Decker group really needs to emerge. If Gronk goes down with an injury, then we need 2 of those guys to emerge. I think we have a good sense as to what Hogan/Edelman should bring but I have no idea what to expect from this group. I personally don't think Decker has much left so not expecting much there. Britt was putrid last year in Cleveland (obviously have to discount that some) and turns 30 in September so not sure what he'll add, especially since we've never seen him in a game with Brady. Dorsett and Patterson are younger and athletic so if someone emerges, I think it's going to be one of these guys.
 

Super Nomario

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 5, 2000
14,012
Mansfield MA
Bedard and Price at BSJ have been raving about Patterson. Catch of the day has been a repeated term for him. They also praised his willingness to get his nose dirty in WR blocking drills.

I think Patterson will surprise this year in the same way that Hogan did 2 years ago.
My concern re: the bolded is: is Patterson actually playing well, or just making a couple highlight-reel catches each practice? It's easy to notice a one-handed grab; it's harder to pick up on whether a guy is consistently running routes at the proper depth, making the correct sight adjustments, and getting separation with consistency (I believe Mike Lombardi made a similar point on a recent pod, in the abstract, not about Patterson in particular). This article suggests it's not all sunshine and roses with Patterson:

Patterson was quick to admit he’d made a number of mental mistakes so far during the first five days of training camp. He has had trouble getting lined up before the snap. He drew the ire of coaches for making a mistake.
There are reasons for optimism with Patterson that don't exist with a number of the other WR in camp, and lord knows he should have opportunity, but we'll have to see. These glowing camp reports don't move the needle very far for me.
 

lexrageorge

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,096
The WR corps is a question mark, but I'm not sure it's as bad as some here are making it out to be.

Edelman and Hogan were the top 2 WR's the last time the Pats won the Super Bowl; both will be back. Third was Malcom Mitchell, but while we will miss his potential, his actual production of 48 catches, 401 yards, and 12.5 ypc is replaceable, and could get replaced by Dorsett, who will have a full year in the Pats system along with a full offseason (which is a big deal, IMO). In 2014, it was Edeman, Brandon LaFell, and some guy named Tim Wright.

I do agree, however, that promising camp practices are not anything to get excited about just yet.
 

dcmissle

Deflatigator
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Aug 4, 2005
28,269
There seems to be a presumption that Edelman comes back without skipping a beat, when there is a decent track record of a two-year full recovery period for his injury.

Plus, even if you get decent contributions from the others, they remain paper thin with a decent chance that someone else goes down during the season.

Won’t be surprised a bit if they add someone. The rub is a demonstrated track record of the Pats’ offense not being particularly user friendly to new WRs.

It was an off-season of necessary tough decisions. At this position, they are exposed.
A lot of productive talent on offense has left the building.
 

Van Everyman

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2009
26,993
Newton
I was listening to Beetle and Zo on the radio when this broke. They talked about it for a minute then beetle said "can i say what we saw? I probably can now, right?" Zo sort of grumbled and then they agreed not to talk about it in detail. Beetle finished that bit off by saying "let's just say, based on what we saw this is not a surprise and i would be surprised if he's on the field anywhere this year." I can only imagine how hobbled he was trying to participate in drills, etc.
I asked a buddy of mine about this and he believed that this back and forth was alluding to some tension between Mitchell and the team about him training with Guerrero (which I hadn’t realized he was but Google confirms). Has anyone heard anything to this effect?
 

joe dokes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 18, 2005
30,237
I asked a buddy of mine about this and he believed that this back and forth was alluding to some tension between Mitchell and the team about him training with Guerrero (which I hadn’t realized he was but Google confirms). Has anyone heard anything to this effect?
Not blaming you (the messenger), but I guess this is how its gonna be. Every time any player possibly associated with Guerrero gets released it'll be because BB favors diminishing the team and sticking it to Guerrero and Brady.
 
Last edited:

Van Everyman

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2009
26,993
Newton
I agree -- my reaction to him saying that was, "Really? This Mitchell situation too?" That said, it sounds like this cloud about Guerrero will be hanging over the team until something breaks one way or the other.
 

Eck'sSneakyCheese

Member
SoSH Member
May 11, 2011
10,391
NH
Edelman
Hogan
Dorsett
Britt
Decker
Patterson

Even adding Edelman doesn’t make it much better since we have no idea what he’ll be like upon his return. Given that Patterson is going to be a gadget player, somebody in the Dorsett/Britt/Decker group really needs to pop. And I’m not exactly holding my breath.
On paper that actually looks pretty good to me. We know what Edelman and Hogan are. Edelman may be rusty but I'd be shocked if he’s not still one of the quickest WRs in the league. Hogan is a damned good receiver he just needs to be healthy. Dorsett and Patterson are 1st round talents with game changing playmaking ability. They haven’t lived up to their hype but they haven’t had Brady throwing it to them either. Dorsett flashed some good things last year and Patterson has been the talk of TC as others have mentioned. Decker is one of those guys that consistently killed us as a Bronco and a Jet. I'm not sure he’s completely cooked but I’ll admit that the lack of interest from the rest of the league is a little troublesome. I honestly have no idea with Britt but I do know he’s not exactly a nobody. He’s only 2 years removed from a 1000 yard season. There’s actually a ton of talent in that crew. It just needs to translate.