Patriots Roster Prediction #22: TE Alge Crumpler

by Richard Hill on Aug 18, 2010 11:01 AM EDT in Patriots Player Profiles

Player Name: TE Alge Crumpler

Experience: 9 Seasons in the NFL, FA Addition by the New England Patriots

Past Role: Crumpler was one of the best tight ends in the league for the first half of the decade. He was one of the best receiving tight ends and one of the best blockers during his time with the Atlanta Falcons. In 2008, he was picked up by the Tennessee Titans in order to help groom the young tight ends on the Titans (Bo Scaife and Jared Cook) and was integral in lead blocking for Chris Johnson's monster season.

Predicted Role: Just like how he helped Johnson, look for Crumpler to help the Patriots anemic running game. He will have a similar impact in 2010 that he had in 2009 with the Titans. He'll be a great blocker and a great teacher for Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. He'll be the #3 receiving tight end in order to give more reps to Gronk and A Hern as receivers. He'll be the #2 in line blocker ahead of A Hern.

Predicted Season Numbers: 2 Games Started, 16 Games Played, 10 receptions, 150 yards, 1 TD

Predicted Depth Chart: #2 Blocking TE, #3 Receiving TE

Summary: Crumpler will be an excellent leader for our young tight ends. He's still able to step up and perform if called upon, but hopefully the young tight ends will learn their roles and play well. Crumpler will also make frequent appearances in the red zone in 3 TE sets that the offense should be using more frequently.

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How many years do we have him for 1? 2?

I like that fact that this guy is teaching 2 rookies TE both dynamic in college, and both different threats, The long bomber A Hern who splits out wide. And the Gronk the Red Zone and blocking threat. Plus hes a great proven blocker and was a Receving threat in his1st years. That is a luxury and one that will better this team for years to come.

by Patsfan4life on Aug 18, 2010 11:43 AM EDT reply actions

2

by prioris on Aug 18, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I can picture it now

The Pats line up on the opponents’ 1-yard line, with the five offensive linemen, the three TEs, Brady, one RB, and Randy Moss. Everyone knows they’re going to run the ball with this lineup — Moss is just there to keep the defense from cramming 11 guys into the box. As Brady takes the snap, Moss runs a fade to the back corner of the end zone, Gronk goes over the middle, and Crumpler and Hernandez break for the front corners of the end zone. Brady only has a couple seconds to get rid of the ball, but he has four receivers in the end zone, each covered by a defender who is not at all equipped to stop them from scoring an easy TD.

Now here’s the real question: will O’Brien have the imagination to try anything other than a running play with that lineup?

by RSNexile on Aug 18, 2010 11:51 AM EDT reply actions

I think so

Brady said something yesterday about the new guys bringing energy to the team and the challenge of different schemes. That sounds a bit more flavorful than the Moss and Welker show.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Aug 18, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn't mind this lineup for even midfield work

Aaron Hernandez is as much a receiver as a TE as it is, so it’s as much the Ace formation (2 WRs, 2 TEs, RB) as a goal-line form. Shift Hernandez out, voila, it’s a genuine passing set.

Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.

by Comedic.Sans on Aug 18, 2010 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions