The Patriots won on Thursday over the Jets, but with Danny Amendola out, Tom Brady dealt with a number of big drops from rookies Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson, leaving Julian Edelman as his only trustworthy receiver in fantasy football or reality.
Edelman made 13 catches in the game for 78 yards after making nine catches for two touchdowns last week and now he will be considered the top option for the team going forward until Danny Amendola returns and that could be in six weeks. The team is banged up on offense, including at running back, as Shane Vereen is out with wrist surgery.
The Patriots won their first game of the season against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 with a 23-21 victory and one of the main reasons for the success of the team was the running game with back Shane Vereen, but after undergoing wrist surgery, he was out on Thursday for the 1310 win over the Jets.
The Patriots were one of the most balanced offensive teams last season and they continued to do that in Week 1 and one of the reasons for that was the play of Vereen, and now he will be off the field. Head coach Bill Belichick had been planning to use Vereen on a regular basis in different offensive sets, including split out wide and at tight end due to his receiving skills. Vereen will be out until Week 11 at least and that will be for the game against the Carolina Panthers and comes after their bye week.
Vereen had even more to do in Week 1 than anyone initially expected, as Stevan Ridley fumbled and was benched by Belichick, giving him feature status the rest of the way. Vereen rushed for 104 yards, the most he has ever gained in his career, while also making seven receptions for 58 yards, making him very valuable in PPR leagues. Vereen being out for half the season is another big hit for the Patriots offense, as Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd are all currently not playing or are on the team anymore, while Rob Gronkowski and new acquisition Danny Amendola are on the sidelines.
Vereen first hurt his wrist in the early part of the game and afterwards it was reported that it wouldn't be an issue that would keep him out for very long, but after having surgery the team placed him on the IR with the designation that he could return this season. Ridley likely will retain his starting position and now Brandon Bolden and LeGarrette Blount should get more action as well.
The Patriots are having some woes on offense, but like in past seasons, it shouldn't mess with Tom Brady's production. Amendola has always been injury prone and after playing in just 11 games over the past two seasons, many fans wondered if he would get through the year healthy and that of course lasted just one game. Amendola was Brady's favorite target, but Belichick added some young talent, including Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins. The team is also dealing with an injury to Zach Sudfeld, who was inactive for the game against the Jets.
