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Patriots: what now with Thompkins cut?

PFF-headlinesIn a surprising move the Patriots released wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins despite a struggling passing offense that ranks 30th in both yards per attempt and yards per game.  While hardly eye-popping numbers Thompkins’ 6 catches for 53 yards is almost double the production of Danny Amendola and Aaron Dobson combined (4 catches for 29 yards).

And with discussions of quarterback Tom Brady’s trust in his receivers at an all time high, Thompkins was at least targeted when he did play – once every 4.8 passing snaps.  For comparison Danny Amendola has only been targeted once every 13.6 such snaps – a number that results in a Yards per Route Run of 0.17, the lowest in the league among any receiver with at least a catch.  Dobson meanwhile has only been on the field for 13 passing snaps total.  It’s now a distant memory that Thompkins and Dobson had combined for 26 catches and 389 yards this time last year as rookies.

Without the hope of development from the sophomore receivers, the Patriots have few options for improvement at the position this year.  Brian Tyms might be given a chance, but saw little to no time with Brady in the preseason – and is facing long odds given the Patriots now even worse resume at developing receivers.

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