The New England Patriots’ tight end
package just got a whole lot scarier.
Yesterday, the Pats acquired New York Giants tight end Jake
Ballard. Ballard tore his ACL in Super
Bowl XLVI against the Patriots and is expected to miss part of the 2012 regular
season. The Patriots will inherit his
one-year, $540,000 contract and are likely to place him on the Physically
Unable to Perform list before the start of the regular season.
This is a
great move for the Patriots for a few reasons.
First of all, the 6’6 275 Ballard had a breakout season for the Giants
last year, playing in 14 games and recording 38 receptions for 600+ yards receiving
and 4 touchdowns. At 25, there is a
great amount of potential for Ballard to be a premier tight end in the NFL. Once healthy, Ballard will undoubtedly make the Patriots receiving core even more unpredictable and effective.
Another
reason why this is a fantastic move for the Patriots is that it frustrates New
York Giants head coach, Tom Coughlin. You've gotta love how ballsy Belichick is with this move. I hate the Giants organization just as
much as any Patriots fan, so seeing Coughlin all upset and bothered gives
me that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.
When asked about Ballard, he responded, “Discouraged is a minor description. Very disappointing. I am not going to have a lot to say about
that one, just the fact we are disappointed.
We are very disappointed.”
Remember Coughlin was also disappointed when the Eagles signed Steve Smith and he used that as motivation to win another Super Bowl - by the way - at the Patriots expense. Remember - head to head last two Super Bowls - Coughlin 2 - Belichick 0!!!
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