Ben Watson is a good tight end, but not an excellent blocker
Michael Felger hands out his 2006 New England Patriots report card in today’s The Boston Herald. He gives the receivers a C and writes:
Those believing [a No. 1 receiver] would come from among the tight ends were sorely mistaken, as both Benjamin Watson and Daniel Graham stumbled through inconsistent receiving campaigns (both were excellent as blockers).
Ben Watson is a good tight-end, primarily because he’s a good receiver capable of making great plays. He is not an excellent blocker. For a tight-end he’s not an even an average blocker. He’s frequently over-powered when blocking straight ahead and he often whiffs when he tries to angle. Dave Thomas is a markedly better blocker than Watson, but I’m ready to put him the same class as Graham quite yet. I don’t know whether Watson struggles because of physical strength, technique, or schemes, but he is simply not an excellent blocker.
Ben Watson aside, I largely agree with Mr. Felger’s grading. Well, okay, I also think he oversells the interior of New England’s offensive line.
