We've mentioned here over the past couple of weeks about opportunity, and how some Patriots' players - even some of the coaches - will soon be receiving their whack at having success.
That chance is about to play out, in a big way, for tight end Scott Chandler. The Patriots are, of course, hopeful he'll be the one doing his share of the whacking on opponents, and not the other way around.
[wysifield-embeddedaudio|eid="338491"|type="embeddedaudio"|view_mode="full"]While Chandler has had a nice career thus far in the NFL, there certainly could be an inclination to expect more out of him. After all, 6-7, 270 pound receivers aren't usually blessed with excessive speed, agility, or the ability to zip through the middle of a defense faster than the Buffalo Bills' last stay in the playoffs - which came all of 20 years ago. No, more has been expected of Chandler largely because he's been a one-man wrecking crew against the Patriots' defense as a former member of those Bills.
Who among us hasn't thought - while watching Chandler seemingly torture the Patriots secondary - "man, that guy kills us every time he plays us?" Nine catches for 127 yards for two games in 2012, 7 for 93 in 2013 and 7 more for 125 yards in two games last season (6 for 105 in a 37-22 Pats' win at Orchard Park) against New England as a primary Bills' target that has lacked a true gunslinger at quarterback during the same time frame, and with few other game-changing options at receiver.
2013 and 2014 have been Chandler's most productive years of the eight seasons he has been an active player in the league. Approaching his 30th birthday later this month, the time to step up has crept up upon him. He's never had a QB like Tom Brady throwing his way, and he's also certainly never had another receiver like Rob Gronkowski running interference as a primary option.
Patriots signed free agent Tight End Scott Chandler. Check out our favorite photos from Chandler's time with the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) celebrates after scoring on a 29-yard reception against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler runs after a reception in a preseason NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, in Denver. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)
Buffalo Bills' Scott Chandler makes a catch under pressure from Oakland Raiders' Chris Johnson (37) during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. The Bills won 38-35. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) catches a third quarter touchdown pass that cuts the New England Patriots lead to 21-17 during the NFL week 3 football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, September 25, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills won the game 34-31. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) is tackled by New York Jets free safety Brodney Pool, right, and Jim Leonhard, left, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) is tackled by New York Jets free safety Brodney Pool during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) during the second quarter of an NFL
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) celebrates a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) scores on a 29-yard reception against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) and kicker Dan Carpenter (2) react after Carpanter kicked a point during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won the game 17-16. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) catches a pass between New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) and defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler #84 in action against the Baltimore Ravens at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY September 29, 2013. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) fails to catch a pass under pressure from Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Jets with wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler, top, scores on a 29-yard reception past Oakland Raiders cornerback Brandian Ross during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) is hit by Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) celebrates after scoring on a 29-yard reception against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) during an NFL regular season game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won, 26-24. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) rests during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Dec. 7, 2014, in Denver, Co. The Broncos won the game, 24-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) catches a pass and looks for running room defended by New York Jets inside linebacker DeMario Davis (56) on a first down play in the fourth quarter during the NFL week 11 football game against the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013 in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won the game 37-14. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chadler (84) heads for the end zone during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014, in Oakland, Ca. The Raiders won the game, 26-24. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) heads downfield during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Dec. 7, 2014, in Denver, Co. The Broncos won the game, 24-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) fights New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) to stay in bounds during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 21, 2014 at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24 in Week 16. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) runs toward the end zone to score during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, December 21, 2014 at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24 in Week 16. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) runs through a tunnel toward the field as teams warm up before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) celebrates with wide receiver Robert Woods (10) after scoring on a 29-yard reception against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) is hit by Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) after making a catch in the fourth quarter of the NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler, left, makes a catch as Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) moves in for the tackle during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Orchard Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) heads downfield during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Dec. 7, 2014, in Denver, Co. The Broncos won the game, 24-17. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
This is a 2014 photo of Scott Chandler of the Buffalo Bills NFL football team. This image reflects the Buffalo Bills active roster as of Monday, June 16, 2014 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Scott Chandler, de los Bills de Buffalo, celebra su recepción para un touchdown frente a los Raiders de Oakland, el domingo 18 de septiembre del 2011. Los Bills, que rara vez comienzan una temporada con una foja de 2-0, se miden en la semana 3 de la NFL a los Patriots de Nueva Inglaterra, que están acostumbrados a marchar invictos hasta bien entrada la campaña (AP Foto/David Duprey).
Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler (84) before an NFL regular season game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won, 26-24. (AP Photo/Ric Tapia)
This could be fun to watch, and not so much fun for other teams to try and defend. Preparation, meet opportunity. And having a little luck couldn't hurt, either.
"We're building some chemistry," Chandler noted after a recently completed practice session last month. "We're going to have some fun. Each year is different, but I am looking forward to seeing what I can do this year.
"Rob and I are going out there and working hard, trying to find our niches," Chandler added. "I couldn't be more excited to be a Patriot than I am. I've always admired them, and I'm looking forward to just working hard and to helping in some way."
A 6-foot-6 all-pro tight end on one side, and a 6-foot-7 tight end on the other, both looking to play pin ball with defenders in an opposing secondary? And if an injury were to occur, as they often do, a sizable option potentially steps into the breach. The possibilities are there, it would appear, to create - and continue - major mismatches past the line of scrimmage.
"It's still pretty early in the process, and I'm just trying to fit in and play the role the team needs me to play, whatever that might be," Chandler offered.
Patriot fans would, no doubt, love to see Scott Chandler do unto others, as he has done unto them before.
Et tu, Devin?
Ok, maybe Devin McCourty isn't exactly traitorous here, but he did tell ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss recently that he, Logan Ryan and Tavon Wilson will be working out with former teammate-turned-Jet Darrelle Revis again this summer.
The group prepared for last season under the tutelage of trainer Will Sullivan in the summer heat of Arizona prior to training camp. But before anyone gets bent out of shape over ex-teammates cavorting or conspiring with the enemy, consider the fact that Revis and Ryan both share the same agent. And because Ryan is in line to replace Revis in the Patriots' secondary, maybe the carpet-bagging Jet DB is trying to help his friend and ex-teammate win a job?
One thing seems to be certain. Revis commands respect from his fellow players, if not the fans, for his so-far successful training habits and follow-up performances. During his first run in New York, Revis was known for tutoring younger, less-experienced players in his off-season workout program. Ryan, McCourty and Wilson aren't exactly less-experienced, but the workouts last year did seem to play out well enough through the development of the secondary over the course of the entire season.
Maybe if anyone should be upset here, it should be the J-E-T-S? After all, Revis is once again wearing green-and-white and he's working out with the enemy, too.
Short fuses in the Big Apple
Two items caught the eye over the past week, and both involved New York players.
One was Jets' defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, who was suspended for the first four games of the season, without pay, for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Richardson can still take part in off-season preparations, and pre-season training camp and exhibition games, but he won't be on the field once the regular season kicks off in September.
His missing presence on the Jets' defensive front won't be a factor for the Patriots, since the two teams won't meet for the first time until October 25th. And with the drafting of DT Leonard Williams, it appears the J-E-T-S could still be in A-O-K shape at the start of the season as well. Still, for a former Defensive Rookie of the Year of whom much is expected, especially off the field, his faux pas has to be considered a blow for a team that has been looking up in the standings at New England for far too long...from the Jets' point of view, of course.
Additionally, the Super Bowl nemesis New York Giants narrowly escaped a major blow to their defense with the news of DE Jason Pierre-Paul's fireworks mishap over the 4th of July holiday. NFL.com reported Pierre-Paul suffered a hand injury while trying to light fireworks that required hospitalization, even though his injuries are not believed to be serious.
The incident seemed innocuous enough, until learning Pierre-Paul is not currently under contract for next season. Yes, the Giants used their franchise tag on the super-talented-but-so-far-under-performing defensive end from South Florida, to the tune of a $14.8 million tender. But nothing has yet been signed.
Could his injuries affect his new deal? Makes you wonder why a team would make that kind of an investment on a player who doesn't know enough to let someone else light his firecrackers. A famous movie line comes to mind, from the character Forrest Gump - "stupid is, as stupid does."
*John Rooke is an author and award-winning broadcaster, and is beginning his 23rd year as the Patriots' stadium voice. Currently serving in several media capacities - which include hosting "Patriots Playbook" on Patriots.com Radio - Rooke has broadcast college football and basketball locally and nationally for 27 seasons and is a member of the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame. *
Follow him on Twitter - @JRbroadcaster
