The Patriots were able to survive last night’s playoff matchup with the underdog Texans, but New England’s offense was uncharacteristically sluggish and the 34-16 final score did not tell the full story. Luckily for the Pats, however, rookie wideout Malcolm Mitchell could be returning for the AFC Championship Game next week. Per Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald (via Twitter), there is “strong optimism” that Mitchell could be back for the game that could catapult New England to yet another Super Bowl appearance.
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Mitchell, who was selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft, put together a nice rookie season, catching 32 passes for 401 yards and four touchdowns. He demonstrated an early aptitude in grasping New England’s unique offensive scheme, and he was able to carry that success into the regular season.
However, Mitchell suffered a knee injury in the team’s Week 16 contest against the Jets and was inactive for the Week 17 tilt against the Dolphins. After being limited in practice in the week leading up to last night’s divisional round playoff game, Mitchell was officially deactivated prior to kickoff. Newly-acquired Michael Floyd saw a pass bounce off his hands for an interception last night–although the throw was not an especially good one–so Mitchell, who has established a strong rapport with Tom Brady, could take back some of the slot receiver snaps that Floyd has enjoyed in Mitchell’s absence.
Malcolm Mitchell could help establish the running game by giving TB12 another deep threat
As a Georgia fan, I hate to admit it, but I’m really surprised by how well he has played this year
Another great pick by BB and co.
The throw was off because Floyd hesitated on the slant inside. This appeared to throw off the timing of the play. Bye bye floyd… Tom’s trust is gone.
Are you kidding? You and I both know that Brady still trusts him, Brady isn’t the kind of QB who will go you made a mistake so I don’t trust you. If any QB did they shouldn’t be in the league. Floyd has the potential to be a number one receiver, Brady knows that and the patriots know that. If he stays in this offense and gets his stuff together he has the chance to be what Moss was for the Patriots all those years ago
He’s been there for a month. The only reason at this point he’s getting in is injury to Mitchell and amendola. You think he’s gonna get the chance to stay in this system that he’s been poorly executing since week 16? Did you really just compare Michael floyd to RANDY MOSS?! Are you nuts?!?
Tommy crybaby is mad at Floyd now.
Shut up idiot! Sorry The Patriots beat your team’s backside. Your jealousy makes you look like a petulant child!