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Stablein...Versatile and Athletic. Brian Stablein doesn't enjoy the stereotype he's been given. Fans view him as a possession receiver, but he doesn't believe that. "I really think I can do anything on the football field that they ask me to do," said Stablein, "I'm not a world-class sprinter, but I'm a bit faster than people give me credit for."
Stablein is definantly in Coach Pete Carrolls plan which can be proved by the three-year, $3 million deal with a $500,000 signing bonus he signed him to. He has also had him return kicks, which is a great assett with the release of Meggett. The stable of talented receivers he joins include, Terry Glenn, Shawn Jefferson, Vincent Brisby, Troy Brown , Tony Simmons , Tony Gaiter , Dietrich Jells , Denis Montana , Shawn Turner , Todd Doxzon , and Anthony Ladd. Coach Carroll says Brown may be the leading candidate to fit the kick returning job if Tony Gaiter doesn't perform up to his standards. Stablein at least gives the Patriots a bit of security. "The more you can do, the more valuable you are to the team and the more options you create for yourself," said Stablein. That is true these days in the NFL where versitile players mean the difference in games. Stablein said he became increasingly frustrated with the Colts, who went from being a playoff team to 3-13 last year. "We just lost so much veteran talent in a short time and we didn't replace them with anyone," said Stablein. "I think now they're rebuilding, and with Peyton Manning, it should eventually be exciting. But I wanted to win now and I thought New England was the best place to do that." Stablein took part in the rookie camp because he missed the mandatory minicamp for his wedding. He showed himself to be surehanded, able to catch the ball well over the middle, which is something the Patriots realy need in the offense. Everyone is scared to be in the middle of the field except Ben Coates. Ernie Zampese's offense is based highly on timed routes, something Stablein plays well with. "I think my style fits in anywhere, with any philosophy," Stablein said. "It's going to be exciting to catch the ball from Drew Bledsoe. He's one of the best in the game. Last year was frustrating in that we didn't give the quarterback, whether it was Jimmy Harbaugh or Paul Justin, enough time to throw. Drew is more like Paul in that he's a straight dropback passer. You have to get to your spot on the field and look for the ball because Drew will get it there." "It's a good group of guys," said Stablein. "I'll miss the guys in Indy. But I won't miss struggling like we did." |
