While most fans can continue to be on Randy Moss suicide watch, Patriots followers should take a moment to say thank you and good luck to Donte' Stallworth. Saturday he signed the long-term contract he was hoping for with the Cleveland Browns. He probably arrived highly recommended by NE head coach Bill Belichick since Stallworth now will be coached by Bill's former defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.
Besides being a great interview subject, Stallworth was a threat after the catch for the Pats. Sure Wes Welker is first to come to mind when RAC is mentioned because Welker led the league in them. But Stallworth was very dangerous on screens and quick hitches as well. Think back to Super Bowl XLII (yeah, most Pats fans are still trying to forget that debacle). Stallworth turned a short pass into a first down by juking a defender and reaching past the line for the reset.
By the end of the season Stallworth wasn't even Tom Brady's third option, as Jabar Gaffney became a valuable target for moving the chains. Stallworth didn't complain to the media. His contributions could be forgotten because he didn't set a team record or league record. But that doesn't mean he wasn't a valuable piece to a record-setting offense.
Stallworth is getting what he earned with the Browns. He could see the passes he didn't get in New England. Donte' could have a big year while running routes with receiver Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. And with the Browns re-signing QB Derek Anderson, the offense could be better than last year.
Thanks, Donte'. The offense will miss you more than we know.
Keywords: Browns, Cleveland, Donte', free agency, New England, Patriots, Pats, Stallworth, XLII
