Good ol’ Bill is at it again: the Patriots have pulled one right out of the hat by signing TE Paul Quessenberry, a guy who hasn’t played competitive football in over five years.
Terms of the contract were not included in the official announcement, but it’s expected that the ex-marine will join the Patriots for training camp. Queensberry comes from true NFL stock, with both his brothers playing in the league for the LA Chargers and Tennessee Titans.
Queensberry hasn't been out of the league due to off-field issues or for not being found good enough: the ex-Navy defensive end just completed a five-year stint with the United States Marine Corps. And while his 2015 tryouts with the Houston Texans didn’t quite work out, he’s hopeful that he’ll get his roster spot with the Patriots.
It’s a signing that’s certainly raising eyebrows across the league, but experience has shown that you second guess Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots at your own peril. Belichick’s long list of plucky decisions have generally worked out, so those paying attention are certainly feeling the thrill of the new wave of surprises. As seen on sbo.net, “futures markets often have higher-than-normal juice”, so Belichick’s ever-changing and difficult to predict decisions are already making punters who are betting against the Pats break out in a cold sweat.
Quessenberry Scouting Report
There’s one thing that can’t be denied: the Patriots are in the middle of a massive rebuilding job. And who can blame them? They’ve lost one of the biggest names the NFL has ever seen in - Tom Brady.
Will Quessenberry be a big part of the roster? Probably not. But there’s every chance he’ll make a contribution. Here’s the skinny: 28-year old Paul Quessenberry played defensive end for the Naval Academy during college, but is being brought in as a potential solution at TE. He’s 6’2 and weighs 250 lbs, and will be wearing number 48.
During his time with the Navy, he played defensive end for four seasons (2011-2014). In his last year, he played 13 games, racking up a total of 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two passes defended.
Joe Cardona played with him at the Navy, and has some very good things to say about Quessenberry. He describes him as tough, a special teammate, a guy you can count on. His best qualities have been described as high-energy and high-effort, something the Patriots will definitely be needing during what will undoubtedly be a tumultuous rebuilding year.
Unorthodox Moves Define Belichick
Belichick’s move for Quessenberry would be a surprise move by anyone but Belichick. But the truth is that the Patriots coach has always had a penchant for surprise and smarts.
Scout’s Eye
Take Matt Cassell as an example. He made his very first start since high school while he was with the Pats. He was the 230th pick of the 2005 NFL Draft. He’s been a perennial backup. Until he filled in for an injured Tom Brady, throwing for 3,693 yards. He ended up making the Pro Bowl.
Corey Dillon was 30 years old when he had a career season with the Pats. He was brought in for a mere second-round pick in 2004, running for an impressive 1,635 yards. People thought he was done. Not Belichick.
Outsmarting the NFL
Belichick’s smarts have also forced the NFL to change the injury report. Why? While on the injury report for 3 consecutive years, Tom Brady managed to play in 127 straight games. Belichick would do anything to confuse his adversaries.
When Aaron Hernandez was indicted for murder, Belichick knew how to handle the difficult situation, teaching players how to handle the media intensity and how to maneuver a reporter’s line of questioning.
He’s also willing to show humility to earn respect, letting his players sit in first class while he rides the back in coach. Belichick’s message to the players is clear: I need you guys, I’m not too big for my boots, you’re the ones who have to do it on the field. With simple acts like that, the Pats are willing to run through brick walls for the guy.
Based on his strike rate, there’s only one conclusion: put your chips on Quessenberry. There’s every chance he may prove the naysayers wrong. It would certainly make for a good story.
