Foxborough, Massachusetts-The Patriots tight end Johnne Smith wasn’t dissatisfied when he left Tennessee as a free agent after the last four years of the off-season.
He was simply looking for a place to “start a new chapter” ?? in his words. And, “?? Make a new start for your journey.” ??
‘?? It was some of the best four years I’ve ever experienced, I learned a lot,’ ?? Smith talked about his time with the Titans. ‘?? (Mike) Mularkey for 1 year, (Mike) Vrabel for 3 years. I learned a lot from both people. … I only got love for the organization. It was done correctly by me. I went out there and dedicated everything for them.
But while the resurrected Patriots (7-4) are preparing to host the previous team, Smith is still looking for the first signature game in New England.
It’s not the season he expected to have in the first year of four years, the $ 50 million deal he signed in March. Still, he isn’t worried about his role and says he applies the same patience and dedication as the team’s process to return to the playoffs after the start of 2-4.
‘?? That’s what it is now’ ?? Smith said. ‘?? I am grateful to be in my position. Whatever I am called or asked to do, that is what I do. I don’t necessarily have to worry about the role … it’s the job of the coach. Our job is to get out there and do it. So that’s all I can worry about.
What attracted the 26-year-old New England was how much the Patriots used their tight-end positions in all aspects of their attacks, especially in pass games.
The excitement grew when the team also added the tight-end Hunter Henry. Both envisioned potential alternatives to the dual tight end set that Patriots very often adopted during Rob Gronkowski’s tenure.
So far, Henry has been the most prosperous in the attack, catching seven touchdowns in the last eight games and finding the rhythm behind the steady play of rookie quarterback Mac Jones. It helps to promote.
The Patriots outperformed their opponents by 125 points in five consecutive victories.
Aggressive coordinator Josh McDaniels said this week that Smith may still be adjusting what he called the “basic year.” He is unfamiliar with the Patriots system and often sees players playing under Bill Belichick.
‘?? These guys coming in, it’s their first opportunity because they’re still learning like some newcomers,’ ?? McDaniels said. ‘?? They may have been around NFL football, listening to the NFL’s words. But from a week to sit in Bill’s squad meeting, listen weekly to what we’re doing and what we’re trying to do, and attack or protect our defensive weaknesses. Fits how to change to the next week. ‘??
As a result, Smith has been used primarily as a blocker for the past few weeks, but his learning curve and recent shoulder problems that set him aside in the 10th week against Cleveland hindered him. He said he didn’t think he was.
‘?? You go everywhere for the first time in your life, and it’s an adjustment. It’s about how well you adjust. “?? He said. ‘?? Whatever I’m called or asked to do, that’s what I do. I don’t necessarily have to worry about the role … it’s the job of the coach. Our job is to get out there and do it. That’s all you can worry about. … we will continue to play good football, continue to progress and continue to improve.
Regarding the match against Titans (8-3) on Sunday, Smith said he was looking forward to knocking out the previous team from AFC’s current perch.
‘?? We are ready to play. It’s going to be the hell of the game,’ ?? He said. ‘?? Treat it like any other game. That is our way of thinking, weekly, weekly. I haven’t seen the logo. Do not downplay the other person. We are going to play our brand of soccer. “??
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Smith is still finding a foothold with the next former team and Pats
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