Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off of yet another Super Bowl victory, the New England Patriots have quietly made some strong moves to improve their squad in 2015, none of which will be more impactful than tight end Scott Chandler.
The 29-year-old veteran caught 47 passes for 497 yards and three touchdowns for the AFC rival Buffalo Bills last season. Considering the fact that the quarterback combination of E.J. Manuel and Kyle Orton were the ones running the offense, these numbers were solid for a tight end in that system.
Since making the full-time NFL roster in 2011 with the Bills four seasons after he was drafted, Chandler has been a valuable target in the passing attack. At 6-foot-7, he caught 181 passes for 2,112 yards to go along with 17 touchdowns in 61 games played. He’s also sure-handed with the ball, as he has lost just three fumbles over his career.
What’s perhaps most interesting is the success he has enjoyed playing against the Patriots throughout his time in Buffalo. Take a look at how he’s fared against New England compared to how he’s performed against other teams.
Pro Football Reference
It looks like Bill Belichick decided that it would be easier to sign Chandler than try to defend him. During his nine career matchups against New England, Chandler’s receptions, yards and touchdowns per game averages trump his numbers against the rest of the league.
While the addition of Tim Wright in the middle of last season seemed to be an indication that the Patriots wanted to move in the direction of using two tight end sets, Wright never emerged into a viable, consistent option on the offensive end of the ball. While replacing the versatility of Aaron Hernandez has proven to be impossible, Chandler’s schematic versatility will prove to be largely beneficial for New England in 2015.
Chandler certainly isn’t the fleetest of foot, but he uses his large frame and 260-pound girth to his advantage, as he understands how to create separation and how to box out linebackers in coverage.
Perhaps the most deadly threat that Chandler poses is in the end zone. Can you imagine trying to defend both Chandler and Pro Bowler Rob Gronkowski when in the red zone? That will be a reality for New England’s opponents all season, as both tight ends have the ability to high-point the ball over pretty much every NFL defender. Chandler showed the ability to perform in the red zone with Buffalo’s quarterback mess. Tom Brady, I would say, is a bit of an upgrade in that respect.
While I’m hesitant to believe that Chandler will be on the field for more than, say, 30 percent of the team’s snaps this season, I am very excited to see how Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels uses him in certain packages, especially around the goal line. In addition, Chandler apparently played a big part of the team’s two-minute drill routine in OTAs this week.
Scott Chandler had a nice day during the two-minute drill. He caught five of Brady’s 17 competitions.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) June 4, 2015
This might be a sign to come, as Chandler and Gronkowski together on the field will certainly create issues for opposing defenses. After practice, Chandler also got some extra side work in with Gronk and Brady.
Tom Brady had a side session for about 10 minutes with Rob Gronkowski and … Scott Chandler. #DramaticElipses
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) June 4, 2015
According to Spotrac.com, Chandler’s two-year, $5.3 million salary makes him the 31st-highest paid tight end in the league based on annual salary. Adding him not only gives them more offensive prowess, but it also creates more security for the injury-prone Gronkowski.
While it remains to be seen whether or not Brady will have to serve his four-game suspension to start the season, Chandler’s presence will be nothing but welcomed for Jimmy Garoppolo. New England will likely be conservative with their young quarterback if Brady loses his appeal, and Chandler’s ability to find the open field and his veteran knowhow will help guide the second-year quarterback and set up potentially larger plays by his counterparts.
Dan Karpuc covers the Patriots and the NFL for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @DanielKarpuc.
