Antonio Chatman will not be back in Green Bay (1 Viewer)

[Man in the yellow hat]

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=405511

Chatman sent down and out

Packers seek bigger receivers

By BOB McGINN and TOM SILVERSTEIN

bmcginn@journalsentinel.com

Posted: Mar. 2, 2006

Green Bay - Antonio Chatman's three-year career with the Green Bay Packers is over.

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Packers/NFL

Photo/Rick Wood

Little man Antonio Chaptman had his biggest season with the Packers in 2005, but it wasn't good enough for him to keep a job in Green Bay.

"Reggie McKenzie told me it's a new system and they want big receivers," agent Mark Mersel said, referring to the team's director of pro personnel. "I'm surprised. He's surprised. I thought he could be in Green Bay for the long run. But if they don't want to respect a guy with a big heart, then so be it."

Chatman, 5 feet 8 inches and 183 pounds, had his best season in 2005. He tied for 12th in the National Football League with a punt-return average of 8.2 yards, including an NFL-long 85-yard touchdown against Chicago. He also finished second to Donald Driver in receptions (49), receiving yards (549) and receiving touchdowns (four).

"I liked Chatman," coach Mike McCarthy said. "I thought the kid played hard. I liked his effort. I thought he was productive in the games I saw. I thought he had some quickness."

So why did the Packers get rid of him?

"I've always been a fan of big, physical people at that position," McCarthy said. "The bigger the target, the better your accuracy. We've got a lot of depth at that position.

"A lot of these decisions were pretty much based off last year. We had a chance to talk about all these guys and our coaches had a chance to look at them. I did not see him on special teams. I only saw him on offense."

Until injuries struck at wide receiver in '05, Chatman had been almost strictly a return specialist. He played only 13 snaps from scrimmage in 2003, 245 in '04 and 500 in '05.

Chatman had good hands, dropping just two of 86 passes in '05. But he offered next to nothing after the catch, had minimal big-play ability and wasn't much of a blocker.

In three seasons as a punt returner, Chatman returned 110 punts and made 63 fair catches. The only fumble that was charged to him occurred in 2004, but that was Robert Ferguson's fault on a reverse.

Chatman had career marks of 8.2 on punts and 22.1 on kickoffs. In 2003, he ranked 20th on punts (8.4) and tied for 18th on kickoffs (22.3). In '04, he ranked 19th on punts (7.7) and 18th on kickoffs (22.6). Last year, he returned just five kickoffs.

"Maybe one of their O-linemen is going to return punts," Mersel said. "He's never fumbled a punt. He had the longest punt return in the league with a horrible special-teams blocking unit. And he stepped up when no one did last year and caught 49 passes.

"Reggie said, 'Look, we're trying to do him a favor. We know ultimately he's not going to fit the system and we don't want to hold you up and mislead you if he comes to camp.'

"He wanted to stay in Green Bay. He loves Aaron Rodgers, he likes (Brett) Favre. But we're actually kind of excited. We'll find a good opportunity somewhere else."

 

[BoomBoom]

Somewhat surprising given how well he played in 2005, and the fact that he can handle returns is obviously a bonus. At least he had a chance to earn himself a bigger payday by getting some PT in 05 to show what he could do.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Somewhat surprising given how well he played in 2005, and the fact that he can handle returns is obviously a bonus. At least he had a chance to earn himself a bigger payday by getting some PT in 05 to show what he could do.

I've really never been impressed with him. He's quick and has decent hands, but that never translated into big plays. Run after the catch ability is a big thing in this offense, and Chatman just doesn't have that. Good story, big heart. But the guy is extremely limited. He would not have seen the field much last year if it weren't for injuries.

 

[Aaronstory]

Somewhat surprising given how well he played in 2005, and the fact that he can handle returns is obviously a bonus. At least he had a chance to earn himself a bigger payday by getting some PT in 05 to show what he could do.

I've really never been impressed with him. He's quick and has decent hands, but that never translated into big plays. Run after the catch ability is a big thing in this offense, and Chatman just doesn't have that. Good story, big heart. But the guy is extremely limited. He would not have seen the field much last year if it weren't for injuries.

SPOT-ON.

 

[sho nuff]

Somewhat surprising given how well he played in 2005, and the fact that he can handle returns is obviously a bonus. At least he had a chance to earn himself a bigger payday by getting some PT in 05 to show what he could do.

I've really never been impressed with him. He's quick and has decent hands, but that never translated into big plays. Run after the catch ability is a big thing in this offense, and Chatman just doesn't have that. Good story, big heart. But the guy is extremely limited. He would not have seen the field much last year if it weren't for injuries.

Bingo...a decent #4-#5 guy maybe...but certainly not one that can be consistently counted on if the other guys go down.While he make plays here and there last year...nothing all that special.

Decent special teamer.

Definately paves the way for Gardner to be kept...

 

[SoloMatisse]

This is the kindof guy that will end up in New England as a #5/Punt Returner. Doesnt drop the ball and is underappreciated lookin' for some love. He'll fit in nicely there.

 

[Boston]

This is the kindof guy that will end up in New England as a #5/Punt Returner. Doesnt drop the ball and is underappreciated lookin' for some love. He'll fit in nicely there.

While it's far from a sure thing the Pats could have that guy already in Bam Childress. Regardless I don't see Chathan here if they keep either Troy or Bam. You just can't have two WRs that small that do similar things.

 

[SoloMatisse]

This is the kindof guy that will end up in New England as a #5/Punt Returner.  Doesnt drop the ball and is underappreciated lookin' for some love.  He'll fit in nicely there.

While it's far from a sure thing the Pats could have that guy already in Bam Childress. Regardless I don't see Chathan here if they keep either Troy or Bam. You just can't have two WRs that small that do similar things.

B-They won it all 2 years ago with THREE guys of similar size who did similar things in Patten, Branch and Brown. Patten always got open because he was quick and fast and never doubled. Watching Chatman last year the few times I caught him, I kept thinking how often this guy just got opened and made a play....... and now, how decent he would be playing on a balanced team that wasnt FORCED to throw all the time, with a QB who didnt throw close to 30 picks. Patten was small and decent before HE came to New England.....with the Colts before, I believe. Personally, Id rather have someone who's proven it in NFL games vs someone who hasnt . Practice squad players are made for just that ....the practice squad. Youre young, quick and can get open, and can catch bullets from Favre, you can do it with anyone. And he's not demanding big money right now either. Just saying, with Givens gone and looking to fill some spots with experienced playmakers, he's an option.

 

[SoloMatisse]

Patten first played in NY with the Giants, for 3 years and then spent a season in Cleveland where he has his best year to that point as a 4th year guy....38 catches for 546 yds and a TD. He's listed at 5'10, but if he's that tall, then Im the mayor of Cleveland. Chatman is coming off his 3rd season and had marked improvement in his career thus far, finishing last season with 49 catches for 540something and 4 scores. Doesnt quite have the downfield speed of Patten I doubt, but not many do.

 

[Boston]

This is the kindof guy that will end up in New England as a #5/Punt Returner.  Doesnt drop the ball and is underappreciated lookin' for some love.  He'll fit in nicely there.

While it's far from a sure thing the Pats could have that guy already in Bam Childress. Regardless I don't see Chathan here if they keep either Troy or Bam. You just can't have two WRs that small that do similar things.

B-They won it all 2 years ago with THREE guys of similar size who did similar things in Patten, Branch and Brown. Patten always got open because he was quick and fast and never doubled. Watching Chatman last year the few times I caught him, I kept thinking how often this guy just got opened and made a play....... and now, how decent he would be playing on a balanced team that wasnt FORCED to throw all the time, with a QB who didnt throw close to 30 picks. Patten was small and decent before HE came to New England.....with the Colts before, I believe. Personally, Id rather have someone who's proven it in NFL games vs someone who hasnt . Practice squad players are made for just that ....the practice squad. Youre young, quick and can get open, and can catch bullets from Favre, you can do it with anyone. And he's not demanding big money right now either. Just saying, with Givens gone and looking to fill some spots with experienced playmakers, he's an option.

You are definetly right about the Pats winning with smallish WRs. Outside of Givens they have not had a productive guy with size during the BB period (paging Donald Hayes). Yet, you do have to remember that Branch and Troy Brown are two of the more polished WRs in the NFL while Patten had big time speed and was no slouch in the route running department himself. Chatman doesn't appear to be too refined from what I have seen.I don't have a problem adding him though because he does appear to have big play ability and that's an area that the Pats need help in. I just don't want to see a WR corps that has Branch, Chatman and an aging Troy Brown. I just feel that would be a group that could be physically manhandled unless some quality size guys were also in the mix.

 

[SoloMatisse]

How about a WR corps featuring Chad Jackson??? How ya likin' them apples??? There's a reason for crossed fingers. And Patten was a blazing fast brother, wasnt he?

 

[Boston]

How about a WR corps featuring Chad Jackson??? How ya likin' them apples??? There's a reason for crossed fingers. And Patten was a blazing fast brother, wasnt he?

Why couldn't Bethel get his head out of butt. He should just be hitting his prime instead of being a complete afterthought.

 

[SoloMatisse]

How about a WR corps featuring Chad Jackson???  How ya likin' them apples???  There's a reason for crossed fingers.  And Patten was a blazing fast brother, wasnt he?

Why couldn't Bethel get his head out of butt. He should just be hitting his prime instead of being a complete afterthought.

Right, hasnt he been hurt alot through his career? He sure looks like he has the size and speed, but its been tough to break into that lineup with the steady group of receivers theyve had the past few years. What are they going to do, cut Bethel?...or is he coming back?

 

[Boston]

How about a WR corps featuring Chad Jackson???  How ya likin' them apples???  There's a reason for crossed fingers.   And Patten was a blazing fast brother, wasnt he?

Why couldn't Bethel get his head out of butt. He should just be hitting his prime instead of being a complete afterthought.

Right, hasnt he been hurt alot through his career? He sure looks like he has the size and speed, but its been tough to break into that lineup with the steady group of receivers theyve had the past few years. What are they going to do, cut Bethel?...or is he coming back?

I wish his problems were purely physical. While the injuries have definetly been a negative it's his attitude that has really hindered him. He's just not on the same page with the coaching staff. He's got his own thing going which is why they have disciplined him a few times in the past. He doesn't seem like a troublemaker but he's definetly not your typical Patriot player and he's marching to his own drummer. Since he's been here three years I don't see that changing either. He is what he is...a tremendous physical talent that's probably not going to put it together. If he's not responding to BB and company I don't see the lightbulb ever going off and Bethel tapping totally into his skills.

 

[Boston]

By the way it's probably 50-50 he plays in Foxboro next year. He'll probably be in camp with an opportunity. I don't think they will cut him since he makes low money and it really won't make a difference if they cut him now or in camp. If they do cut him prior to camp it will really indicate how frustrated they are with him.

The big thing he has going for him is the Pats really only have one WR that's guaranteed to be back in 06 and that's Branch. Other than that there are four slots open. So if he shows a little something in camp he could probably make the team. If the lightbulb goes on he could be a significant contributor but that's being very, very hopeful and I just don't see it happening. Also, his value on special teams has gone down since he did little on kickoff returns last year and was actually vasttly outperformed by Hobbs.

Right now his career with the Pats is on life support and he better start performing up to his abilities ASAP or he'll be wearing another uniform real soon.

 

[SoloMatisse]

What about Joe J coming to NE? What do you think his asking price will be? Seems like a nice fit for a year or 2, but if theyre letting Give go, Im sure theyd want to turn around and pay some like Juervicius a load of cash. Im reaching for FA options out there right now. Joe J, Moulds, Chatman, possibly Bryant but clearly not likely....I see them as needing 2 guys if Givens goes. Potentially, Branch, Brown, Davis.....Bethel??? Wow...brady needs a larger playmaker already. Maybe switch Ben Watson out to the wide position??? He's got the speed.

 

[SoloMatisse]

I keep forgetting this is an Antonio Chatman thread that Ive completely heisted into a New England thread.....sorry for the misdirection, fellas.

 

[Boston]

What about Joe J coming to NE? What do you think his asking price will be? Seems like a nice fit for a year or 2, but if theyre letting Give go, Im sure theyd want to turn around and pay some like Juervicius a load of cash. Im reaching for FA options out there right now. Joe J, Moulds, Chatman, possibly Bryant but clearly not likely....I see them as needing 2 guys if Givens goes. Potentially, Branch, Brown, Davis.....Bethel??? Wow...brady needs a larger playmaker already. Maybe switch Ben Watson out to the wide position??? He's got the speed.

*Watson will not be switching positions under any condition. One of the reasons his value is so high is he can run as fast as a WR...but he's a TE. That's why his upside is so tremendous. If he hits his upside he has the potential to be very special weapon for the Pats. All Pats fans are praying that the Brady-Watson hookup turns into what we think it can be.*I see three new faces at WR for the Pats. Nothing would surprise me and it's very difficult to even guess. As you know I'm guessing Finneran, McCardell and a draft pick but predicting what the Pats will actually do is like throwing a dart into the ocean.

*Joe J is a possibility. He'd be a great fit next to Branch. Yet, my gut says that with a thin free agent WR class he's going to get a good sized deal that will be too much for the Pats. Remember, Branch is up next year and any deal they give to a WR will in all probability have to be surpassed by Branch. Also, I think it's important they get depth at this position which means the money may have to be spread out that way instead of on just one guy.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

This is the kindof guy that will end up in New England as a #5/Punt Returner.  Doesnt drop the ball and is underappreciated lookin' for some love.  He'll fit in nicely there.

While it's far from a sure thing the Pats could have that guy already in Bam Childress. Regardless I don't see Chathan here if they keep either Troy or Bam. You just can't have two WRs that small that do similar things.

B-They won it all 2 years ago with THREE guys of similar size who did similar things in Patten, Branch and Brown. Patten always got open because he was quick and fast and never doubled. Watching Chatman last year the few times I caught him, I kept thinking how often this guy just got opened and made a play....... and now, how decent he would be playing on a balanced team that wasnt FORCED to throw all the time, with a QB who didnt throw close to 30 picks. Patten was small and decent before HE came to New England.....with the Colts before, I believe. Personally, Id rather have someone who's proven it in NFL games vs someone who hasnt . Practice squad players are made for just that ....the practice squad. Youre young, quick and can get open, and can catch bullets from Favre, you can do it with anyone. And he's not demanding big money right now either. Just saying, with Givens gone and looking to fill some spots with experienced playmakers, he's an option.

I don't have a problem adding him though because he does appear to have big play ability and that's an area that the Pats need help in.

I have to disagree completely here. Punt returns are a generally good indicator of big play ability, and Chatman's performance there shows that he doesn't have it. Not only that, I can't remember him really being a big play guy in Green Bay. He's not fast. Quick, but not fast. Check out his 11.4 yards per catch. The guy ran mostly possession type routes. If you're expecting him to be a big play threat, as I did when he first got to Green Bay, you'll be disappointed.