The New England Patriots officially released defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth today, and also cut tight end Dan Gronkowski, and added wide receiver Tiquan Underwood.
Haynesworth and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco were the big additions that the Patriots made this offseason, and Haynesworth managed only 3 tackles so far this year. The Pats have decided to cut their losses there.
The jury remains out on Ochocinco, who they had hoped to see as a Randy Moss type of addition. Moss joined the Patriots in 2007 and had a record breaking season, catching 98 balls for 1,493 yards and an NFL record 23 TDs. Through the middle of this season, Ochocinco has just 9 catches for 136 yards.
Underwood was with the Patriots in training camp, and has found his way back onto the roster. Whether the addition of another wide receiver provides any hints about Ochocinco’s future remains to be seen, but there has been speculation that Ochocinco just isn’t fitting in with the Patriots passing scheme.
Brady defended Ochocinco, but clearly they all recognize that they aren’t where they need to be yet. “Believe me, no one’s more frustrated than us,” Brady said. “We talked after the game about what we need to do to get better. And we’re just going to keep doing it. We really don’t know any other way. We’re not going to sit here and feel bad for ourselves.”
Gronkowski is Rob’s brother, who was with the Patriots for 2 games at the beginning of the season before being cut. He rejoined them a few weeks ago, but has been cut a second time.
