The New England Patriots held all-world tight end Rob Gronkowski out for their Week 1 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Much to the delight of the fantasy community, Martellus Bennett provided an opportunity for the late-round tight end crowd to have a spot starter immediately. What ensued, however, was a severe disappointment. Think Waterworld level disappointment.

Part of the problem with Bennett’s expectations were system related. One of the first references the fantasy community shouted from the mountain tops was, “Remember Aaron Hernandez and Gronkowski together?” Those, quite simply, were unrealistic expectations, but everyone accredits Bill Belichick for turning water into wine. We in the fantasy community have long had trepidation on Patriots running backs. There were also some that warned about the inconsistencies of Belichick’s other offensive skill players leading up to the season.

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After Sunday night’s game where Bennett only caught three passes for a total of 14 yards, panic set in. I’m doing quite the opposite, however. I’m buying Bennett where I can for pennies on the dollar. Prior to Sunday’s tilt, Bennett had played four games against the Cardinals in his career. He had a robust stat line of seven catches for 70 yards in those games. There were factors that also contributed towards his production, or lack thereof, against the Cardinals.

Not only was Gronkowski inactive on Sunday, but Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer and Jonathan Cooper also did not play. The writing was on the wall that Bennett, noted as a solid blocker, would be held on the line to protect Jimmy Garoppolo. Bennett did not disappoint in that role either against the Cardinals. According to Scott Barrett of Pro Football Focus, Bennett stayed in to block 28% of the time. Game script is often touted when trying to determine if a player will be a good fantasy play. Against a revamped Cardinals defense that added Chandler Jones this offseason, the Patriots clearly wanted to protect their quarterback first and foremost.

The future could still be bright for Bennett. As the offensive line gets healthier, Bennett should resume his role as a pass catcher. As is the case throughout the early part of the season, buy low when knee-jerk reactions are at their highest point. I am a huge proponent of opportunity leading to success. Bennett was on the field for 69 offensive snaps (97%) against Arizona.

In the event that Gronkowski continues to be hampered by a sore hamstring, Bennett could regain value starting this weekend against the Miami Dolphins. Last weekend, the Seattle Seahawks targeted their two tight ends five times against Miami, completing three passes for 37 yards. All three completions resulted in first downs. Just pay attention to the status of the Patriots offensive line this weekend. The Dolphins sacked Russell Wilson three times last weekend, a stat that Belichick will not want replicated against Garoppolo. If the same offensive linemen are inactive this weekend, stash Bennett on the bench until the Patriots offense is healthy again.



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