Joey Galloway: An Asset for More Than Numbers in New England

On March 14, 2009, some New England Patriot fans might not have understood what kind of huge impact a said to be "washed-up," 37-year-old wide receiver can make. This year, they will see.

Joey Galloway was near the top of the game in the prime of his career. He is a four-time Pro Bowler that has always been a deep threat for opposing defenses.

Being a deep threat doesn't mean you will always put up the All-Pro numbers—an example bring the 2008 season for Galloway: 13 receptions for 138 yards and no TDs, although he did only play nine games.

Galloway is getting up there in years, being 37, but having such a good track record at being a playmaker can always turn people's heads, especially when you are opposite the side of six-time Pro Bowler Randy Moss.

Now you might be asking what kind of impact to expect from the 37 year old. Well, he probably won't have impressive numbers, but if assists counted like in hockey and basketball, well he might be around the league leaders.

Galloway will take a tremendous amount of pressure off Randy Moss and speedy Wes Welker. The Patriots adding another deep-threat play maker will open up tons of opportunities for Moss to run wild.

Picture this: Moss and Galloway running streaks/flys down the field to the corner of each each zone, and then see Welker finding an opening in the slot and catching the ball for a 25-yard gain. Well fans, remember that image and get used to it. This will cause so many headaches for defensive coordinators around the league.

It is near impossible to prevent Galloway and Moss from breaking it open by running deep because of a safety coming over for help on either corner, so one is left one-on-one. And with the safety helping out one corner back, the linebackers that are in zone or man have to worry about the slot receiver Welker, who can out run any linebacker, and one of the fastest tight ends in the NFL, Ben Watson.

Joey Galloway brings something that Donte Stallworth didn't have to offer. He has height and speed that can stretch the field and help other receivers open up for pass. I know that he might be 37 years old and hasn't won a Super Bowl, but he still has some juice left and some hunger. I expect that he might not even put up decent numbers, but he will be a vocal leader that can open up many moments for Moss, Welker, and Watson to flourish.

Tom Brady is going to have a lot of fun this year. Opposing defenses, pick your poison.

You can read more and follow Tony Santorsa's work at www.BostonsSportsHub.blogspot.com and you can also follow his work and opinions on Twitter.com; follow him @ TonySantorsa.