With less than two weeks to go before training camp kicks off, things are as quiet in Foxborough as they could be. The players and coaches are still enjoying their last bits of rest and relaxation before things heat up at Gillette Stadium, so we decided to have a little fun with our weekly debate.
Since it's Friday the 13th, we decided to look at the "scary" number and determine who wore it best for the Patriots. There was only one problem: we didn't have many players to choose from.
Evidently players are as superstitious as they rest of us because we found fewer than 10 players in franchise history who have donned the digits, and none would be considered outstanding. Anyway, we decided to have some fun and this week's Samsonite Make Your Case question is: Who was the best No. 13 in Patriots history?
PFW's Andy Hart says ...
KEN WALTER
Super Bowl championships have to count for something and Walter was a member of a pair of title winners in 2001 and 2003. He was the punter for those two championship squads, but his worth was arguable higher for another job he filled – holder.
You may recall that both Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII came down to pretty important field goals, and Walter was there as the middle man each time, grabbing Lonie Paxton's snaps and setting them down properly for Adam Vinatieri to make history.Â
Walter was also adept at his regular drop, particularly when it came to situational punting in plus-50 territory. He didn't have the strongest leg, but he was effective pinning teams close to their goal line and with his directional kicks.
Punting isn't glamourous but neither is wearing the No. 13.
--AH
PFW's Paul Perillo says ...
PHILLIP DORSETT
I must admit, my pick is based more on a lack of options and potential than anything Dorsett has done thus far. The Patriots really haven't had any star wear the number, and while Dorsett may not be one either he has the potential to be a contributor on offense this year.
Dorsett made some plays in 2017 after arriving just before the start of the season. He didn't get many opportunities in his first season but when he did he made the most of them. He caught 12 passes last year that number will rise significantly in 2018 if he is able to continue his development.
No offense to the other players who have worn 13, but Dorsett pretty much wins by default.
--PP
Now it's your turn to cast a vote in this week's Samsonite Make Your Case poll question.
