It remains to be seen if Reggie Wayne has anything left in the tank, but his recent production in the first half of seasons since 2012 reveals that he might.
Since 2012, Wayne is averaging 6.2 catches and 80 yards per game prior to Week 10, but those averages plunge to just 4.5 catches and 53 yards from Week 10 and beyond.
During the prime of Wayne’s career, from 2004 to 2011, he caught 5.6 balls per game, averaging nearly 80 yards. That’s virtually equal to his production before Week 10 since 2012.
Even in 2014, less than one year removed from a torn ACL, Wayne averaged 5.3 catches and 63 yards in his first eight games.
Then Wayne's production fell off a cliff, averaging just three catches and 40 yards per game. Troy Brown went as far to say Wayne "punked out" during the Patriots' obliteration of the Colts last November.
Still, Andy Gresh is confident that Wayne can bring something positive to the Patriots.
“[Bill] Belichick said he’s versatile, which I found interesting,” Gresh said. “I think he’s a third or fourth guy, really more of a fourth guy. And if Brandon LaFell’s got some injury issues, then for three or four games you’ve got a guy you can count on."
New England Patriots
This data is likely a sign Wayne is unable to sustain his production over a full year, but it does suggest he’s at least been effective early each season. Perhaps, managing his snaps will allow him to be an impact role player from September through the playoffs.
Watch the video above for more of Andy Gresh’s thoughts on Reggie Wayne.