Coming out of college, New England Patriots wide receiver Javon Baker was a player who had a ton of athleticism and could make impressive plays, but he often dealt with drops.
Throughout training camp and into the preseason, things haven't looked too dissimilar for the 22-year-old.
He's made eye-popping catches, but he's also been unable to bring in some that could help out his quarterback whether they be easy or difficult to bring in.
In last week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had a chance to make an incredible catch that would've been the offense's best play of the game and could've won it for the Patriots. Instead, he was unable to secure the ball, as he went to the ground, and New England was forced to punt.
Up-and-down performances happen in the NFL. That's just part of playing at this level, and veteran wideout K.J. Osborn is trying to pass that message along to Baker.
"It's football, man, " Osborn said. "He's a rookie. This is one of his first times getting out there and really getting some opportunities to make some plays. You can't make them all. With that said, we got back on the practice field. I think he had a really good catch today. Continue to stay in his book and just keep stacking the good days. Good game, bad game, you wanna win them all, but you might not win them all. You gotta turn the page."
Baker has the potential to be a legitimate weapon in New England's offense and consistency is the key for him. Like a quarterback after an interception, he'll need to have a short memory and show out on his next rep.
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