Pats offense puts Fauria in a zone

Tight end Christian Fauria accomplished more in one season with the Patriots than he did in seven years with Seattle.

Fauria quickly became quarterback Tom Brady's top option in the red zone, finishing with seven touchdowns among his 27 receptions. That equaled the number of touchdowns he had in his entire tenure with the Seahawks.

Fauria was distraught about not making the playoffs after Sunday's electrifying, 27-24 overtime victory against Miami. Fauria's two-point conversion catch with 2:46 to play pushed the Pats to within 24-21 land led to Adam Vinatieri's tying and winning field goals.

Although it didn't lead to a playoff berth, the win over the Dolphins can be a building block for next season, according to Fauria.

"I’m happy with the way my season went, but at the same time we didn't make the playoffs," said Fauria. "I kind of fell shorthanded a little bit that we had a winning record but we are not going to go to the playoffs.

"This is not anything that we can't overcome and can't fix. I think the most important thing is to look at the positives and try and build on it."

Tight end was the most open and competitive position at the start of training camp. In addition to Fauria, the Patriots signed veteran Cam Cleeland and traded up in the draft to select Colorado's Daniel Graham with the 21st overall pick.

Injuries slowed Graham's development and Cleeland drifted out of the picture after the second game of the season.

The Patriots passing schemes between the 20-yard lines feature a lot of quick outs and slant patterns to the wide receivers and screens to the running backs. The tight end becomes a major player in the red zone and Fauria became Brady's most dependable option. Fauria also emerged as Coach Bill Belichick's most productive off-season acquisition.

"He had a very productive year at tight end," said Belichick. "He did a really good job in the red area....

"I think the tight end is always an important position in the read area because he's closer to the middle of the field. He has more options to go inside or outside. The tight end is a good weapon to use on the goal line."

Fauria caught the first touchdown pass at Gillette Stadium in the Pats' season-opening win over the Steelers and caught a pair of TD passes against the Vikings.

"When we get down t the 15 and the 10, my ears kind of perk up and I'm expecting to do something in there," said Fauria. "I feel that if I can get my hand on it, I can bring it in. The end zone is really intoxicating and it really changes your attitude."