NE Running Game - 2 dozen threads merged (1 Viewer)

[David Yudkin]

Bump everyone else up some but it's still a RBBC on a team that to date ranks in the Bottom 5 in fantasy points for RBs.

Since others have asked me, Taylor does not appear to have been hurt in the Jets game. BJGE happened to be in a few series when they actually tried running the ball more.

From what I can tell, the Pats have been running a rotation of guys based on each oppoenent. Taylor had 3 series, BJGE had 3 series, and Faulk was in for a series before he got hurt. Taylor would have had more work, but the game got away from them in the second half. But from what I have seen, he did not miss any time in the game because of injury.

I suspect that if Taylor were out, Morris and BJGE would split time. Morris would take over the role of Faulk as well, as he generally has been the guy to fill in for Faulk.

IMO, Morris has been playing fullback and Taylor and BJGE had been getting the actual carries. But I think Morris' role would change if Taylor were out as the Pats would use Morris as he is more experienced and not as one dimensional as BJGE.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Law Firm!

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

Bump everyone else up some but it's still a RBBC on a team that to date ranks in the Bottom 5 in fantasy points for RBs.Since others have asked me, Taylor does not appear to have been hurt in the Jets game. BJGE happened to be in a few series when they actually tried running the ball more.From what I can tell, the Pats have been running a rotation of guys based on each oppoenent. Taylor had 3 series, BJGE had 3 series, and Faulk was in for a series before he got hurt. Taylor would have had more work, but the game got away from them in the second half. But from what I have seen, he did not miss any time in the game because of injury.I suspect that if Taylor were out, Morris and BJGE would split time. Morris would take over the role of Faulk as well, as he generally has been the guy to fill in for Faulk.IMO, Morris has been playing fullback and Taylor and BJGE had been getting the actual carries. But I think Morris' role would change if Taylor were out as the Pats would use Morris as he is more experienced and not as one dimensional as BJGE.

I was hoping you would check in. Thanks for the opinion. I am not too concerned with the bottom 5 ranking afterNE facing Cincy and NYJ the first 2 weeks.

 

[Don Quixote]

Twitter is lighting up with reports of torn ACL.

 

[David Yudkin]

Bump everyone else up some but it's still a RBBC on a team that to date ranks in the Bottom 5 in fantasy points for RBs.Since others have asked me, Taylor does not appear to have been hurt in the Jets game. BJGE happened to be in a few series when they actually tried running the ball more.From what I can tell, the Pats have been running a rotation of guys based on each oppoenent. Taylor had 3 series, BJGE had 3 series, and Faulk was in for a series before he got hurt. Taylor would have had more work, but the game got away from them in the second half. But from what I have seen, he did not miss any time in the game because of injury.I suspect that if Taylor were out, Morris and BJGE would split time. Morris would take over the role of Faulk as well, as he generally has been the guy to fill in for Faulk.IMO, Morris has been playing fullback and Taylor and BJGE had been getting the actual carries. But I think Morris' role would change if Taylor were out as the Pats would use Morris as he is more experienced and not as one dimensional as BJGE.

I was hoping you would check in. Thanks for the opinion. I am not too concerned with the bottom 5 ranking afterNE facing Cincy and NYJ the first 2 weeks.

IMO, the reason people should be starting to get concerned is that the Pats like to run in the second half to kill clock when they have a lead (like most teams). Given the youth and sometimes stability of the defense, I'm not so sure the Pats will have as many big leads as they used to.So while plauiong the Bengals and Jets won't help their rushing totals, they still have MIA x 2, NYJ, MIN, GB, CHI, BUF x 2, BAL, PIT, IND, DET, CLE, and SD. I see 4 easy games (CLE, DET and BUF). The others feature potent offenses, solid defenses, or both. I see a lot of passing this year . . .

 

[zamboni]

Taylor would have had more work, but the game got away from them in the second half.

The Pats were within 7 until the Jets made it a two-touchdown game with only 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter.Not that it is a phasing out, but for this game at least, Taylor was on the sidelines even when the Pats were up/the game was tight.

 

[Tacos al Carboner]

 

[shadyridr]

bump Hernandez

 

[David Yudkin]

Taylor would have had more work, but the game got away from them in the second half.

The Pats were within 7 until the Jets made it a two-touchdown game with only 6 minutes left in the 4th quarter.Not that it is a phasing out, but for this game at least, Taylor was on the sidelines even when the Pats were up/the game was tight.

The Pats, for whatever reason, have not made it a priority to run the football in tight games especially on the road. Even though the score was close, they weren't really trying to run the ball and had little to no success when they did.I was just reading that the Pats might try to use the new guy Danny Woodhead and also Julian Edelman out of the backfield to help combat the loss of Faulk (which many feel is all but a foregone conclusion at this point).

 

[Jewell]

I was just reading that the Pats might try to use the new guy Danny Woodhead and also Julian Edelman out of the backfield to help combat the loss of Faulk

I came in here to speculate on just that. The Pats ran a play last game which started with Edelman and Brady as the only players in the backfield. Edelman eventually motioned out, but it might be a sign of things to come.We've seen Belichick use Troy Brown as a cornerback, Mike Vrabel as a tight end, and Richard Seymour as a fullback. Edelman and Woodhead out of the backfield wouldn't surprise me at all.

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

Bump everyone else up some but it's still a RBBC on a team that to date ranks in the Bottom 5 in fantasy points for RBs.Since others have asked me, Taylor does not appear to have been hurt in the Jets game. BJGE happened to be in a few series when they actually tried running the ball more.From what I can tell, the Pats have been running a rotation of guys based on each oppoenent. Taylor had 3 series, BJGE had 3 series, and Faulk was in for a series before he got hurt. Taylor would have had more work, but the game got away from them in the second half. But from what I have seen, he did not miss any time in the game because of injury.I suspect that if Taylor were out, Morris and BJGE would split time. Morris would take over the role of Faulk as well, as he generally has been the guy to fill in for Faulk.IMO, Morris has been playing fullback and Taylor and BJGE had been getting the actual carries. But I think Morris' role would change if Taylor were out as the Pats would use Morris as he is more experienced and not as one dimensional as BJGE.

I was hoping you would check in. Thanks for the opinion. I am not too concerned with the bottom 5 ranking afterNE facing Cincy and NYJ the first 2 weeks.

IMO, the reason people should be starting to get concerned is that the Pats like to run in the second half to kill clock when they have a lead (like most teams). Given the youth and sometimes stability of the defense, I'm not so sure the Pats will have as many big leads as they used to.So while plauiong the Bengals and Jets won't help their rushing totals, they still have MIA x 2, NYJ, MIN, GB, CHI, BUF x 2, BAL, PIT, IND, DET, CLE, and SD. I see 4 easy games (CLE, DET and BUF). The others feature potent offenses, solid defenses, or both. I see a lot of passing this year . . .

Eactly why I posed the question of who takes over Faulk's role.

 

[David Yudkin]

Bump everyone else up some but it's still a RBBC on a team that to date ranks in the Bottom 5 in fantasy points for RBs.Since others have asked me, Taylor does not appear to have been hurt in the Jets game. BJGE happened to be in a few series when they actually tried running the ball more.From what I can tell, the Pats have been running a rotation of guys based on each oppoenent. Taylor had 3 series, BJGE had 3 series, and Faulk was in for a series before he got hurt. Taylor would have had more work, but the game got away from them in the second half. But from what I have seen, he did not miss any time in the game because of injury.I suspect that if Taylor were out, Morris and BJGE would split time. Morris would take over the role of Faulk as well, as he generally has been the guy to fill in for Faulk.IMO, Morris has been playing fullback and Taylor and BJGE had been getting the actual carries. But I think Morris' role would change if Taylor were out as the Pats would use Morris as he is more experienced and not as one dimensional as BJGE.

I was hoping you would check in. Thanks for the opinion. I am not too concerned with the bottom 5 ranking afterNE facing Cincy and NYJ the first 2 weeks.

IMO, the reason people should be starting to get concerned is that the Pats like to run in the second half to kill clock when they have a lead (like most teams). Given the youth and sometimes stability of the defense, I'm not so sure the Pats will have as many big leads as they used to.So while plauiong the Bengals and Jets won't help their rushing totals, they still have MIA x 2, NYJ, MIN, GB, CHI, BUF x 2, BAL, PIT, IND, DET, CLE, and SD. I see 4 easy games (CLE, DET and BUF). The others feature potent offenses, solid defenses, or both. I see a lot of passing this year . . .

Eactly why I posed the question of who takes over Faulk's role.

I think the best answer at this point is that it won't be just one guy. It will probably be a blend of Morris, the other backs, Edelman, and Woodhead. I wouldn't rule out them looking at other options outside the team (but who knows who they could sign or acquire). They've always liked Kevin Jones . . .

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

You are probably right. Just trying to talk myself into something that is not there.

 

[Jewell]

who knows who they could sign or acquire

Is there any thread left on LaMont Jordan's tires? He's knows the Pats system and, judging from the fact that I recently saw him at Marshalls, I'm guessing that he could probably use the money.

 

[ProBowler88]

Twitter is lighting up with reports of torn ACL.

Just saw on espn, he's done for the year with a torn ACL. Hello Lawfirm

 

[Casting Couch]

I'm a bit surprised by this move. Woodhead always seemed like a big Jets guy (even though they keep cutting him), I'm a bit shocked he's burn that bridge at this point.

Who burned what bridge ?

 

[mcintyre1]

I don't know what people aren't understanding about my comment (from several days ago). Think of it this way:

You're working for Goliath National Bank, developing some awesome new website. Unfortunately, they have to put you on a work furlough for unknown reasons and inform you as such, indicating that they are likely to bring you back once the issue is resolved.

Omnicorp, GNB's direct competitor, comes to you and offers you a job as a consultant for THEIR new website. If you take the job, GNB will almost certainly find out, and will be none too happy that you are sharing your knowledge of their website design with their direct competitor.

Do you take the (most likely) short term contract with Omnicorp for the guaranteed cash flow now (and in the process end any chance of GNB taking you back), or do you hold out for at least a little while while GNB works out its issues and brings you back to finish the project?

Now, I'm not saying that this situation is actually what's going on, it is just how I perceive what's happening as an outsider. Maybe I'm wrong. Hell, I probably am wrong, but I don't get what people aren't understanding about my comment.

 

[Warhogs]

Why in the heck are people caling for BJGE? Fred Taylor has been the starter since week1 and is healthy. It opens up the possibility of some more carries for "Law Firm" if you want to call him that but I just don't see how this has opened up the door for him much? And yes, I actually have a league with big rosters where I had 2 Pats RB and they are Taylor and "Law Firm".

 

[Casting Couch]

I don't know what people aren't understanding about my comment (from several days ago). Think of it this way:You're working for Goliath National Bank, developing some awesome new website. Unfortunately, they have to put you on a work furlough for unknown reasons and inform you as such, indicating that they are likely to bring you back once the issue is resolved.Omnicorp, GNB's direct competitor, comes to you and offers you a job as a consultant for THEIR new website. If you take the job, GNB will almost certainly find out, and will be none too happy that you are sharing your knowledge of their website design with their direct competitor. Do you take the (most likely) short term contract with Omnicorp for the guaranteed cash flow now (and in the process end any chance of GNB taking you back), or do you hold out for at least a little while while GNB works out its issues and brings you back to finish the project?Now, I'm not saying that this situation is actually what's going on, it is just how I perceive what's happening as an outsider. Maybe I'm wrong. Hell, I probably am wrong, but I don't get what people aren't understanding about my comment.

I think you're reading too much into this. Woodhead got CUT. What do you expect the guy to do ? He gets an opportunity for another job with New England. He takes it. It's that simple.Woodhead probably knows he will get more PT with NE as well. I think Faulk is done and Woodhead could be the permanent replacement.The kid has confidence in his skills and wants a job in the NFL.I don't think the Jets had any written agreement in place with Woodhead that he would be guaranteed to be resigned at a later date.

 

[guderian]

Why in the heck are people caling for BJGE? Fred Taylor has been the starter since week1 and is healthy. It opens up the possibility of some more carries for "Law Firm" if you want to call him that but I just don't see how this has opened up the door for him much? And yes, I actually have a league with big rosters where I had 2 Pats RB and they are Taylor and "Law Firm".

Mostly because BJGE is more likely to be on the waiver wire or picked up recently. If you're in a big league he makes a decent bye-week fill in if he's going to get 10-12 touches. Plus he's younger than Faulk and you have some upside if he suddenly blows up. I know that's not likely to happen, but you have more of that potential with him than you do with Taylor or Morris. Also, Taylor and Morris are 34 and 33, respectively and they just traded away Maroney indicating that they felt good with what they had.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Does anyone know the health and or status of Sammy Morris? By far when he has been on the field the past 2-3 years in New England he has looked the best of any of the backs on the roster and had the biggest FF impact.

Fred Taylor getting 70 yds on 15 carries doesn't help anyone.

Aaron Hernandez is going to be busy with more passes in the short game.

 

[Tremendous Upside]

Does anyone know the health and or status of Sammy Morris? By far when he has been on the field the past 2-3 years in New England he has looked the best of any of the backs on the roster and had the biggest FF impact. Fred Taylor getting 70 yds on 15 carries doesn't help anyone. Aaron Hernandez is going to be busy with more passes in the short game.

a 4.66 ypc for Taylor wouldn't help anyone??Morris's career ypc is 4.2, and his career high in a season was 4.66

 

[Touchdown Syndrome]

In other news of similar fantasy football importance....I like donuts.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I mean, I think it's a good move by the PATS. Sure, they can gain some info but why can't Woodhead play and Edelman type of role? He looks like he has sure hands and he definitely has the speed.. I think this guy was made for the Patriots. BB will definitely find a way to use him... a more explosive Kevin Faulk role? Woodhead is cheap and he's a hardworker... this was definitely a win/win signing.

Faulk is now out for the year.Woodhead might make an appearance on 3rd downs and returns, no???Wayne Chrebet meets Gill Fenerty.

 

[captain_amazing]

Julian Edelman = Next Kevin Faulk

 

[billmatic]

I still think the NE backfield is another 1 injury away from being relevant fantasy-wise. Still a bunch of below average backs in a RBBC on a pass-first team.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

The holy trinity of unsung heroes for Pats fans is:

1. Troy Brown

2. Kevin Faulk

3. Teddy Bruschi

Get well soon kevin.

 

[Adebisi]

Why in the heck are people caling for BJGE?

Are you new here? He's a first ballot Kevan Barlow Memorial Overhyped Shark Pool Superstar.

 

[Tanner9919]

Some people seem to think their speculation or eye for talent is superior to others. Benjarvus is talented. Yes, I watch the same games as you. Your word isn't some how more important because you know a guy who's cousin is a janitor for the organization. Someone has to say it. I'm tired of reading Pats threads and listening to the same guy talk to others as if he's sitting on the bench during the games and in the locker room during meetings.

You don't need to know anyone to notice that the Pats running back production has not been great so far. They rank 29th in the league in team fantasy points scored by RBs. Four teams have doubled up the Pats RB scoring. It's still early, but factor in the RBBC aspect of the NE backfield, and there has not been much pie to split among multiple backs. The total numbers may not change much if the Pats continue to look to pass early and often like they did against the Jets (2 to 1 passing ratio).

Davidwhat are your thoughts on BGE now with the Faulk injury and this weekend's game against Buffalo?The Law Firm seems like a sneaky good play this week..

 

[Adebisi]

Some people seem to think their speculation or eye for talent is superior to others. Benjarvus is talented. Yes, I watch the same games as you. Your word isn't some how more important because you know a guy who's cousin is a janitor for the organization. Someone has to say it. I'm tired of reading Pats threads and listening to the same guy talk to others as if he's sitting on the bench during the games and in the locker room during meetings.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I have yet to ever read anything in the Shark Pool about the Patriots that could not be deduced from simply watching the games and reading Mike Reiss's blog. Some people prefer to let others do their research for them, but I guess that's sort of what FBG is geared towards anyway, I guess.

 

[pittstownkiller]

With Faulk out for the season and Maroney gone; does BJGE or Taylor start to become the lead back in NE? Will NE ever have a lead back or will it always be a RBBC situation? Is Morris still playing here?

 

[David Yudkin]

Some people seem to think their speculation or eye for talent is superior to others. Benjarvus is talented. Yes, I watch the same games as you. Your word isn't some how more important because you know a guy who's cousin is a janitor for the organization. Someone has to say it. I'm tired of reading Pats threads and listening to the same guy talk to others as if he's sitting on the bench during the games and in the locker room during meetings.

You don't need to know anyone to notice that the Pats running back production has not been great so far. They rank 29th in the league in team fantasy points scored by RBs. Four teams have doubled up the Pats RB scoring. It's still early, but factor in the RBBC aspect of the NE backfield, and there has not been much pie to split among multiple backs. The total numbers may not change much if the Pats continue to look to pass early and often like they did against the Jets (2 to 1 passing ratio).

Davidwhat are your thoughts on BGE now with the Faulk injury and this weekend's game against Buffalo?The Law Firm seems like a sneaky good play this week..

I still think the Pats backfield will be a RBBC with Taylor and BJGE having a rotation of series and Morris now getting mixed in more. I don't think any one person will take over for Faulk, and we could see some different looks (Edelman, Hernandez, Woodhead) in the backfield some with Morris probably back there the most in passing situations.From what I can tell, Taylor is not hurt, so he should be the primary ball carrier (although I doubt they will give him more than 15 carries).Green-Ellis might see 10 carries but no receptions. Maybe a 40-50% chance of a TD. I probably wouldn't start him, but he might be a flex play in non-PPR leagues this week. IIRC, Dodds has him ranked 39th for this week.

 

[David Yudkin]

There's a lot of feedback in other threads, but they would be hard to search for (Maroney and Green-Ellis threads come to mind).

It should still be a RBBC with Taylor and BJGE having some sort of rotation of series. Morris will likely fill some of the Faulk role in passing situations. Taylor and Green-Ellis really haven't been used as receivers much at all.

The Pats may experiment sometimes with Edelman and Hernandez working out of the backfield, but I doubt that would be a regular thing.

Taylor should get 12-15 carries in weeks where the Pats are ahead and not scrambling to pass 2/3 of the time. BJGE might get 10 carries depending upon the opponent. Morris probably will get a handful of carries and a handful of receptions.

If Taylor were to go down, I would guess that BJGE and Morris would split the carries and Morris would get the receptions as well.

I also would not rule out the Pats bringing in someone else but mostly as insurance or as a guy to get some snaps and a few touches but nothing major.

 

[Boston]

As far as fantasy goes everything is still up in the air...Faulk is somewhat of a specialist and always been been far better in real football rather than fantasy football. I don't see anyone on their current roster who would totally take over his role. This week will be very interesting as to how Faulk's role gets divided up although since it's Buffalo it may not give you an accurate read. Right now I don't see this injury clearing up too much as far as the Pats fantasy RB quagmire is concerned.

 

[Pots]

What would it take for Law Firm to become fantasy starter worthy?

 

[DesmondBishop]

What would it take for Law Firm to become fantasy starter worthy?

Talent. Which is something he is severely lacking.

 

[pittstownkiller]

There's a lot of feedback in other threads, but they would be hard to search for (Maroney and Green-Ellis threads come to mind.

What would it take for Law Firm to become fantasy starter worthy?

I knew there must be other threads but there are so many returns in a search that it is useless. Pouring over the last three pages of posts left me no where, either. Then, of course I make this post and right behind it comes a bumped thread with all the info. C'est la vie.As far as Law Firm that was kind of where I was going. Is NE [i.e. Belichick] always going to be a difficult place to play a fantasy back or have the ranks thinned down enough to start to pick someone? BJGE seems like the long-term pick here but you can't deny Taylor as a proven commodity.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I'm a little surprised that Taylor won't get much if any looks on passing downs. He had several season with 40+ catches, albeit not recently.

 

[Bayhawks]

What would it take for Law Firm to become fantasy starter worthy?

Talent. Which is something he is severely lacking.

I disagree. Not necessarily that he lacks talent, but that he needs that to become fantasy starter worthy.Maroney was relegated to the bench and then traded because he didn't run/work hard, despite his obvious talent. Green-Ellis is the EXACT OPPOSITE. He may not be extremely talented, but (according to everything I've ever heard), he works and runs hard, all the time. If Taylor gets nicked up, Green-Ellis is going to get more touches, and (unlike Maroney) he will run hard when he gets the opportunity, which should prompt Belicheck to continue to give him touches, thereby making him a viable FF RB.

 

[David Yudkin]

I'm a little surprised that Taylor won't get much if any looks on passing downs. He had several season with 40+ catches, albeit not recently.

Taylor has caught 4 passes in 8 games with NE. Green-Ellis 5 catches in 23 games. Morris 43 in 33. Faulk was the pass catching back and Morris will probably see a few extra receptions.As for the question what it would take for BJGE to be fantasy relevant on a consistent basis, I would say the same think as Maroney over the years . . . injuries to the guys in front of him. He would be an ok option if Taylor were out and a regular fantsy starter if Taylor and Morris were out (just like Maroney).

 

[Resident A]

If Faulk going down doesn't give Fred Taylor value, I don't think anything will. I drafted the guy very late & would love to trade him off, but nobody seems to see any value in the Pats' backfield even with Taylor's 2 main threats out of the picture.

 

[David Yudkin]

If Faulk going down doesn't give Fred Taylor value, I don't think anything will. I drafted the guy very late & would love to trade him off, but nobody seems to see any value in the Pats' backfield even with Taylor's 2 main threats out of the picture.

Faulk getting hurt likely will do nothing for Taylor. He was going to get 12-15 carries if healthy independent of Faulk. I doubt he will see any more work or (m)any more targets out of the backfield with Faulk out.People won't want Taylor because he is old and most people think is an injury waiting to happen. You might be able to get something (probably not much) if he strung together a couple weeks of decent totals and a TD or two wouldn't hurt.

 

[pittstownkiller]

Well, it seems that the NE's RB situation is as cloudy as ever. Does anyone see any dynasty value in NE's backs or is it always going to be a multi-headed monster, there.

 

[David Yudkin]

Well, it seems that the NE's RB situation is as cloudy as ever. Does anyone see any dynasty value in NE's backs or is it always going to be a multi-headed monster, there.

The guy they draft early next year is the guy to own.

 

[Doug B]

Hypothetical question:

Does Belichick rotate backs just to rotate backs because that's What His Teams Do these days? For instance, let's say the Patriots had ended up with Ladanian Tomlinson in 2001 instead of San Diego. Would Belichick always have brought in other RBs to keep Tomlinson in a time share, or could LT's talent have conceivably won Belichick over to the idea of having a 3-down bellcow?

Not comparing any current Patriots RBs to prime LT ... just wondering if Belichick's back rotation is (a) part of an overall philosophy, or (b) out of necessity due to not having an elite RB on the roster.

 

[David Yudkin]

Hypothetical questionoes Belichick rotate backs just to rotate backs because that's What His Teams Do these days? For instance, let's say the Patriots had ended up with Ladanian Tomlinson in 2001 instead of San Diego. Would Belichick always have brought in other RBs to keep Tomlinson in a time share, or could LT's talent have conceivably won Belichick over to the idea of having a 3-down bellcow?Not comparing any current Patriots RBs to prime LT ... just wondering if Belichick's back rotation is (a) part of an overall philosophy, or (b) out of necessity due to not having an elite RB on the roster.

They had Dillon and ran him into the ground, so it does not have to be a time share.

 

[Khalua83]

Now that Morony is gone and Faulk is on IR. Who will be the most valuable pats running back this year. I think fred t wont make a full year leaving Ben Jarvis and Morris to get all the carries. So who's gunna replace faulk as the recieving back, and who gets the most yds from scrimmage this year?

 

[zamboni]

About time someone brought this topic up.

Seriously though - there are a few threads on this going on already.

 

[David Yudkin]

As already mentioned, plenty on this out there already.

But as a clarification, the Pats are pondering whether they will be putting Faulk on IR (as odd as it may seem). Perhaps they think he might be able to return later in the season or if it's a partial tear and he might be able to try and play.

Either way, I doubt he will play any real role this year.

 

[Casting Couch]

BJGE is a plodder with no real lateral movement. He does not hit the hole hard.

With Mississippi he averaged in the mid 4s per carry. Now with New England he is in the mid 3's.

He barely has enough talent to be rostered on an NFL team. If you get any kind of value offered for this below average RB, take it and run.