Still worried about a 3 WR, and now depth at RB... - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

***Rob0729*** · 10-19-2009, 09:30 AM

We don't even know if Morris will miss a single game yet. I wouldn't be surprised if he sits out the next game even if it is a very minor injury (hey it is Tampa and it is in England and the following week is a bye), but I don't know if we know if it is nearly as serious as it might have looked yesterday.

JFK · 10-19-2009, 09:32 AM

What's going on with Mr. NunN

Jared · 10-19-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fencer

The way to stop the Pats is to shut down Moss, control Welker, and control the running game.

Wait a second....

You're saying to beat team X, you have to "shut down" one of team X's top receiver, control their other top receiver, and control their running game...

How many teams in the league could win if you shut down/controlled their top two receivers as well as the running game?

Patspsycho · 10-19-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

G) There is no need for a 3rd running back unless there is an injury or for a specific role like short yardage or blocker. If we have a third running back that can be trusted not to make major mistakes, then we can use that running back as a change of pace for Maroney and for garbage time. We have Green-Ellis. I would be more comfortable with him as our #3 if he were either a solid blocker or a dependable short yardage back. But, he certainly is an adequate backup in case of further injuries, and is useful as a change of pase and to give Maroney a rest for a series.
H) We have two of our top running backs who will hopefully have fresh legs for the playoffs.
I) BOTTOM LINE - We are just fine at running back. Belichick kept five running backs instead of three (not counting fullbacks) because the patriots have been burned with running back injuries in the past. We still have the three that we usually have to start the season.

Green-Ellis was more than fine yesterday. He picked up all his blocking assignments, only had one dropped pass (and that throw was high) and carried out that key flea-flicker real well by selling it hard and getting the safety to bite low.

I don't see us doing anything. We have 3 RB's now and I see us sticking with that now. Taylor hasn't gone on IR anyway.

PATSYLICIOUS · 10-19-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

Watson's 3 TD's have already been crucial. But, we shouldn't exagerrate. I don't think he had a catch yesterday and Brady did fine finding other receivers.

This was against the Titans. I'm not sure if that offsets the second half against Denver. The NYJ game I'm not counting only because Welker didn't play. I loved yesterday's performance but it doesn't mean the offense is fine just yet. Somebody needs to step up as the 3rd option in certain clutch times the way Gaffney did.

Patspsycho · 10-19-2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

Watson's 3 TD's have already been crucial. But, we shouldn't exagerrate. I don't think he had a catch yesterday and Brady did fine finding other receivers.

Watson did not see much playing time, if any, yesterday presumably because they are taking it easy with him per the concussion.

JSn · 10-19-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patspsycho

Watson did not see much playing time, if any, yesterday presumably because they are taking it easy with him per the concussion.

Brady mentioned that the TD to Moss across the back of the EZ was originally supposed to go for Watson.

As for #3's, just a thought, but what about Steve Smith? I think he's feeling underused in Carolina anyway and by no means does he suck.

I'm more inclined to think of Tate and/or Nunn, but we have them safely stashed away, right to next year if need be.

Phokus · 10-19-2009, 10:55 AM

bring back troy brown :P

Bostonian1962 · 10-19-2009, 10:57 AM

Valid concerns, as Maroney and Morris get nicked easily, and we've already lost Morris.

Law Firm looks rugged to me though. We "should" be O.K., but it's a valid concern.

As for the pass catchers, we will be more than O.K. with Baker, Watson, Edelman, Welker, and Moss. However, I still expect the Pats to quitely add Nunn to the mix before one of the big games (Phins, Colts, or Jets). Probably don't need him for TB, but I could see something go down right before one of those big games.

I don't know this of course, but it's a gut feel. We're fine doing nothing, but can you imagine if we had a true #3 like Nunn blossom? To me, Welker and Edleman are two dynamic slot receivers, but a #3 to go long/medium would be something else.

Summary: We'll be fine, but I GET your concerns.

robertweathers · 10-19-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phokus

bring back troy brown :P

In all seriousness, if he still has any jets, Deion Branch would be outstanding in this offense opposite Moss.