mgteich

I too, was not a fan of Green-Ellis when we started the season. We needed a solid runner, who could dependably gain a couple of yards and who could take care of the ball. Also, I thought that we need to get a 3rd down back to eventually replace Faulk.

We now have a 1000 yard runner (as be did with Antowain Smith) who NEVER fumbles. We have Woodhead as our Faulk for this decade. Sure, we would like to have a Dillon, but we are fine with what we have as our starters on 1st and 3rd downs.

Most agree that we need more than two dependable running backs on the team. Consider what happens if either is injured. It is not about subtraction (getting rid of Green-Ellis). It is all about additions.

As of now, we have THREE open running back positions. Barring injuries, we have TWO rb positions filled for the 2011 roster.

We can debate what the roles are that need to be filled by these three running backs. We can argue on who they might be? We can argue with regard to how many, if any, of our ancient ones for 2011. However, it seems clear that we have 2 running backs for 2011 and we need to fill 3 positions.

And just by the way, I feel better about the running back situation than anytime since Dillon left. How about you all? A 1000 yard runner and a top 3rd round back is great!

mcgraw_wv

Only if you think weight and height are the only factors... Lynch is a "Mauler", sorry but BJGE is not.

Not once did I see him punish anyone on the defense.

Your points are solid, and my points are based on the want that I don't want to be a passing offense, and to rely only on Brady to win games. I want Brady to be the Clutch TD maker, but not on his shoulders to jump o an early lead and hold it.

We need a power running game, and I want to invest a draft pick in adding another mauler on the Oline.

I don't want to go into next year with modest RBs. I want someone the Defense has to game plan around.

JackBauer

I don't want to replace BJGE. I want to augment him with speed to waste and the ability to score from anywhere on the field (e.g. Jamaal Charles, my pipe dream).

If BJGE ever gets injured, we'd be between a rock and hard place.

Ideally I'd jettison Morris and Taylor, sign Kuhn, pick up another RB in FA/draft, draft Pouncey, sign or draft another OG/OC, re-sign Light and Mankins.

Patspsycho

JoeShmoe

I think he's great but what he needs are a FB to both split some carries and let us play out of the I formation and a few road grader types to replace Koppen and Connoly on the OL

Marqui

sebman2112

What I really want is another Corey Dillon, but I don't see many players who fit that mold coming out of the draft this year. I like Ingram's footwork, and vision, but he lacks top end speed, and isn't really a big bruising back. Don't get me wrong, I like Ingram, NE simply has more pressing needs to spend their first round picks on. Maybe if he falls to 33.

DeMarco Murray has good height, nice vision, good footwork, and top end speed, but he could gain a few pounds, and has an injury history. I could see Murray turning into a top 10 RB if he stays healthy, but with his running style that's a question mark. Murray could be around in the third, so he might be someone NE takes a look at, especially since he's such a versatile athlete (KR/RB/WR).

I don't want to replace BJGE. I want to replace Morris, and Taylor. Woodhead will replace Kevin Faulk.

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Bostonian1962

My real question is not why "people" want to replace him, but why BB still doesn't think he's a 20 - 25 CPG player. He he averaged 14 carries per game. I understand we have Woodhead to augment him, but in the biggest game of the year, when the Jets were playing 6 DBs against the Pats offense, BB decided that Law Firm should get a total of 9 carries, the entire game.

So, to answer your question, at least from where I'm standing, BB doesn't see Law Firm as a Corey Dillon type - 345 carries a year. Or even Atwoine Smith one year with close to 300 carries. It seem like he's able to get 4.4 yards per carry, by using him judiciously.

All that said, Ingram is the same height and weight as Law Firm. LeShoure at 240 LBS, may be more what I'm talking about.

Just my two cents. Law Firm grew on me too, so I can't be sure what the real deal is.

PATSYLICIOUS

As I said in the other thread, there's at least 5 or 6 areas that need addressed before upgrading BJGE can be thought of, IMO. He's fine as our starter. One more solid draft to shore up the interior OL, DE, and OLB issues... then MAYBE in 2012 we can focus on replacing Light (assuming he gets a short term extension) and can afford to spend a 1st or 2nd on trying to upgrade RB. If we do strike a Dillon type, this offense could be unstoppable. So I wouldn't ignore addressing the situation completely. But until then we're fine with BJGE, an upgrade is a luxury at this point, like Dillon was in 2004 when the team had practically no weaknesses.

As for this year depth is my only concern at the position, which can be addressed in mid-late rounds.

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mgteich

Many of us have wanted a fullback since Heath Evans left. Others are content to having a backup RG be our blocking fullback in short yardage situations and for Morris to be a fullback in other roles.

The bottom line is that we HAVE a fullback. I, for one, agree with you that we should have dedicated fullback as one of our five running backs. Pehaps we will be able to afford to carry such a player when we are not carrying the three oldest running backs in the league on our roster.