Peter Pat

I don't want to overreact to the two pre season games, but after losing BJGE, and seeing Ridley and Vareen run last year and the pre season this year, and our oline struggling to open holes, I am not too optimistic about the running game this year.
I know the Pats are a pass first team, and that, plus the fast tempo, they play will open the running game, So I bet the Pats manufacturer an average rush game.

But remember a few things, we have no goal line runner on the roster. BJGE was not flashy, but you give him the ball by 5 yards or in, and he was scoring. That is tougher than you think, not all RBs, even great Rbs, have a nose for the end zone, and BJGE did. When its 2nd and and goal from the 3, you can't always throw it to Gronk.

None of the Rbs on this roster shows that they have vision or patience to be a lead runners. They have little burst, and rate average all across the board. At best these guys will be average, at worst, complete duds.

Listen I know Brady and the pass games, have been breaking records for a few years now, but to me, when the Pats were at their most dangerous, is when they had Corey Dillon, and a great passing game. Brady didn't break records, but in the playoffs, in bad weather, or just playing teams with great pass defenses, they always produced points, kept teams off balance, and were better at winning playoff games, than the high flying offense of the last 5 years. It is evident, that Brady has been struggling in the playoffs the last few years (except the Denver game). And even in 2007, what people forget, on the Pats run to the SB, was that the infamous Lawrence Maroney, was our best player, and the reason why we beat SD in the AFCCG game, and not Brady. (Although Brady played lights out vs Jacksonville)

Brady needs a complimentary and feared running game come playoff time. The regular season, he will be just fine, but playoff time, it has to be more than just gimmick show runs.

Even if you look at passing teams that won the SB the last few years, GB, NYG, etc. Who had weak running games all seasons, their running games came up big for them in the playoffs, and was able to carry the offenses in stretches, and make the passing game better.

I truly believe the Pats need a strong, not just an OK, running game to get back to their winning SB ways, and I am not seeing the talent to do this, both at the RB spots, and the oline. I am very concerned, and I do not see the light at the end of this tunnel.

(BTW it also kills me that the Pats passed on Demarco Murray, for two average backs, when I was screaming for Murray, think of where the Pats would be now, with a legit, young, break away back like Murray)

aluminum seats

Well, the O-line concerns have been discussed a lot. I think they'll be fine there.

But I'd say your definitive ratings of Vereen & Ridley are hugely premature. This is really Vereen's first action at all, and it's two pre-season games. Ridley didn't play much last year at all.

Let's get into the regular season at least before we condemn them forever as "average" backs, huh?

__________________
"So I'm going to throw myself against the wall...
'Cause I'd rather feel bad than not feel anything at all."

BradyFTW!

I'd be concerned if the ground game wasn't working when Mankins, Vollmer, and Waters are playing. For now, I'm not really concerned.

patsfaninpittsburgh

When exactly did Demarco Murray elevate above JAG status?

DefenseRules

If the O-line continues to be the suck when Mankins, Vollmer and Waters come back, then I will worry...can't have a good passing or running game without good blocking IMO.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
AKA "Ladypatsfan"

Ian

They went up against a pretty good defense last night without some of their best players and still managed to gain some tough yards. I thought it was a great test for both Ridley and Vereen (and Bolden for that matter), and to me they did about as well as could be expected. Come in off the ledge

__________________
--
PatsFans.com - Dedicated to the Best Fans on Earth

Facebook
Become A Fan of / I mean "Like" PatsFans.com On Facebook:
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


Twitter Feeds

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

letekro

Huh? You're complaining about lack of burst and then you pine over BJGE? Get a clue.

The running game looked great in the first PS game. so-so last night, but don't you think it might have fared better if the Iggles had to worry about guys named Brady, Gronkowski, Hernandez, Lloyd and Welker?? Not to mention Mankins, Waters and Vollmer?

You worry too much.

slash83

Eagles front 7 was attacking the los a lot last night not really worrying bout the passing game which made it tough to run, and as other peeps have pointed out 3 studs on the ol were missing... Not worried.

__________________
Madden ID for ps3- bradydabest

jmt57

I have not rewatched the game yet, but in my initial opinion on the low output in the running game was due to the Philadelphia front seven winning the battles in the trenches versus the New England offensive line. I am very hesitant to pin those subpar numbers on the running backs.

Considering (a) it was the Eagle DL starters versus the Patriot OL backups and (b) the positive rushing numbers versus the Saints, I am not worried about the running game at this point in time.

KontradictioN

We're missing three out of our five starting OL. Of course the running game is struggling.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


CREDIT - Sicilian