Let's pray Sammy Morris/LaMont Jordan can stay healthy

[bakes781]

With all the injuries this team has suffered I think not having a stud RB really cost them in some of their close games. If we're fortunate enough to get into the playoffs it will be imperative that we have at least the threat of a ground game. We've shown we can put up points without much of a running attack, but with our weak pass D in order to keep teams from coming back on us we need to be able to pound the rock late in the game.

 

[Lampshade]

I was amazed to learn of some of our rushing stats this year:

Yards per game: 137th, 7th in league
Yards per rush: 4.5, 6th in the league
TDs: 18, 4th in the league
Attempts: 425, 7th in the league

 

[PatriotsInGA]

hey we still have BJGE!! BenJarvus Green-Ellis, we could use him if they get hurt

 

[JSn]

I was amazed to learn of some of our rushing stats this year:

Yards per game: 137th, 7th in league
Yards per rush: 4.5, 6th in the league
TDs: 18, 4th in the league
Attempts: 425, 7th in the league

Exactly what I was going to point out. Having a "stud" RB is ok, but we've been better off with 4 solid RB's.

 

[letekro]

I would add Light to this list. He's just as important to the running game as the two you mentioned.

 

[mesoslo]

The running game against the raiders was pretty good, kevin faulk didnt put up a lot of yards rushing but did get a lof of YAC.

 

[TruthSeeker]

I was amazed to learn of some of our rushing stats this year:

Yards per game: 137th, 7th in league
Yards per rush: 4.5, 6th in the league
TDs: 18, 4th in the league
Attempts: 425, 7th in the league

These are AMAZNG stats. Who knew ? Top 10 in 4 major rushing categories, color me pleasantly surprised ! If Morris and Jordan stay healthy, and we make the playoffs......wow. Not to go off topic, but what I like about Cassel, he has shown he can come back (Jets and Seahawks games) when the running game isn't there, and it's on him to come back. So my point is, we can do damage in the playoffs on the ground, but Cassel also has shown some clutch moments too.

 

[Lansdowne]

Last season the Patriots lacked the power running ability that Morris and Jordan provide. These two backs will be crucial for the stretch run.

 

[WhiskeyBreath]

If I were going to pray for a player to not be injured, it would be for Wilfork.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I would add Light to this list. He's just as important to the running game as the two you mentioned.

Add Neal too. Remember he came back just before the Broncos game and that's when the run game really took off. Before that it was ehhhh. This is a great all around offense. The last elite defense we faced shut it down pretty good, but it was mostly just us shooting ourselves in the foot. Limit the mistakes and we can match up with any defense.

Interesting stat, Kevin Faulk is averaging 6.2 YPC this year!

 

[bakes781]

Add Neal too. Remember he came back just before the Broncos game and that's when the run game really took off. Before that it was ehhhh. This is a great all around offense. The last elite defense we faced shut it down pretty good, but it was mostly just us shooting ourselves in the foot. Limit the mistakes and we can match up with any defense.

Interesting stat, Kevin Faulk is averaging 6.2 YPC this year!

Yes but give the Steelers credit. They had no fear of our running game & therefore it was easy for them to just go blitz crazy on us. Obviously getting a lead going into the half would've been helpful, but not being able to have a balanced attack made for an easy game plan for Lebeau & Co.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Yes but give the Steelers credit. They had no fear of our running game & therefore it was easy for them to just go blitz crazy on us. Obviously getting a lead going into the half would've been helpful, but not being able to have a balanced attack made for an easy game plan for Lebeau & Co.

I give them credit for taking advantage of the situation, but like you pointed out, we lost the balance thanks to Slater's fumble and Moss's drops. Just careless mistakes that shouldn't happen and hopefully won't. If not for those we're up at least 20-13 in the 3rd and Cassel doesn't have a target on his head.

 

[Leave No Doubt]

I'm hoping for no more severe injuries,period. One more key player down is going to make this already difficult quest even that much more difficult XFingers crossedX we can limp into a playoff spot with this roster pretty much intact:rocker:

 

[jmt57]

Add Neal too. Remember he came back just before the Broncos game and that's when the run game really took off. Before that it was ehhhh. This is a great all around offense. The last elite defense we faced shut it down pretty good, but it was mostly just us shooting ourselves in the foot. Limit the mistakes and we can match up with any defense.

Interesting stat, Kevin Faulk is averaging 6.2 YPC this year!

Great point. Games are won or lost in the trenches, and the offensive line has as much, or more, to do with the stats of a RB then that runner himself. Too many RB get criticized for having a bad year when the problem was the line, while others go to the Pro Bowl but are never heard of again once they leave that team (see: running backs, Denver Broncos).

 

[bakes781]

Totally agree that a RB is only as good as his OL, but when it comes to those short yardage & goal line situations you need a BIG back like Morris or Jordan to be able to get that extra push to make the difference.