Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today

[JSn]

NO!! Come back Heath!

Holy changing of the guards this year...

Heath Evans scheduled to visit Saints today - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com

Free-agent fullback Heath Evans is scheduled to visit with the New Orleans Saints today.

Evans, 30, has been a mainstay on the Patriots since November of 2005. He's served in a variety of roles -- including lead-blocking fullback, ball-carrier, pass-catcher, emergency tight end, and core special teams player.

Considered a strong locker room presence, Evans has been one of the team's more durable players over the last three-plus seasons. He hasn't missed a game since joining the team.

The Patriots currently have Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk, Laurence Maroney and BenJarvus Green-Ellis under contract at running back. They don't have a traditional fullback at this time.

I wonder if letting him walk signals Hochstein as a run-blocking FB and a 5 RB committee...

 

[T-ShirtDynasty]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

And from his last few interviews it's clear he really wants to remain a Patriot... this must mean BB doesn't feel he needs him back? Bummer, I like All-Beef Heath.

 

[Nestapats]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

No, we can't los him too. That would probably piss off alot of older guys. He's a great locker room guy with a good attitude. Come on BB re-sign him!!

 

[BradyManny]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

Meh, pretty sure if we can make-do w/o Vrabes, I won't shed too many tears over losing Heath. He's done a lot of good for us, but he's certainly not irreplaceable.

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

I personally don't see Evans coming back. He's a good player, but I'm not sure where we have room for him right now.

 

[g-fresh]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

I really hope Heath comes back, he's such a versatile player I don't know why they wouldn't want him back. Hopefully he is just testing the waters and will end up back in New England.

 

[WhiZa]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

I wonder if letting him walk signals Hochstein as a run-blocking FB and a 5 RB committee...

I would love to see Hoch be our FB next year. He was dominate last year. The only problem is when he is in it's an obvious run, and teams would start catching on.

That said, I don't think we will find a better FB then Evans in FA or the draft. We need to sign him to a long term deal.

 

[PatsSox363804]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

The Saints already have Mike Karney, I doubt he signs there.

 

[tombonneau]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

The Saints already have Mike Karney, I doubt he signs there.

Yeah, seems like an even swap for Saints. Actually, in the short-yardage running department it would be a downgrade, as Karney can actually move the pile and break tackles in short yardage.

I for one will shed no tears if Evans leaves. He is competent in a few areas (blocking, special teams) but excels in none and is absolutely dreadful with the ball in his hands.

 

[patsfanofNC12]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

I really hope Heath comes back, he's such a versatile player I don't know why they wouldn't want him back. Hopefully he is just testing the waters and will end up back in New England.

Feeling the same way right now, he is one guy who we should really try to bring back.

 

[Lansdowne]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

Sammy Morris has experience as a FB, maybe that is how he'll be utilized in the offense. He could be like another LeRon McClain.

 

[NEGoldenAge]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

Sammy Morris has experience as a FB, maybe that is how he'll be utilized in the offense. He could be like another LeRon McClain.

Although Sammy has shown some improvement in his blocking, IMO he would need a dramatic improvement to fill that role. I like Sammy, but blocking is not his strength.

 

[WhiZa]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

Sammy Morris has experience as a FB, maybe that is how he'll be utilized in the offense. He could be like another LeRon McClain.

Interesting thought. Bring 2 RBs in on a pass or run situation, Hoch on a obvious run down, and Faulk on a obvious passing down.

 

[MetalBleachers]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

Although Sammy has shown some improvement in his blocking, IMO he would need a dramatic improvement to fill that role. I like Sammy, but blocking is not his strength.

Hard to think Sammy couldn't fill the Patrick Pass role, but I agree. Evans has improved his blocking immensely since coming to NE. Would love to see them keep him.

 

[mgteich]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

This makes little sense. We can sign Karney if NO signs Evans. Certainly they are keeping both.

 

[satz]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

I am bummed especially he is a very good st player and against teams like ravens plays alot of snaps along with faulk in pure blocking assigment.

morris freaks me out as the last line of defence for my qb i rather have a 4th RB good in blocking,st and receiving skills than pure running how many times has he blown a block in picking up the blitz not a lot.

hopefully , his replacement can block as well as him his best game was against the chargers in the playoff last year leading maroney .He handled merriman that game and was pushing him and wilhem off the tackling angles.Hosh cannot do this at 310 he is not going to be fast to pick on ILB and OLB who are coming at him or running around him.He will be slow and will never get to second layer.

Last year we had a great running game and he did contribute alot as the RB kept rotatioing so good for him.

satz

 

[mgteich]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

I'd much rather have a fullback than BJGE.

 

[pats63]

did Evens sign w/NO?????I was watching senior bowl and that (I think) fullback from LSU......Love Evens,but Bill probly knows more than me

 

[mmasterkillah]

Re: Reiss: Heath Evans visiting Saints today.

Heath will not be retained.

God bless you Heath, you were a great guy, on and off the field.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

As an aside:

NE currently has 5 TEs on roster, Watson, Thomas, Baker, and Listorti are all capable of H-back roles, which include acting as a FB when needed. Listorti was the #13 FB for NFL Draft Scout in the 2008 draft, though he played TE for UMass. Hochstein is not the only option at FB it would seem.