Do we need a 5th RB/FB

[mgteich]

Do we need another RB, and if so in what role?
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We seem to be in great shape with Taylor, Morris, Faulk and Maroney, and with Green-Ellis on the Practice Squad.

Most here don't seem to think that we need a FB. A blocking FB is one possible role for a new RB. Another is a returner. Another is an eventual replacement for Faulk.

Personally, I would sign a veteran blocking FB. Faulk shold be extended, so a replacement is not needed for 3 years. A returner is possible, but I think that Maroney should be in the role of kick returner. We'll see who is our punt returner. Perhaps Maroney or Slater can develop into that role.

 

[Sicilian]

I think that depends on how BB thinks he can use the players he has. It's possible he envisions Hochstein as a viable goal line/short yardage blocking FB, and perhaps Baker can play the hybrid FB/TE role (I dont' have anything to base this on, just using it as an example).

If you can piece together the different roles of a FB between multiple players who do other things as well, it may not be a targetted area of need.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Do we need another RB, and if so in what role?
======================================

We seem to be in great shape with Taylor, Morris, Faulk and Maroney, and with Green-Ellis on the Practice Squad.

Most here don't seem to think that we need a FB. A blocking FB is one possible role for a new RB. Another is a returner. Another is an eventual replacement for Faulk.

Personally, I would sign a veteran blocking FB. Faulk shold be extended, so a replacement is not needed for 3 years. A returner is possible, but I think that Maroney should be in the role of kick returner. We'll see who is our punt returner. Perhaps Maroney or Slater can develop into that role.

I don't think Green-Ellis is eligible for the PS this year.

Also, keep in mind that the Patriots just don't put that much value in the position—certainly not enough to match the offer Evans got from New Orleans, which wasn't exactly big money.

 

[JSn]

I don't think Green-Ellis is eligible for the PS this year.

Also, keep in mind that the Patriots just don't put that much value in the position—certainly not enough to match the offer Evans got from New Orleans, which wasn't exactly big money.

Actually, I think we went through this once before and it turned out he was. But he'll get signed away, I think.

I think with 5 RB's, we're set. Ellis might be tough enough to play FB by camp, too.

 

[Grizzafted]

I doubt if it'll happen, but if Knowshon Moreno is still on the board at 23 I hope they take him. Hope for Barwin or English at 34 and cross your fingers for Delmas at 47. We're going to need help in the backfield soon, might as well draft a guy who can carry the load this year. I think Moreno could be a top 15 pick if this draft wasn't so loaded.

 

[KY Pats Fan]

I think Green-Ellis is on the 53 man roster which means the Pats carry 5 RB's. With that, I don't think they pick up another RB except on the PS.

 

[PatsBoy12]

I don't know if we need five RBs on the roster, but it couldn't hurt to have them since three of them tend to be injured (Taylor, Maroney, Morris). Also, a running back by committee helped the Pats fall in the top 10 in team rushing last season.

 

[Lloyd_Christmas]

I think we go into the season with the 5 RBs (including BGE). I don't think we *need* any other RBs, but it wouldn't shock me if we drafted one somewhere or picked up an UDFA for competition.

 

[bucky]

I don't think BJGE would make it through waivers.

On the other hand, if he can't contribute on ST or as a situation FB, his place on the roster as purely the 5th RB would be less than secure. So maybe a late round RB/FB/ST type to keep on the PS would free up a roster spot.

In terms of using a FB, I think with the signing of Baker, the Pats will be more of a 2 TE team this year. And their power formation experiments with Hochstein have been successful, so I would see that continuing.

 

[WhiZa]

Actually, I think we went through this once before and it turned out he was. But he'll get signed away, I think.

I think with 5 RB's, we're set. Ellis might be tough enough to play FB by camp, too.

I'm pretty sure it was disproven, and BJGE was active on the 45-man roster for 9 games which makes him ineligible for the PS.

 

[Pats726]

I'm pretty sure it was disproven, and BJGE was active on the 45-man roster for 9 games which makes him ineligible for the PS.

He was active for 9....coming in game 5 (SD) inactive the last 3....So is he eligible or not??
I have heard it both ways.

 

[WhiZa]

He was active for 9....coming in game 5 (SD) inactive the last 3....So is he eligible or not??
I have heard it both ways.

nfl.com has him active for 9 games. Those games do not include inactive games or else Shawn Crable would have some games under his belt. So we can only assume he was active in 9 games making him ineligible.

 

[spacecrime]

nfl.com has him active for 9 games. Those games do not include inactive games or else Shawn Crable would have some games under his belt. So we can only assume he was active in 9 games making him ineligible.

To be ineligible a player needs to have TWO nfl seasons, not one.

If he only had one seaosn of 9 games, he is still eligible.

Not that I think he will be put on the PC because I think someone will sign him first. He did a great job as a third string RB and surely is better than at leat one other NFL third stringer.

 

[Bring Back Antowain!]

Actually, I think we went through this once before and it turned out he was. But he'll get signed away, I think.

I think with 5 RB's, we're set. Ellis might be tough enough to play FB by camp, too.

Well, I think he's mentally tough enough already.

But that would certainly lock him up a roster spot.

Personally, and don't hate me for it, I would rather get rid of Sammy Morris than BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Honestly, Morris is aging, as with Fred Taylor and Kevin Faulk. Our only young backs on the roster are BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Laurence Maroney.

Unless Maroney has a quick turn-around, he's as good as gone after 2010 (if not via trade sooner).

So for me, keeping a guy who is only 23, willing to lower his shoulder, doesn't hesitate, is more important than keeping a guy like Sammy Morris who is in his 30's, and whose touches will be limited.

 

[spacecrime]

Personally, and don't hate me for it, I would rather get rid of Sammy Morris than BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

So for me, keeping a guy who is only 23, willing to lower his shoulder, doesn't hesitate, is more important than keeping a guy like Sammy Morris who is in his 30's, and whose touches will be limited.

I guess skill, talent and production all are less important than age, huh?

Well, at least your RB analysis is consistent with your screen name.

 

[Bring Back Antowain!]

I guess skill, talent and production all are less important than age, huh?

Well, at least your RB analysis is consistent with your screen name.

Look, we both know re-signing Antowain Smith would change the fortune of this team. However, I believe he is at home in Houston, and isn't ready to come out of his semi-retirement just yet.

In all seriousness, if I was forced to choose between Sammy Morris and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, I'd take BJGE in a heartbeat.

Every running back on the Patriots roster expires within the next two years. Faulk after 09, BJGE Sammy Mo Fred Taylor and Lomo after 2010.

This means that the Patriots need to make some serious decisions about the future of the position. With Maroney likely in Belichick's doghouse, that leaves BenJarvus as the only legitimate young option in the Patriots backfield.

No, he's never going to amaze you. But he can pound the ball consistently. Sometimes he stands up too straight, sometimes he's even too hasty in making decisions, but all in all, he's a quality back who's going to drive and push himself hard consistently.

Sammy Morris is very productive, of course. But with Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor, and Laurence Maroney on the roster, how many carries would Morris even get? Morris probably would get more than 5-8 touches a game... and because of this, I would rather keep a young guy on the roster who might be less productive, but is much younger and more consistent.

Personally, I think the Patriots should keep all of them, but if one had to go, I would pick Sammy Morris.

Does that make any more sense?

 

[spacecrime]

I would rather keep a young guy on the roster who might be less productive, but is much younger and more consistent.

Personally, I think the Patriots should keep all of them, but if one had to go, I would pick Sammy Morris.

Does that make any more sense?

Not to me. For one thing, consistency is a good thing in and of itself. It is only if you are consistently good that counts.

For another thing, Morris is more consistent than BJGE. And he is better. Consistenly better. Better production, better overall.

BJGE is a great third string RB. He did a good job when Maroney, Morris and Jordan went down. I guess that makes him a fourth string RB.

Whatever, you didn't see him play when Morris got healthy and there is a reason for that. Morris is better, much better.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

Not to me. For one thing, consistency is a good thing in and of itself. It is only if you are consistently good that counts.

For another thing, Morris is more consistent than BJGE. And he is better. Consistenly better. Better production, better overall.

BJGE is a great third string RB. He did a good job when Maroney, Morris and Jordan went down. I guess that makes him a fourth string RB.

Whatever, you didn't see him play when Morris got healthy and there is a reason for that. Morris is better, much better.

At the moment, i'll agree with you, but lets wait a little. It was, afterall, the lawfirms first year. He could improve, and with a little improvement i see him making the team, and contributing. Atleast he hits the hole, and doesnt stand there dancing like a certain other RB.