Pats RBs better than we think? Statistical Analysis from Football Outsiders

[stinkypete]

Sorry if this has been posted in the past. Just came across the Football Outsiders running back rankings for 2010. The Patriots RBs scored surprisingly high given they've been a much maligned group among fans.

Maroney - Ranked 24th among running backs, just behind Thomas Jones, Fred Jackson and Frank Gore.

Faulk - Ranked #1 among backs with 20-99 carries.

Taylor - Ranked #5 among backs with 20 - 99 carries.

Seems a pretty effective group statistically. Maroney is below average but no epic fail as a starter, and the backups are the best in the game.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | RUNNING BACKS 2009

 

[tombonneau]

RB is a facile position for fans to complain about, so it's not surprising some choose to harp on it. But I've felt for the last couple seasons the Pats RB corp is more than adequate.

If anything, you can choose to complain about the playcalling -- oh, I don't know, like maybe 5-wide empty backfield on 3rd & 2 -- that telegraphs run/pass, but the when the RBs have room they do well enough.

 

[Calciumee]

We see our RBs as worse as they are, because none of them are 1000+ yard a season guys, but I think we have a good selection for us, as we use the committee approach.

If we had a clear number 1 that took 20+ carries a game, then we might see a big drop off!

 

[NEGoldenAge]

Except for the Lawfirm, all of our backs have difficulty staying on the field. I'm curious to see how they perform with the influx of new WR and TE talent..... The loss of Mankins doesn't help.

 

[DarrylS]

Fans get enamored with "sexy", big yardage RB's... in reality as long as they compliment the passing game, no problemo....

 

[Synovia]

Except for the Lawfirm, all of our backs have difficulty staying on the field. I'm curious to see how they perform with the influx of new WR and TE talent..... The loss of Mankins doesn't help.

Yeah, Lawfirm just has trouble getting on the field, because hes a replacement level player.

There's a reason BB keeps saying the line was the problem, and not the RBs.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

This is a debate that will never go away. Maroney could easily get 1,000 and 10 TD's if they give him the ball (even with their soft O-line).

 

[Triumph]

RB is a facile position for fans to complain about, so it's not surprising some choose to harp on it. But I've felt for the last couple seasons the Pats RB corp is more than adequate

Numbers can be skewed to look like anything you want.

The Jets truly relied on the Run Game last season while NE relied on Brady and the pass game. NE passes to get ahead and runs to win. In between they use the run to keep the other team guessing and off balance with draws and such.

Kevin Faulk is a trooper, but the fact that he led all RBs with 29 or less carries means jack squat. How useful is a 2 carry a game RB?

 

[lillestroom]

I seriously dont think there is a better 3rd down back than Kevin Faulk playing today.

But to think that the O line is better than average is stupidity. The RB core is average. Not great, not poor, but average.

 

[Calciumee]

I seriously dont think there is a better 3rd down back than Kevin Faulk playing today.

There probably is, if I wasn't too tired to think, I would give an answer, but he is pretty good, and if he isn't, he is top 5!

 

[Kontradiction]

This is a debate that will never go away. Maroney could easily get 1,000 and 10 TD's if they give him the ball (even with their soft O-line).

That will happen when the running game and the O-Line's run blocking suddenly become the strength of the team, or at least on par with the passing game. As of right now, the passing game is the strength of our offense and the O-Line's run blocking leaves a little to be desired.

 

[lillestroom]

There probably is, if I wasn't too tired to think, I would give an answer, but he is pretty good, and if he isn't, he is top 5!

I can think of better "Change of pace" backs. But none who are better on a 3rd down than Faulk, certainly not with blitz coverage and in the short passing game.

 

[Calciumee]

I can think of better "Change of pace" backs. But none who are better on a 3rd down than Faulk, certainly not with blitz coverage and in the short passing game.

Ok, you make a good point. His blitz pick up is fantastic, and seems to do anything to make the catch.

 

[BlueThunder]

Pats RB's are old.....Faulk,Morris and Taylor.....however they are adequate IF they stay healthy. This could be their last year unless Faulk still looks sharp.
Not sure if Maroney gets re-signed. I think he will have a decent year, and if not for 2 costly GL fumbles, his stats would be more than adequate.

BB has to seriously think about drafting Ingram with next years Raider's first round pick. :rocker:

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

RB is a facile position for fans to complain about, so it's not surprising some choose to harp on it. But I've felt for the last couple seasons the Pats RB corp is more than adequate.

If anything, you can choose to complain about the playcalling -- oh, I don't know, like maybe 5-wide empty backfield on 3rd & 2 -- that telegraphs run/pass, but the when the RBs have room they do well enough.

I have liked this group for the last couple years. I believe our 'lack' of a run game is more of a game calling situation as well.

I like Faulk, Morris and Taylor and I think Maroney is due for another good year, without the embarassing fumbles. I remember hating Faulk when he was first with the Pats so hopefully Maroney is on that same path of continual improvement. Maroney can do the job.

 

[Synovia]

Kevin Faulk is a trooper, but the fact that he led all RBs with 29 or less carries means jack squat. How useful is a 2 carry a game RB?

When hes in there pass blocking 25+ plays a game, very.

 

[mgteich]

I don't see the problem, except that one of the two starters is often injured. But then, that's why we have two. Even if bot are out, we are fine with Morris and Faulk for a game or two. If you view Maroney and Taylor as our ONE starter, you will find that one was almost always available.

Further, we are a running team. Our line is built to pass protect. Even so, we have a solid running game. Consider that we have one starter "MarTay" (Maroney-Taylor).

MarTay over 1000 yards per year (and over 1000 in 2009), over 4 yards per carry
Morris backup, occasional fullback), over 300 yards and over 4 yards per carry
Faulk one of the best 3rd yard backs in the nfl, over 5 yards per carry
BJGE a developmental back who is almost always inactive

 

[IllegalContact]

the pats have not been able to depend on their running game for years. to the point that on a 3rd and 2, they are running out of the shotgun, and that's a joke.

once again, the offense will produce mind-numbing numbers in the first half of the season, only to get abused when the weather gets cold

 

[Ring 6]

the pats have not been able to depend on their running game for years. to the point that on a 3rd and 2, they are running out of the shotgun, and that's a joke.

once again, the offense will produce mind-numbing numbers in the first half of the season, only to get abused when the weather gets cold

Thats not really true.
When Brady was out in 2008, our running game was very, very good.
You are mistaking choosing to put the ball in Tom Bradys hands with lacking confidnece of it being anywhere else.

 

[Calciumee]

the pats have not been able to depend on their running game for years. to the point that on a 3rd and 2, they are running out of the shotgun, and that's a joke.

once again, the offense will produce mind-numbing numbers in the first half of the season, only to get abused when the weather gets cold

2008 - 2278 Yards Rushing

2009 - 1921 Yards Rushing

That's 23 yards less per game, isn't that much for a season where we didn't use the run as much as the previous season.

Last season we were 12th in the league with rushing yards, not bad for a passing team, who were 3rd in the league passing.