BJGE vs. the Pittsburgh run D

[TheComeback]

Mankins being back had nothing to do with his success?
The success of the passing game had nothing to do with his success?
==========
Perhaps you are one of the group of folks who think that we already have our Number 1 go-to running back for the the forseeable future. For the rest of us, one of the highest priorities in the offseason will be to upgrade the team at the running back position.

You can make up whatever excuses you want, but we're talking about the #1 rushing defense in the league. Not only that, but a defense that had been historically good until they faced us. We rushed for 50 yards in the first half, and they couldn't stop BJ in the 4th quarter when they knew we'd be running the ball.

The oline did indeed have a great performance. It would be nice if certain posters would stop complaining about how much our running game sucks when it clearly doesn't. They've been solid all year, minus a small number of games.

If you don't want to give credit to BJ, that's fine, we all know your ego depends on it. He not only had some very good runs last night, he also made some great plays in the passing game. He's a solid back and I'm glad we have him.

I don't disagree with getting another RB, but it's definitely not one of our "highest" priorities when we have two solid, young guys like Woodhead and Green-Ellis, not to mention an slew of far more important needs to address (like OL and DL).

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

BJGE ran for 87 yards last night, the most yards any RB has gained against Pittsburgh this season.

Pittsburgh has the #1 run defense. They are allowing 2.8 YPC.

BJGE averaged 4.8 yards.

But I guess we will continue to hear more about how he is a JAG, an unimpressive back, or this or that. He had one dropped pass last night (4 for 5, 36 yards) and some posters were vitriolic about that. Or maybe it was the OL.

I think he has to be more consistent. Against the Browns BJGE was 9 attempts for 14 yards for a 1.6 YPC. Not convinced of BJGE's speed or consistency. I like him better than Maroney, but think there is a lot of room for improvement.

 

[JFK]

I think Fred plays this week. Going to street FA's DOES seem to be working out ok, though.

We need a big back, Hillis-ish, in the draft, but I think we're ok until then.

I like Hillis-ish but I prefer Ingram-ish

 

[shmessy]

I think Fred plays this week......

Sure, this week.

But how confident are you about him getting through 10 more games?

 

[JSn]

Sure, this week.

But how confident are you about him getting through 10 more games?

Yeah, you're right there. NOT confident. But these things happen. Even if he hits JUST 4th Quarters, I'd be ok with that.

 

[NEGoldenAge]

As weird as this may sound, I believe that the Pats were setting up the run with the play action more than they were setting up the pass. They faked the handoff so much, that when they ran the ball, the Steelers D was slow to react.

 

[crowell33]

Mankins being back had nothing to do with his success?
The success of the passing game had nothing to do with his success?
==========
Perhaps you are one of the group of folks who think that we already have our Number 1 go-to running back for the the forseeable future. For the rest of us, one of the highest priorities in the offseason will be to upgrade the team at the running back position.

Time for you to man up. You have posted for two years now ( consecutive year preseason postings ) how BJGE should be cut from the team.

Show a little character and admit that Bill Belichick knew better than you did.

 

[shmessy]

As weird as this may sound, I believe that the Pats were setting up the run with the play action more than they were setting up the pass. They faked the handoff so much, that when they ran the ball, the Steelers D was slow to react.

BTW, the play-action pass!!!

Wasn't there some stat from Reiss last year comparing Brady's success via play-action versus non-play action??? He was far more successful via play-action -- it was mind boggling.

 

[WhiZa]

As weird as this may sound, I believe that the Pats were setting up the run with the play action more than they were setting up the pass. They faked the handoff so much, that when they ran the ball, the Steelers D was slow to react.

that and Cousin It couldn't properly read a play all game. No one ever talks about the risks he takes that cause him to be so far out of position that it's really 10v11. He's like a home run hitter who leads the league in strikeouts.

 

[mgteich]

Are you all REALLY fine with the choice to go with Green-Ellis and three ancient running backs as our four running backs? Was it really unreasonable of some of us to want a 5th back in a non-cap year?
===========
Yes, Belichick was right to keep Green-Ellis.

Belichick ALWAYS knows better than I do.
=============
Belichick chose NOT to bring any upgrades at running back and to rely on Green-Ellis and the ancient ones. I still think in that this was a very risky decision. Having Woodhead sign with us has made a huge difference. Consider our running back situation of he had signed for another team instead or if the jets ahd kept him.

Belichick thought that Green-Ellis would be good enough to do a Antowain Smith imitation with the OL that we have (more reliably than Maroney who he no longer trusted). Belichick was right.
=====================
Of course, Belichick was right in choosing Green-Ellis when he didn't trust Maroney and was going to dump Maroney. We didn't KNOW that when we made our predictions,
=====================

Time for you to man up. You have posted for two years now ( consecutive year preseason postings ) how BJGE should be cut from the team.

Show a little character and admit that Bill Belichick knew better than you did.

 

[The Dynasty]

I don't disagree with getting another RB, but it's definitely not one of our "highest" priorities when we have two solid, young guys like Woodhead and Green-Ellis, not to mention an slew of far more important needs to address (like OL and DL).

Definitely one of the highest priorities this offseason. I would expect to either sign a RB (havent really seen a list of FAs) or spend a high draft pick on one. BJGE and Woodhead are not every down backs in the NFL, they are very good change up backs and 3rd down backs.

Whats wrong with the DL? There is a lot of young talent in that group and they get better and better each week?

 

[mgteich]

Yes, Belichick often perceives value in the 1st round on the DL. This approach has been very successful: Seymour, Wilfork and Warren. I could see us adding a DL in the first roud of the next draft.

HOWEVER, the defensive line is doing great. With Ty Warren coming back, we will have.

Deaderick, Wright, Wilfork, Ty Warren, Brace and Pryor

We might bring back G. Warren and/or Love or Richard or Weston.

BOTTOM LINE
There is no huge need at DL. However, I would certainly HOPE that we would use a 1st rounder on a defensive lineman. I agree with Belichick that the value is early at this position. Besides, we will still have several picks to fill needs at OL, RB and WR to the degree that those needs haven't been met in re-signing or acquiring players before the draft/

.Whats wrong with the DL? There is a lot of young talent in that group and they get better and better each week?

 

[The Dynasty]

Yes, Belichick often perceives value in the 1st round on the DL. This approach has been very successful: Seymour, Wilfork and Warren. I could see us adding a DL in the first roud of the next draft.

HOWEVER, the defensive line is doing great. With Ty Warren coming back, we will have.

Deaderick, Wright, Wilfork, Ty Warren, Brace and Pryor

We might bring back G. Warren and/or Love or Richard or Weston.

BOTTOM LINE
There is no huge need at DL. However, I would certainly HOPE that we would use a 1st rounder on a defensive lineman. I agree with Belichick that the value is early at this position. Besides, we will still have several picks to fill needs at OL, RB and WR to the degree that those needs haven't been met in re-signing or acquiring players before the draft/

Might also need to think about a CB in the first round as well. I mean clearly BB doesnt have much confidence in Butler, so who knows what his status is for the future. Hopefully Bodden comes back, so the depth chart would look McCourty, Bodden, Arrington and Wilhite. I think maybe considering drafting a CB in the 1st round would be a good option too.

 

[TBradyOwnsYou]

Knowing that Denver just put 49 points up against the Chiefs yesterday, I meandered over to see how our old friend Maroney did - - - he was not even activated for the game.

Just throwing it out there - - what happens if McDaniels cuts him and we pick him up for the PS? We keep the 4th rounder. Might not be a bad idea for the practice squad in case Fred Taylor can't get off the DL. He does know the system.

After how the drafted and undrafted rookies are performing, the Moss larceny and possibly this, BB could get arrested for pickpocketing this year.

Maroney? MARONEY? Posting drunk never turns out well.

 

[crowell33]

Are you all REALLY fine with the choice to go with Green-Ellis and three ancient running backs as our four running backs? Was it really unreasonable of some of us to want a 5th back in a non-cap year?
===========
Yes, Belichick was right to keep Green-Ellis.

Belichick ALWAYS knows better than I do.
=============
Belichick chose NOT to bring any upgrades at running back and to rely on Green-Ellis and the ancient ones. I still think in that this was a very risky decision. Having Woodhead sign with us has made a huge difference. Consider our running back situation of he had signed for another team instead or if the jets ahd kept him.

Belichick thought that Green-Ellis would be good enough to do a Antowain Smith imitation with the OL that we have (more reliably than Maroney who he no longer trusted). Belichick was right.
=====================
Of course, Belichick was right in choosing Green-Ellis when he didn't trust Maroney and was going to dump Maroney. We didn't KNOW that when we made our predictions,
=====================

Thats actually a pretty classy response, and I actually agree with you wholeheartedly. BB will certainly be looking to add to the RB corps in the offseason and history tells us that most likely ( Antowain Smith, Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, Woodhead, BGJE, Corey Dillon, Marc Edwards, Patrick Pass, JR Redmond, Larry Centers, Mike Cloud, Kevin Faulk ) he won't spend big money to do so.

 

[TheComeback]

Definitely one of the highest priorities this offseason. I would expect to either sign a RB (havent really seen a list of FAs) or spend a high draft pick on one. BJGE and Woodhead are not every down backs in the NFL, they are very good change up backs and 3rd down backs.

Whats wrong with the DL? There is a lot of young talent in that group and they get better and better each week?

Sorry, I just don't see the need to invest a lot of money or high draft picks on a rotational player. As for your contention that BJ isn't every down back in the NFL, he's been proving you wrong all year. He's not the best every down back in the league, but he's more than adequate. The only thing he has to improve is his blocking, and he's getting there. And since did we ever use every-down backs anyway? We've always had specialists at the RB position.

All we need is a good 3rd round RB in the draft next year, or a cheap veteran in free agency to keep our other guys fresh and add some more talent in the backfield. Again, there's no reason to invest a ton of resources on a back who will be sharing time with at least two other guys for most of the year. You can get a very good return on RBs after the 2nd round.

I said DL or OL because that's where you win games. I agree that there's some nice young talent on the DL, but it can't hurt to add one more guy. I'd say OL is more of a priority given the age of Light, Koppen, and Neal.

 

[patsinthesnow]

I'm glad Brady threw the ball his way too. So many times he has been wide open for easy first downs this year.

Yeah, the OL may be making holes but there is a difference. That 17 yard run by BJGE would have been a 3 or 4 yard run by Maroney. No hesitation, attacks the hole. Go BJGE.

 

[mgteich]

I expect Bodden back. I think that we are fine with Bodden, McCourty and Arrington; this would a major improvement over this year. Bodden essentially upgrades Wilhite.

With regard to the #4 and #5 corners, they ae backups and occasionally dime backs. Butler (still learning and a starter last year) and Wilhite should be good enough to compete for the #4 spot (and the #5 spot if there is one. We don't need another rookie. There is enough youth already. I expect belichick to bring in a veteran or two to compete for the #4 and #5 spots, although that wouldn't be essential.

Also, with regard to nickel and dime backs, even though this roles is usually taken by corners, our safeties have been doing a reasonable job.

The bottom line is that we should be set for starters with Bodden and McCourty. And we reasoably backups among Arrington, Butler and Wilhite.
=======================

Obviously, if Bodden isn't coming back, all bets are off, and we should be looking for a corner at whatever draft level has appropriate value, as well as in free agency.

Might also need to think about a CB in the first round as well. I mean clearly BB doesnt have much confidence in Butler, so who knows what his status is for the future. Hopefully Bodden comes back, so the depth chart would look McCourty, Bodden, Arrington and Wilhite. I think maybe considering drafting a CB in the 1st round would be a good option too.

 

[Lloyd_Christmas]

BJGE ran for 87 yards last night, the most yards any RB has gained against Pittsburgh this season.

Pittsburgh has the #1 run defense. They are allowing 2.8 YPC.

BJGE averaged 4.8 yards.

But I guess we will continue to hear more about how he is a JAG, an unimpressive back, or this or that. He had one dropped pass last night (4 for 5, 36 yards) and some posters were vitriolic about that. Or maybe it was the OL.

Maroney would have had 187 yards. just kidding!!!

 

[Lloyd_Christmas]

that and Cousin It couldn't properly read a play all game. No one ever talks about the risks he takes that cause him to be so far out of position that it's really 10v11. He's like a home run hitter who leads the league in strikeouts.

The play near the end were he came screaming in from right field only to wind up watching the play go in the other direction as his insane momentum carried him further into the backfield was hilarious!