Interesting Stat on Woodhead

[brady199]

Yes, but that was one play. There isnt proof either way yet to comfirm or dismiss Woodheads blocking ability. Right now my eyes are seeing one thing and the rest of the boards eyes are seeing another.

For the record Light and Vollmer were getting a lot of help yesterday from the TEs, which IMO is a good call by the Pats offense and it worked out because Freeney was limited to only one sack and Mathis didnt have any. Last year Light and Vollmer got beaten a lot in the Colts game and the Pats made a nice adjustment this year.

Yes just one play, but I've only heard of you complain about Woodhead on "One Play" some play against the Steelers that only you remember.

For example if I were a Jets fan and I was complaing about how their LG sucks this year or is "Below Average" I could easily name 10 times where they almost got Sanchez killed.

 

[DaBruinz]

Yes, but that was one play. There isnt proof either way yet to comfirm or dismiss Woodheads blocking ability. Right now my eyes are seeing one thing and the rest of the boards eyes are seeing another.

So, you are right and everyone else is wrong is what you are saying.... Everyone else who has commented that Woodhead is actually very good at blitz pick-ups is delusional and only you are seeing the truth???

And this is despite people putting up facts that show you to be wrong?

For the record Light and Vollmer were getting a lot of help yesterday from the TEs, which IMO is a good call by the Pats offense and it worked out because Freeney was limited to only one sack and Mathis didnt have any. Last year Light and Vollmer got beaten a lot in the Colts game and the Pats made a nice adjustment this year.

http://library.kraftsportsgroup.com/20091115_gamebook.pdf

You really shouldn't make statements that are so easily proven false. Matt Light didn't get beaten a lot in the Colts Game last year because he was INACTIVE.

Not to mention, Vollmer and Kaczur only gave up 2 sacks to Mathis and none to Freeney.

Seriously, every time you make a rebuttal, you just take away from any credibility you might have had because you don't actually use facts.

 

[Simkin]

I disagree, he's a couple of inches smaller and 7lbs lighter then Faulk. Picking up the blitz is first recognition, second quick feet to get in position, and third leverage. Based on that, He's got all the tools. I don't remember Brady getting crushed cuz Woodhead missed a pickup. He seems just fine to me.

Instead I saw Brady sacked several times during the noexisting picking blitz by Maroney.

 

[Lampshade]

Woodhead has been pretty darn good in pass pro.

Having re-watched every snap of the Steelers game on Friday I did not see anything close to Woodhead getting thrown around. Vollmer got ragdolled by Woodley on one play, not Woody.

 

[The Dynasty]

No, the weight/height difference between the two is not clear. You clearly don't know enough to be commenting on the subject. As I stated earlier. Not to mention that there is a difference in the Pads they wear.

You clearly don't understand body structure nearly as well as you think you do. You can take two people who look identical and throw them on the scales and there could be a 20 lb difference. Do you want to know WHY? It's called bone density. Everyone is different.

How do you know that Woodhead isn't as stong as Faulk? Cause of this perceived size difference? Or have you actually seen them work out? My guess is that you are talking out your rear end again.

Just put the two side by side and tell me that they are the same. The one poster that actually has evidence of this said that Woodhead is not as big as Faulk. He actually stood next to the guy. Have you?

How do you know there is a difference in the pads that they wear? Where is your proof of that?

So, because you can't be bothered to look up the particular play everyone on here should take you at your word?

Also, the Pats, when they've had good blocking TEs, have always used them as a major part of their blocking game. After Graham left, the Pats didn't have any good blocking TEs. So, this idea that the blitz pickup for the RB isn't as much of an issue for the RBs now is, honestly, a figment of your imagination. I can't remember a single play where the Pats have brought the TE in motion to the interior of the line and used the TE to pick-up the blitz there.

As for this idea that Woodhead is below average because of his size, you have nothing to support your claims. Just your opinion. And the facts don't support it.

What I find hilarious is that I quote FACT to you (Pro Day/Combine heights/weights) and you gloss over them as if they don't exist. Yet, you expect people to believe your flawed opinion?

I dont have access to earlier games, if I did I would be glad to find the play. If I ever do I will surely note the play.

Having the TE's be effective in the blitz pick up doesnt mean motioning them into the backfield. It has an extra guy or two on the line, which makes it easier to pick up the blitz and doesnt allow the blitzers to get past the OL and get close to Brady so that the back doesnt have to pick him up. I really would like to rewatch the games and see just how many times our backs need to pick up a blitzer to protect Brady. The OL has done a great job the past few weeks in picking up the blitz.

I said that Woodhead has been great for this team with every post that I made. Some people are trying to make him into something he is not, like an every down back, and he just needs to continue playing his role. My only concern is his blitz pick up.

 

[brady199]

Who said he was an everydown back or even made that insinuation?

 

[serifyn]

There's no reason the patriots wouldn't be able to have both Faulk and Woodhead on the same team.

Faulk is better at blitz pickup and third down situations and woodhead is better for explosive run plays, screens, and YAC in space.

its nice to have many backs with many different skillsets and having 2 players who can do alot is useful.

next year i can see BJGE, Woodhead, Faulk, Morris (or some other big back who can pick up tough yards and block) and some other workhorse back who they draft splitting carries with BJGE.

 

[brady199]

There's no reason the patriots wouldn't be able to have both Faulk and Woodhead on the same team.

Faulk is better at blitz pickup and third down situations and woodhead is better for explosive run plays, screens, and YAC in space.

its nice to have many backs with many different skillsets and having 2 players who can do alot is useful.

next year i can see BJGE, Woodhead, Faulk, Morris (or some other big back who can pick up tough yards and block) and some other workhorse back who they draft splitting carries with BJGE.

Morris has got to go. If Faulk is back, he may be like Troy Brown backing up Welker in 07.

Hopefully they draft a starting RB BJGE is their #2 guy and Woodhead is their 3rd down back.

 

[Rob0729]

Woodhead is a very solid 3rd down back/back out of the back field. The one thing that Faulk has the clear advantage on him is in blitz pick up. Woodhead is strictly a change up back, and a very good one. Lets not try and make him into something he is not

Faulk may be better at blitz pick up, but Woodhead hasn't gotten Brady killed or even touched much.

 

[The Dynasty]

So, you are right and everyone else is wrong is what you are saying.... Everyone else who has commented that Woodhead is actually very good at blitz pick-ups is delusional and only you are seeing the truth???

And this is despite people putting up facts that show you to be wrong?

There has been no video evidence or stats posted. What we are all going on peoples eyes and what they see. I see something different that what everyone else sees. I see that Woodhead either doesnt have to pick up the blitz much, or that he runs pass patterns and isnt next to Brady to help with the blitz pick up. When I see video or stats that disprove my argument I will be glad to admit that I was wrong

http://library.kraftsportsgroup.com/20091115_gamebook.pdf

You really shouldn't make statements that are so easily proven false. Matt Light didn't get beaten a lot in the Colts Game last year because he was INACTIVE.

Not to mention, Vollmer and Kaczur only gave up 2 sacks to Mathis and none to Freeney.

Seriously, every time you make a rebuttal, you just take away from any credibility you might have had because you don't actually use facts.

You are correct, I apologize. Last year the Colts defense got to Brady a lot more than they did this year. The OLs play definitely improved and having the TEs block more definitely helped with that.

It is to be noted that yesterday Brady was only hit twice, once for a sack. Last year he was only sacked twice but he was hit 5 times, 3 by Mathis.

 

[Rob0729]

Size cannot be coached up. He is simply to small to take on some of the LBs/safeties in the NFL. He is a liability in blitz pick up, it isnt really a knock on him, he is just too small for that

Well, Faulk is a massive 5-8 202 LBs. His size strikes fear in the heart of tiny 250-270lb LBers. Size isn't an issue for either because both have to chip block the LBers coming in. Neither Faulk nor Woodhead are big or strong enough to take on a 270 LB or DE who is coming in. What they typically do is chip block and know the defender off their stride.

 

[The Dynasty]

Faulk may be better at blitz pick up, but Woodhead hasn't gotten Brady killed or even touched much.

People are completely going off on me and not really understanding my point. My point is that Faulk is the better guy in picking up the blitz, and the OL's blocking has off set Woodhead being back there. Woodhead's play hasnt really had an effect on Brady because he isnt really relied upon or been in a situation that often to pick up the blitz and be Bradys last line of defense. I think the Patriots recognize that Woodheads strength is not in picking up the blitz and therefore dont put him in positions often that he has to.

 

[The Dynasty]

Well, Faulk is a massive 5-8 202 LBs. His size strikes fear in the heart of tiny 250-270lb LBers. Size isn't an issue for either because both have to chip block the LBers coming in. Neither Faulk nor Woodhead are big or strong enough to take on a 270 LB or DE who is coming in. What they typically do is chip block and know the defender off their stride.

Woodhead isnt big/strong enough to do even that on a consistent basis. Faulk is very stocky and has been in the league on long time and knows exactly what he has to do. Woodhead is very new to picking up the blitz and therefore not even close to as effective as Faulk, which is the the Patriots try not to put Woodhead in a position to take on a LB/DE

 

[patchick]

There's no reason the patriots wouldn't be able to have both Faulk and Woodhead on the same team.

Faulk is better at blitz pickup and third down situations and woodhead is better for explosive run plays, screens, and YAC in space.

Faulk is beloved by Pats fans, and with good reason. But there's no getting around the fact that next training camp he'll be a 35-year-old RB coming off a major knee injury. For his own long-term health, Kevin really has to be thinking about retirement at this point.

Woodhead doesn't have to be a Faulk clone to be a worthy replacement. Remember that he's never even had a training camp with the Pats, and the Jets had him listed at WR. Under the circumstances he's showing an impressive range of skills, and he seems to have the right attitude to keep improving and grow into the role the Pats define for him.

 

[DaBruinz]

Just put the two side by side and tell me that they are the same. The one poster that actually has evidence of this said that Woodhead is not as big as Faulk. He actually stood next to the guy. Have you?

How do you know there is a difference in the pads that they wear? Where is your proof of that?

The difference in pads is clear in the design when you look at the two players. .. Sorry that you can't see that.

I don't have to put the two side by side and say they are the same. I'm not the one talking out my arse on things, making stuff up. That's you. I have their Pro-Day Height/Weight as evidence. YOU have nothing. You can't even offer up the poster who made this claim..

Oh, and I am willing to accept that Faulk might have had a growth spurt after he joined the Pats and that he may be an inch or so taller than Woodhead. But that still doesn't support your claims that Woodhead isn't 5'7 and 5/8" or that he's not 197 lbs..

I dont have access to earlier games, if I did I would be glad to find the play. If I ever do I will surely note the play.

So,you don't have access to the NFL.com play by play? I mean, since your memory is so good, you clearly must be able to look at it to say which of Branch's 7 receptions it occurred on. Here, I'll even help you out by giving you the link to the Pittsburgh Play-by-Play

NFL Game Center: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers - 2010 Week 10

Having the TE's be effective in the blitz pick up doesnt mean motioning them into the backfield. It has an extra guy or two on the line, which makes it easier to pick up the blitz and doesnt allow the blitzers to get past the OL and get close to Brady so that the back doesnt have to pick him up. I really would like to rewatch the games and see just how many times our backs need to pick up a blitzer to protect Brady. The OL has done a great job the past few weeks in picking up the blitz.

You clearly are confusing need with ability. Just because Woodhead might not have needed to doesn't mean he's ineffective. And it certainly doesn't support your claim that his height/weight is an issue.

I said that Woodhead has been great for this team with every post that I made. Some people are trying to make him into something he is not, like an every down back, and he just needs to continue playing his role. My only concern is his blitz pick up.

Again, you are making things up. The OP did NOT insinuate that Woodhead could be an every down back. He just said he wished that the Pats used him more. It's clear to me that YOU made the assumption otherwise.

And no, you haven't said he's been great for this team in every post you've made. You're initial post only said he was SOLID. That is a far cry from saying he's been great.

Do yourself a favor and just stop. All you are doing is losing credibility and trying to spin your way out of it just makes you look silly.

 

[DaBruinz]

There has been no video evidence or stats posted. What we are all going on peoples eyes and what they see. I see something different that what everyone else sees. I see that Woodhead either doesnt have to pick up the blitz much, or that he runs pass patterns and isnt next to Brady to help with the blitz pick up. When I see video or stats that disprove my argument I will be glad to admit that I was wrong

I offered up Woodhead's Pro-day stats and you ignored them. Any person can look them up on the internet. You seem to need it spoon fed to you because you can't be bothered. So here:

Woodhead:
NFL Draft Scout----Powered By: The Sports Xchange

5'7 5/8" and 197 lbs.

Faulk:
NFL Draft Scout----Powered By: The Sports Xchange
5'7 5/8" and 205 lbs

You are correct, I apologize. Last year the Colts defense got to Brady a lot more than they did this year. The OLs play definitely improved and having the TEs block more definitely helped with that.

It is to be noted that yesterday Brady was only hit twice, once for a sack. Last year he was only sacked twice but he was hit 5 times, 3 by Mathis.

*chuckle* Typical spin master. Change your argument when shown the facts..

 

[Rob0729]

People are completely going off on me and not really understanding my point. My point is that Faulk is the better guy in picking up the blitz, and the OL's blocking has off set Woodhead being back there. Woodhead's play hasnt really had an effect on Brady because he isnt really relied upon or been in a situation that often to pick up the blitz and be Bradys last line of defense. I think the Patriots recognize that Woodheads strength is not in picking up the blitz and therefore dont put him in positions often that he has to.

That isn't true. Woodhead has stayed in to block plenty of times and picked up plenty of blitzes this season. Teams aren't blitzing Brady all as much this year though preferring to spend more effort sending defenders to cover all of Brady's options (at least it seems that way to me). When they do, Crumpler has been excellent at blocking this season (something we haven't had consistently from a TE since maybe when Daniel Graham was here). I don't know if Faulk would be picking up more blitzes than Woodhead has since he took over for Faulk just because the opportunities aren't there.

Faulk has been used more in recent years to pick up the blitz because they didn't have a true blocking TE. They have Crumpler now who does an excellent job of it. Which means odds are that Faulk wouldn't be blocking as much either. I don't think Woodhead isn't doing as much as Faulk did say last year because the coaches don't trust him, but they just don't need the RB to do that as much as in years past. With either Woodhead or Faulk, they would rather use them as a receiving option and let Crumpler or Gronkowski pick up the blitz. The Pats' offense and formations are quite different this year than in the previous three years in a lot of respect. And it has to do with the improvement of the TE position and the loss of Moss. Not Woodhead.

 

[Rob0729]

Woodhead isnt big/strong enough to do even that on a consistent basis. Faulk is very stocky and has been in the league on long time and knows exactly what he has to do. Woodhead is very new to picking up the blitz and therefore not even close to as effective as Faulk, which is the the Patriots try not to put Woodhead in a position to take on a LB/DE

Chip blocking has less to do with size or power, but technique. You hit rushing defender in the hip or thigh just right, you are going to knock him off his route no matter if you are giving up 80lbs or not. If the Pats were asking their RBs to wrap up a guy on blitz pick ups, that would be one thing. But they are just asking them to hit the defender low and slow them down.

Woodhead isn't as good as Faulk is at it, but he is good enough. Let's not make it sound like the guy can't stop anyone coming in at Brady. Brady is barely touched in a lot of games and Woodhead does block for him in every game.

 

[brady199]

Faulk may be better at blitz pick up, but Woodhead hasn't gotten Brady killed or even touched much.

If Woodhead did get Brady Lit up, we would all remember it, becasue Brady would be lighting woodhead up on the sidelines after.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

The number of patsfans who apparently watch these games from their seats in an alternate universe is mindnumbing... Woodhead may be small, but he's a beast. Even moreso than Faulk ever was. What both have in common beyond size is playmaking capacity. He hasn't (yet) shown the return skills, but he's one hell of a gunner... And unlike Faulk in his early years he isn't fumble prone... The proof of how good he is is reflected in the situations they utilize him in and the number of snaps he's out there for and his production. He wouldn't be on the roster let alone active and on the field for a substantial # of snaps if he wasn't a very good blocker. Green Ellis isn't nearly the blocker and it's taken him years and multiple injuries to work his way onto the 53...

Play of the game yesterday was Woodhead showing incredible balance after being sprung by tenacious blocks by two of the next smallest players on the team. That he then upended the kickoff returner on the next play just underscored what this kid is capable of, something the great Ray Lewis discovered, and anyone who can't appreciate that because they've got measurables hangups hasn't got a clue what goes into making a guy a player in this league.