Why so little concern at RB?

[Ring 6]

BJGE had a nice season, but the majority of his production wasnt 'outcome dictating' production. He had 623 of his 1008 yards in the last 8 games, averaging 4.6 and this was while we threw to take big leads, sprinkled in some runs then ran with a lead. 343 of them were in the 4 of the final 5 games where we blew out the opponent.

That isnt to belittle his season, but to say that the numbers were nice but they weren't attained by saying here we come to establish the run and open up the pass.

Frankly, I think we need to be able to do that effectively more than anything else going forward, because we simply cannot win a whole bunch of games creating a pattern telling opponents to stay up all night to come up with the a make or break gameplan to take Brady away, because good teams will do it often enough to F-up our playoff run.

We need to be able to run it 40 times if teams want to take away Brady, and win, and moreover we need to have defenses know they will die a slow death if they let us run 40 times, making them defend everything and not only Brady.

I think BJGE had a nice season, and we could go 14-2 again running the same offense and having him gain 1000 as an afterthought, but we will limp into the playoffs, ready to face teams that care only about taking a shot at eliminating Brady.

 

[Deus Irae]

BJGE is not the problem. Depth will be added due to the age of some of his surrounding cast. BJGE can be the feature back in this offense. This offense revolves around Brady and BJGE provides you the ability to get tough yards and more importantly a lack of negative plays and ball security. More importantly they need to adress the OL's abilty to be run focused. As of right now with the personnel at the line is predicated on scheming protection for the passing game not running the ball.

BJGE is not the problem. The problem is that BJGE was the team's RB1. BJGE is not what you want as your RB1.

 

[BmoreOrioleJet]

You guys should take a look at Mikel LeShoure out of Illinois.

B10 back in the Shonn Greene/Michael Turner mold.

 

[chicowalker]

Having a game-changing RB would be great -- problem is that it's not so easy to figure out who those will be, and when it is clear, they're going to be costly in terms of the pick. With a high pick, if we're equally confident in their respective potential, I'd much rather see the Pats get a dominant O-lineman or pass-rusher -- the O-lineman would help make our backs look that much better and also help keep Brady healthy, while the passrusher would have a huge impact on the defense.

Other issue with RBs is that they need to be able to pick up the pass rush, catch the ball and not fumble much. Finding those guys isn't so easy, and the first part is often overlooked but critical to a team like the Pats, whose QB is great and therefore more important to the team than ajourneyman elsewhere may be.

 

[Tunescribe]

BJGE is not the problem. The problem is that BJGE was the team's RB1. BJGE is not what you want as your RB1.

I have to agree with this. The fact he gained 1,008 yards is no big deal in a 16-game season. He's steady and gutsy but not a real threat that teams have to game-plan against. This team needs to upgrade at RB1.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I think BJGE had a nice season, and we could go 14-2 again running the same offense and having him gain 1000 as an afterthought, but we will limp into the playoffs, ready to face teams that care only about taking a shot at eliminating Brady.

Agreed. BJGE is not part of the problem, but the RB position could use another player in there that can help establish the Pats running game as a staple of the offense rather than a fallback. I'm thinking a guy like LeShoure who looks like he might be Corey Dillon 2.0 could help. The guy is 6' 230 lbs, and has burst to go along with the size.

 

[pherein]

Agreed. BJGE is not part of the problem, but the RB position could use another player in there that can help establish the Pats running game as a staple of the offense rather than a fallback. I'm thinking a guy like LeShoure who looks like he might be Corey Dillon 2.0 could help. The guy is 6' 230 lbs, and has burst to go along with the size.

Love LeShoure and Ingram, doubt either of us have a shot at them. You might consider Noel Devine or Derrick Locke. They both have incredible speed and would fit a Bush type situational RB role.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2011_RB

Theres talk that if P.Thomas does not get a deal this year N.E. is interested in signing him. IF true, a BJGE,thomas,woodhead, and either of the rookies I mentioned above would be a pretty good lineup. Knowing that defenses will get burned by Devine or Locke's speed , if they try to cover them with a LB. Thats, of course, if they can actually catch the sweep or flat pass.

Noel Devine, West Virginia, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Derrick Locke, Kentucky, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

 

[andrewgarrr]

Pierre Thomas is awesome.

I don't think RB is worth a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round pick.

 

[RayClay]

We don't necessarily need a hall of fame RB, but having a guy that's real fast, or real powerful in the mix wouldn't hurt.

Maroney turned out to be a jerk and waste of potential and BJ did a good job. We just turned over a whole lineup in two years while going 14-2. Our development problems are what other teams would dream of having.

We've got some solid, young, good character RBs. Let the others retire, bring in some new blood and give them the ball. We've got double picks and all our needs are likely addressable through that draft, barring a monster DE since our type might not be available, or at least at our pick.

Acquire some fast guys, some powerful guys, some talented smurf receivers and give them the ball and let them run around. Pick the best ones to add to our fairly solid foundation.

Life is good, we are not a wreck.

 

[DarrylS]

Would prefer a bigger back, that could not only go 1-1 with LB's, but can push the pile and punish tacklers as well as an asset as a blocker...

BJGE has become one of my fave's, ball security is a premium attribute..

 

[pherein]

Would prefer a bigger back, that could not only go 1-1 with LB's, but can push the pile and punish tacklers as well as an asset as a blocker...

BJGE has become one of my fave's, ball security is a premium attribute..

You don't believe BJGE can fill that role? Sorry for my ignorance, we thought that was his function. Can he not block?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjGHwGkFIFw

 

[stcjones]

I think because the needs seem to be greater along the O-line and D-line. That and you can pick up a RB later in the draft or as a free agent.

Bingo.....RB need very low on priority list right now. I said it all season, if you don't have an OL that can consistently open holes for the RB....doesn't matter what RB you have back there....it isn't going to be successful. We have big needs on OL......Then DL....get a pass rush or something like it....wouldnt that be nice??......then we need more help at WR ....at least a couple that can stretch the field!!.....then maybe a RB....

 

[stcjones]

Pierre Thomas?.....please tell me you're joking....that guy farts and tears a ligament....talk about made of glass....wouldn't touch him...

Love LeShoure and Ingram, doubt either of us have a shot at them. You might consider Noel Devine or Derrick Locke. They both have incredible speed and would fit a Bush type situational RB role.
NFL Draft - 2011_RB Draft Prospects - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Theres talk that if P.Thomas does not get a deal this year N.E. is interested in signing him. IF true, a BJGE,thomas,woodhead, and either of the rookies I mentioned above would be a pretty good lineup. Knowing that defenses will get burned by Devine or Locke's speed , if they try to cover them with a LB. Thats, of course, if they can actually catch the sweep or flat pass.

Noel Devine, West Virginia, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Derrick Locke, Kentucky, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

 

[pherein]

Pierre Thomas?.....please tell me you're joking....that guy farts and tears a ligament....talk about made of glass....wouldn't touch him...

No, Im not. Heard it from 3 different guys that know him. We'll only one that knows him well. 2 he told in a restraint downtown. NO is different from most football cites , we live close to these guys. Brees is on Audubon St, New Orleans, LA 70118, about 4 blocks from my house, I see him once a week when Im there. People know things here, its very small town for a huge city, and thats the buzz. the Buz is, Pierre said he was contacted by N.E., wants to stay here, but wants a deal.

 

[NEPats1]

I think there's something to the Pierre Thomas talk

FWIW, this was back in November from a NO writer:

Word out of Foxborough, Mass., is that Saints running back Pierre Thomas (injured left ankle and all) apparently was close to becoming a member of the New England Patriots. The teams apparently discussed a deal on the eve of the trading deadline on Oct. 19 - Thomas for a cornerback. Talks, according to a source, ended when the Patriots wanted the Saints to throw in a draft pick. …

New Orleans Saints Notebook: Tracy Porter close to return; Pierre Thomas almost traded

 

[DarrylS]

You don't believe BJGE can fill that role? Sorry for my ignorance, we thought that was his function. Can he not block?

YouTube - Jimmy Buffett - Volcano

No need to apologize, when you state an opinion it is what it is... think BJGE is a very good back, but think that a "big" back could be beneficial to this team. That is all.. not taking away anything from BJGE...

 

[patsfan-1982]

im all for drafting a RB high first or 2th round but if the OL dose not get a upgrad at G and maybe even C and keep both Mankins, and light, then there will not be any holes for the RB's to go thruogh

 

[mgteich]

SUMMARY
1. You think that Green-Ellis and Woodhead were fantastic.
2. You identified a need for a backup that will more reliable than Taylor.
3. You acknowledge that Morris is OK as a role player.
4. You indicate that the position could be upgraded.

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION OF WHY SO LITTLE CONCERN?
Why would there be panic in finding a backup running back? This is just business as usual. We have two starters that have given us more in the running game than we have seen since Dillon left. We want more. That's fine.

Belichick will pick up a free agent or two. Clayton will be given a shot at the backup position. We might find an opportunity in the draft. We might find an opportunity to bring in a better running back than Green-Ellis to share time with him.

A THOUGHT
Personally, I want to bring in two free agents. One as lightning to share time with Green-Ellis, and another as a short yardage back and/or fullback.

I think BJGE and Woodhead were fantastic for us last season and will be important parts of this team going forward. However, I see us being one injury away from being totally screwed at the position. We need someone better than Taylor and Morris. (though I wouldn't mind having Morris back for STs and spot duty)

Free agency could cure this problem, allowing us to focus on other areas in the draft. If it doesn't though, I don't have a problem with us using a 1st or 2nd on the position. Again, BJGE and Woodhead did great but I don't think it's a position that can't be upgraded.

 

[fair catch fryar]

Pierre Thomas is awesome.

I don't think RB is worth a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round pick.

Pierre Thomas would be a great fit on this team, if he could only stay healthy.

 

[pherein]

No need to apologize, when you state an opinion it is what it is... think BJGE is a very good back, but think that a "big" back could be beneficial to this team. That is all.. not taking away anything from BJGE...

I saw it as appropriate, seeing as we really knew nothing about the player. We thought BJGE, fit the bill you expressed. Knowing he doesn't, becomes a little more confusing. As we have read threw out your forum, if woodhead and BJGE are not the answer, what is?

I guess Im asking, whats your perfect storm, that you can actually accomplish what you want. Give me a perfect tro or 2, that you have a hope of drafting or that you don't have 3 rookies running the ball.

meaning say thomas,folster,woodhead, or BJGE,folster, LeShoure. Something you can afford and have a real chance at, LeShoure is a long shot.

thanks