Pats Running Backs

[Off The Grid]

When evaluating our Running Attack's prospects, I believe the first place to look is not in the BackField, but on the Offensive Line...and, above all, to the Offensive Guards.

The Packers won 5 Championships in 7 years for many reasons...

But the greatest influence on their Fate was that of their O Guards: Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston.

The Lombardi Sweep was the foundation on which that Empire was built.

And Fuzzy Thurston and Jerry Kramer were its chief Architects.

If you want to evaluate a team's prospects of Running success...look, first, to the O Guards.

...

 

[Off The Grid]

My apologies, Brother Mayo, as I don't believe I've been as clear as I might've been:

~ In my warped view of the Universe, I consider any back ~ regardless of weight ~ who is a legitimate threat in the Run Game and the Pass Game to be a Flex Back.

~ Hence, Steve Jackson ~ 230 Pounds!! ~ fully meets my criteria for a Flex Back.

~ For that matter, so does our boy Mike Tolbert, at 243 Pounds!!

~ "Power Backs" and "Scat Backs" I define as limited "Specialists".

~ Power Backs can't take it outside or catch it effectively and reliably: BenJarvus Green.

~ Scat Backs can't Block or take it up the middle without risking their lives: We have none.

...But that's just my twisted view on the Universe.

In that case I would argue that Stevan Ridley and Brandon Bolden both have the ability to be used as large flex backs, wherease BJGE fundamentally did not.

Could be.

I'm less sure of that than you.

*** My Apologies For Traveling Back In Time!! ***

 

[mayoclinic]

You are the chief priest of the interior OL, Brother, and you preach a good story. The rushing success of the 2009 and 2011 Saints teams was due in large part to Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks. The Pats' anemic rushing attack in 2011 was probably due to a number of factors, but the injuries to Sebastian Vollmer and Dan Koppen plus the lack of Alge Crumpler certainly played a major role. But I believe that the coaching staff also abandoned the run to a certain degree.

Personally, I see no reason why the Pats shouldn't be able to run effectively behind an interior OL consisting of some combination of Logan Mankins, Brian Waters, Robert Gallery, Marcus Cannon, Dan Koppen and Dan Connolly.

When evaluating our Running Attack's prospects, I believe the first place to look is not in the BackField, but on the Offensive Line...and, above all, to the Offensive Guards.

The Packers won 5 Championships in 7 years for many reasons...

But the greatest influence on their Fate was that of their O Guards: Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston.

The Lombardi Sweep was the foundation on which that Empire was built.

And Fuzzy Thurston and Jerry Kramer were its chief Architects.

If you want to evaluate a team's prospects of Running success...look to the O Guards.

...

 

[The Gr8est]

When evaluating our Running Attack's prospects, I believe the first place to look is not in the BackField, but on the Offensive Line...and, above all, to the Offensive Guards.

The Packers won 5 Championships in 7 years for many reasons...

But the greatest influence on their Fate was that of their O Guards: Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston.

The Lombardi Sweep was the foundation on which that Empire was built.

And Fuzzy Thurston and Jerry Kramer were its chief Architects.

If you want to evaluate a team's prospects of Running success...look, first, to the O Guards.

...

That picture is awesome! Is it yours? Who is the RB?

 

[IndyKen]

That picture is awesome! Is it yours? Who is the RB?

That RB is none other than Paul Horning.....he had a wee bit of success in the NFL.

 

[Off The Grid]

When evaluating our Running Attack's prospects, I believe the first place to look is not in the BackField, but on the Offensive Line...and, above all, to the Offensive Guards.

The Packers won 5 Championships in 7 years for many reasons...

But the greatest influence on their Fate was that of their O Guards: Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston.

The Lombardi Sweep was the foundation on which that Empire was built.

And Fuzzy Thurston and Jerry Kramer were its chief Architects.

If you want to evaluate a team's prospects of Running success...look, first, to the O Guards.

...

That picture is awesome! Is it yours? Who is the RB?

I agree!! No, not mine, sorry to say!!

THAT, Sir, is Brother Paul Hornung, BAD MAN...

...But not NEARLY as Bad as the men he ran behind!!

 

[Off The Grid]

When evaluating our Running Attack's prospects, I believe the first place to look is not in the BackField, but on the Offensive Line...and, above all, to the Offensive Guards.

The Packers won 5 Championships in 7 years for many reasons...

But the greatest influence on their Fate was that of their O Guards: Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston.

The Lombardi Sweep was the foundation on which that Empire was built.

And Fuzzy Thurston and Jerry Kramer were its chief Architects.

If you want to evaluate a team's prospects of Running success...look, first, to the O Guards.

...

You are the Chief Priest of the interior OL, Brother, and you preach a good story. The rushing success of the 2009 and 2011 Saints teams was due in large part to Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks. The Pats' anemic rushing attack in 2011 was probably due to a number of factors, but the injuries to Sebastian Vollmer and Dan Koppen plus the lack of Alge Crumpler certainly played a major role. But I believe that the coaching staff also abandoned the run to a certain degree.

Personally, I see no reason why the Pats shouldn't be able to run effectively behind an interior OL consisting of some combination of Logan Mankins, Brian Waters, Robert Gallery, Marcus Cannon, Dan Koppen and Dan Connolly.

Yep!! You and I are in accord on THAT, all right, though we SURE as hell blew an Opportunity to pick off some SWEET O Guard Talent on the CHEAP.

 

[The Gr8est]

I agree!! No, not mine, sorry to say!!

THAT, Sir, is Brother Paul Hornung, BAD MAN...

...But not NEARLY as Bad as the men he ran behind!!

Paul Hornung.... DOH!


For some reason I was thinking Donny Anderson but the signature was far off.

 

[Ron Sellers]

The rushing success of the 2009 and 2011 Saints teams was due in large part to Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks. The Pats' anemic rushing attack in 2011 was probably due to a number of factors, but the injuries to Sebastian Vollmer and Dan Koppen plus the lack of Alge Crumpler certainly played a major role. But I believe that the coaching staff also abandoned the run to a certain degree.

Personally, I see no reason why the Pats shouldn't be able to run effectively behind an interior OL consisting of some combination of Logan Mankins, Brian Waters, Robert Gallery, Marcus Cannon, Dan Koppen and Dan Connolly.

I think one other reason the Pats abandoned the running game after seemingly gearing up to run the ball more (as you elaborated quite well in post #12) was the various injuries at running back. I believe the turf toe injury to BJGE was a significant factor in his lowered productivity that tends to be overlooked and dismissed by many; while he was able to suit up for every game, he clearly was not 100% healthy all year long. Woodhead was concussed early in the year, and Vereen never got going due to his hamstring issues. The coaching staff was apparently not yet confident in Ridley and Faulk was on PUP; they pretty much had no choice but to all but abandon the run and throw the ball.

I think the addition of Daniel Fells is a signal that the Pats are re-committing to more of a running game, as they will carry three tight ends on the roster this year. Signing not one but two fullbacks tells me that the coaching staff is at minimum exploring the possibility of a greater emphasis on running the ball. You don't need to work a deal for Matt Forte or Steven Jackson to be committed to running the ball or improving your running game.

With all the receiving weapons that the Pats have it doesn't make sense for the Patriots to run the ball as often as the Broncos, 49ers or Chiefs do; however, it would be nice to see them get closer to the productivity that the Saints do from their RB unit.

 

[captain stone]

Yep!! You and I are in accord on THAT, all right, though we SURE as hell blew an Opportunity to pick off some SWEET O Guard Talent on the CHEAP.

I ass-ume that you are referring to the recently-concluded draft.
Where specifically did you see opportunities to acquire a Guard?
At 48? At 197? At 235? Post-draft?

 

[patsfan13]

Well I think there will be 4 RB and 1 FB.

I favor Larsen as the FB, versatility is a key here he can play a little LB and all the ST's. If he is a good ST guy he could fill a ST role similar to what we saw from T White, and free up a LB slot that IMO is needed for our young LB's who have upside as position players.

I would project 4 RB's.

Woodhead and Vareen are the 3rd down type role that Faulk use to fill. Vareen could be special and provide the sort of explosiveness we haven't seen out of the backfield since BB has been here. Woodhead will benefit from fewer reps.


I really like what I saw from Ridley last year and IMO he would have passed BJGE as the #1 member of the committe. Behind him we have a couple of other backs with good size Addai and Bolden. IMO the last RB slot weill be between Addai and Bolden (barring injuries of course). How much does Addai have left? Could we get Bolden onto the practice squad? I am really curious to see what Bolden looks like in the preseason, can he contribute on ST's and pass block if so, Bolden could earn the spot (and be our UDFA roster guy this year)


With the number of weapons in the passing game teams will not be able to load the box against the running game, so the running game could be a very nice surprise this year especially if Vareen and Ridley step up.

IF we have apotent running game to add to the passing atack this O could surpass the O last year and the 2007 O.

I can't wait for the season to start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[patsfan13]

When evaluating our Running Attack's prospects, I believe the first place to look is not in the BackField, but on the Offensive Line...and, above all, to the Offensive Guards.

The Packers won 5 Championships in 7 years for many reasons...

But the greatest influence on their Fate was that of their O Guards: Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston.

The Lombardi Sweep was the foundation on which that Empire was built.

And Fuzzy Thurston and Jerry Kramer were its chief Architects.

If you want to evaluate a team's prospects of Running success...look, first, to the O Guards.

...

And who can forget one of the great bad man names (see "The Gunfighter w G Peck palying Jim Ringo) for a FB player of all time the late Jim Ringo Packer Center...

 

[Off The Grid]

I ass-ume that you are referring to the recently-concluded draft.


Where specifically did you see opportunities to acquire a Guard?


At 48? At 197? At 235? Post-draft?

#24 ~ Dave DeCastro ~ Top 5 Talent. Hall of FAME Prospect.

#40 ~ Amini Silatolu ~ Top 20 Talent. 10X All Pro Potential.

#151 ~ Senio Kelemete ~ Top 20 Talent!! 10X All Pro Potential in the 5th!!!

#248 ~ Kelvin Beachum ~ Top 100 Talent ~ 10 Year Starter, Potential All Pro.

UFA ~ Dave Snow ~ Top 100 Talent ~ Potential All Pro who went UFA!!!

UFA ~ Wayne Tribue ~ Top 100 Talent ~ Potential All Pro who ALSO went UFA!!!

And that's just the Cream of the Crop, Brother Stone!!

There were a LEGION of sweet O Guard Opps, this year!!

 

[mayoclinic]

#24 ~ Dave DeCastro ~ Top 5 Talent. Hall of FAME Prospect.

#40 ~ Amini Silatolu ~ Top 20 Talent. 10X All Pro Potential.

#151 ~ Senio Kelemete ~ Top 20 Talent!! 10X All Pro Potential in the 5th!!!

#248 ~ Kelvin Beachum ~ Top 100 Talent ~ 10 Year Starter, Potential All Pro.

UFA ~ Dave Snow ~ Top 100 Talent ~ Potential All Pro who went UFA!!!

UFA ~ Wayne Tribue ~ Top 100 Talent ~ Potential All Pro who ALSO went UFA!!!

And that's just the Cream of the Crop, Brother Stone!!

There were a LEGION of sweet O Guard Opps, this year!!

From what I hear Markus Zusevics could be a steal as a developmental OG prospect. A lot of people were very high on him before his Combine injury.

For me, the one that hurts the most is Senio Kelemete. If the Pats had been able to get something closer to "book value" for the #62 pick they would have probably been able to get the players they got PLUS Kelemete, who I think is a terrific prospect, and who could have been groomed to succeed Brian Waters in 2013.

I like several of the OG prospects for 2013, and hope that the Pats address the position next year.

 

[Off The Grid]

When evaluating our Running Attack's prospects, I believe the first place to look is not in the BackField, but on the Offensive Line...and, above all, to the Offensive Guards.

The Packers won 5 Championships in 7 years for many reasons...

But the greatest influence on their Fate was that of their O Guards: Jerry Kramer and Fuzzy Thurston.

The Lombardi Sweep was the foundation on which that Empire was built.

And Fuzzy Thurston and Jerry Kramer were its chief Architects.

If you want to evaluate a team's prospects of Running success...look, first, to the O Guards.

...

And who can forget one of the great bad man names (see "The Gunfighter w G Peck palying Jim Ringo) for a FB player of all time the late Jim Ringo Packer Center...

PREACH it, Brother 13!! :rocker:

Jim Ringo was a BAD MAN!!! :rocker:

 

[Snake Eyes]

#24 ~ Dave DeCastro ~ Top 5 Talent. Hall of FAME Prospect.

#40 ~ Amini Silatolu ~ Top 20 Talent. 10X All Pro Potential.

#151 ~ Senio Kelemete ~ Top 20 Talent!! 10X All Pro Potential in the 5th!!!

#248 ~ Kelvin Beachum ~ Top 100 Talent ~ 10 Year Starter, Potential All Pro.

UFA ~ Dave Snow ~ Top 100 Talent ~ Potential All Pro who went UFA!!!

UFA ~ Wayne Tribue ~ Top 100 Talent ~ Potential All Pro who ALSO went UFA!!!

And that's just the Cream of the Crop, Brother Stone!!

There were a LEGION of sweet O Guard Opps, this year!!

I can't get over James Brown, out of Troy, was a tackle at 6'3.5 but had 34+ inch arms, and he went as a UDFA. I would have killed to have us pick him up and train him to play on the interior.

 

[mayoclinic]

I can't get over James Brown, out of Troy, was a tackle at 6'3.5 but had 34+ inch arms, and he went as a UDFA. I would have killed to have us pick him up and train him to play on the interior.

Reportedly teams passed on Brown because of off-field concerns:

One of the surprising players who fell into the undrafted ranks was Troy left tackle James Brown. He was a multi-year starter who had success as a blind-side protector. Brown also had a decent week at the Senior Bowl. He lost some reps, but overall he held his own as he fought and scraped with the better competition.

Many projections had Brown going in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He was viewed as one of the few left tackle candidates available in the middle rounds. The 6-foot-3, 307-pounder has some strength and quickness. While he is shorter than most tackles, he could move inside to guard if he struggles on the edge.

Sources from the scouting community have revealed that Brown went undrafted because of off-the-field concerns. They did not get specific about what those issues were, but said that was the reason for Brown to become an undrafted free agent. He signed with Chicago, a team that has had problems at left tackle. Brown will have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot, but a reputation for off-the-field issues will decrease his margin for error.

Brown is fortunate he signed with a team that needs help at tackle, which should increase his odds of making the roster. After falling into the undrafted ranks, Brown has a lot to prove on the field and off of it.

WalterFootball.com: NFL Draft Rumor Mill (entry for May 6)

The Pats generally don't seem very interested in investing in UDFAs who slip because of character issues, for better or worse.

 

[Snake Eyes]

From what I hear Markus Zusevics could be a steal as a developmental OG prospect. A lot of people were very high on him before his Combine injury.

For me, the one that hurts the most is Senio Kelemete. If the Pats had been able to get something closer to "book value" for the #62 pick they would have probably been able to get the players they got PLUS Kelemete, who I think is a terrific prospect, and who could have been groomed to succeed Brian Waters in 2013.

I like several of the OG prospects for 2013, and hope that the Pats address the position next year.

Kelemete was fascinating to me, as a former D-line player who was moved to LT, he'd completely raw as a Guard but has fantastic athleticism. He would have been magnificent raw material to be trained in Dante's Inferno. Once this guys gets some time to polish off the rough edges he's going to become more lethal than Martin Riggs.

Do you REALLY want to jump?

 

[Snake Eyes]

Reportedly teams passed on Brown because of off-field concerns:



WalterFootball.com: NFL Draft Rumor Mill (entry for May 6)

The Pats generally don't seem very interested in investing in UDFAs who slip because of character issues, for better or worse.

Damn, that's rough. We traded away draft capital for a character concern like Haynesworth, we could have had Brown for nothing.

 

[patsfan13]

PREACH it, Brother 13!! :rocker:

Jim Ringo was a BAD MAN!!! :rocker:

Trapping for the Great Jim Taylor. One of the few D) advantages of my approaching geezerhood was having seen all these guys play.

BTW are there any game photos of the Lombardi Packers that Doesn't include at least 1 HOF player :singing: