Woodhead phase out?

[pdangle]

Woodhead doesn't seem to have much of a place (or much impact yesterday at least) in this new look run-balanced offense.

It could of been just a one-game, game-planning thing, but I just don't see Danny getting nearly as much run this season.

I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but it'll be interesting for sure. There hasn't been much discussed on this, and most people seemed to have missed a possible trickle down reduced role effect a dynamic runner like Ridley (as opposed to downhill 2-down runner like Lawfirm) would have on Wodhead this season.

Could it be that in his current role, the Pats are too predictable. Or maybe the league D has caught up with his running style a bit, or maybe a bit of both.

Anyway it'll be worth following his use and development this year.

 

[PatsDeb]

It's one game. To think Woodhead or Welker is on his way out doesn't take into account the Pats' penchant (esp. with McDaniels back calling plays) for featuring different people on different game days to keep opponents guessing (and guessing wrong, hopefully).

Besides, Woodhead remains important while Vereen remains delicate.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

It did look like for most of his time out there,Woodhead didn't seem to find that gap he used to find and slither through the big guys for 5-6 yards or so.

He seems a bit more slower or slower to react for whatever reason.

I watched him with several 1 yard and done runs but also had a nice little 5 yard burst,but its not the flash out of the backfield Woodhead I am used to seeing.

 

[Jimke]

Woodhead doesn't seem to have much of a place (or much impact yesterday at least) in this new look run-balanced offense.

It could of been just a one-game, game-planning thing, but I just don't see Danny getting nearly as much run this season.

I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but it'll be interesting for sure. There hasn't been much discussed on this, and most people seemed to have missed a possible trickle down reduced role effect a dynamic runner like Ridley (as opposed to downhill 2-down runner like Lawfirm) would have on Wodhead this season.

Could it be that in his current role, the Pats are too predictable. Or maybe the league D has caught up with his running style a bit, or maybe a bit of both.

Anyway it'll be worth following his use and development this year.

I'm more inclined to think it may be a Welker phase out. Don't think
Edleman is good enough to replace him. Maybe Salas with a little
more time.

 

[strngplyr]

Why run Woodhead when every other time Ridley got the ball he was getting 15+ yard chunks? They had nothing close to an answer for Ridley, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[TruthSeeker]

I'm more inclined to think it may be a Welker phase out. Don't think
Edleman is good enough to replace him. Maybe Salas with a little
more time.

Did Salas play yesterday ?

 

[PATSNUTme]

I find it amazing what some fans seem to think about after a good win.

BTW, Brady mentioned Woody's name this morning when he talked about players who were assets to the offense.

 

[Captain Cliche]

Danny's a nice feel-good story, but he ain't breaking any tackles. You could knock him over with a feather.

IMO it's only a matter of time before he is replaced/upgraded.

 

[Kid~Brady]

Why run Woodhead when every other time Ridley got the ball he was getting 15+ yard chunks? They had nothing close to an answer for Ridley, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Exactly what I was going to say. It was Riddley's day and he ran the ball well. Why take the ball out of his hands? Woodhead will have his games too, trust me.

 

[mgteich]

We are going to be running MORE. Our #2 running back (Woodhead) is MORE important, not less.

 

[ThatllMoveTheChains!!!]

I'm not sure if it was the gameplan or simply the result of what the Titans were showing yesterday, but the Pats didn't use the middle of the field as often as they usually do. This could explain the low numbers for both Woodhead and WW since that's where they usually do a lot of their damage.

 

[Jimke]

Did Salas play yesterday ?

Not yesterday but he was on the active roster. Give him a little time.
He was productive with the Rams as a rookie (27 catches in 6 games)
before he got injured.

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Maybe the Patriots will trade Ridley, Woody, and the entire fired scouting staff to the Cowboys for Demarco Murray.

 

[BradyBranch39]

He's not being phased out. We just have an OC now who doesn't go to the same thing every time he gets into a rut.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I find it amazing what some fans seem to think about after a good win.

BTW, Brady mentioned Woody's name this morning when he talked about players who were assets to the offense.

Who is this Brady fellow who thinks he knows as much as a Patsfan poster who saw one game?

 

[PatsDeb]

He's not being phased out. We just have an OC now who doesn't go to the same thing every time he gets into a rut.

Particularly if he hasn't even had a chance to BE in a rut!!

 

[Sicilian]

I get the feeling Woodhead will still be used as the primary back when we're in the two minute drill or trailing late. Teams know we're going to pass anyway, so the threat of the run is less important, and he can still pull off a draw fairly well. I liked what I saw on Ridley's catch yesterday, but Woodhead is still the better pass receiver at this point.

 

[patsfan13]

Well hopefully as Ridley is getting established the load is divided a little more between the different backs.


Ridley had 26 carries yesterday that sort of pace would have him at >400 carries when the playoffs roll along, this is a lot of carries in a season. Having this guy ready for the playoffs as opposed to being fried would be a good thing.

 

[zeroakuma]

This team incorporates a lot of plays for our receivers; why not apply that to our talent corp of running backs?

Besides, it's not like a great pitcher should only throw a 98 plus heater or a great boxer should end his fights with an uppercut.

We're have a great variety of talent and with boy wonder back, I'm sure we will have another magical season.

 

[IcyPatriot]

It could of been just a one-game, game-planning thing,

This ... commence the reaching threads.