Why the emphasis on fullbacks?

[Captain Cliche]

They sure seem to be looking hard at that position.

Just wondering...maybe Maroney runs better with a lead blocker?

 

[BelichickFan]

Hopefully they're there for scout teams for opponents - I hate FB and one is more than enough for me.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

The Patriots like to have versatile FB's like Centers.

Evans is good but I bet they think they can get better.

Me personally? I think Evans has earned a spot on this team.

 

[BelichickFan]

Me personally? I think Evans has earned a spot on this team.

I'm OK with Evans - because despite my last post I agree there's (occasional) times for a FB - but I don't like any additional roster spots being taken for a FB (barring injury).

 

[BradfordPatsFan]

I have no issues with a fullback if there is proof that said runner works best with a lead blocker. I couldn't care less about just having one for the same of having one. However, I prefer guys who can also carry the ball from time to time and can catch out of the backfield. Sam Gash is one of my all time favorite Patriots because he could do the above. He was not as versatile as a Larry Centers but he was a better pure "fullback" than Centers was.

 

[Number Cruncher]

Sam Gash, part of this is yours......

 

[jbb9s]

With Seymour being on the PUP and all.......

 

[unoriginal]

With the transition to zone blocking comes the transition to a blocking-oriented fullback.

Zone blocking can't allow penetration into the backfield, and a lead fullback can help erase a lot of mistakes up front. Sometimes its too much to expect those five guys up front to work perfectly on every play.

You can't wham block with a tight end because that's a trap block, which is man blocking.

 

[FarScapeR]

"Wham" blocking? Woosh! Over my head. Explain, pls.

 

[unoriginal]

"Wham" blocking? Woosh! Over my head. Explain, pls.

That was the new wrinkle last year where a tight end, usually coming out of the wingback/H-back slot, would head inside and trap a defensive tackle. Graham was the usual suspect.

In the Chargers game San Diego's D-line consistantly blew up that play. It's hard to trap a 350lbs DT like Jamal Williams with a 260lbs tight end if the guy's looking for it.

 

[primetime]

I liked Sam Gash and Kevin Turner back in the day. The only problem are the only guys comparable to them in their primes are Lorenzo Neal and Brian Leonard respectively. And neither is getting cut anytime soon.

 

[Patjew]

Was Gash out hurt in the SB against the Packers? I seem to remember he being out and thinking that really hurt the Pats's chances.

 

[Pats726]

Was Gash out hurt in the SB against the Packers? I seem to remember he being out and thinking that really hurt the Pats's chances.

yes..he was on IR....and in teh city hall rally before the team went to NO when he was introduxed, he got the largest applause...

 

[JoeSixPat]

They sure seem to be looking hard at that position.

Just wondering...maybe Maroney runs better with a lead blocker?

Yes - this is BB looking for additional blocking help... Graham wasn't worth the money but we all recognize his value as an excellent blocker... it's wise to bring in/try out/keep a quality blocker whether they be TE or FB, especially given Kyle Brady's pre-season health issues

 

[TripleOption]

With the transition to zone blocking comes the transition to a blocking-oriented fullback.

Zone blocking can't allow penetration into the backfield, and a lead fullback can help erase a lot of mistakes up front. Sometimes its too much to expect those five guys up front to work perfectly on every play.

You can't wham block with a tight end because that's a trap block, which is man blocking.

Many teams combine man and zone. You can run a zone trap, zone iso, etc.

The FB explosion may be due to the lack of quality, healthy TE's. Instead of being in double TE, one back, you may see much more single TE, motioning FB (Strong/Weak, Wing, etc...)

 

[TripleOption]

That was the new wrinkle last year where a tight end, usually coming out of the wingback/H-back slot, would head inside and trap a defensive tackle. Graham was the usual suspect.

In the Chargers game San Diego's D-line consistantly blew up that play. It's hard to trap a 350lbs DT like Jamal Williams with a 260lbs tight end if the guy's looking for it.

The Pats have been Wham blocking for years, they ran it with Antowain Smith under Weiss.

 

[dryheat44]

I'd actually like to take a look-see at Jason Snelling, rookie cut by Atlanta this week. He's an all-around fullback, meaning he can catch the ball well and give you 5-8 carries a game, as well as block....kind of what Zack Crockett did for Oakland or Cory Schlesinger for Detroit. I don't think anybody's picked him up yet. I'd be thrilled if the Patriots picked him up and were able to stash him on IR or the Practice Squad.

 

[mgteich]

We passed on Leonard. I don't think the FO valued him as highly as those here. I believe that we need a short yeard back.

I liked Sam Gash and Kevin Turner back in the day. The only problem are the only guys comparable to them in their primes are Lorenzo Neal and Brian Leonard respectively. And neither is getting cut anytime soon.

 

[tombonneau]

With the transition to zone blocking comes the transition to a blocking-oriented fullback.

Zone blocking can't allow penetration into the backfield, and a lead fullback can help erase a lot of mistakes up front. Sometimes its too much to expect those five guys up front to work perfectly on every play.

You can't wham block with a tight end because that's a trap block, which is man blocking.

Interesting you mention FBs and zone blocking ... this could be the major reason Kyle Johnson was brought in.

Maybe Evans is having trouble picking up the ZB schemes (?)

 

[patsfan209]

Was Gash out hurt in the SB against the Packers? I seem to remember he being out and thinking that really hurt the Pats's chances.

Gash was on IR at the time of the SB. I still remember he got injured during the game vs. the Jets at Foxboro (Week 15).