Reiss Blog: Faulk says he AVOIDED a serious injury

[DefenseRules]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

Elsewhere, RB Kevin Faulk, who injured his right leg in the second quarter of Sunday’s win, said he avoided a serious injury.

“I had a little scare,” he said. “I’m good, healthy enough to play, so that's what it will be."

I was a little worried for him. It's good to know that he's going to be OK.

 

[Mack Herron]

Great news. If Maroney can return we will have the full running game.

 

[Mogamedogz]

I think Maroney will play this week. I actually think they held him out specifically to get him fully healthy for the Cowboys game.

I was watching him on the field about hour before Kick-off, and he looked like he could have gone. He was doing lunges on the 30 yard line and talking with the trainers. If the injury was that serious, there is no way he would have been able to stretch it out like that.

 

[richpats]

Faulk is the x-factor in the running game. We can survive without either Maroney or Morris but Faulk is a different story.

 

[Pats726]

Just saw that and was very happy to hear he's OK. Not sure HOW he avoided a serious injury..but that he is OK..is GREAT!! cross that off teh list of concerns....GREAT NEWS!!

 

[Nordy]

Faulk is the x-factor in the running game. We can survive without either Maroney or Morris but Faulk is a different story.

This offense can't survive without Faulk? Not serious here are you?

 

[37Harrison]

I think Maroney will play this week. I actually think they held him out specifically to get him fully healthy for the Cowboys game.

I was watching him on the field about hour before Kick-off, and he looked like he could have gone. He was doing lunges on the 30 yard line and talking with the trainers. If the injury was that serious, there is no way he would have been able to stretch it out like that.

It happened during the game.

 

[Amnorix]

This offense can't survive without Faulk? Not serious here are you?

Don't get me wrong, he's not Tom Brady or anything, BUT:

1. I specifically remember reading somewhere that Faulk was assessed by the coaching staff as beign one of the most effective members on offense. They had some way to quantify the total package that he brings to the field, and determined that he made an overwhelmingly positive contribution to the offense for the plays he was in the game.

Anyone remember the details of this? I want to say it's from Patriots Reign but I don't remember for usre and don't have it handy.


2. FAulk is one of the best 3rd down backs in the league. When's the last time he whiffed on a blitzer (even given his puny size!), or dropped a pass for a 1st down?

3. Which down is the most important, on both the offensive adn defensive side of the ball? Right -- 3rd down.

4. He also can serve as punt and/or kickoff returner, and provides valuable depth in those areas.

5. anytime BB talks about Faulk, it is in a VERY complimentary manner.

We all drool over Brady to Moss and how well the offensive line is doing and all that junk, but do NOT underestimate little Kevin Faulk. He's a little piston that is VERY important to the offensive engine that is the New England Patriots.

 

[danny88]

It happened during the game.

What?????????

 

[Amnorix]

Oh, and don't forget that his leadership and work ethic has led to Kevin Faulk being named a team captain this year.

 

[Pats726]

Oh, and don't forget that his leadership and work ethic has led to Kevin Faulk being named a team captain this year.

I agree Faulk is versatile and a solid as a 3rd down back and a returner, but I don't see him as critical. I think Morris could take that role as a 3rd down back if he was out. Really, all 3 of the backs are needed...maroney, Morris and Faulk and each brings a lot to the table. I really am not sure which is MOST critical though...the team played fine without Maroney and I do think they could play without Morris..or Faulk..To me the problem is more when 2 are out...

 

[tombonneau]

It happened during the game.

I believe he was referring to how Maroney looked in pre-game, not Faulk.

 

[marty]

It happened during the game.

Yes, Faulk's injury happened during the game. He's talking about Maroney!

 

[fgssand]

Yes, Faulk's injury happened during the game. He's talking about Maroney!

I was at the game and focused my binoc's on him after he gingerly left the field having taken a hit on the side of his knee early on in the game.

I watched as the trainers looked at his knee - then his shoe came off, he had his pants rolled up above the knee and laid down on his back in front of the bench. At that time, the trainers worked on him for a while and he finally got back up and dressed again. I saw him laughing and joking a little, so at that time it was clear he should be OK. He showed a couple of players what had happened to him - what I saw him show them was that he was hit on the outer side of his knee - with the force of the blow pushing his knee in towards his other leg.

He did dress for the 2nd half - but did not return to action.

Obviously and luckily, he escaped what could have been a real serious knee injury.

 

[37Harrison]

Yes, Faulk's injury happened during the game. He's talking about Maroney!

Jeesh, kill a guy for making a mistake or misinterpretation. !!!!!!!!!!

Besides, I thought this thread was about Faulk, hence the THREAD TITLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[AzPatsFan]

One of the Cowboy's weaknesses is the pass coverage ability of their interior ILBs. It's poor. Williams the SS can't cover either; his strength is as a 8th man in the box against the Rush.

So short passes over the middle from a Welker or Faulk would exploit that weaknesses.

It's a reason I am extremely happy to hear that Faulk is OK. Now if Koppen is healthy we can exploit the absence of Jason Ferguson at NT. Sammy Morris could have a big game up the middle and further open it up for Welker & Faulk.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Dallas will try and bring pressure. Faulk's presence is critical to picking up blitzes effectively. He's also the best receiver out of the backfield and the best at running screen plays. His return in this game will go a long way towards victory.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Pats726]

I was at the game and focused my binoc's on him after he gingerly left the field having taken a hit on the side of his knee early on in the game.

I watched as the trainers looked at his knee - then his shoe came off, he had his pants rolled up above the knee and laid down on his back in front of the bench. At that time, the trainers worked on him for a while and he finally got back up and dressed again. I saw him laughing and joking a little, so at that time it was clear he should be OK. He showed a couple of players what had happened to him - what I saw him show them was that he was hit on the outer side of his knee - with the force of the blow pushing his knee in towards his other leg.

He did dress for the 2nd half - but did not return to action.

Obviously and luckily, he escaped what could have been a real serious knee injury.

I know they showed a quick bit on TV...Faulk lying down and the trainers moving his knee...but you saw the before and after sequences...sounds like his ankle is OK...

 

[letekro]

Dallas will try and bring pressure. Faulk's presence is critical to picking up blitzes effectively. He's also the best receiver out of the backfield and the best at running screen plays. His return in this game will go a long way towards victory.

Regards,
Chris

You're so right. We can screen these guys to death. Faulk can make a 20 yd gain out of a play where Morris would get 5. IMO, this Dallas D is a lot like the 04 Philly D, and we should be able to attack it the same way.

 

[Oswlek]

You're so right. We can screen these guys to death. Faulk can make a 20 yd gain out of a play where Morris would get 5. IMO, this Dallas D is a lot like the 04 Philly D, and we should be able to attack it the same way.

The Philly D isn't that much like Dallas. Philly rushed 5+ consistently because they had excellent CBs and safeties. Dallas doesn't blitz much nor do they have a great secondary.