New England needs to improve running back depth

[JoeSixPat]

Although I wouldn't be surprised to see them bring in a cut veteran, I think we're fine at RB

I'm expecting a very pass happy short pass dominated ball control offense this year - using TEs and Edelman collectively as Brady did Troy Brown in 2001 - except in this case defenses won't know where its going.

The short pass can be as effective as a running game - though they'll still run, with the talent better than the Antowain Smith years.

We also have the benefit of Randy Moss to keep them honest on at least one side of the field - something we didn't have to a great degree in 2001.

I'm also thinking that Belichick is specifically picking guys that play with a 2001 like mindset of everyone playing their role, and playing it well.

 

[furley]

It's imperative for New England to get back to playing better defense and running the ball. You do so by employing a legitimate running back threat. Maroney can't hack it, Morris is injury prone and Taylor's best years are behind him. The Patriots aren't fine at running back.

Watch, Brady will have to throw the ball forty to fifty times a game. Because defenses will know that New England has a marginal running game and, if it stalls, they'll abandon it ASAP.

I prefer to have a more balanced offense. You become an one-dimensional team by failing to improve the area that you're weak at. Instead, you just add to the area that you're stronger at. That's illogical.

 

[jeffbiologist]

RB was passed over on purpose this year. Why? Sure we have RBBC but you know what motivates guys? CASH. They are all in contract years, cutting anyone is foolish. You will have wasted that signing bonus money. Add to that how do you think those 4 guys would react if you brought in a young guy on a longer contract?? Keep em all but keep em hungry! Something tells me at least 1 of the guys will have a career year, frankly I dont care who it is!

 

[DaBruinz]

Let's see. No one drafted any of these players. belichick didn't think that we needed to draft a running back. You think these undrafted running backs are better than Fred taylor. I'll choose to accept Belichick's analysis.


Man, I really don't like this group of returning running backs for New England. Apparently, improving the position could be ignored this season which I feel is a mistake. Unfortunately, there's really no one worthwhile left in free agency.

I hope at least one undrafted running back is signed...



Active

Laurence Maroney
Sammy Morris
Kevin Faulk
BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Cut

Fred Taylor

Sign

Chris Brown (Oklahoma)
Lonyae Miller (Fresno State)
Javarris James (Miami, FL)

BJGE is barely a JAG. Even when Morris and Taylor were injured last year, BB didn't think enough of him to give him more than a handful of carries.

Taylor's not getting cut in favor of BJGE.

 

[DaBruinz]

It's imperative for New England to get back to playing better defense and running the ball. You do so by employing a legitimate running back threat. Maroney can't hack it, Morris is injury prone and Taylor's best years are behind him. The Patriots aren't fine at running back.

Watch, Brady will have to throw the ball forty to fifty times a game. Because defenses will know that New England has a marginal running game and, if it stalls, they'll abandon it ASAP.

I prefer to have a more balanced offense. You become an one-dimensional team by failing to improve the area that you're weak at. Instead, you just add to the area that you're stronger at. That's illogical.

What's illogical is people like you not understanding that BRADY audibled off the run too many times last year. And Maroney CAN hack it if the O-line could just block consistently. When half the time the opposing team is in the backfield just as Maroney is getting the ball, it's kinda hard for him to do something.

This idea that Maroney can't hack it is something that you haters conjured up because you just don't like the kid. It doesn't matter that the coach called out the O-line. You people ignore it and blame Maroney. People like yourself, FURLEY, forget that the O-line is just as important as the RB.

And before you try comparing Taylor to Maroney, most of Taylor's runs were draw plays. Much like Faulk runs. When Taylor and Morris were both asked to get crucial yards inside, they both faltered and fumbled because the opposition got through the O-line to hit them. Just like they did with Maroney. But, instead of reality like that, you haters just ignore it and blame Maroney.

 

[furley]

RB was passed over on purpose this year. Why? Sure we have RBBC but you know what motivates guys? CASH. They are all in contract years, cutting anyone is foolish. You will have wasted that signing bonus money. Add to that how do you think those 4 guys would react if you brought in a young guy on a longer contract?? Keep em all but keep em hungry! Something tells me at least 1 of the guys will have a career year, frankly I dont care who it is!

Personally, I don't care what a running back's reaction would be to another running back signing. It's irrelevant to the topic. If you're that insecure as a player, then you won't last long in the NFL. If a team signs an additional running back, it doesn't always mean a slight against you. Some players can understand this, others can't...

As far as being motivated by being in a contract year. The only running back that could apply to is Maroney. Everyone else is nearing the end of their careers. The only thing that would motive these players is their hope that they can stay healthy long enough to earn another contract and delay retirement.

New England's running backs are typically a running back by committee. Not to mention, this is a pass first team. How can anyone of them get an opportunity to have a career season? Neither Taylor nor Morris will have a career season at this point in their careers. So you have to be speaking of Maroney. I'm not holding my breathe. Still...

If you mean he'll outperform his statistics from the 2009 season.


15 Games (five starts), 194 attempts, 757 yards, 3.9 yards per average, 9 rushing touchdowns and 14 receptions for 99 yards.


Then it's feasible if you consider that it doesn't seem as if Belichick will retool at running back. That's unfortunate. You can't reply solely on Maroney (tough to be or stay motivated if you know that you're the more talented player and the team doesn't sign a more than capable player to compete with you) and two aging running backs. Faulk is more relevant on passing downs. While Green-Ellis would be serviceable if he weren't used sparingly.

Again, my point is, as always, don't be complacent. If you aren't content with Watson, he explores free agency and you replace him via the draft. Done. Conversely, this "we'll get by" attitude when it pertains to the personnel at running back is baffling to me. I'm tired of relying on these temporary solutions and a player who has been an underachiever, not worthy of his first round selection.

Be aggressive. Be opportunistic. How about you offer a future fourth round pick or what have you for Lynch and draft a young running back in next year's draft. I don't know, like Mark Ingram.

The key word in this quote is expendable. Supposedly, he won't be traded. However, what else are you going to say if you're Buffalo. Devalue him by revealing that he's indeed available for the right price. He's available... The market for him is down, that's all.

Bills General Manager Buddy Nix has been adamant that the team has no plans to trade Lynch, even though he's expendable after drafting Clemson's C.J. Spiller in the first round on Thursday.

Bills notebook: Draft comes and goes, but Lynch stays : Buffalo Bills : The Buffalo News

 

[jmt57]

It's imperative for New England to get back to playing better defense and running the ball.

The game has changed. The days of a 50-50 run/pass ratio are in the rear view mirror. The way penalties are called and rule changes have altered the NFL; it's not the same game as a decade ago. Look at the two teams that played in last year's Super Bowl; both offenses were dependent on the pass, not the run. The Colts were far worse than the Pats and many other teams at running the ball, but they were conference champions.

I'm not saying the Pats couldn't use an improved running game, but a return to the offense of the 1978 Pats is not going to work in 2010.

 

[furley]

I understand that. But it still helps to have some semblance of a consistent running attack.

The Patriots were ranked twelfth in total rushing last season. Good. But somehow I feel unimpressed. Because I know that was a committee effort. They were interchangeable parts. I prefer a one-two punch like using Rice and McGahee in tandem.

 

[eagle eye]

I understand that. But it still helps to have some semblance of a consistent running attack.

The Patriots were ranked twelfth in total rushing last season. Good. But somehow I feel unimpressed. Because I know that was a committee effort. They were interchangeable parts. I prefer a one-two punch like using Rice and McGahee in tandem.

We have a consistent running attack, we rushed for more yards than 20 other teams in the league last season. The Patriots had their 3rd best season of the decade in rushing yards last season.

You look at the numbers and then you say you are unimpressed.

Your problem is that you want a superstar running back but the problem with that is that if/when he goes down injured you are in trouble. In the Patriots system it doesn't hurt the team losing one particular RB although Maroney would be a bigger loss than any of the others.

 

[Mike the Brit]

"Could stand improvement"? Yes. "Needs improvement"? I'm not so sure.

Taylor, Morris and Faulk are OLD, Maroney has probably shown as much as he has and BJGE is willing but limited. Yet if all of them get through training camp uninjured, the team will have decent resources. What's worrying is that that's not likely (and perhaps one or other of the older guys will anyway have lost too much). Still, there are bound to be decent running backs who come available later. I'm not worried.

 

[Seneschal2]

And Maroney CAN hack it if the O-line could just block consistently. When half the time the opposing team is in the backfield just as Maroney is getting the ball, it's kinda hard for him to do something.

I think we need to let Maroney make or break his career this year though. Give it him 20+ times a game, let him be the #1. If he can't cut it, fine, but I just think he;s never been given a proper opportunity to prove his worth.

Agree completely with both of these posts.

I understand the age and health concerns of both Morris and Taylor -- but neither one is going to be the feature back -- Maroney will. This may be the last season for the first two, and as the other post says, this will most likely be THE SEASON for Maroney to prove if he's reliable enough to continue to be the primary back. If he's healthy and has an unproductive season, there's an option to trade him at season's end, and prioritizing the position via the draft. If he is productive, then he'll continue in that role, and the focus will turn toward adding quality depth for the departed RBs.

Kevin Faulk as we know is a year-to-year player. He's still one of the few MVPs of the offense -- both on and off the field. He's expressed a desire to retire as a Pat when the situation presents itself. Contractually speaking, he's an inexpensive investment who will most likely continue playing until either party decides the time has come.

From my observations, NE's offensive line is inconsistent. At times their run blocking is adequate enough to get the job done, and the rest of the time is subpar. Of course their primary objective is to protect Brady, but that's no excuse for their lack of consistency in the running game.

A worthy note I've mentioned on occasion was a quote by Maroney's OC at Minnesota. After Maroney was drafted, Belichick told him that Maroney was the quickest RB through the hole he's ever coached. And I tend to believe this. My concern however is when I watch Maroney get the handoff, I find myself looking for the hole and saying - "Where the heck is it!?" True, some RBs have been known to make something out of nothing, but I don't feel LM is that kind of RB. Just watch what he does when there is some space to run and you'll realize why he's deserving to be the feature back. He's a high effort player who's worthy of the feature back role -- at least for one more season.

And on a side note, the offense was out of sync last season. The offense had 16 false starts, 11 holding, and 6 delay of game penalties. Obviously, many were on the O-line. For a veteran group, I find that disappointing, unacceptable, and correctable.

Lastly, the Pats are a gameplan team on either side of the ball, and it starts up front for both. On O, the intent is to be able to mix it up with the run and pass -- at any time. If however the O-line is inconsistent with their run blocking, the creativity suffers, along with a potentially successful gameplan. We'd all like to see the new offensive additions shine in their first season with the Pats, and if the large bodies can be in sync, there's a good chance this offense will be something special -- although a bit different from what we're used to.

 

[Coach42]

I think the fact that a RB wasn't taken is a credit to Maroney. There were times last year where he looked really good. Then suddenly, he started fumbling. I think we can all agree the guy is talented as hell but for whatever reason just can't quite seem to get it all going together on the field. After the 07 season I really thought that he "got it". Apparently the coach staff seems to think there is still reason to hope he will.

Also, he is only six months older than Shonn Greene so its not like he's that old and doesn't still have an opportunity to improve. He very well could have a Thomas Jones like career.

 

[Why?PJ]

wow, when you look at the stats it looks like the Patriots had a good running season last year.

And yet to me i don't see how that was possible. I can be sure in believing most of that was in garbage time after the game was won, because i don't remember enough times when i felt like the run game did what it should.

One stat we were 23rd in was the number of rushes over 20 yards. This points out to me, anyways, that the O blocking wasn't where it should've been. Hopefully we can get that fixed.

 

[furley]

We have a consistent running attack, we rushed for more yards than 20 other teams in the league last season. The Patriots had their 3rd best season of the decade in rushing yards last season.

You look at the numbers and then you say you are unimpressed.

Your problem is that you want a superstar running back but the problem with that is that if/when he goes down injured you are in trouble. In the Patriots system it doesn't hurt the team losing one particular RB although Maroney would be a bigger loss than any of the others.

No, I desire for the Patriots to have a consistent running back option or consistency from their top two running back options. A star running back is someone like Adrian Peterson or Stephen Jackson. There's a difference. Star players command a lot in salary. And I know that New England can be frugal at time at a certain position that they don't value as highly over another position. Understandable. Also, a star running back (or the lone starter) is apt to receive the majority of the carries. Whereas, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, for example, might have a 60 or 40 or a 70 or 30 divide in carries.

My point about preferring to have a one-two punch tandem at running back simply meant that you've a 1 and a 1A. If your 1 goes down to an injury... You've a 1A and, hopefully, a decent third running back to promote in the meantime. What I dislike about New England is that you've neither a 1 or a 1A or a 2 for that matter. You've a serviceable running back in Maroney, and two aging back up running backs in Morris and Taylor. And a third down specialist in Faulk. I might as well not talk about Green-Ellis. Honestly, sometimes, I forget he's even on the roster.

Part of the reason that you see a running back by committee is for the above reason, the Patriots are frugal. Another reason is, under Belichick and Scott Pioli, they haven't drafted well when it comes to running backs. Or, they didn't place enough emphasis on the position--usually, drafting for them in the later rounds or as undrafted signings. Laurence Maroney, JR Redmond and Cedric Cobbs being the exceptions. To put this in perspective, Parcells and Bobby Grier drafted Curtis Martin and Robert Edwards (albeit his success lasted all of one season) during their tenures with New England. New England's recent success at running back has been from those players they've signed (Antowain Smith) or acquired via a trade (Corey Dillon).

 

[Synovia]

I understand that. But it still helps to have some semblance of a consistent running attack.

The Patriots were ranked twelfth in total rushing last season. Good. But somehow I feel unimpressed. Because I know that was a committee effort. They were interchangeable parts. I prefer a one-two punch like using Rice and McGahee in tandem.

Why is it when the Ravens do it, its a 1-2 punch, and when the Pats do it, its a committee?

 

[Synovia]

And yet to me i don't see how that was possible. I can be sure in believing most of that was in garbage time after the game was won, because i don't remember enough times when i felt like the run game did what it should.
.

Most teams get most of their rushing yards in "garbage time". Thats where running the ball is most useful, when you're trying to kill out a victory

 

[Why?PJ]

Most teams get most of their rushing yards in "garbage time". Thats where running the ball is most useful, when you're trying to kill out a victory

while that sounds reasonable, i disagree.

5 out of the top ten rushing teams total yard wise last year had a record of 8-8 or less.

average wise 8 out of the top 14 and 6 out of the top ten also had a record of 8-8 or less.

if rushing stats were all about garbage time, stats would be topped with all the winning teams, not split relatively evenly down the line.

And i completely disagree that garbage time is when the run is most useful. I'd say it is most useful when you are in a close game and you'd like to allow your qb to survive it. The running game is best when you can use it to ease pressure off of the qb.

 

[furley]

Why is it when the Ravens do it, its a 1-2 punch, and when the Pats do it, its a committee?

Because, for New England, it was actually a one-two-three-four punch.

Next season, New England will still lean on a running back committee while Baltimore will rely on one featured running back.



2009

Maroney - 194 attempts, 757 yards
Morris - 73 attempts, 319 yards
Taylor - 63 attempts, 269 yards
Faulk - 62 attempts, 335 yards

Green-Ellis - 26 attempts, 114 yards



Rice - 254 attempts, 1,339 yards
McGahee - 109 attempts, 544 yards

McClain - 46 attempts, 180 yards

Parmele - 5 attempts, 17 yards



2010

Maroney -
Morris -
Taylor -
Faulk -

Green-Ellis -



Rice -

McGahee -

McClain -

Parmele -
David Reed -

 

[State]

I understand that. But it still helps to have some semblance of a consistent running attack.

The Patriots were ranked twelfth in total rushing last season. Good. But somehow I feel unimpressed. Because I know that was a committee effort. They were interchangeable parts. I prefer a one-two punch like using Rice and McGahee in tandem.

I agree. I was disappointed with the run. They did better at the end of the previous season with M. Cassell at the helm.

We need a threat and the dancing Irishman has been a disappointment. A lot of our rushing yards were gimmicky draw plays when the D thought we were passing.

We need a more physical approach. It about running the ball and stopping the run. It's always been that simple, along with winning the turnover battle.

And Koppen has become a liability--I don't think that's too strong a word--in the running game.

 

[furley]

A good point that was said before that I'd heard as it pertains to Welker. Welker is like having a running game through him. The short and intermediate passes offsets the struggles you might have in establishing the run. With Welker sidelined, you either will have to rely on Edelman to do his best Welker impersonation for most of the regular season until the real Welker returns. Or you've to actually establish the run and stick with it. If Maroney is leading the way in this effort, you could be in trouble.