Box_O_Rocks said:
Carolina game, Gamble takes a punt and returns up the sideline behind a very nice wall of blockers, Watson eventually sprints downfield, foreshadowing his Baily Bash in Denver, and makes the tackle. What set him up for the tackle was Patrick Pass sprinting down the field and forcing Gamble to turn back into the pursuit, Watson made a heroic effort, but Pass made the same effort to force the conclusion.
I was pleasantly surprised by his running before the infamous hamstring incident. The guy has played hard and done what his assignments called for, whether it is blocking (he is one of the better open field blockers and is quite good at blitz pick-up), running in relief of Dillon (I think he has gotten better each year), or receiving out of the backfield (remember the famous Brady on his butt play?). The Patriots can upgrade at his position, but until someone beats him out, he gives BB and Tommy and Seely an effective multi-tool.
I'm pretty sure I haven't much of a clue as to how Belichick will value either Faulk or Pass if he has alternatives or feels that he only wants to carry a certain number of RBs and TEs altogether.
However, just for interest. Faulk and Pass had about the same number of carries and receptions last year (50+ carries and 20+ receptions each).
Carries:
Faulk 2.8 avg, 13 longest, 0 TD, 5 FD
Pass. 4.5 avg, 31 longest, 3 TD, 12 FD
Receptions:
Faulk 9.0 avg, 23 longest, 2 20+, 0 TD, 13 FD
Pass. 10.3avg, 39 longest, 4 20+, 0 TD, 8 FD
I say 'for interest' because who knows how much stats apply to anything.
Faulk and Pass both have baggage of injuries and fumbles. As Box pointed out so clearly, Pass has ST value unless he gets beat out of those duties in TC.
The RB/TE roster decisions are obviously going to be absolutely fascinating to see - and it's going to be a whole two months before we get to find out how the story ends. Agony oh agony.