Are the Pats looking to replace Heath Evans?

[patchick]

Have you not noticed how frequently Evans is quoted in the media? Coach lets very very few players have that kind of exposure. Heath Evans is a Model Citizen and it will take quite a bit to get him bumped from the squad. He seems to be an example of hard work, spirituality and modesty. You just can't have enough guys like that around.

All true enough, yet the team did work out FB Kyle Johnson....

 

[BrianPat]

I think the Eckel signing was purely a reaction to the inactivity of Maroney in week 4.

BB simply wanted his full complement of RB's.

I did read that from the Mike Reese blog

 

[tombonneau]

Evans was one of the guys I was hoping the team would upgrade going into 2007. He's just sort of there. I don't look at tape or anything, but from what BB says sounds like he is a decent blocker. That's about it.

I'd prefer to have a decent blocker who can actually do other things.

I guess people will claim without knowing anything that he is a model Patriot, etc. Not sure what that is based on. That he can have vague polished media quotes? Ok, I guess he is a standup locker room guy then. ???

 

[National Sports Advisors]

Heath Evans defines the words JAG, mediocre, average, and run-of-the-mill. In fact, I think the coaching staff overvalues this guy and many fans think he's better than he is. I for one get p*ssed off when I see this guy as the option down on the goal line. He pushes nobody back and is basically a waste of a down. He is the one guy on this team that annoys me to no end. I would love to see less and less of him.

 

[sebman2112]

What is even more surprising is how impressive he looked for the first couple games when NE signed him in 2005. Now he has a hard time getting out of his own way. His blocking has come a long way, though. He is no Lorenzo Neal, but he has improved from "borderline acceptable" to "actually pretty good."

What's funny is I think Heath has actually become a pretty good FB, in that he can block well and catch out of the backfield when needed. He's regressed as a RB though. I'd keep him around at FB because most good blocking FB's aren't great runners. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that they get used to blocking and aren't depended on to run the ball.

When it comes to goaline situations I'd like to see NE use Morris or even Maroney instead of trying to use Heath. He's simply not a good short yardage runner, and Morris is actually a pretty powerful back with speed, and the for times NE's used him around the goaline he's scored.

I'd also like to see NE use more two back sets with Maroney and Morris on the field at the same time (I said this before the season started) Morris has actually been a FB during his career and he's a threat as both a rusher and pass catcher. I can't emagine having to worry about Maroney or Morris running, Morris maybe coming out of the backfield for a reception, and having to worry about covering Moss, Stallworth and the Patriots other weapons (Welker & Watson depending groupings). As a defensive player that's not something I'd like to deal with.

Oh, and while Heath isn't on Graham's level as a blocker I'd argue Kyle Brady is one of the best blocking TE's in the NFL.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Evans was one of the guys I was hoping the team would upgrade going into 2007. He's just sort of there. I don't look at tape or anything, but from what BB says sounds like he is a decent blocker. That's about it.

He's also been contributing on special teams (on Hobbs' record-setting jaunt, he set Mike Nugent up for the LeKevin Smith steamroller ).

 

[RayClay]

evans is good at short yardage, an can be the lead runner if needed,blocks, and plays special teams, enough said, rayclay your reaching man, ekle was activated because maroney wsa inactive

He is? Not when I've seen him.

 

[satz]

Per Reiss


ANALYSIS: The most significant change for the Patriots this week was using Heath Evans more as a lead-blocking fullback in the 1 WR/2 TE/1 FB/1 RB grouping. The Patriots had only used that grouping seven times total over the first three games, but called on it 16 times on Monday night. Two of the game's biggest plays -- Sammy Morris's 49-yard run to set up the first touchdown, and Morris's 7-yard scoring run on fourth-and-1 in the third quarter -- came out of that grouping. The Patriots had 92 rushing yards on 14 carries with Evans as a lead blocker to Morris, and added two receptions for 26 yards out of the set. ... The Patriots also explored with a new grouping that hadn't been used this year -- three receivers and two running backs -- although the results were not good as the team's lone interception came out of that pairing (2 incomplete passes as well). ... The Patriots continue to receive solid production out of the three-wide set, as Wes Welker's 27-yard reverse in the third quarter -- a key play -- and Randy Moss' remarkable 7-yard touchdown catch came out of that grouping.


so after a game he was used more and was effective we need his replacement.i guess faulk has not played enought to start replace faulk thread yet.

 

[tombonneau]

He's also been contributing on special teams (on Hobbs' record-setting jaunt, he set Mike Nugent up for the LeKevin Smith steamroller ).

Right, but I'm sure someone could contribute just as well on ST while exceeding Evans's ability in several other areas.

 

[tombonneau]

Heath Evans defines the words JAG, mediocre, average, and run-of-the-mill. In fact, I think the coaching staff overvalues this guy and many fans think he's better than he is. I for one get p*ssed off when I see this guy as the option down on the goal line. He pushes nobody back and is basically a waste of a down. He is the one guy on this team that annoys me to no end. I would love to see less and less of him.

You my friend are 100% correct in your opinion.

 

[Gwedd]

Fellers,

Well, Eckel better hope he can catch on here, because IIRC, he still owes a boatload of money to the Naval Academy for failing to complete his compulsory service. There were also, IIRC, some serious discipline problems with him. The NA sued to recoup the cost of his education and won, so he's on the hook for well over 100K.

See here for some comments by NA alumni and serving officers regarding the situation.

http://cdrsalamander.blogspot.com/2006/11/usna-serious-institution.html

Respects,

 

[Fencer]

I would guess that even if his carries are taken away Evans does enough else to keep his job.

I'd like to see his carries taken away.

 

[jbb9s]

Wasnt Garrett Mills originally slated to be converted to a FB?

 

[sg14]

This is an amazing long thread all because a back up RB came into the game for three carries, but I too was surprised that a "rookie" would get that call.

Maybe RB insurance for the Maroney effect

Maybe the Pats brass got wind that the Colts were looking to sign a RB off their Pratice squad

Maybe LB Mays annoyed BB, Maybe Mays was kept because Alexander was not fully recovered from whatever injury he had.

Maybe BB didn't get his big backfield fix when he lost out on Mills, and was planning on bringing Mills onto the team when he could

Maybe there is something about Eckles BB likes, not that Eckles sounds like a nice guy,

And we have to make room for Seymour and Harrison, so Maybe this will end up being a very short story.

 

[Ghost of Ben Dreith]

Wasnt Garrett Mills originally slated to be converted to a FB?

That was one of the options they were looking at...yes.

Evans is going nowhere in the near future.

As already noted, but worth saying again, very good blocker; great character guy; and I bet he contributes in a lot of ways that the fans really don't have a clue on....but BB does. Belicheck doesn't keep players around for warm fuzzies....they have to produce...and Evans obviously does....

Just because you can't see it doesn't mean its not there. I think the Pats break down film better than anybody on this forum and have a true sense of Evan's worth to the team.

 

[MetalBleachers]

I'm surprised at some of the hate for Evans here. He's better than any street free agent fullback:

http://www.draftdaddy.com/prospects/streetfreeagent.cfm

I agree with the posts regarding Evans' improvement in blocking. If you watch last year's games and compare to this year's, you'll see that he does more than meet the defenders, he often plows them out of the picture. No, he's not a good runner, although Cincy's D line deserves credit for getting penetration on Evans' second carry on the goal line (Mankins got undercut on the play, forcing Seau to jump over the defender where Evans couldn't follow).

On a 4-RB team, Evans fills the role of FB better than anyone else. Faulk is the third-down/change-of-pace guy, Maroney is the starter, and Morris does everything pretty well. Maybe, like in 2003-2004, Morris could play the Patrick Pass FB role, but with Maroney's recent history he's better suited as the platoon back.

Evans is a team-oriented guy who does well on special teams and is currently the best FB available. Eckel is not the same type of blocker. I hope the Pats start going with Morris on the goal line with Evans blocking (I still don't understand the Evans/Seau combo), but I'd be surprised if Heath Evans was going anywhere.

That said, he'll probably get cut tomorrow. :bricks:

 

[shmessy]

Evans is going nowhere in the near future.

That's so true. I said that Monday night when they gave it to him twice at the 1 yard line.

Take away his carries. The only thing I can say is that he doesn't fumble.

If Cassel is the "Human Victory Cigar", then Evans is the "Human Kneel Down".

His blocking has gotten better - - nice job on the Morris TD run. But please, no more wasted carries.

 

[Flying Fungi]

I guess people will claim without knowing anything that he is a model Patriot, etc. Not sure what that is based on. That he can have vague polished media quotes? Ok, I guess he is a standup locker room guy then. ???

exactly how much do I have to read about the guy before I can form an opinion?

he has been damned close to a spokesman, and Belichick simply does not let players talk to the media unless they are named Bruschi, Brady, Harrison, Seymour...and Evans...among a handful of others...

you did a nice job in a single post of attempting to marginalize me and Heath Evans

good effort

by the way--I like what he does on the field--and disagree almost completely with the 'national sports advisor'

 

[spacecrime]

i guess faulk has not played enought to start replace faulk thread yet.

When Faulk stopped fumbling, the get-rid-of-him-talk went away.

He's my new binkie.

Well, not really. But I like him a lot better when he isn't fumbling or trying to return kickoffs. Oh, and no draw plays either, not that he can control that. As long as he sticks to picking up the blitz, catching swing passes, and hitting the hole super fast when he runs, he's great.

 

[alamo]

Is the signing of Eckels a signal they're looking for someone?

The Patriots and all teams are always looking for depth and youth. If there's a spot open (as there was last weekend) it's worth a look. To me it doesn't specifically mean they are dissatisfied with Evans, just always looking toward the future.

Let's ask another similar question. Does the signing (and retention on the 53) of Matt Gutierrez mean they are dissatified with Tom Brady?