Are the Pats looking to replace Heath Evans?

[RayClay]

I'm not player bashing. As a matter of fact I love Evans attitude and how he loves to be a Patriot.

Just business here. Does Evans give this team what they need? Is the signing of Eckels a signal they're looking for someone? I think so.

I can't go strictly by the performance in short yardage Sunday, but I've noticed before, he generates no power in short yardage. He's blocked well, from what people say, but he's no Sam Gash or Daniel Graham, for that matter(who often made the vicious hit to spring runners).

He's a nice big back who can run in the open field and catch a few passes.

Without Graham, they're running more two back sets. A FB that's a vicious blocker and a short yardage threat would help on a team with only one runner (Morris) who can get it done in short yardage.

I don't see much opportunity for receiving or open field running for Evans on this team.

Thoughts?

 

[Crazy Patriot Guy]

I'm not player bashing. As a matter of fact I love Evans attitude and how he loves to be a Patriot.

Just business here. Does Evans give this team what they need? Is the signing of Eckels a signal they're looking for someone? I think so.

I can't go strictly by the performance in short yardage Sunday, but I've noticed before, he generates no power in short yardage. He's blocked well, from what people say, but he's no Sam Gash or Daniel Graham, for that matter(who often made the vicious hit to spring runners).

He's a nice big back who can run in the open field and catch a few passes.

Without Graham, they're running more two back sets. A FB that's a vicious blocker and a short yardage threat would help on a team with only one runner (Morris) who can get it done in short yardage.

I don't see much opportunity for receiving or open field running for Evans on this team.

Thoughts?

I don't think they're looking down on Evans. I read somewhere that with Evans at FB in the 2 back set, the Patriots have had great success. Even the two pass attempts out of that set were completed.

We've seen this team over the last several years constantly change their personell based on team injuries and the style of game they plan to have against certain teams. I honestly would be shocked if Eckel was on the 53 man roster for the rest of the season.

 

[cstjohn17]

In there dreams Eckel becomes the player that Evans is. Evans is ok in short yardage but is an excellent open field blocker who plays on special teams. He can also pass block and catch out of the back field.

Eckel is a Evans wanne be, the 55th player on our depth chart.

But since the topic was brought up, this kid Owen Schimdt from West Virginia is a beast. Everything you look for in a FB, the problem is no one looks for fullbaks any more...

 

[RayClay]

I don't think they're looking down on Evans. I read somewhere that with Evans at FB in the 2 back set, the Patriots have had great success. Even the two pass attempts out of that set were completed.

We've seen this team over the last several years constantly change their personell based on team injuries and the style of game they plan to have against certain teams. I honestly would be shocked if Eckel was on the 53 man roster for the rest of the season.

I don't mean Eckels. If he was more than a JAG he wouldn't be available or on the PS. Doesn't mean he can't become valuable, but he's a PS player now.

I mean if a smash mouth vet FB with short yardage ability to get 2 yards (Evans lack IMO) became available would the Pats give him a look?

I don't think open field running on a team with Maroney and Faulk or pass receiving on a team with Faulk and tons of WRs is necessary.

There are better blocking FBs than Evans, some of whom can gain a yard or two for a first down.

 

[RayClay]

In there dreams Eckel becomes the player that Evans is. Evans is ok in short yardage but is an excellent open field blocker who plays on special teams. He can also pass block and catch out of the back field.

Eckel is a Evans wanne be, the 55th player on our depth chart.

But since the topic was brought up, this kid Owen Schimdt from West Virginia is a beast. Everything you look for in a FB, the problem is no one looks for fullbaks any more...

I don't think the Pats look for a rook, but a cheap vet is possible IMO. We ran some 2 back sets Sunday and we're a different team without Graham, in that respect.

 

[p8ryts]

Eckels is fast for a big guy and a good runner inside. If he develops into a good blocker he is a candidate to replace EVans in the future or perhaps even Maroney if he can't stay on the field. BB paid him more than the practice squad minimum so he must think he is worth future investment.

 

[RayClay]

Eckels is fast for a big guy and a good runner inside. If he develops into a good blocker he is a candidate to replace EVans in the future or perhaps even Maroney if he can't stay on the field. BB paid him more than the practice squad minimum so he must think he is worth future investment.

I have to say I haven't seen the guy, so I can't judge. He apparently ran three times but announcers won't even tell you down and distance these days. It was probably while tony cornhole was professing his gaylove.

I watch Evans though, and he has zero leg drive in short yardage. It must be the way he's built because he doesn't hesitate. He tried to leap over the top once and failed but was more successful than driving into the pile, which is what a 250 pounder is supposed to do.

You are what you are.

 

[livinginthe past]

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.

 

[shmessy]

Didn't Evans have two shots at the 1 yard line Monday night and when nowhere?

How many more years of 1.9 YPC does he have in him? I know, he's there for short yardage situations, but he's not getting even that. He's not nearly as versatile as Patrick Pass was. I'd like to see Eckels get a chance.

 

[Oswlek]

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.

Bingo. What do you do if Morris gets hurt?

Eckel is here because the team feels he provides some value, not is it a surprise considering that he looked like a guy worth taking a flyer on in 2005.

With regard to Evans, the standard line prevails IMHO. If they find a guy who is better, they will make the move. But I doubt that NE is looking at that position wishing that an upgrade was available now.

 

[RayClay]

Didn't Evans have two shots at the 1 yard line Monday night and when nowhere?

How many more years of 1.9 YPC does he have in him? I know, he's there for short yardage situations, but he's not getting even that. He's not nearly as versatile as Patrick Pass was. I'd like to see Eckels get a chance.

Precisely my point, Shmessy. He is light footed for a big guy and can dip the shoulder once he has a heado f steam, but that sounds like Maroney and Maroney is much better.

Zero power in short yardage and he's not a beast as a blocker.

 

[RayClay]

Bingo. What do you do if Morris gets hurt?

Eckel is here because the team feels he provides some value, not is it a surprise considering that he looked like a guy worth taking a flyer on in 2005.

With regard to Evans, the standard line prevails IMHO. If they find a guy who is better, they will make the move. But I doubt that NE is looking at that position wishing that an upgrade was available now.

Hey, there isn't much to talk about on a perfect team.

It is frustrating to watch a 250 lb. man get stuffed over and over on short yardage though.

 

[Flying Fungi]

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.

 

[Oswlek]

Hey, there isn't much to talk about on a perfect team.

It is frustrating to watch a 250 lb. man get stuffed over and over on short yardage though.

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."

 

[RayClay]

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."

He is actually quick and elusive for a big guy. But damn, he can't gain 6 inches for a first down.

I love his attitude, but ......

 

[patsgo]

I'm not player bashing. As a matter of fact I love Evans attitude and how he loves to be a Patriot.

Just business here. Does Evans give this team what they need? Is the signing of Eckels a signal they're looking for someone? I think so.

I can't go strictly by the performance in short yardage Sunday, but I've noticed before, he generates no power in short yardage. He's blocked well, from what people say, but he's no Sam Gash or Daniel Graham, for that matter(who often made the vicious hit to spring runners).

He's a nice big back who can run in the open field and catch a few passes.

Without Graham, they're running more two back sets. A FB that's a vicious blocker and a short yardage threat would help on a team with only one runner (Morris) who can get it done in short yardage.

I don't see much opportunity for receiving or open field running for Evans on this team.

Thoughts?

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

 

[Gumby]

BB is always looking to either upgrade positions or build depth in case of injury or program depth/potential for the future. So he could have Eckels around more in that third category (potential).

But if I take a look around the league; as little as most teams use FBs anymore; I just dont see any better options that would be available - and I doubt there is a draft pick rookie who could step in and do the job right ---- especially not on blitz pickups. (go cheap on the FB and lose the $10M man - not a good plan.)

 

[patsox23]

The Patriots like Heath Evans. He's not very good, but he's well-rounded and useful. He's not going anywhere, Kyle Eckel or no.

 

[patsox23]

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

I like Evans okay as a useful player (see my post immediately preceding this one), but he is NOT "good at short yardage." HE STINKS AT IT. HE'S AWFUL AT IT. Please let's nip/explode that myth in the bud as quickly as possible.

 

[mgteich]

my 2 cents

1) Eckel was activated to replace Maroney. If the issue were Evans, Eckel would still be on the Practice Squad.

2) Evans is a very valuable player in several roles. The only folks considering him a liability post right here on this board.

3) I agree that Evans is not a premier short yardage back. I prefer Morris. I prefer a 5th running back. I wanted to draft Leonard. I want to pick up a free agent. HOWEVER, even if we brought in a short yardage back, this would affect Evans only to the degree he move to blocker instead of runner in the jumbo package. With all due respect, Seau is player there until they can figure out how to get him a touchdown. He realy doesn't belong out there.