Crumpler is part of the reason for the better running game this year, but so is Gronkowski and a full year of Vollmer over Kaczur. Hernandez helps too (he's making steady improvement in his blocking). But it's mostly having 2+ TE's on the field 60+% of the time. The flexibility that Gronk and Hernandez provide is incredibly important, as Brady not only has play action opportunities, he can also audible into a credible spread even with 2 TE's on the field. So defenses have to respect the pass despite the power package on the field, which makes the BJGE runs go.
Siimilar effects apply to Woodhead to an even greater degree, as Woodhead is extremely dangerous as a receiver. It's no accident that vs the Packers, we moved the ball very effectively when Woodhead was out there as the matchups were better. I'd actually like to see Woodhead run more with the power packages: Gronk + Woodhead + Hernandez + Welker + Branch in particular is a great mismatch generator. I'd also love to see the Patriots in the offseason look at 2 back sets with both BJGE and Woodhead on the field simultaneously...
