**Fred Taylor and the Rope-A-Dope**

[yopats]

For some strange reason I think Fred Taylor and the NE Running game is going to have a ton of focus this week.. I know they have him as questionable again but one makes me think that BB has this all planned out perfectly..

Your thoughts?

 

[Froob]

That Fred Taylor will be downgraded to out tonight but, he's hopeful to play next week at detroit. Hope I'm wrong though. He used to school the colts.

 

[TBradyOwnsYou]

Why would Fred Taylor be in focus this week? And what does he have to do with the running game??

 

[strngplyr]

Why would Fred Taylor be in focus this week? And what does he have to do with the running game??

I saw this thread and I was about to ask the same question about what does he have to do with the running game. He's been here for 26 games, 27 on sunday. He WAS a great runner, how many games has he actually played in since he's been in New England?

 

[N.Eman]

Im hoping Fred Taylor has a relevant impact on our running game this week along with lawfire and woodhead. The way I see it , the colts D will expect a lot of passes to WR and TE, but I'm really rooting for a strong running game and catch them off balance. Hope the "fred taylor is made out of glass" routine don't get involved in this one!

 

[strngplyr]

We all hope he can contribute, just like we did with Maroney. But, unfortunately, Fragile Freddy is living well up to his nickname. I'm unsure of his salary, but I don't think it's worth >300 yards a season. I'd rather swap his salary with Lawfirm or Woody.

 

[Mack Herron]

This is not the Steelers DL. Colts DL is giving up 5 ypc against the run but excel rushing the passer from the ends. Dropping back all the time plays to their strengths. I would not be surprised if we do a lot running right the them. Grind the D and the clock. Still, Taylor is not in game shape even if he does play, so I expect to see a lot of BJ and Woody.

 

[Aßßynormal]

For some strange reason I think Fred Taylor and the NE Running game is going to have a ton of focus this week.. I know they have him as questionable again but one makes me think that BB has this all planned out perfectly..

Your thoughts?

I prefer to use him against the Jets. Maybe some tuneup runs, OTOH, he's rather experienced and should be good (with practice time) out of the gate. Let's be patient two more weeks. Law Firm should be able to run on Indy if that's our design.

 

[jmt57]

Reading through some of the various columnist's 'keys to the game' articles, many are pointing out that while the focus is on Brady versus Manning, the outcome of the game could very well come down to the Pats' running game versus the Colts' run defense - regardless of who it is on the Pats that is running the ball.


Apparently not much love for Taylor here. I wonder if that's due in part because the term "turf toe" sounds like a minor bruise and not nearly as severe an injury as it really is.



Fred Taylor hopeful he is cleared to play Sunday - Extra Points - Boston.com

Taylor practiced for the first time last week since he suffered his toe injury against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. He said if he is cleared to play he believes he will be ready.

"Of course I do," Taylor said. "I haven't played in a while and I've got that itch. Would definitely love to be back out there and going to keep improving. It's his decision and he knows what's best for the team going forward and whatever that is, I have to live with it and just be ready for it. I had a very solid week of practice, a lot better than last week and am continuing to improve."

Patriots' Taylor: I've got that itch | CSNNE

He described why he felt he had a better practice this week, than last.

"Getting some quicks back, some burst," said Taylor. "Just getting in and out of my cuts feel a lot better. And able to just mix it up with the defenders. Last week wasn't as much of that. But this week, the confidence is just getting better with each rep."

As much as Taylor believes he's ready to get back on the field for Sunday's game, he realizes that Belichick is going to make the right decision, either way. But he does believe he's convinced enough people.

"I'm just going to sit back, hit my knees, say a little prayer, and hopefully I can sway coach to be willing to take a shot with me for Sunday," said Taylor. "But I'll be patient to see. Whatever's best for the team, I'm all about that.

It Is What It Is - Fred Taylor has game plan for Colts: ‘Grind it to them’

Before he came to New England, Taylor was in Jacksonville, where he saw the Colts twice a year as an AFC South division rival.

“We were a team that was built to try and be physical, smash-mouth style of offense and run the ball,” Taylor said Friday. “And quite frankly, we weren’t going to get [to gameday] and try to change. So, it wasn’t necessarily keep the ball away from Peyton but it was just get out there and try to grind it to them.

“They’re a team that’s been built over the years, smaller team, built with speed, and you just want to take advantage of that,” Taylor said. “And our style was just to try and run right at them.”

There was no better example of that than on Dec. 10, 2006 when the Colts started 9-0 and were 10-2 heading into Jacksonville. The Jaguars laid a 44-17 hurting on the Colts that day. Taylor ran for 131 yards on nine carries, including a 76-yard run. And Taylor wasn’t even the leading rusher that day for Jacksonville. Maurice Jones-Drew had the breakout game of his career when he ran for 166 yards on 15 carries and a 48-yard TD scamper.

“You go out there and you play the game with the teams that are out there,” Taylor said. “And I understand rivalries quite well. I played that team tons and tons when I was down with Jacksonville. You’ve got to love playing a team who’s always on top. And the competition that they bring is amazing.

 

[SoonerPatriot]

I think you will be disappointed at least as far as Fred Taylor is concerned.

 

[Rich<3TheWoodhead]

Instead of guessing what shape fred taylor is in and trying to guess how he might perform after not playing for a few weeks we should focus on BJGE and Woody. They performed well against the steelers. The colts are a diff team diff week but our efforts should be towards time of possession and grinding out the colts.

 

[ScrewDrvr]

I think he will be active this game and limited to 4-5 carries, and a few plays to block. Woodhead and Green-Ellis will get the bulk and the team as a whole puts up 190yards rushing
Next week he should be back to full participation/starter.

I beleive Fred still has some in the tank. Odds are great this is his last season, so he can give it everything with no regrets.

 

[stcjones]

I think you will be disappointed at least as far as Fred Taylor is concerned.

Unfortunately have to agree with u here..a lot of people think Taylor is going to come back and our running game is going to be incredible....huge amount of yards on the ground ....alot more ypc than BJGE...going to be a major weapon....I just don't see him being that guy again...injuries and age have slowed him down considerably.....BJGE and woody are our best bets this year...