1. I think we're gonna end up going with 4 TE's and only 4 RB's this year. We rarely use a FB except in a few certain packages. For smash mouth short yardage running, Hochstein should get reps as the lead back. In the regular offense, expect Thomas and Smith to get reps as the H-back. This role is actually perfectly suited for Thomas, and this is his last chance to put together a productive season in NE. Creating a FB from backups seems to be a great way to conserve a roster spot given how infrequently we need 2 backs.
2. I think our running game will be one of the most productive in the league. Defenses are going to be keying on the pass and our stable of backs should find ample room to run with nickel and dime D's with the safeties back deep and the DL rushing upfield out of control. I've been surprised that this has been written about as an area of weakness. We won't have any stud fantasy back but we will run for about 125 every game IMO. BJGE looks to be getting the short end of the stick. I would look to give him a little extra cash to stick on the PS like we've done in the past with Yates and Brandon Gorin and use him as the first roster replacement.
3. I'm very interested to see how the OLB situation plays out. Woods can set the edge but lacks a pass rush. Crable has the athleticism to wreak havoc against offenses that are going to be forced to throw a lot to keep up with our O. It remains to be seen how much strength he's added, though, and if he can hold his ground in the run game. If he can, he'll take over for Woods sooner rather than later. TBC is far from a stud but adequate against both the run and the pass. He should be a quality backup at both OLB positions. Redd is the obvious wildcard. He has the ideal measurables and if he can improve his technique and football skills he could make an impact later on in the season.
4. BB seems to have adjusted his mindset about his LB's. We used to be full of bigger slower LB types. The past few years we've seen an influx of slightly smaller types of backers. All of Mayo, Guyton, Lenon, Mckenzie - they are all in the 240-250 range as opposed to the 250-260. I'm guessing this is a response to the pass happy rules implemented the past few years. The system hasn't changed - it's just that BB wants more Roman Phifer and less Ted Johnson.
5. We lost Gaffney. He wasn't a burner, but rather a guy who excelled at the intermediate routes. We've replaced him with 2 burners: Galloway and Lewis. I'm curious to see how this fits into the offense. With safeties continually rotating towards Moss, maybe the strategy is to try and really burn the D on the far side.
Trying to keep it short. Maybe I'll throw in some more later...
2. I think our running game will be one of the most productive in the league. Defenses are going to be keying on the pass and our stable of backs should find ample room to run with nickel and dime D's with the safeties back deep and the DL rushing upfield out of control. I've been surprised that this has been written about as an area of weakness. We won't have any stud fantasy back but we will run for about 125 every game IMO. BJGE looks to be getting the short end of the stick. I would look to give him a little extra cash to stick on the PS like we've done in the past with Yates and Brandon Gorin and use him as the first roster replacement.
3. I'm very interested to see how the OLB situation plays out. Woods can set the edge but lacks a pass rush. Crable has the athleticism to wreak havoc against offenses that are going to be forced to throw a lot to keep up with our O. It remains to be seen how much strength he's added, though, and if he can hold his ground in the run game. If he can, he'll take over for Woods sooner rather than later. TBC is far from a stud but adequate against both the run and the pass. He should be a quality backup at both OLB positions. Redd is the obvious wildcard. He has the ideal measurables and if he can improve his technique and football skills he could make an impact later on in the season.
4. BB seems to have adjusted his mindset about his LB's. We used to be full of bigger slower LB types. The past few years we've seen an influx of slightly smaller types of backers. All of Mayo, Guyton, Lenon, Mckenzie - they are all in the 240-250 range as opposed to the 250-260. I'm guessing this is a response to the pass happy rules implemented the past few years. The system hasn't changed - it's just that BB wants more Roman Phifer and less Ted Johnson.
5. We lost Gaffney. He wasn't a burner, but rather a guy who excelled at the intermediate routes. We've replaced him with 2 burners: Galloway and Lewis. I'm curious to see how this fits into the offense. With safeties continually rotating towards Moss, maybe the strategy is to try and really burn the D on the far side.
Trying to keep it short. Maybe I'll throw in some more later...
