The Running Game

[mgteich]

Before the draft, many here thought that the running game might get a bit of attention, but improving the running game wasn't really much of a priority. Apparently, Belichick had different ideas. He drafted

1) an OT

2) a road grader OG

3) two running backs, and a

4) blocking TE
==================

 

[WhiZa]

It's been 5 years since we had a running game that could strike fear into the hearts of the opponent. It's about time

 

[mgteich]

Agreed.............

It's been 5 years since we had a running game that could strike fear into the hearts of the opponent. It's about time

 

[alvinnf]

Let's hope they are patient enough to use it. They had quite a bit of success when they ran the ball. The Jets practically begged them to run it on them and they chose not to. We can only hope.

 

[JerseyDevil26]

I'm curious how all these backs are going to be used. Will be very interesting to see next year who doesn't make it out of camp on the roster.

 

[MaineMan]

Let's hope they are patient enough to use it. They had quite a bit of success when they ran the ball. The Jets practically begged them to run it on them and they chose not to. We can only hope.

With BGE being no real threat to catch passes and requiring two extra blockers to get anywhere most of the time, of course the Jets were begging us to "run at them" since they know our play-action from that set would be pretty much a fraud.

Let's just hope that one or both of the new guys can generate BGE-yardage with at least one less blocker, AND be a legit threat to catch a pass more often than once every five quarters.

 

[mgteich]

Presuming that Green-Ellis signs his RFA contract, we have Green-Ellis, Woodhead, Vareen, Ridley and Clayton. There is no question with regard to who will come out of camp. If we keep 4, it is the first four. If it is five, we will add Clayton, or Kettani or a free agent or even Faulk. My point is that the first four roster spots are set. Of course, there will be competition for roles.

I'm curious how all these backs are going to be used. Will be very interesting to see next year who doesn't make it out of camp on the roster.

 

[rookBoston]

Before the draft, many here thought that the running game might get a bit of attention, but improving the running game wasn't really much of a priority. Apparently, Belichick had different ideas. He drafted

1) an OT

2) a road grader OG

3) two running backs, and a

4) blocking TE
==================

That is one way to look at it, and what you say is not untrue.

But, glass half-full is...

1) an OT to replace our Pro-bowl FA

2) a road grader with Lymphoma who may not be ready to play until after he beat cancer

3) two running backs who will probably see more time on ST as rookies than in the regular offense

4) a rookie #3 blocking TE that first needs to make the roster ahead of a team captain

I love these picks but, other than Solder, I think these guys are mostly role players on a deep roster. I dont think we've transformed the running game. I think we've given it some depth and durability. But I don't think it will be more dominant or explosive than what we've seen.

And, I'll suggest, BB wasn't trying to transform his running game; he was just bolstering. If he wanted to do transform it, he'd have picked Watkins and Ingram, and resigned Light, which was in his power. Instead, he replaced Light, passed on Ingram in preference for Vereen + 1st next year. And my read is that Connelly is our Day One starter at RG.

 

[mgteich]

And what you have posted is not untrue.

A) Bolstering is the right word. Transforming probably isn't.

B) I'm fine with Mankins-Connolly starting guards for 2011. Continuity is a good thing. Cannon can wait until 2012 to be a starter, or start during the year if needed, as Vollmer did.

C) I don't know the situation with Light and Kaczur. I would expect that Solder will be expected to start this year at LT. I would expect that we will not re-sign Light and that Kaczur will stay at his present salary, as an expensive swing man, with ability to start at either OT spot.

D) I strongly disagree regarding Smith competing with Crumpler for a roster spot. I expect us to keep four TE's. Smith is a fine blocking TE.

E) with regard to Vareen and Ridley, I just don't know what to expect. If we have a full camp, they will have a bit of time to learn the system and compete with Green-Ellis and Woodhead for reps. I expect Vareen to get significant reps this year. He is a better blocker than Woodhead and is the alternate to Green-Ellis. Green-Ellis is our #1, but there is no reason for him to be the only back getting reps on 1st and 2nd down.

BOTTOM LINE

1) Lots needed to be done just to break even. We are losing 3 running backs, a tackle and have to potential of losing 4 interior linemen after the season. Bolstering is a good thing.

2) There is every reason to believe that Cannon will be an upgrade and starter for 2012.

That is one way to look at it, and what you say is not untrue.

But, glass half-full is...

1) an OT to replace our Pro-bowl FA

2) a road grader with Lymphoma who may not be ready to play until after he beat cancer

3) two running backs who will probably see more time on ST as rookies than in the regular offense

4) a rookie #3 blocking TE that first needs to make the roster ahead of a team captain

I love these picks but, other than Solder, I think these guys are mostly role players on a deep roster. I dont think we've transformed the running game. I think we've given it some depth and durability. But I don't think it will be more dominant or explosive than what we've seen.

And, I'll suggest, BB wasn't trying to transform his running game; he was just bolstering. If he wanted to do transform it, he'd have picked Watkins and Ingram, and resigned Light, which was in his power. Instead, he replaced Light, passed on Ingram in preference for Vereen + 1st next year. And my read is that Connelly is our Day One starter at RG.