Blount out for season

[Stitch01]

Yup those are in play too.

The track record says that BB doesn't really seem to like to play rookie/young running backs very much, particularly late in the season. Some of that is personnel/talent level, Im sure Lewis would be getting plenty of work if he was healthy, but given the young guys available at this point are probably flotsam we're probably picking the best available retread.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

So long as he has stayed in top shape (an open question, though his rep there is very strong) it has to be a plus that he doesn't have 4 months of wear on him; he'd be trying to rally for no more than 10-12 carries for no more than four to six games starting from totally fresh....that's well short the overall effort that a full season would be.

I have no idea if he's worthwhile, but I can imagine deciding that reliable in blocking/ball control, with fresh (if old) legs, and a chance he has a little juice is a better gamble than Montee Ball.

 

[crystalline]

Im a big proponent of the running backs that cant play in the passing game are largely fungible school of thought, and Blount wasn't great this year, but fuccccccck I do not want to test that theorem out in a playoff game with Brandon Bolden, feature back.

With regards to fungibility and what the Pats look for in a running back--

If I understand correctly, power run schemes give the RB fewer choices - the RB follows the pulling guard, or bounces outside if the line gets blown up. Zone run schemes rely on the back to read and react and need the back to be quick and athletic. So teams like the Broncos really do benefit from a talented back, and to them backs are less fungible.

We've seen the Pats use both power and zone runs, and I remember Blount getting the carry on a few zone plays recently.

So if they sign a big bruiser, maybe they use him in power sets and don't care so much how quick and elusive (and young and athletic) he is. And maybe we see Bolden and White being used in the passing game and in some zone run calls.

Do people agree the Pats may see their power run but not zone run backs as more fungible ?

 

[simplyeric]

Is there a recent example of a RB coming off the street in mid-Dec and playing a noteworthy role in the playoffs? Regardless, I would like to see what, if anything, he has left.

Well, again, not that it's a perfect comp for various reasons but: Blount was released by the Steelers, signed by the Patriots in late November, and ran all over the Colts in the AFC Championship game.
The differences are obvious: Blount was released for reasons other than his on-field performance, and it was late November.

But it goes to matchups...he had that game against the Colts because, well, that's what the Pats were going to do v. the Colts. That's what Gray did against the Colts.
If we happen to meet the Colts in the playoffs this year, I'd imagine there's be some substantial rushing (maybe not like last year), and it seems like the pats coaching could scheme up a good plan for that.
The rest of the playoff field (as of right now) are possibly the top 5 run defenses in the conference, so I'd expect a limited impact from any RB in most of the playoffs, even if we had a recognized top-5 feature RB on the roster.

 

[tims4wins]

Blount officially to IR per Reiss

 

[dynomite]

No contract with SJax yet, but glowing report from Twitter:

"Sources: Some players & entire coaching staff impressed by Steven Jackson today. Showed up in good shape. Jackson told Pats, he wants a ring"

 

[Corsi]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 2m2 minutes ago
On free agent RB Steven Jackson and the #Patriots, I'm told nothing imminent. Looks like they are set for the time being.

 

[Reardon's Beard]

Holy shit. If he's in great shape and wants a goddamn ring in the worst way, MAN! This could be something.

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

Holy shit. If he's in great shape and wants a goddamn ring in the worst way, MAN! This could be something.

I would love for you to be correct on this but the reality is that Steven Jackson is 32 years old and hasn't seen live play in almost a year. There is a reason the Patriots haven't jumped all over him and its likely due to these facts.

 

[Koufax]

It seems to me that at this time of the year if they can find an experienced back who is really good at picking up blitzes in the backfield and is at least a credible threat to run or catch a pass, that's a win. So my question is: can be block? If he can, he's going to be more valuable than some UDFA who doesn't understand the pro game.

 

[dbn]

Sorry for the throwaway post, but...

 

[Ralphwiggum]

Holy shit. If he's in great shape and wants a goddamn ring in the worst way, MAN! This could be something.

I can't tell if this is serious or parody.

 

[boca]

 

[fiskful of dollars]

Workout still on? Confused by the past tense.

 

[dynomite]

For those who, like me, cannot see anything but "unsupported media" here, I believe he's referring to this tweet:

"1h1 hour ago
Mike Reiss ‏@MikeReiss
Told that RB Steven Jackson's workout with the Patriots was scheduled to take place today. He had arrived in town yesterday."

 

[Red Averages]

Thank you.

 

[Reardon's Beard]

I can't tell if this is serious or parody.

I was quoting myself. In 2009.

 

[boca]

For those who, like me, cannot see anything but "unsupported media" here, I believe he's referring to this tweet:

"1h1 hour ago
Mike Reiss ‏@MikeReiss
Told that RB Steven Jackson's workout with the Patriots was scheduled to take place today. He had arrived in town yesterday."

Apologies. Can't seem to get my head around posting tweets on here.