For pass pro and short yardage probably. Also Dalvin is still hurt, likely out at least another week. Dalvin does what Rham does well so he wouldn't complement him as well and costs more.
Yeah the biggest draw for Zeke if you're looking at it through BB's lens is he is durable (maybe missed 2 games in his entire career because of injury), is excellent in pass protection/blitz pickup, and still is above average for tough yards between the tackles/short yardage/goalline situations. It's a good ying to Stevenson's yang....and as you said, he's cheaper than Cook.
One of the stories I read said that BB called someone in Dallas FO that he's friendly with and asked about him.
Probably not. I guess the question is whether Zeke is good enough for the Patriots such that Zeke plus whatever they do with the over $3 million is > Cook.
No, but I think you can squint and see why the Patriots preferred Zeke over Dalvin (aside from that Dalvin may have preferred the Jets over the Pats):
DIfferent players for different roles as I was trying to explain to Gary Myers last night. Zeke has lost a step or two, but for the role the Patriots want him to play(short yardage, spell Rham for a drive or two, receiving threat although limited but who is also a great pass blocker) he is a really solid fit. For the Jets and Cook, he is not what he once was either hence why he's available but has more left in the tank than Zeke. If Breece Hall is not ready to be the feature back, Cook can fill that role.
I think this is pretty fair. It's just different from what they've usually done because it seems they view Rhamondre as their feature back, something the haven't really had in a while. In that context, having a player that can spell him out and complement his skillset situationally could be more valuable than a guy coming in to reproduce what he already does well.
They probably were going all the way that year; that loss is about as stunning of a loss as I've ever seen in sports.
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Too soonThey probably were going all the way that year; that loss is about as stunning of a loss as I've ever seen in sports.
Ok; aside from game 6 of the 1986 WS................
I don't know about that.They probably were going all the way that year; that loss is about as stunning of a loss as I've ever seen in sports.
Ok; aside from game 6 of the 1986 WS................
They were 13 seconds away from hosting the AFCCG and in all probability going to the Super Bowl with a QB who was playing out of his mind.
Agreed. Zeke ran well inside on a few touches yesterday and that’s where they need to give him the ball. Like on that quick handoff on 3rd and short where he was lead back and Stevenson was behind him…those are the types of runs he still excels at.
Yeah, at this point Zeke has very good hands, but not much ability to do anything after he catches the ball.
I hate to say it but the market and consensus is probably right about RBs. It's a 3-4 year window for most. Only the freaks will get that big second contract. And these vets with the track record and name recognition are just...not all that. They still bring value in spots, but it's limited.
I couldn’t even tell you the last RB that was legit upper tier in the league (say, top 5) for more than 4-5 seasons. Maybe LaDainian Tomlinson? Actually, maybe Adrian Peterson qualifies though he had some injury seasons mixed in. Derrick Henry might be similar…eps if he can maintain top tier status another season or two. He had that half-season a couple years ago from injury.
