I wasn't going to mention names, because those people know who they are. But I'm not disagreeing with your list... And we can't forget that Herm rode on the team that Parcells built until our talent aged, was traded, and never replaced-so he could leave us with little hopes of even having a winning season.
D, You also forgot to mention that our OL sucked last year. Martin got stuffed in the backfield way to many times last year.
A couple of points, Dillion didn't have off season surgery and the Pats drafted a back in the first round. They said that they expect Dillion to split carries with Maroney and that Faulk would be the short yardage back. Pretty reduced role for Dillion who I personally believe like Martin is close to done. The Pats also had two first round picks on the OL last year who are coming back with some experience. As far as Blaylock, prior to his injury he like Martin was awful in limited action. What was more concerning about Blaylock was how bad he was on blitz pickup in passing situations. He was so bad that he can't be trusted to be on the field unless it's a running play.
I'm not expecting the pats to be ranked at the bottom with us,but 10 seems pretty high for a guy who is almost done and a rookie. To be honest, i reckon we might go running back by committee,I can't see anyone player outperforming the others to earn 20 carries a game.They all bring something different to the table,Martin brings the vision and pass blocking,Blaylock also brings vision as well as speed,Houston is the bruiser and Washington is the 3rd down back and pass receiver.It makes sense to give them all carries and keep them fresh.It would probably mean that Martin would end up with less carries than Dillon. Who are the two 1st rounders on the O-line,I'm sure the media always goes on about how well they built their line from late round picks and undrafted free agents.
Ha I really wonder today if those guys that I mentioned + others not mentioned would have the nerve to fess up & admit that Herm & Bway were not worth anything & further say that the 2 of them left us in a very, very deep crapper
you gotta be kidding me i mean curtis got injured all we did was run the ball cuz we were usin our third string qb. How are you going to say blaylock had a bad season he fricken broke his leg. Houston played pretty well for a rookie didnt he avg like 4yds a carry. Bj askew avg over 4 a carry and o yea we drafted leon washington i dk about u but that sounds like a bunch of backs that are lookin to make somethin happen im lookin forward to this year
Who are we better than? We probably are last. But anything can happen. We were probably in the top 8 or so coming into the year and now we're last. If the line is as good as it can be, it's not completely unreasonable for Martin to have a resurgence.
Expect this OL to struggle w/ run blocking to start. Mangold and D brick maybe first rounders, but both are considered athletic and mobile types, rather than run blocking maulers. They certainly have the potential to be good zone run blockers, but implementing that type of scheme is going to take time from a mental and physical standpoint. People just assume that b/c Brick and Mangold were first rounders that they are perfect linemen ready to make our OL elite. But just like any skill position there are different styles of O-linemen that have certain strengths and weaknesses. Both of thse guys can pass block w/ the best of them, and can get to the 2nd level in a hurry..but both need to get stronger and more aggressive in the running game. It will take time. You add in an inexperienced FB, an aging/banged up RB, and a brand new passing scheme that will be working out the kinks...and we will be average at best at running the ball.
Ranking, schmanking, it's freaking July people. No one knows nothing about the '06 season yet. Let's see Martin run behind a fresh O-line with a solid QB situation week-to-week before breaking out the wreaths. The darksiders are starting out early this season.
