The 4-Headed Monster

Yes, Tom Brady set the single season touchdown pass record with 50 in 2007.
Yes, Randy Moss set the single season touchdown reception record with 23 the same year.
Yes, Wes Welker is the slot machine with 223 total receptions in his two years with the Patriots.
Yes, Brady is AMAZING, the Pats passing attack is going to be a greater air show than the Blue Angels and their death-defying air acrobatics.

But...they're going to dominate you on the ground too, just because they can.

The Patriots drafted a high-potential running back with their first round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft; Laurence Maroney. This Minnesota product was part of a great running duo with the help of Marion Barber III, now with the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, Barber has had a better NFL career thus far; but both average the same yards per carry average of 4.3. Here's a video of the Minnesota Duo. Maroney has been a disappointment so far, only because his potential seemed so high. Plagued by injuries, only played 3 games last season, and seems to have a huge problem hitting the holes. We know it's not the line because even BenJarvus Green-Ellis blasts through them. Is Maroney trying too hard? We know he's got it in him, we've seen plenty of great runs out of him. This year he needs to be more consistent, not afraid to hit those holes at full speed, and people will stop hating on him. This will be his fourth year in the system, and it's a primetime for him to once and for all be his best every single down, or his future may lie elsewhere.

Then we have old faithful, Kevin Faulk. This will be his 11th NFL season, all with the Patriots, and he has been nothing but reliable. Whether the Pats are at home or away, behind or ahead, rushing or receiving, Faulk will get it done. No, he's not super flashy and finesse, or a bulldozer, but he will make the tricky catches in clutch situations, and he will fight his heart out for that inch he needs for a first down. Plain and simple, Faulk gets it done and is also an excellent blocker who can pick up the fiercest linebackers in the NFL so they don't touch Brady.

Sammy Morris has spent his entire NFL career in the AFC East; 4 seasons with the Bills, 3 with Miami, and this will be his 3rd in Foxboro. It was a very big deal when he came to New England in 2007 because that's when the Patriots ground attack looked amazing. Morris is a beefy back at 6 feet 220 pounds. He has quick speed and the brute power needed to knock you off your feet. So you can imagine how having a beast, a finesse, and a clutch were going to make for a great tandem in 2007. Unfortunately, Morris only played 6 games in the Patriots record breaking 16-0 season. And then of course last year Brady went down so we have yet to see this 3 running back tandem go a full season with Brady and company. Another key reason that Morris is a great asset to the team: in 2008 he had 56 rush attempts in 1st quarters (more than any other quarters) for 275 total yards - he also gained 450 of his total season yardage when the Patriots were in the lead. So clearly, this power running back is used to tire the defense quick and early. A big reason why the Patriots tend to take a lead early and never give it up.

Sammy Morris BullDozer
Sammy Morris Speed

If that wasn't enough to get you a little excited, here's some more for you to chew on. The Patriots also acquire Fred Taylor. Taylor, 9th overall pick in the 1998 draft spent his first 11 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and ran for over 11,000 yards in that time. He has the build of Sammy Morris, and has 7 1,000 yard seasons. For the past three seasons he has averaged more yards per carry when his team is behind. The Patriots have brought in a 230 pound beast that can beat you with footwork or strength. He has the impressive ability to change direction, bounce off defenders, and find separation very quickly. Taylor also brings 11 years of experience and leadership qualities that can only help the locker room.


Fred Taylor Highlights A must see.


I mean...seriously? Is this even legal? Not only do we get to see Brady back with more talent and experience at the receiver position than in 2007, but we also get this 4 headed monster to run the ball down the field? This isn't just about having depth at running back. While it is monumental to have 4 backs to share the load and give eachother rest, they all bring something different to the table. This gives unlimited options for the Patriots in how they run their offense every single down. They will have an answer for anything the defense throws at them. They will be giving the defenses an answer even when there isn't a question. So what, your team figured out how to cover Moss, Welker, and Galloway with minimal efficiency? Guarantee you can't do that while stopping the run. So what's it going to be NFL defenses - Let the Patriots run the ball down your throat, eat up the clock, and let your offense have the ball for 20 minutes? Or crowd the line, attempt to stuff the running attack and let Brady air out 5 touchdowns on you?