FOXBOROUGH - For nearly the entirety of Bill Belichick’s run as Patriots head coach and de facto GM, the team has consistently had a high-level third-down back. Not only that, I would argue they’ve always had a plan for that spot, ready to pivot from one guy to the next, whether it was age, contract-related or injury.
In their Super Bowl-winning seasons, Tom Brady had the luxury of having Kevin Faulk (three titles), Shane Vereen (one - 52 catches in 2014 and 11 more in the SB) and James White (two) as sure-handed, smart, reliable, tough backs that were called upon in big spots and rarely disappointed.
Even though Faulk came before the rule changes that made it harder and harder to defend against pass (thanks, Bill Polian), he is the player we measure against all that followed him. And as the rules became more lenient, Faulk became even more valuable, catching a career-high 58 passes in 2008. That number stood the test of time in Foxborough until White strung together four of the best seasons any 3rd down back could have.
2016: 60 catches/551 yards/5 TDs
2017: 56 catches/429 yards/3 TDs
2018: 87 catches (123 targets)/751 yards/7 TDs
2019: 72 catches/645 yards/5 TDs
But since White’s injury in Mac Jones’ rookie season, the Pats haven’t had a player dedicated to that role, unless you want to count every-down back Rhamondre Stevenson, who had to do everything a season ago. His 69 catches are second all-time for RBs in franchise history, but at what cost? Stevenson was worn down at season's end, and was still being managed this summer, perhaps an indication the team knows it can’t do that again and expect the 3rd year runner to be at his best in December and January.
Then again, considering the fact that the Pats did nothing to address the position until this week, with the signing of Ezekiel Elliott, who remains more a short-yardage specialist than pass catcher at this point in his career, maybe they thought they could either once again get by with what they have - including riding Stevenson into the ground - or have misplaced faith in Ty Montgomery, who hasn’t been productive in the league since the 2018 season and is always hurt, including right now.
Regardless of what the eventual outcome is, it seems neglectful that the Pats didn’t find the next player in this long line to assume that role, instead prioritizing other positions, particularly defense, in free agency and the draft. That security blanket is invaluable to a quarterback - ask Brady - and, in turn, to the entire offense. Jerick McKinnon was out there and signed for peanuts ($1.37 million) to remain with the Chiefs. Samaje Perine went for $7.5 million over 2 years in Denver. Both would have been terrific fits in Foxborough, but instead, the Pats decided to run it back with Montgomery, fresh off a half-game played a season ago. Risky, and a situation that bears watching as we go forward.
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We have talked repeatedly in this space - and others - about the Pats having massive issues on the offensive line. But I took a glass-half-full approach last week, suggesting that while it hasn’t been good, the repetitions that these younger players are getting could prove to be beneficial down the line. Turns out, former Pats offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia agrees (I’ll take a quick victory lap for that).
In his weekly interview on WEEI’s “Gresh and Fauria Show,” Scar said he’d want to play the likes of Atonio Mafi, Jake Andrews and Sidy Sow as much as possible this summer, “accelerating that growing process.” Why? Because, as the Patriot Hall of Famer to-be noted, you’re probably going to need one or two of these guys during the season. Considering the injury issues the Pats have already had here in July and August, and just in general when you look at how rare it is to make it through an entire season with the same starting five, he’s spot on. Closest I can remember to a fully healthy campaign was the 2016 Pats, who got the full 16 games from Shaq Mason, Joe Thuney and David Andrews, and 15 from starting tackles Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon. That year ended with a Super Bowl win. Continuity matters, but is incredibly rare. You better have quality depth and perhaps the Pats will have that sooner rather than later.
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Taking a closer look at the AFC East (this is probably going to be a weekly thing here), offensive line play has been an issue in both New York and Miami. If you watch Hard Knocks, Robert Saleh challenged his group, which has struggled to protect Aaron Rodgers at times this summer. The oft-injured Mekhi Becton may be a massive key to their success, and he is still building up strength and confidence in that knee that cost him all of last year.
As for the Dolphins, Terron Armstead was carted off the field Thursday. He later posted video of him walking normally, and it is reported his targeting week one. So it wasn’t just a bump or bruise. In fact, it feels like it’s only a matter of time for Armstead. He is an elite talent, but there is a reason why he didn’t have an obscene number of suitors when he hit free agency a year ago: injuries. He is ALWAYS hurt.
Games Started
2013: 6
2014: 14
2015: 13
2016: 7
2017: 10
2018: 10
2019: 15
2020: 14
2021: 8
2022: 13 (his first in Miami)
The Fins had no choice but to pony up the big cash for him, considering their line play in prior years, and when he’s in there, Armstead is worth every penny. It’s just the whole “in there” thing that is an issue. If he’s not healthy, or right, that will certainly have a ripple effect on the rest of that group and the offense in general.
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Meanwhile, in Buffalo, Damien Harris finally returned to the practice field after dealing with a sore knee. It hasn’t gone smoothly for the former Patriot running back. Prior to the injury, Harris had fallen behind not only James Cook, who is poised for a big year, but also the ageless Latavious Murray, who has been beastly in camp so far. Could Harris find himself on the chopping block? Or to be used as a trade chip? I’d guess the Bills will remain “in” on Harris for a bit, but his lack of durability has once again reared its ugly head.
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One more offensive line note… the Jaguars drafted Anton Harrison in the first round - 27th overall - hoping he would be able to make a quick impact on their offensive line. By all accounts, he’s doing just that. Harrison provided a clean sheet pass blocking in his preseason opener, and is drawing some rave reviews.
According to the Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville offensive line coach Phil Rauscher said of Harrison, “His feet are the best I’ve seen out of a rookie. We drafted Christian Darrisaw when I was in Minnesota in the first round and Christian’s an unbelievable player, but foot-speed-wise, Anton’s got him beat in that sense.”
The Pats did look at Harrison during the pre-draft process but obviously went a different direction in the draft, trading back a few spots in the first round before taking cornerback Christian Gonzalez. I’d argue tackle and corner are two of the most important positions in today’s game, and while you can’t project what one player would do in another system, I will keep my eye on Harrison going forward.