Zeke joins the Fray

    

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1a7BEtOW6ZcisgjD0g2oyeGh4bDr9ne6k



    The New England Patriots have completed their first pre season game against the Houston Texans... it wasn't pretty. It was a good shot for 2nd & 3rd stringers to show off their stuff and show coach Belichick the depth the Patriots possess. Long story short the depth is miniscule. The one bright spot was the potential of the likes of a Malik Cunningham who had flashes of greatness in his NFL debut, which will be a whole other post. Off of what we saw the running back depth was tested and it... failed. Pierre Strong on 6 carries had 21 yards against the Houston's backups. Kevin Harris on 8 carries had 10 yards. Pretty abysmal performance from the two backs. There are definite arguments regarding the offensive line which indeed will be another whole post regarding the Patriots. The line looks like it could be one of the worst in the entire league. But essentially against the Houston Texans backups, being the lowest bar the Patriots could really play the RB room laid an egg.  

    Enter Ezekiel Elliot, the Patriots gave him a 1 year 6 million dollar deal. Including a 1 million signing bonus, 3 million guaranteed and 2 million in incentives. Zeke was one of two high profile free agent backs available in free agency. Bill saw enough of Strong and Harris where he finally caved and gave Zeke the bag. A contract that is player friendly regarding the market going for not just Running Backs but back up Running Backs. 

    Elliot was tied for 6th most touchdowns for running backs at 12. Tying with the likes of Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard, two franchise carrying backs, of course Zeke was the back up to Pollard but the two had distinct roles for running the Cowboys offense. Pollard was the back that could crush heavy gains early in the series. Where as Elliot would be a 3rd and short type power back.

    What does Zeke bring to the table? The main thing is someone to help Rhamondre Stevenson carry the load of 17 game season. Rhamondre Stevenson is the best player on the Patriots offense. Him taking each and every snap this year will exhibit where and tear on his body and hurt the asset in the long run for the Patriots. Zeke can also teach Stevenson a lot about the position and how he was able create success in his career. What Belichick will use Zeke for better than anybody is blocking. One of Ezekiel Elliot's greatest traits is pass blocking. He is a strong force and will help be apart of the wall built to protect Mac Jones, who is a statue pocket passing QB that can read defenses well, throw accurately but is very much immobile. Protecting Mac Jones and giving him time to go through his reads is essential for the Patriots passing offense to fly. Zeke will play a role in this especially due to the suffering stage that offensive line is currently in. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Red Sox Through the Month of March

Image
       The Boston Red Sox started off their 2025 regular season campaign on March 27th against the 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers. The Sox had lofty expectations headed into the Regular Season. Notable additions being super star left handed pitcher Garret Crochet, 2 time World Series champion Walker Buehler and Houston Astros super star 3rrd baseman Alex Bregman.     The Boston Red Sox put up a fantastic showing on opening day with a 5 inning performance from Garret Crochet giving up 2 earned and 5 hits. Not the strongest but with Garret Whitlock in the rotation the Red Sox were able to weather the Ranger offense until the dynamic duo of Kristian Campbell and Wilyer Abreu showed up and showed out. Kampbell in the late innings came up huge with competitive at bats leading to his first base hit and and set up walk. Abreu made the noise on opening night with a pair of homer runs including the game winner in the 8th inning.     While opening...
Read more

Week 1 Pats/Bengals

Image
          The NFL season has kicked off with the New England Patriots heading into the Jungle, Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati Ohio. The Patriots started the week as the biggest underdog in the slate of NFL games this week. I am no gambler but to the loyal Foxboro faithful, congratulations on cashing in on a major upset. Yes the New England Patriots coming off a 4-13 season went into Paycor and upset the 2022 AFC Championship winner,     Honestly the absence of Mac Jones under center cannot be understated. Jacoby Brissett is not behind the best offensive line in the league. Most would argue that on paper they are one of if not THE worst unit in the league. Brissett under pressure made some clutch throws. Hanging in the pocket and making some big time throws to players such as Austin Hooper who led the team in receiving guards with 31 yards. Along with Tyquan Thornton and KJ Osborne who went for 27 and 21 yards respectively. The offense undoubtedly ha...
Read more

Landslide on Lansdowne!

Image
             The 40-42 Boston Red Sox had lofty expectations going into the 2025 Major League Baseball season. After key free agency signings of Alex Bregman, Walker Buehler, and Aroldis Chapman, trading for Superstar Left hander Garret Crochet, the return of Garret Whitlock, and Trevor Story, the Boston Red Sox had immense buzz, and optimism leading into the Regular Season. With Juan Soto leaving the division, and Gerrit Cole going down with a Tommy John surgery in early March, the path was paved for not only a Wild Card berth, but even competition for the division. The soap opera that has been the Boston Baseball Red Sox have shown anything but competitiveness for the American League East Division.      The major story of this season rides along the story of 3rd baseman Rafael Devers, and the dramatics of him giving up his position to make room for superstar free agent signing Alex Bregman. Rafael Devers was a brat during this process,...
Read more