The LaMont Jordan Factor

The addition of another running back was, to me, a surprise move.  But, then again, Belichick and crew can come up with some interesting stuff.  Who on earth would've thought Moss would come here and thrive as much as he did?  I mean, honestly, when we first made that transaction, I was on the fence.  Granted, the dude had talent, but it seems Belichick is a master at identifying disenfranchised talent as well as creating an environment where players WANT to do well and fit into the system.  Randy "Problem Child" Moss comes on board and has a monster 2007.  Say what you will about him dogging it when the ball's not going his way, he is a massive threat when on the field, no question about it.

But this story isn't about Randy.  It's about another Raiders castoff, LaMont Jordan (guaranteed I'm going to forget to capitalize that M in LaMont 1 out of every 3 times this season).  I did not see this coming.  I was totally blindsided by this move.  With Maroney and Morris healthy, I thought we had all we needed to mount an impressive running attack.  Heck, Maroney had 4 100 yard games in the last 6 games of the season and he really kicked it up a notch (sorry Emeril).  Sammy didn't do too bad, either.  While stepping in for the injured Maroney in weeks 4 & 5, Morris logged 100+ yard games as well.  Not too shabby for a running attack that's constantly berated as sub-par.

Then LaMont pretty much rolls off the couch and into a Patriots uniform, after passing the required running tests.  Here it is.  We suddenly have serious depth in the RB position.  Not only depth, but a back that can do many things well.  He's fast and physical; at 5-10 230 lbs, I wouldn't want to be in the way of THAT freight train.  He's also got very good hands like another RB favorite of mine, Kevin Faulk; can you imagine the damage he could do to a tiny little cornerback during an option situation?  It reminds me of Bill Cosby's "Buck Buck" routine when Fat Albert was building up speed to jump on the buck buck pile, "Buildings losing pieces of brick, mothers taking their kids off the streets.  He turned the corner and the guys said What is that?  We give, we're not lettin' him jump on us!"  Except he's not fat.  He's more like a Tasmanian Devil, if you ask me.  LaMont "Taz" Jordan - has a nice ring to it, don't you think?  I'll have to call him up and suggest it.

I digress.  LaMont adds many new dimensions to the backfield.  He can act as an FB due to his size, adding depth with Evans and Eckel.  He can jump in on third down or option situations like a Kevin Faulk.  And, last but not least, he can run it down a defense's throat as a pure running back like Maroney and Morris.  As Ogor said in his most excellent comment:

I see us using him as an alternative to a blocking TE/FB. He can block, can run, and can catch passes. I think if we line him up as a FB/TE, it will create even more fits for the defense. Just imagine this line-up and try to figure out a defense: Moss, Welker, Watson, Jordan, Maroney out of the Strong-I.

Cover-2, Tampa-2, 3-4, 4-3... it won't matter.  That just puts too many weapons on the field at one time.  The only thing Brady will have to figure out is which weapon to use.  They'll all be fully loaded.