Should Edgerrin James wear a Patriots uniform?
by MaPatsFan on Nov 3, 2009 8:39 PM EST
in News
37 comments
It's midway through the season and, yet again, the New England Patriots are facing the second half of the season with a depleted backfield. Sammy Morris is listed as doubtful; Fred Taylor recently had ankle surgery and best guesses have him returning by the end of the season, if at all. That leaves Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis: a guy struggling to emerge, a third down specialist, and second year man who earned his stripes last season. With Sammy and Fred, we at least had a chance of establishing a ground threat and making opposing defenses think about our backfield. Without those 2, I don't think our backfield is taken seriously at all.
This brings me to Edge, aka: Edgerrin James. Edge has had an amazing career. His 7 years with the Colts set him firmly as one of the best backs in the NFL. His first 2 years with Arizona were similar, but his star began to fade in his third with the Cardinals. Seattle Seahawks picked him up for 2009 and promptly released him after 7 games. Why?
The Seahawks' decision to sign veteran running back Edgerrin James made sense when Seattle was expecting to immediately contend for an NFC West title.
James apparently became a luxury the team couldn't afford once it struggled to a 2-5 start, particularly with Justin Forsett backing up the promise he showed during the preseason (minus that fumble Sunday).
Seattle's decision makes perfect sense. If they're not going anywhere and will, most likely, not contend for a title, why not give more playing time to other backs who could end up being the future of the franchise? It makes sense for the Seahawks to jettison him, but would it be prudent for NE to pick him up? Here's a few thoughts as to why it makes sense: a) Edge comes cheap, about $1 million cheap, b) we're in desperate need of veteran depth at running back, c) see "b".
I am not jumping for joy at having to pull a 31 year old back to our team in the middle of the season. In fact, I'm hurling over the prospect. But what's a team to do? As recently as this Monday, the Patriots have worked out 3 backs, reports Chris Gasper of the Boston Globe. Not one of these 3 have the career stats Edge has, nor the experience.
Is Edge washed up? Who knows. He's not a long term solution, but could he provide much needed depth for a faltering running game?
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i'll only say yes because i like james
but i still wan to see more maroney!
by patriotguy on Nov 3, 2009 8:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don't see it happening
Unless the prognosis on Morris and/or Taylor is a lot more dire than the team has previously said, those two guys are coming back some time in the future. They also have fair depth at RB in Maroney, Faulk and BJGE. When you factor in the fact that Edge has lost speed in the last couple of years, he’s not even a home-run threat. He’d just be a body, and only a body for however long it takes Morris and Taylor to get back. Add in that they’d have to cut someone from somewhere else, and that Edge isn’t going to be playing special teams, it’s not really worth it, with all due respect to a guy who has great statistics and long-term production.
He might well find himself back in a Colts uniform, especially given Addai and Brown have both been nicked up this season.
Token foreign guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
by Comedic.Sans on Nov 3, 2009 9:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
haha, good one MPF!
I did this a few times at that dump of a site I used to write for so I figured, hell, why not try it out over at Stampede Blue you know? At least this time someone will actually be reading it.
-Me
by KingRichard on Nov 3, 2009 9:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Gross
Please..no! What the hell is wrong with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, that’s not enough?
by Justin_Bobo on Nov 3, 2009 9:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This would be the equivalent of the Phins picking up Chambers.
An over-the-hill guy on his decline, who will merely swindle your money or picks. Pick up an RB in the draft or free-agency. Edge has lost his. Morris seems like he has some potential. Maroney is kinda terrible fwis.
Head Weatherman/ Injury Specialist of the Phinsider.
Bender: Who wants dolphin? Leela: Dolphin? But dolphins are intelligent. Bender: Not this one. He blew all his money on instant lottery tickets.
by Farorefox on Nov 3, 2009 9:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Morris...
…is as often injured as Bone-breaking Maroney. I agree with drafting a stud RB (Jahvid or Spiller would be amazing) and they can split with KF/LM/BJGE and great a great backfield. However, I feel like BB will only draft full time players in the first 2 rounds and, because of our backfield by committee, we aren’t looking for a full time rb.
by The Hill on Nov 3, 2009 11:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Belichick...
might take a flier on a part-time RB if he’s multi-dimensional. I don’t know about next year’s draft class, but if there was a Darren Sproules-type do-everything guy, that might attract Hoodie. Especially with Faulk getting older, and the lack of a stud KR/PR guy (although Edelman might become one).
Token foreign guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
by Comedic.Sans on Nov 3, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The poll needs a "maybe" option
If he’s just going to be depth for a few games while we wait for Taylor to heal, fine, especially if Morris can’t come back. But he’s not better than Maroney or Law Firm at this point.
by RSNexile on Nov 3, 2009 10:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The poll results aren't what I expected
At this moment, it’s 103 for, 38 against.
If you hired Edge, you’re basically buying into a name and a legacy, you’re not getting a running back at the top of his game. He’s averaging 2.7 yards per carry – he’d project to be below BJGE on the depth chart, especially since he doesn’t know the offence.
You’d basically be investing in a short-term third-string/ long-term fifth-string RB who doesn’t play special-teams. Meh.
Token foreign guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
by Comedic.Sans on Nov 4, 2009 12:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
For the same price...
…as the actual 3rd stringer.
by The Hill on Nov 4, 2009 12:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But losing a roster spot (probably of a special teamer) might not appeal
Since he’s a free agent, doesn’t he have leeway to negotiate a new contract with whoever picks him up? I’m pretty sure he’s owed his contract money from Seattle after the first week, like Galloway was, so any new contract would count from scratch, I would’ve thought.
Unless he retires, of course. Or pulls a Seau and retires-for-everyone-but-the-Colts. It really wouldn’t surprise me if he does that; he had a lot of loyalty to the franchise, and vice versa. He did get a Superbowl ring from the Colts while playing for the Cards. He’d only have to look down at his hand to be reminded about the Colt’s generosity.
Token foreign guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
by Comedic.Sans on Nov 4, 2009 12:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But James and Colts ended on bad terms.
by Justin_Bobo on Nov 4, 2009 7:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I heard it was a personality clash with the HC
who doesn’t happen to be there any more. More importantly, Peyton Manning is still there, as is a significant number of James’s long-term team-mates.
Token foreign guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
by Comedic.Sans on Nov 4, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
its not about getting an RB at the top of his game
its about getting depth.
The Patriots would not have worked out 3 RBs if they didn’t have at least SOME depth concerns.
None of those guys figure to be better than Faulk-Maroney-Green-Ellis either. So the Patriots are clearly looking for depth because, frankly at this point in the season you are not going to find a stud, starting RB anywhere.
The only question is whether Edge has more value than other depth options.
Even if he’s slowed down a lot and no longer has home run ability, he still could provide value if he can move the pile for short yardage. He’s big and he’s an excellent reciever out of the backfield. Folks may not realize that he has more career receptions than Kevin Faulk! And he’s very football smart.
If they could get him for cheap, he’d make an excellent addition. It all comes down to price / value.
by mmmmm on Nov 4, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Patriots work out players every year at this time
They always say it’s for emergency purposes, to update the free agent files so they have an idea who’ll fit in best if extra depth is needed.
Keep the faith!
by Marima on Nov 4, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Three is still depth, two is bare minimum
We went with Law Firm and Faulk for a couple games last year. I voted YES, but only if we’d have to IR someone. Edge doesn’t make sense otherwise. We can ride three backs for awhile until someone heals up. If it drops to two, we’ll need someone quickly. None of our guys is a workhorse back.
My life has been a trivial pursuit. Trivia: where three roads meet.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Nov 4, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"until someone heals up"
I’m hoping that’s either Taylor or Morris or both and soon!
Keep the faith!
by Marima on Nov 4, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He would project as a third- or fourth-stringer
except he wouldn’t be doing any of the special teams duties that you’d expect of a guy that low down on the depth-chart. He might add some value, but probably not enough if you’re going to have to cut some other guy to get him – the guy you cut is most likely a back-up or third string guy who does take on special teams duties. If they need a running back, they’d probably pick up some guy who can run back kicks or block for returns or can play gunner. Edge is none of these.
Token foreign guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
by Comedic.Sans on Nov 4, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you serious?
The Pats running game is fine. Don’t fix it if it isn’t broken!! Elmo, Law Firm and the oh so steady Falk are a great mix of speed, dance and reliability. By the way, wouldn’t Jahvid Best fit right in if it was possible?
Those of you who think you know everything just annoy those of us who do!!
by Sully F on Nov 4, 2009 4:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Old and done
Current Phinsider Feud Points: 23
Sparano: Joey Porter, What is best in life?
Porter: To crush The Jets, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of Mark Sanchez
by Patssuck456 on Nov 4, 2009 11:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Oh gawd no!
That would make me very, very sad.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Nov 4, 2009 12:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
For that reason alone, we should get Edge.
Just before the Colts game.
My life has been a trivial pursuit. Trivia: where three roads meet.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Nov 4, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
DID I JUST READ THAT
we are good with maroney fuck edgerrin
by andrew29910 on Nov 4, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Edge
I feel like he could at least be serviceable. He won’t be a No. 1 guy, so there’s less pressure on him. He has the ability to break out with this situation — it could push him. Playing for a great team and a great coach does a lot for a guy that people think is over the hill (ahem, Randy Moss?).
Let’s hope the price is right…
by Randy Booth on Nov 4, 2009 7:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Do you intend to cut him when Morris and Taylor get back?
Token foreign guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
by Comedic.Sans on Nov 4, 2009 7:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Belichick has said that it isn't the best plan to bring in a player from outside the system mid-season
He was asked about it around the NFL trading deadline. I just don’t see it ever happening unless they’re in dire straits.
Keep the faith!
by Marima on Nov 4, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
James is CLASS - thus would never fit with the Patriots
That’s the bottom line. Edge has class, always has and always will. He would never lower himself to play with a classless organization with a classless coach. The Patriots would be better with him though.
by Moof on Nov 4, 2009 8:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Cowboys? Don't kid yourself. JJ's a thug buddy.
Head Weatherman/ Injury Specialist of the Phinsider.
Bender: Who wants dolphin? Leela: Dolphin? But dolphins are intelligent. Bender: Not this one. He blew all his money on instant lottery tickets.
by Farorefox on Nov 4, 2009 9:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Joining Pats Pulpit solely to post abuse?
Oh yes. You should really do lectures about classiness, you’re obviously the epitome.
Token foreign guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
by Comedic.Sans on Nov 4, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
HEy
Not to be a dick but check this out
http://www.thephinsider.com/2009/11/4/1115396/i-hate-being-the-medias-under-dog?login=1257387352
by Acemmett on Nov 4, 2009 9:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Haven't you posted this like 5 million times here?
Yeah, the Dolphins did good. The Packers have done good. The 49ers have done good. The Steelers have done good. The Cowboys have done good. The Patriots have done good. On and on and on. What I care about is how they’re doing now. Yesterday’s withered, tomorrow’s yet a seed, today is ripe for the picking.
My life has been a trivial pursuit. Trivia: where three roads meet.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Nov 5, 2009 10:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Does the name Corey Dillon strike a familiar note?
Corey Dillon came in and ran for only 1,600 yards and blasted in the endzone when we needed him too. Oh and yes we won a Super Bowl that year it was #3 out of 4
Of course we should get Edgerin and on the way to the airport we should drop Mulroney off and see if he can get back to the stadium. I just don’t know about him. We have enough draft choices next year to get a real good strong back and some more fricken linebackers and two speedy wide receivers. I hope the patriots tear the dolphins head off this sunday. I hate the dolphins and their minor league format. This is the NFL!! Hey Merriweather dolphins, kill
by OB1 on Nov 5, 2009 12:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Corey Dillon was a completely different kettle of fish
Firstly, he was younger – Edge is on the very tail-end of his career, but Dillon had two or three good seasons in him before he hit the dreaded 30-year-old hump that kills HBs. Edge is already well past that milestone, and he’s definitely showing it – 2.8 yards per carry at the Seahawks.
Secondly, Dillon had a whole preseason to get to know the playbook. Edge would have to pick up the playbook from scratch, learn all the intricacies, and be able to churn out yardage from day one. That’s not easy to do; Galloway is as experienced as Edge and he couldn’t do it in six months.
Thirdly, aquiring Edge means that somebody’s going to be the odd man out when Morris and Taylor return – and it would probably be Edge. So you’d be signing a veteran back who hasn’t shown recent form, to work in a playbook he doesn’t know, for a very limited timeframe. Why bother? Even if he picked it up instantly, he’s only going to be the third-string back, and he’s too old and slow to play special teams. He wouldn’t be likely to make it onto the game-day roster, mainly because he doesn’t add any value elsewhere. So you’d be cutting someone to get a guy who doesn’t even make the team.
There’s no need to cut some guy to pick up a 31 year old back who is only getting 3 yards a carry. He adds nothing to running game that is already expecting to regain two 30+ year old running backs from injury. It will only happen if (and hope that it doesn’t) Maroney or Green-Ellis go down. That’s the only way.
Token foreign guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
by Comedic.Sans on Nov 5, 2009 1:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bad fit
James is no doubt at the end of his career, and I don’t think his remaining skills fit our needs very well. I could see him add some value on third down, because he is both an excellent pass blocker and a real threat to run.
So, if Faulk was injured instead of Morris / Taylor, I could see the use, but if anything the need is for a powerful runner for first down / short yardage situations. James can no longer offer this.
by hythlodaeus on Nov 5, 2009 2:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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