Patriots FB Heath Evans agrees to terms with Saints

by MaPatsFan on Mar 5, 2009 8:48 PM EST in New England Patriots News

He must've gotten sick of Chowdah and decided Gumbo was in order (Pssst, dude. enough with the corny jokes already). Moving on...The big man of the backfield, fullback Heath Evans has agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints. After spending 3 years with the Patriots, he's decided to move on. As Mike Reiss points out:

Because the Patriots are more of a one-back running team, they don't utilize a lead-blocking fullback regularly, although Evans offered them the flexibility to morph into a two-back attack

I hate to see anyone go, but to be very honest, this is not a huge loss for us. I like Heath, don't get me wrong, but he was never utilized in our pass happy system. And, with the addition of Fred Taylor, it's very likely we wouldn't be carrying more than five backs (Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis).

Another wrinkle to this? Let's not forget backup center/guard/long snapper Russ Hochstein is a darn versatile guy:

His versatility to play center and guard -- as well as his duties as a backup long snapper -- have earned him a consistent spot on the team's 45-man game-day roster. Hochstein also dabbled with some fullback duties late last season in a power run-based package.

You read that right - Russ sometimes takes on FB duties. It's a sight to see, folks. A 300 lb OL as a blocking back for one of the backfield five. Ya gotta love Belichick and his ability to utilize players in many different places.

Good luck Heath and thanks!

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I can’t help but feel sad to see him go, but it’s true that half our runs are out of the shotgun anyways.

"These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick

by Mainiac on Mar 5, 2009 11:21 PM EST reply actions

Sad, but these things happen

I agree this is no big loss and I wish Evans all the best in his new job.

Still I think he is worth a bit more consideration. The way he joined the team, played there and left again is just so typical of the Patriots. Cut by Miami he was picked up to have his brain picked, but he also contributed as a runner when injuries had cut down the options. Never a player of great talent he could not himself turn a team into a contender, but he always worked hard, did what he was told to do and performed to the best of his abilities – and this, of course, is the Patriot way: Not just enabling the stars but putting mid-level players in a position to succeed, move on and cash in.

by hythlodaeus on Mar 6, 2009 3:32 AM EST reply actions