Official: Patriots Sign Lousaka Polite

by Greg Knopping on Dec 27, 2011 3:29 PM EST in New England Patriots News

Earlier today, it was reported that the Patriots were considering signing former Dolphins fullback Lousaka Polite. Richard Hill discussed the potential signing earlier today.

Now, the Patriots have made the move official, announcing the signing of the eight year veteran to an undisclosed contract just a few minutes ago.

Polite, 30, spent the first four years of his career with Dallas and Chicago, before spending the past three years with the Miami Dolphins, where he served as their primary lead blocking fullback and short yardage back. He was a victim of final roster cut-downs for Miami this year in training camp, getting released in favor of the younger and more versatile Charles Clay.

Interestingly, Polite will be the first fullback on the Patriots' 53 man roster since Heath Evans in 2008. He could also be considered the first "true" fullback on the team since Fred McCrary in 2003 (Patrick Pass and Evans were hybrid types).Growing up, fullback was one of my primary positions when I played football, so I will always have a soft spot for the big guys at a position that is becoming more and more obsolete in today's pass happy NFL.

Polite should be a welcomed addition as a short yardage back, where he has become notorious for his ability to convert 3rd and one and 4th and one attempts. In addition, while his run blocking can be inconsistent at times, the Patriots likely intend to use him some in that role, as the player the Patriots have primary used as their blocking fullback, guard Donald Thomas, will likely be forced into the starting lineup with the injury to starting left guard Logan Mankins.

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Well

As long as he’s actually healthy, I can’t hate on it. Can’t say I have any idea of who he is, though.

I learned how to make a sig just so it can say "DFA Darnell MacDonald". That means it must happen.

by Tai on Dec 27, 2011 3:41 PM EST reply actions

I have a few buddies who are big Dolphins fans

He was a fan favorite

by Greg Knopping on Dec 27, 2011 3:44 PM EST up reply actions

That's a good sign : )

I learned how to make a sig just so it can say "DFA Darnell MacDonald". That means it must happen.

by Tai on Dec 27, 2011 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

Loved Heath Evans when he was here

Ok with another former dolphin.

by gnatecolby on Dec 27, 2011 3:45 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Could be a solid locker room presence heading into the playoffs...

…but he’ll probably be released before the playoffs because I just said that.

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by Richard Hill on Dec 27, 2011 4:19 PM EST reply actions

Adding a fullback was necessary for a few reasons:

One, because of Donald Thomas potentially not being able to fill that void and two, because we don’t have the three TE package so we’ll need the additional blocker to come from somewhere else. Adding a tested vet with a good ability to convert short yardage seems like a fantastic idea to give our running game a boost in the playoffs.

the artist formerly known as amadeus

'I don't make my living by making my living. My time is so important that I can't compromise my taste- or my idea of what's right- simply to match someone else's view of what's a good, calculated move"- Robert Plant

contributing writer at www.HeadkickLegend.com and www.PatsPulpit.com

by Austin Martin on Dec 27, 2011 4:26 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Wasn’t Polite one of the top fullbacks of the league a couple years ago? He could really help.

by bloppy_ploppy on Dec 27, 2011 5:19 PM EST reply actions

Polite saw action on short yardage situations. In 2008 he got 83 yards rushing, on 23 attempts, and 51 yards on 11 receptions. He also gained 11 first downs in 12 attempts on 3rd or 4th and one.

In 2009 he played in all 16 games for the first time in his career. That year he racked up 123 yards rushing, his career high, on 37 attempts. He also converted all 16 attempts on 3rd or 4th and one.

In 2010 he played in all 16 games for the second year in a row. He had 62 yards rushing on 26 attempts and also a rushing touchdown, what was the first of his career. He did not contribute much in the passing game having only 61 yards on 12 receptions, however 12 receptions was his career high. He was 14 of 15 in 3rd or 4th and one situations.

Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit

by Comedic.Sans on Dec 27, 2011 5:50 PM EST up reply actions

He exists. 0-0

Depth is great. Right up until you need it!!

by Vic85 on Dec 28, 2011 1:40 AM EST up reply actions

Maybe Brady won't have to take the QB sneak 3-4 times a game

We’ve seen alot of the most “effect play” the Pats have the past few weeks.
I can imagine BB looking over the tape with TFB and discussing how being under that pile feels the next day. A good FB to take that role atleast once if not twice a game and potentially create the diversion of run could create a deep pass play on 3rd n 1

GFY

by TFBismywingman on Dec 28, 2011 10:18 AM EST reply actions