Who's OK with BJGE as RB?

[vancelot23]

Let me be clear, I'm not saying BJGE is an all-pro in waiting, but the notion that Bush is some kind of wunderkind is just false. He was ASKED to catch it more, so he did. He's also not as good a blocker than BJGE. I've seen enough of BJGE to see that he has good form and good hands. He doesn't have much speed to get YAC, which is probably why he was out on passing downs in NE.

 

[vancelot23]

Bush also only averaged 3.8 YPC last season and wore out down the stretch, rushing for no more than 78 yards after week 10.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I wonder how good NE's OL was at run blocking. BJ was averaging around 4.4 the in 2009 and 2010, and then 3.7 last year. Granted, Brady did throw the ball over 600 times last year, so that will hurt when the RB doesn't get as many carries, but it could also lead to the OL being more apt to being built around guys or schemes better for pass-blocking. This would also lead to hurting the run game, in terms of overall blocking because, while I do think Gronk could block, I have my doubts about Hernandez being abel to hold up at the point of attack.

Since I don't watch NE, this is simply a question, more really, than a statement. If anyone knows how well this line actually did while blocking the run, please chime in.

 

[jwil007]

That's a lame argument. BJGE is as good a receiver as Bush. Just because he didn't have as many catches doesn't mean he's not.

I saw BGE burn Bart Scott for 18 yards down the seam in preseason game 1...I call it a prelude to a season of plays we dont know about...... YET.

BGE is going to bust someone's ass because they will think he cant do it because he RARELY has....That catch should show you what he is capable of....

 

[vancelot23]

They're built for pass blocking. It's what they do. Having said that, they are all solid run blockers, so that's not necessarily the issue. BJGE doesn't hit holes very quickly, and just doesn't have a ton of burst. That said, the Pats don't run the ball much, so it's also hard to get into any kind of rhythm.

 

[flamingrey]

Bush also only averaged 3.8 YPC last season and wore out down the stretch, rushing for no more than 78 yards after week 10.

He didn't wear out. He was playing against stacked boxes when the Raiders lost 2 of their top 3 receivers with nothing behind them.

Nonetheless, in the games after Week 10 he had games of 93, 45, 97, 139, 94, and 79 total yards. Average of 91 total yards/game.

He "only" averaged 3.8 ypc, but our current starting running back "only" averaged 3.7 ypc last season as well.

The only thing you've provided so far in support of BJGE is speculation.

 

[Cincyfan78]

I think we would all feel better about our RB if the offensive line situation wasn't so muddled.

Going to be a tough test going against B-more with a brand new center and two rookie guards. Plus, Whit has not looked the best this pre-season (Injury?).

 

[flamingrey]

Even though this started as a mark of Bush's abilities in the pass catching game over BJGE, Bush seems to be the consensus better back with the media/pundits as well:

2012 NFL Free Agency: Running back rankings - CBSSports.com

WalterFootball.com: 2011 NFL Free Agents - Running Backs

2012 NFL Free Agents: Ranking the 10 Best Running Backs | Bleacher Report

 

[vancelot23]

He probably is, but it's not by much. Profootballfocus lists BJGE as the better back. There was another site too, I can't remember which it was now, that had BJGE more highly ranked.

 

[flamingrey]

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/02/23/ranking-the-2012-free-agents-running-backs/

Bush is ranked higher.

 

[bengaldoug]

The only thing the numbers tell us for sure is he's good around the goal line, and has never fumbled, two things Cedric Benson for certain can not say. They don't say he was a better option than Bush, and they don't say he's a good receiver out of the backfield. For whatever reason New England used others in the passing game. I too saw the circle route that he abused Bart Scott on in the preseason game with the Jets, and it was an impressive play, but it was only one play. I'm also highly doubtful of our OL's ability to run block, so I'm not too certain of the success of our run game no matter who is back there. B Scott gives me many more misgivings than Green-Ellis does right now, since he has been earmarked to split carries with Green-Ellis, and his history suggests he won't hold up for long.

 

[DanBengalfan]

I would agree good at goal line and not fumbling.

I would also expect us to "platoon" our running backs a bit more

 

[kramer1]

To summarize....

We're going to get our asses kicked. Same shit, different year.

Can I get a Who Dey?!

 

[vancelot23]

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/02/23/ranking-the-2012-free-agents-running-backs/

Bush is ranked higher.

Lol. One spot difference and BJGE has the higher grade from 2011.

 

[cincygrad]

There was talk in the offseason about Bart Scott being cut. He's not the 'same' Bart Scott that signed a monster contract after his days with the Ravens.

The Firm is nothing but a very average back at best - And he might really suck. We really didn't improve the position - Unless you factor in the added bonus that we no longer have to hear about our starting back beating up his boyfriend in the offseason.

 

[bengaldoug]

There was talk in the offseason about Bart Scott being cut. He's not the 'same' Bart Scott that signed a monster contract after his days with the Ravens.

The Firm is nothing but a very average back at best - And he might really suck. We really didn't improve the position - Unless you factor in the added bonus that we no longer have to hear about our starting back beating up his boyfriend in the offseason.

I must respectfully disagree....Benson was a turnover machine who fumbled, dropped passes, and generally sucked in short yardage and around the goal line......BJGE is an upgrade in all those areas.....what sucks is they're going to be giving B Scott half the touches......they need to upgrade the second back too if he's going to be splitting carries.......

 

[cincygrad]

[/B]


I must respectfully disagree....Benson was a turnover machine who fumbled, dropped passes, and generally sucked in short yardage and around the goal line......BJGE is an upgrade in all those areas.....what sucks is they're going to be giving B Scott half the touches......they need to upgrade the second back too if he's going to be splitting carries.......

I'll be shocked if the Firm gains as many yards as Benson did last season. I hate Brokeback and I agree that the fumbling issues were the last straw for the dude.... But I just don't see the Firm as a full-time back and I don't think we have upgraded enough to perform behind our inexperienced line. I hope I'm wrong!

 

[flamingrey]

Lol. One spot difference and BJGE has the higher grade from 2011.

Of course he does. He started every game last season, not just 9. There's a reason he graded higher in 2011, yet was still ranked lower as a FA.

 

[vancelot23]

BJGE is a starter in 2012. Michael Bush is keeping Matt Forte's spot in the meeting room warm.

 

[cincygrad]

BJGE is a starter in 2012. Michael Bush is keeping Matt Forte's spot in the meeting room warm.

Brandon Tate is a starter in 2012..... Apparently being a starter doesn't mean too much.