Olympian Jeff Demps already on IR for Pats

[ReMeDy]

http://www.nfl.com/n..._headline_stack

I guess in hindsight, it's a good thing the Colts didn't take him! The Colts were one of the "interested" teams. After the departure of Benjarvus and now this IR injury, the Pats may have some issues at HB.

[21isSuperman]

The Pats haven't had a strong running game for many years now. It's unfortunate that Demps is on IR, but I don't think he was the answer to the Pats' running problems. Maroney was a bust and BJGE was a really good back, but the Pats were never a running threat for whatever reason (maybe their O-line's run blocking wasn't the best, maybe they wanted to use Brady as much as possible, maybe BJGE was really good, but not great). The current Pats look to me like the older Colts teams; suspect defense, offensive line that is much better at pass blocking than run blocking, and an offense that relies almost entirely on their star QB. That wasn't a shot against the Patriots, it's just how I see them.

[Andy]

The Pats haven't had a strong running game for many years now. It's unfortunate that Demps is on IR, but I don't think he was the answer to the Pats' running problems. Maroney was a bust and BJGE was a really good back, but the Pats were never a running threat for whatever reason (maybe their O-line's run blocking wasn't the best, maybe they wanted to use Brady as much as possible, maybe BJGE was really good, but not great). The current Pats look to me like the older Colts teams; suspect defense, offensive line that is much better at pass blocking than run blocking, and an offense that relies almost entirely on their star QB. That wasn't a shot against the Patriots, it's just how I see them.

You're right, the Pats haven't had a good consistent running back since Corey Dillon.

Jeff Demps was going to be a return specialist, I doubt they expected him to be their answer.

[Dan]

By all reports, it's a "save a roster space" IR, with this snippet being released:

Trainer: "How's your knee feel, Jeff?"

Demps: "Fine."

Trainer: "No it doesn't"

[southwest1]

The current Pats look to me like the older Colts teams; suspect defense, offensive line that is much better at pass blocking than run blocking, and an offense that relies almost entirely on their star QB. That wasn't a shot against the Patriots, it's just how I see them.

You're right, the Pats haven't had a good consistent running back since Corey Dillon.

This is why I laugh when analysts say that the NFL is a predominately passing league now. Teams that don't posses a stellar defense and a solid ground game either never make it to the Playoffs or get knocked out in the first round on average. I realize that injuries can happen to anybody even Jeff Demps, but I would have expected an Olympic athlete to be in better physical condition overall.

[PrincetonTiger]

Why?

[21isSuperman]

This is why I laugh when analysts say that the NFL is a predominately passing league now. Teams that don't posses a stellar defense and a solid ground game either never make it to the Playoffs or get knocked out in the first round on average. I realize that injuries can happen to anybody even Jeff Demps, but I would have expected an Olympic athlete to be in better physical condition overall.

I'd say the NFL is predominantly a passing league. The Pats didn't have a solid running game or defense during the regular season, but still won their division and had a very good regular season. The Packers defense was terrible in terms of yardage given up per game, but they still went 15-1. On the other hand, look at every team that made the playoffs:

New England, Pitt, Cincy, Baltimore, Houston, and Denver from the AFC.

Almost all of those teams had franchise QBs and now, with the addition of Peyton to the Broncos, they all do (I think Schaub is good enough to be a franchise QB).

New York, Green Bay, Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans, and San Fran in the NFC.

Again, every team has a player who they believe is their franchise QB. Without a solid QB, you won't go very far in this league.

[southwest1]

I'd say the NFL is predominantly a passing league. The Pats didn't have a solid running game or defense during the regular season, but still won their division and had a very good regular season. The Packers defense was terrible in terms of yardage given up per game, but they still went 15-1. On the other hand, look at every team that made the playoffs:

New England, Pitt, Cincy, Baltimore, Houston, and Denver from the AFC.

Almost all of those teams had franchise QBs and now, with the addition of Peyton to the Broncos, they all do (I think Schaub is good enough to be a franchise QB).

New York, Green Bay, Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans, and San Fran in the NFC.

Again, every team has a player who they believe is their franchise QB. Without a solid QB, you won't go very far in this league.

I'm not doubting the necessity for a franchise QB 21isSuperman. GB went 15-1 as a result of a poor defense. The Texans always lost to Manning as a result of a poor defense which #18 always picked apart like a surgeon until Wade Phillips fixed it. Coach Sean Payton contributed part of his salary to bring in DC Gregg Williams to win a SB for New Orleans. Atlanta just hired DC Mike Nolan to help Matt Ryan actually win a Playoff game. Denver brought in Jack Del Rio as DC....I can do this all day long if you want. My point is at some point: All high powered offenses now matter how prolific and high scoring hit the wall and they need the defense, secondary, and ground game to resurrect their season and playoff run on the way to the Promiseland.

[SubZero]

The Pats haven't had a strong running game for many years now. It's unfortunate that Demps is on IR, but I don't think he was the answer to the Pats' running problems. Maroney was a bust and BJGE was a really good back, but the Pats were never a running threat for whatever reason (maybe their O-line's run blocking wasn't the best, maybe they wanted to use Brady as much as possible, maybe BJGE was really good, but not great). The current Pats look to me like the older Colts teams; suspect defense, offensive line that is much better at pass blocking than run blocking, and an offense that relies almost entirely on their star QB. That wasn't a shot against the Patriots, it's just how I see them.

Its like how the saints are built. Both teams get average backs and have very good pass blocking OLs but horrible run blocking OLs. The saints and pats use very one dimentional OLineman.

[21isSuperman]

I'm not doubting the necessity for a franchise QB 21isSuperman. GB went 15-1 as a result of a poor defense. The Texans always lost to Manning as a result of a poor defense which #18 always picked apart like a surgeon until Wade Phillips fixed it. Coach Sean Payton contributed part of his salary to bring in DC Gregg Williams to win a SB for New Orleans. Atlanta just hired DC Mike Nolan to help Matt Ryan actually win a Playoff game. Denver brought in Jack Del Rio as DC....I can do this all day long if you want. My point is at some point: All high powered offenses now matter how prolific and high scoring hit the wall and they need the defense, secondary, and ground game to resurrect their season and playoff run on the way to the Promiseland.

I agree with you during with playoffs. In the regular season, you can have a mediocre defense or running game and still manage to do well. But if you want to win in the playoffs, you need a good defense and ground game.

[Flying Elvis]

This is why I laugh when analysts say that the NFL is a predominately passing league now. Teams that don't posses a stellar defense and a solid ground game either never make it to the Playoffs or get knocked out in the first round on average. I realize that injuries can happen to anybody even Jeff Demps, but I would have expected an Olympic athlete to be in better physical condition overall.

Do you mean teams like the Super Bowl champion NY Giants who possessed the stellar 27th ranked defense and the solid 32nd ranked ground game?

And to say Demps was not in good overall physical condition is false. You obviously didn't see 250+ lb Zak DeOssie fall on his knee.

[Flying Elvis]

Demps injury didn't appear to be serious. I guess you could say he is being redshirted this season.

[Hans Moleman]

Doesn't seem like this is a huge deal, but injuries will probably always be something Demps has to watch out for/deal with at the NFL level. Ferraris don't last long in demolition derbies.

[chadedward]

! love it.

[southwest1]

Do you mean teams like the Super Bowl champion NY Giants who possessed the stellar 27th ranked defense and the solid 32nd ranked ground game?

And to say Demps was not in good overall physical condition is false. You obviously didn't see 250+ lb Zak DeOssie fall on his knee.

The NY Giants bread and butter has always been the power pigs on their o-line and their fantastic pass rush rotation capabilities. The key in the ground game is not huge chunks of yardage but 3-4 yards on occasion just enough to ensure that a team is not entirely 1 dimensional on the field. This is exactly what Giants RB Brandon Jacobs did. NE hasn't had a money back since Corey Dillon. I thought you finally had your answer in RB BenJarvis Green Ellis, but the NE front office failed to pay the money to keep him. As a result, Ellis went to the Bengals.

I actually respect the NE Patriots as the cream of the NFL crop right now due to their superb organizational management and consistent Playoff appearances. If you don't believe me, just ask 3 other Foxboro bloggers on this site named Dynasty13, GoPats, and ViriLudant. They can vouch for the respect I routinely give to your franchise.

You seem a tad touchy on Jeff Demps sir. What part of "I realize that injuries can happen to anybody even Jeff Demps" do you not comprehend exactly? No disrespect intended Flying Elvis, but you need to chill and relax okay. I wasn't attacking Mr. Demps speed, vision, or ability sir. He will be a fine asset to your squad once he is healthy and has mastered the playbook.

[Flying Elvis]

The NY Giants bread and butter has always been the power pigs on their o-line and their fantastic pass rush rotation capabilities. The key in the ground game is not huge chunks of yardage but 3-4 yards on occasion just enough to ensure that a team is not entirely 1 dimensional on the field. This is exactly what Giants RB Brandon Jacobs did. NE hasn't had a money back since Corey Dillon. I thought you finally had your answer in RB BenJarvis Green Ellis, but the NE front office failed to pay the money to keep him. As a result, Ellis went to the Bengals.

I actually respect the NE Patriots as the cream of the NFL crop right now due to their superb organizational management and consistent Playoff appearances. If you don't believe me, just ask 3 other Foxboro bloggers on this site named Dynasty13, GoPats, and ViriLudant. They can vouch for the respect I routinely give to your franchise.

You seem a tad touchy on Jeff Demps sir. What part of "I realize that injuries can happen to anybody even Jeff Demps" do you not comprehend exactly? No disrespect intended Flying Elvis, but you need to chill and relax okay. I wasn't attacking Mr. Demps speed, vision, or ability sir. He will be a fine asset to your squad once he is healthy and has mastered the playbook.

The Giants got their act together at the right time last year. Plus they got healthy. I give them all the credit.

Maybe I was a bit touchy about your comment on Demps. My apologies and thanks for your understanding.

[southwest1]

The Giants got their act together at the right time last year. Plus they got healthy. I give them all the credit.

Maybe I was a bit touchy about your comment on Demps. My apologies and thanks for your understanding.

No problem Flying Elvis. Tom Brady and Bill Belicheck will win 4 SB's before their NFL careers sunset IMO. My #1 team is the Colts, but I have an immense amount of respect for your franchise as well and I can't wait to renew the best rivalry in football: Colts Vs Patriots, it will take 2 full seasons first though. Nice talking with you Flying Elvis.

P.S. Another insightful NE Patriots blogger on here is Yehoodi. He always writes very interesting commentary on this site too. I like bloggers from different teams on here because often they have a fresh perspective on my team that I might not see immediately. Just like I will look forward to your words of wisdom on the Colts and the rest of the NFL as the season progresses.

[funktacious2]

Geez, that's sad.

[Flying Elvis]

No problem Flying Elvis. Tom Brady and Bill Belicheck will win 4 SB's before their NFL careers sunset IMO. My #1 team is the Colts, but I have an immense amount of respect for your franchise as well and I can't wait to renew the best rivalry in football: Colts Vs Patriots, it will take 2 full seasons first though. Nice talking with you Flying Elvis.

P.S. Another insightful NE Patriots blogger on here is Yehoodi. He always writes very interesting commentary on this site too. I like bloggers from different teams on here because often they have a fresh perspective on my team that I might not see immediately. Just like I will look forward to your words of wisdom on the Colts and the rest of the NFL as the season progresses.

Honestly, I love the rivalry between the Patriots and Colts and I agree that your Colts will make a return to prominence in the near future. Even during a down year, you sure gave us a scare last season.

You have a nice forum here, it's set up much better than the one at boston dot com. I used to visit the one at indystar occasionally but I see that one is gone. Nice talking with you southwest1.

[-JJ-]

The NY Giants bread and butter has always been the power pigs on their o-line and their fantastic pass rush rotation capabilities. The key in the ground game is not huge chunks of yardage but 3-4 yards on occasion just enough to ensure that a team is not entirely 1 dimensional on the field. This is exactly what Giants RB Brandon Jacobs did. NE hasn't had a money back since Corey Dillon. I thought you finally had your answer in RB BenJarvis Green Ellis, but the NE front office failed to pay the money to keep him. As a result, Ellis went to the Bengals.

Also factor in its just a passing league now so spending money trying to run is not the way to go. Adrian Peterson is great but.......

[southwest1]

Also factor in its just a passing league now so spending money trying to run is not the way to go. Adrian Peterson is great but.......

Yes, unfortunately this is true. NFL owners are not paying big money for backs now like they used to for LT, Walter Payton, or Terrel Davis. Just look at Jaguars RB MJD. A hold out for more money got him absolutely nothing except fines out of his own checkbook. I am old school and I will always believe in a reliable ground game in order to win myself, but the league seems to changing in this regard. Not a good sign IMO.

[Jay Kirk]

I'm not doubting the necessity for a franchise QB 21isSuperman. GB went 15-1 as a result of a poor defense. The Texans always lost to Manning as a result of a poor defense which #18 always picked apart like a surgeon until Wade Phillips fixed it. Coach Sean Payton contributed part of his salary to bring in DC Gregg Williams to win a SB for New Orleans. Atlanta just hired DC Mike Nolan to help Matt Ryan actually win a Playoff game. Denver brought in Jack Del Rio as DC....I can do this all day long if you want. My point is at some point: All high powered offenses now matter how prolific and high scoring hit the wall and they need the defense, secondary, and ground game to resurrect their season and playoff run on the way to the Promiseland.

Brother you are absolutley right,case in point,the Giants of course they have Eli ,but without them getting healthy with theyre runningbacks and theyre defensive line at just the right time,they dont even make the playoffs let alone go on to win the second Lombardy

[southwest1]

Brother you are absolutley right,case in point,the Giants of course they have Eli ,but without them getting healthy with theyre runningbacks and theyre defensive line at just the right time,they dont even make the playoffs let alone go on to win the second Lombardy

Preach Jay! Preach! Ground and pound is essential to any football Lombardi victory. I agree 100%. Even in 1999, Kurt Warner at the St. Louis Rams with their potent ariel attack needed RB Marshal Faulk to win a Championship that year. The league may be changing and favoring the passing game, but it hasn't forgotten the value of slow, methodical yards on the ground either. Wear the enemy down by pain, exhaustion, and attrition, which is exactly what successful running essentially does.

[Jay Kirk]

Preach Jay! Preach! Ground and pound is essential to any football Lombardi victory. I agree 100%. Even in 1999, Kurt Warner at the St. Louis Rams with their potent ariel attack needed RB Marshal Faulk to win a Championship that year. The league may be changing and favoring the passing game, but it hasn't forgotten the value of slow, methodical yards on the ground either. Wear the enemy down by pain, exhaustion, and attrition, which is exactly what successful running essentially does.

Lol ive reached my quota of votes for the day,but to my knowledge i havnt used any today

[JimJaime]

Brother you are absolutley right,case in point,the Giants of course they have Eli ,but without them getting healthy with theyre runningbacks and theyre defensive line at just the right time,they dont even make the playoffs let alone go on to win the second Lombardy

Hmm I disagree with the Giants example, the run was maybe 5% why they won, 95% was because that NASTY D Line got healthy.

[Jay Kirk]

Hmm I disagree with the Giants example, the run was maybe 5% why they won, 95% was because that NASTY D Line got healthy.

If you look at the post I adressed both,and it took both to get them to the playoffs and through the playoffs,so you dont totally disagree

[JimJaime]

If you look at the post I adressed both,and it took both to get them to the playoffs and through the playoffs,so you dont totally disagree

True, I just think if that D line didnt get 100% they lose early on in the Playoffs at best... I THINK they still make the playoffs with a bad run game. Thatsaid has any team won witha worse O line?? (I think poor Eli was getting killed back there for most of the year.)

[Jay Kirk]

Recievers were dropping passes early as well

[GoPats]

Putting Demps on IR was a not-so-subtle (or original) way of maintaining his rights while allowing him time to develop. He looked good at times in preseason, but also looked lost when running pass routes and obviously needs time to hone his blocking skills. No one was relying on Jeff Demps to save the Patriots' running game though. At best he was slated to return kickoffs and maybe get a carry on a draw here or there.

The Patriots are actually pretty set at RB, for now. It looks like Stevan Ridley will be their featured back, with Woodhead and Shane Vereen getting in the mix also. They also kept a UFA from Ole Miss (sound familiar, Benjarvus Green-Ellis?) named Brandon Bolden who had a very good preseason.

As always, they will run the ball effectively at times, and just enough to keep opposing defenses honest.