Don't sleep on NE running game

[Cr122]

OCT 13 1:07 PM CT
By Todd Archer

IRVING, Texas -- Tom Brady, Tom Brady, Tom Brady.

Whenever a team prepares for New England, Brady is the focus of the week and for good reason.

But what gets lost when talking about the Patriots offense is the running game. It’s not too shabby either. Just ask the New York Jets.

The Jets geared up to stop Brady and BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for 136 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns.

“Brady gets the recognition because the run game is successful too,” defensive end Marcus Spears said. “You don’t want him to throw for 475 yards on you so you play nickel with a lot of defensive backs and those big linemen get to the secondary and get on the little guys creating space. We have to be real good up front when they want to run the ball.”

That has not been a problem this year. The Cowboys have the best ranked run defense in the NFL, allowing only 61.8 yards a game on the ground. San Francisco’s Frank Gore and Detroit’s Jahvid Best have had the most yards with 47 yards.

 

[Cr122]

The Cowboys have the best ranked run defense in the NFL

That's awesome.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I thought the O would be carrying our team this year. Surprised how fast the players have caught on to Rob's scheme.

 

[Mr.Po]

Ian R. Rapoport
Sporting News



FOXBOROUGH, Mass.—The New England Patriots practiced on Thursday without running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who is hobbled by a sore toe just a few days after he had a career performance.

As his team controlled the clock against the New York Jets, Green-Ellis carried 27 times for 136 yards with two touchdowns. Moving forward, it’s exactly the balance coach Bill Belichick would like to show as his offense attempts to keep opponents from attacking quarterback Tom Brady.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis might not be able to go head-to-head against the Cowboys. The Dallas Cowboys, particularly with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, have the ability to bring the pressure on Brady and assault him from all sides. A sound running game will help. But if Green-Ellis is limited or can't play, that gets harder.

Danny Woodhead has looked better this week coming back from an ankle sprain, and Stevan Ridley looks to bounce back after a difficult Week 5. Perhaps the onus is on the offensive line to move a fast Cowboys front and create holes, regardless of who is at running back.

The Cowboys visit for a 4:15 p.m. ET game.

Notes: Linebacker Gary Guyton earned praise for stepping in to replace captain Jerod Mayo in called defensive signals, but he hasn’t replaced him on the field. Guyton struggled against Jets running plays, not being strong enough at the point of attack. The Cowboys will not doubt spotlight the inefficiency in the middle, and Guyton must improve.

 

[Cr122]

I thought the O would be carrying our team this year. Surprised how fast the players have caught on to Rob's scheme.

Especially, with no OTAs and mini camps. There wasn't any player or coach able to contact each other because of the lockout.

Our defense is getting better, and I must say they haven't played as bad as I would've of thought early on.