SB Nation - Sammy Morris

Patriots Release Joseph Addai

Greg Knopping — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 20:56:11 -0000

In somewhat surprising news, the New England Patriots announced the release of veteran running back Joseph Addai today.

The Patriots had signed Addai earlier in the offseason to provide a veteran presence to a young running back corps, one that is expected to be led by second year pros Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley. There's no word yet on why Addai was cut before camp, but with veterans taking their physicals today, it wouldn't be a surprise if the reason was due to conditioning.

So where do the Patriots go from here? Currently, the team has Vereen, Ridley, Danny Woodhead, and Brandon Bolden as the top options available at the running back position. They also have three fullbacks on the roster in Tony Fiammetta, Spencer Larsen, and Eric Kettani.

At this point, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Patriots bring in another veteran running back to replace Addai (and in some ways, BenJarvus Green-Ellis). The team worked out former Packers running back Ryan Grant at the same time as Addai, so he could potentially be an option. The team has also reportedly expressed an interest in bringing back Sammy Morris, whom the team released at final cut-downs in 2011. Longtime Patriot Kevin Faulk, who has said he will either play for the Patriots or retire, could also be an option.

Breaking Down the Backs: Joseph Addai

Alec Shane — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:00:56 -0000

With all the hype surrounding all of the wide receivers the Patriots brought in this offseason, and given that New England is still a passing team first, there hasn't been a whole lot of national attention paid to what is actually going to be one of 2012's more intriguing training camp battles: the Patriots' backfield. Currently, the Patriots have six backs on the roster for what I ultimately think will be four spots, and at this point who will get the bulk of the carries in 2012 is anyone's guess. Not only are the Patriots already loaded at the position with Joseph Addai, Brandon Bolden, Eric Kettani, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, and Danny Woodhead, but rumors started circulating last week about the team reuniting with veteran running back Sammy Morris. Add to that Kevin Faulk's uncertain future and the two fullbacks currently on the team and fighting for a roster spot, and we're looking at a lot of bodies competing for the right to stare at Tommy B's muscular behind as he lines up under center this year. And while I definitely see New England using the committee approach to their running game and opting not to have a true number one running back for the team, at the end of the day one player is going to end up getting at least the small majority of the carries, and the rest will find their roles on the team behind him.

As the slow time in the NFL rolls painstakingly on, I figured this week would be a good time to take a look at the Patriots' running back situation and ~~fail~~ try to predict how the position will shake out come September. Over the next few days, I'm going to break down the backs currently on the roster, and try to predict what role I see each player having for the 2012 campaign. Given that nobody knows what's going on inside Bill Belichick's head at any given moment, and that many of the backs currently on the roster are relatively unproven, there isn't a whole lot to go on other than projections and last year's stats. Plus, seeing how training camp hasn't even started yet and the Patriots are always good for at least one big surprise every offseason, odds are we'll all look back at these predictions in a few weeks and laugh. But I'm more than used to getting laughed at, so I'm just going to go for it.

And since I'm also a highly creative and insightful guy, I'm going to do my running back breakdown alphabetically. The last time I checked, the alphabet started with A, and so the first guy we'll be looking at this week is Joseph Addai. While Addai is the new kid on the block in terms of time on the Patriots, he's a savvy veteran with a lot to offer this team. Check out his strengths, weaknesses, and what I think his role for the 2012 Patriots will be after the jump.

Strengths: Has the most NFL experience. Excellent with ball security. Has reliable hands and offers versatility in both the run and pass game. Familiar and comfortable with a fast-paced, no-huddle offense. Reliable blocker. Mentor for second year backs Ridley and Vereen.

Weaknesses: Injury prone. On the cusp of being too old for a running back. His presence impedes the progress of the younger backs in terms of on-field experience. Good, but not great, at the goal line. Hasn't had a 1,000 yard season since his sophomore year despite being the primary back in Indy. Not really that "bruiser" back that offers a nice compliment to the other RBs currently on the roster.

How will the Patriots use him? Addai's biggest asset, in my opinion, is his experience and his comfort level with the up-tempo offense the Patriots run. He demonstrated an understanding and awareness of Peyton Manning's playcalling, a quarterback who changed plays at the line constantly, and so he should be able to pick up the Patriots' playbook as well. We all know how important gaining Tommy B's trust is if you want significant playing time, and if Addai can earn that trust this preseason, Addai could really see his role on the team increase. He is a dual threat as a runner and receiver, and he is the best pass blocker currently on the roster. His injury history means that coach Belichick won't want him to see too much action every week, and every snap he takes ultimately impedes the progress of Ridley and Vereen, but Addai can be highly effective as part of a committee where he isn't expected to take on the role of workhorse back. I see Addai taking on a share of 1^st and 2^nd down duties as a game-plan specific back, especially during games where the playaction pass is finding success. I also see him as the primary goal-line back, at least to start the year. Ridley may very well take over the goal line duties as the season progresses, but I think Addai's experience and versatility gives him the early nod.

How will his season play out: Part-time starter, 1st/ 2nd down and goal line back, 30% of the team's carries.

Could RB Sammy Morris Return to the Patriots in 2012?

Greg Knopping — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 13:33:45 -0000

[Editor's Note: Marima passed this along in her daily links yesterday, but I figured it was worth its own separate story as well, considering the slow news season. -Greg]

When the Patriots released veteran running back Sammy Morris at the end of training camp in 2011, most, including myself, probably figured that he his final days as a Patriot had come and gone. After being cut by the Patriots, Morris eventually landed with the Cowboys. In three games with Dallas, Morris picked up 98 yards on 28 carries.

Morris is still living in the area, and he recently told the Boston Herald that there is "mutual interest" in a return to the Patriots:

"It's definitely reciprocal," Morris said. "I'm still here. My family is here. My kids still go to school here, so it's definitely reciprocal. I've been around a while, so I kind of just know the deal. Words are one thing, but all I can do is take care of my part. If something materializes, then I know I'll be ready."

Nothing is certain. Morris said the team told him to "just be ready." That is a little strange, though, considering Kevin Faulk [stats] said as recently as Monday that the Pats haven't shown any desire to keep him around for a 14th season. Yet, Morris and Faulk have different roles in the offense, so it's not a perfect correlation.

Morris is a reliable back, but at this point in his career, he really can't be counted on to carry the load for an offense. Nonetheless, Morris is a versatile player who also has value on special teams and at fullback. If the Patriots suffer an injury or two, or if they want to go in a different direction than fullbacks Spencer Larsen and Tony Fiammetta, perhaps Morris will be their guy. For now, Morris will wait and "be ready" should that phone call come.

Poll

Should the Patriots re-sign Sammy Morris?

Yes, give him a chance in training camp

92 votes

Maybe, only if injuries hit

96 votes

No, it's time to move on

129 votes

317 votes | Poll has closed

New England Patriots Links 6/22/12 - Possible Return of RB Sammy Morris?

Marima — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:52:11 -0000

Jeff Howe reports Sammy Morris says he discussed a potential 2012 reunion with the Patriots but nothing is set in stone.

"It’s definitely reciprocal," Morris said. "I’m still here. My family is here. My kids still go to school here, so it’s definitely reciprocal. I’ve been around a while, so I kind of just know the deal. Words are one thing, but all I can do is take care of my part. If something materializes, then I know I’ll be ready."

"I’m not going to close the door on any opportunity just simply because the desire is still there," Morris said. "I’ve always said once the desire or the love for the game is gone, that’s when I’ll hang it up. But it’s still there, so I’m doing everything I can on my end."

TEAM TALK

Andy Hart uses a stock rating system to break down the roster as it stands now: Running backs.
Patriots Today - Area kids earn clinic with Brushci. (3.12 min. video)
PFW in Progress - The PFW crew discusses the Patriots and the NFL in the offseason. (2 hour program)

LOCAL LINKS

Mike Reiss notes that one of the underlying themes of the Patriots' offseason has been building a better sub defense, and he breaks down the past two regular seasons.
Jeff Howe reports Troy Brown earned a TV gig after completing the NFL's Broadcast Boot Camp yesterday.
Mike Rodak analyzes CB Marquice Cole and where he may potentially fit on the roster in 2012.
Mike Reiss posts the transcript of his weekly online chat. Well worth a read as usual.
Jeff Howe Patriots Notebook: There has been mutual interest shown between the Patriots and RB Sammy Morris; Joe Andruzzi hopes his role as part-time offseason strength and conditioning coach with the Pats leads to something more.

NATIONAL NEWS

Jimmy Traina (SI) A Q&A with Tom Brady: Patriots QB talks Gisele, Super Bowl, Rob Gronkowski, hairdos and more.
Evan Silva (ProFootballTalk) Patriots in contact with Sammy Morris.
Matt Bowen (Nat'l Football Post) Why NFL training camps need more 'joint' practices.
Jeff Chadiha & Mike Sando (ESPN) The top 25 postseason performances in NFL history.
Photo Gallery (NFL.com) The evolution of Tom Brady's hair. Really.
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Rethinking the ethics of holdouts.
Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) NFL's top multi-purpose weapons.
Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) Grading all of the Saints bounty evidence.
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFL Referees Association files unfair labor practice charge against NFL.
Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) AFL-CIO quickly rejects request to expel NFLPA.

What's Left in the Bank and on the Market?

Bro Namath — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:44:48 -0000

With the better part of a month still remaining before the 2012 NFL draft begins and my sanity is granted a reprieve from mock drafts for another year, many GGN users are wondering if the team will make any more significant moves in the fleeting days of free agency before moving fully into draft mode. So here is a breakdown of what The Jets have and can still get. From NFL.com, here are the Jets fiscals (current as of yesterday):

New York Jets
Current contracts: 50
Previous year carryover: $8,275,000.00
Adjustments: $1,196,600.00
Adjusted cap: $130,071,600.00
Team cap: $122,379,317.00
Cap room: $7,692,283.00
Team cash: $118,025,500.00

This, like the teams cap space to start free agency, is about dead middle rank in the league. Some teams have virtually no capital, while annual like-clockwork disaster franchises like the Jaguars and Buccaneers have closer to or above 20 million dollars left to spend, if they so choose.

Players Gained: Tim Tebow (QB) for 4th and 6th round picks. LaRon Landry (SS). Chaz Schilens (WR). Scotty McKnight (WR).

Players Lost: Drew Stanton (QB) and a 7th rd pick for a 2012 6th rd pick. Mark Brunell (QB). Plaxico Burress (WR). Brodney Pool (DB). Robert Turner (OL - coming off IR). Matthew Mulligan (TE). Jamaal Westerman (LB). Marquice Cole (DB). LaDainian Tomlinson (RB). Kevin O'Connell (QB). Donald Strickland ??? Jim Leonhard (coming off IR) ???

Re-signed: Bryan Thomas (coming off IR), Sione Pouha, Mark Sanchez, Nick Folk, Patrick Turner. Aaron Maybin tendered.

Remaining Needs: OT, OLB/pass rush, FS, WR, RB, P.

Still Available @ Running Back: Cedric Benson, Ryan Grant, Tim Hightower, Justin Forsett, Mewelde Moore, Ronnie Brown, Thomas Jones, Derrick Ward, Joseph Addai, Sammy Morris, Cadillac Williams.

@ Wide Receiver: Braylon Edwards, Jerome Simpson, Jerricho Cotchery, Lee Evans, Patrick Crayton, Roy Williams, Greg Camarillo, Michael Clayton, Bryant Johnson, Chansi Stuckey, Courtney Roby, Arnaz Battle, Terrell Owens.

@ Offensive Tackle: Marcus McNeill, Demetrius Bell, Kareem McKenzie, Max Starks, Tony Pashos, Barry Richardson, Trai Essex, Pat McQuistan, Stephon Heyer, James Lee, Brandon Keith.

@ Outside Linebacker: Rocky McIntosh, Leroy Hill, Gary Guyton, Joey Porter, Ernie Sims, Bobby Carpenter, Mario Haggan, Thomas Williams, Mike Peterson, Brady Poppinga, Clark Haggans, David Vobora, Omar Gaither, Jo-Lonn Dunbar.

@ Safety: O.J. Atogwe, Melvin Bullit, Deon Grant, Sean Jones, Chris Harris, Yeremiah Bell, Abram Elam, Chris Hope, Reggie Smith, Brian Dawkins, Courtney Greene, Dominique Barber, Gibril Wilson, Husain Abdullah, Jon McGraw, James Sanders, James Ihedigbo, Matt Giordano, Corey Lynch, Sabby Piscitelli, Bobby Sanders, Hamza Abdullah.

@ Punter: Mat McBriar, Jason Baker, Dave Zastudil.

2012 Draft Picks: #16, #47, #77, 5th round exact order TBD, 6th round (Stanton) TBD, 7th round (Tebow) TBD. Jets have traded away one 4th, 6th, and 7th round pick each.

So, what would you do if given total control over the Jets FO and purse strings today? What direction would you take this team in? Is there anything you could reasonably do heading into the draft to address the teams needs?

Guessing Game: Which RBs are the Chargers Chasing?

John Gennaro — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:45:20 -0000

According to the Silver Fox Columnist and his trusty sidekick, the San Diego Chargers are attempting to fill the RB spot left vacant by Mike Tolbert with a veteran free agent that can split carries with Ryan Mathews and contribute as a 3rd-down specialist.

The only names we've heard so far are Jackie Battle, who visited with the team about a week ago, and Michael Bush, who the team wasn't interested in and who is now a Chicago Bear anyway. We've also been told that there are 3 RBs besides Battle that the team is pursuing.

With a premium being put on passing offense around the league (thank you, Patriots, Saints, Giants and Packers), many FA RBs are hitting the market only to find out that nobody is willing to pay very much for their services. That means that most of the FA RBs are still free agents.

Assuming that the 3 RBs that the Chargers have targeted are still free agents, let's see if we can find out who might be filling Tolbert's shoes after the jump.

Guys That Fit the Mold

Joseph Addai - Ugh, he's super broken. He'd be like the poor-man's Bob Sanders and doesn't take away the goal-line carries from Mathews.
Kahlil Bell - I could see it. At 25 years old, he's not exactly a veteran, but the team could view him as a Kevin Burnett-type that would succeed in their system.
Ronnie Brown - I shouldn't want them to sign Ronnie Brown as badly as I do. Every time I want a FA in San Diego this badly, it never happens. An absolutely perfect fit if they're not afraid of his mileage.
Kevin Faulk - He's a thousand years old and he can't carry the ball. This is here just so the Patriots fans won't bring him up in the comments.
Justin Forsett - This name keeps getting brought up. He's young, seems to fit the mold. I could see it.
Thomas Jones/Earnest Graham/Ryan Grant - Jones is too old, Graham is too broken and Grant is a terrible scheme fit.
Mewelde Moore - Love this option as well. He doesn't have the same potential as Ronnie Brown, but he's been solid his entire career and is still pretty young.
Maurice Morris - AKA Morris Morris. He used to be known as the guy that would have a great preseason game against the Chargers every year. Now he's known as one of the better "backup" RBs in the league with the Lions.
Sammy Morris - A solid RB. Not exciting, but not scary or bad in any way.
Jerious Norwood - A perfect fit before getting hurt with the Falcons in 2010. Had a really terrible 2011 with the Rams. If he's healthy, he'd be exciting.
Kevin Smith - Has had an up and down career with the Lions. Has great hands. The fact that he still has starter potential, and he's beloved by the Lions, makes him unlikely to land in San Diego.
Chester Taylor - At this point in his career, Taylor isn't much of a runner. He's almost entirely a 3rd down specialist, probably putting him out of the running.
LaDainian Tomlinson - No.
Cadillac Williams - I can't imagine A.J. Smith filling an important spot with someone that can't stay healthy. *Thinks of Bob Sanders* Oh, shut up, brain.

Narrowing the Candidates List

Kahlil Bell
Ronnie Brown
Justin Forsett
Mewelde Moore
Maurice Morris
Sammy Morris
Jerious Norwood
Kevin Smith

We can probably assume Kevin Smith is off this list. I also can't see them being all that excited to land Norwood either. The Steelers will probably fight hard for Mewelde and the Lions will probably want to keep Morris to backup Smith. Kahlil Bell is still rather unproven. I think I just got us down to a very mysterious group of 3.

Ronnie Brown
Justin Forsett
Sammy Morris
(and don't forget about) Jackie Battle

I'm okay with this group. Brown has the most potential, but was so awful last season that the Eagles tried to trade him away for next to nothing. I think he was just a very bad fit for their system, but that's just my opinion.

Forsett would probably be the most expensive and, with the team wanting to sign back Jacob Hester to be the backup FB, it probably doesn't make sense to spend too much on him.

Morris is the type of guy you sign when your first two RBs go on IR in the beginning of the season. He's solid, but his ceiling is much lower than Forsett or Brown. That being said, he's one of those guys that this front office can fall in love with because of his consistency and experience.

I don't like Jackie Battle much at all. He's kind of like the poor man's Le'Ron McClain, who was a poor man's Mike Tolbert years ago.

So, there's my guess on the guys that the Chargers are chasing. They might even be calling them "Plan A", "Plan B", "Plan C" and "Plan D". I'd like to believe that, anyway. But, who knows? I'm probably way off.

San Diego Chargers Offseason: Free Agent Running Backs

John Gennaro — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:01:42 -0000

Yesterday, the Silver Fox answered a few San Diego Chargers-related question on Twitter in the middle of the day while watching Wheel of Fortune. One of them started quite the conversation:

RT @a_jaay23: @sdutChargers u see chargers taking a "sproles type" RB in draft somewhere? >I see them signing a veteran FA.
— S.D. U-T Chargers (@sdutChargers) February 22, 2012

With Jacob Hester and Mike Tolbert hitting free agency, and Curtis Brinkley not seen as a long-term option as Ryan Mathews' backup, it makes some sense that the Chargers would look at the free agent running backs that might be cheaper (and better) options.

After the jump, I'll take a look at who will be out there and what names jump out at me.

For obvious reasons, I've skipped right over all of the RBs that have at least a good chance of landing a starting RB spot somewhere.

Chester Taylor - After having a great start to his career, Taylor hit that 30+ year old RB wall at the same time that the Chicago Bears were throwing money at him to be their 3rd down RB. Less than 1,200 career carries leads you to believe that he still has something left, especially as a pass-catcher/pass-blocker (his specialty).
Sammy Morris - An interesting name, but his age (35) raises some red flags. Has had some good seasons in the AFC East and filled in well for the Cowboys last year. His hands are okay.
Maurice Morris - Is 33 years old now, but his experience on kick and punt returns early in his career leads you to believe that he could contribute there in some way (although not as a returner). Has been incredibly consistent, and slightly above average, for the last ten years. Chargers have shown interest in him in the past.
Kevin Smith - This former first-round draft pick had two mediocre seasons with the Lions and then seemed to fall off the face of the earth until about halfway through last year when the Lions brought him back and he showed off his skills as a runner and a pass-catcher. He's 25, and his good half-season last year might get him some better offers, but if he's interested it could be a good fit with the Chargers.
Steve Slaton - Another young player, like Smith, that had success early in his career before disappearing. For Smith, the issue was injuries. For Slaton, it was fumbles. After a rookie season where he got Offensive ROY consideration, Slaton fumbled 7 times through the first half of his second year before being benched. Could serve as a kick returner as well as a backup RB, but is a risky option.
Ronnie Brown - Once thought of as one of the league's best RBs, Brown took a 1-year deal with the Eagles last season and did a poor job as LeSean McCoy's backup. He'll be looking to find a job that better utilizes his skillset, and specifically his hands. He regularly caught 30+ passes per season before catching zero last year.
Mewelde Moore - Another name that I think I've heard tossed around in rumors as a player the Chargers are interested in, Moore has very little mileage on his 30 year old body and is coming off successful four-year stints with the Vikings and Steelers. Would seemingly be a perfect fit for San Diego if the price was right, but might now be interested in leaving Pittsburgh.
Jerious Norwood - The 29 year old has been a successful kick returner and backup Running Back for years. However, after missing almost the entire 2010 season with an injury, he had an atrocious season (as a RB) with the Rams in 2011 and might be looking for a better offensive line to run behind. Would make an interesting tandem with Ryan Mathews.

Those are just the guys that stood out. There's plenty of others out there, so feel free to throw names at me in the comments below and I'll tell you if I think they're a good or bad fit for San Diego and why.

Which Free Agent Running Backs Could Help the Ravens?

WestminsterRaven — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:01:15 -0000

If the Baltimore Ravens’ running back group were to have an imaginary sign hanging from their collective necks, it would read: "Under Construction". With the recent retirement of back-up running back, Ricky Williams, and the drama swirling around Ray Rice’s contract status, the running back situation heading into next season is a little bit of a mystery for the Ravens.

An organization that seems to live by the motto: "right player, right price", the Ravens have not been shy about bringing in veteran running back talent from outside their own confines. Seemingly forever ago, the Ravens traded for Willis McGahee in 2007 sending a few draft picks to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the veteran running back. Last year’s off-season saw even more change at the position when the Ravens released McGahee and let Le'Ron McClain, the multi-purpose RB/FB, walk in free agency, and then in August about a month before the start of pre-season, the Ravens signed former 1^st round draft pick, Ricky Williams.

With a bit of a revolving door at the #2 running back position, it seems like a trend has started in Baltimore where the Ravens look for a new role player behind Ray Rice every couple of years.

So, with a solid class of free agent running backs this year, who will the Ravens pursue to become Ray Rice’s next back-up?

(After the "Jump", see a complete list of soon-to-be free agent running backs, and which ones the Ravens could make a run at signing.)

Though Ray Rice has become one of the best all-purpose running backs in the NFL, he is just one man and needs a break every now and then. One of the areas the Ravens need to improve upon is in short-yardage and goal line situations and the need for a bigger, bruising running back became more evident as the season wore on and into the playoffs.

Fortunately for the Ravens, this year’s free-agent running back class will be loaded with several promising possible players that could help elevate their rushing attack, and fill their need for a big, punishing running back.

Here is a complete list of 2012 free-agent-to-be running backs (minus Ravens’ Ray Rice):

Matt Forte (Chicago)

Marshawn Lynch (Seattle)

Peyton Hillis (Cleveland)

Mike Tolbert (San Diego)

BenJarvus Green-Ellis (New England)

Cedric Benson (Cincinnati)

Michael Bush (Oakland)

Ryan Grant (Green Bay)

Arian Foster (Houston) - restricted

Chester Taylor (Arizona)

Jason Snelling (Atlanta)

Jerome Felton (Carolina)

Tashard Choice (Dallas)

Sammy Morris (Dallas)

Spencer Larsen (Denver)

LenDale White (Denver)

Maurice Morris (Detroit)

Kevin Smith (Detroit)

Derrick Ward (Houston)

Jackie Battle (Kansas City)

Thomas Jones (Kansas City)

Le'Ron McClain (Kansas City)

Steve Slaton (Miami)

Kevin Faulk (New England)

LaDainian Tomlinson (New York Jets)

Rock Cartwright (Oakland)

Ronnie Brown (Philadelphia)

Owen Schmitt (Philadelphia)

Mewelde Moore (Pittsburgh)

Jacob Hester (San Diego)

Justin Forsett (Seattle)

Moran Norris (San Francisco)

Jerious Norwood (St. Louis)

Cadillac Williams (St. Louis)

Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay)

Ahmard Hall (Tennessee)

Tim Hightower (Washington)

LaRod Stephens-Howling (Arizona) - restricted

Antone Smith (Atlanta) - exclusive rights

Kahlil Bell (Chicago) - restricted

Chris Pressley (Cincinnati) - restricted

Lance Ball (Denver) - exclusive rights

Brock Bolen (Jacksonville) - restricted

Lex Hilliard (Miami) - restricted

Lorenzo Booker (Minnesota) - restricted

Isaac Redman (Pittsburgh) - exclusive rights

Brit Miller (St. Louis) - restricted

LeGarrette Blount (Tampa Bay) - exclusive rights

Kregg Lumpkin (Tampa Bay) – restricted

With a large free agent group that’s stocked with some good talent, teams will be sorting through this list trying to find a free agent gem that can help their team. Though some of the most notable free agent running backs are most likely to return to their respective teams for the 2012-2013 season, such as: Arian Foster, Matt Forte, and Marshawn Lynch, there will be several running backs that slip through the cracks and make it into free agency. A few of the backs that could fit the Ravens’ needs are:

Mike Tolbert: Though he may be one of the more expensive free-agent running backs on the market, the San Diego Chargers’ versatile back could fit the mold of what the Ravens are looking for. At 5-9 243 lbs, Tolbert is a big, punishing back with a good nose for the end zone. With Rice standing at 5-8 212 lbs, Tolbert could be a perfect compliment to the smaller, shiftier Rice by becoming a great asset to the Ravens in short-yardage and goal line situations. Tolbert is also a great receiving threat for such a big back, and has the ability to make plays as a receiver out of the back-field with no problem. The only knock against Tolbert would be that through four years with the Chargers, he has totaled 8 fumbles. At just 26 years old, Tolbert has a lot left in the tank and would be a great addition as a dual-threat running back.

2011 Stats: 121 carries/498 yards/4.0 yards-per-carry average/8 TDs

54 receptions/433 yards/8.0 yards-per-catch average/2 TDs

Michael Bush: Bush is another running back that may be a bit too pricey for the Ravens this off-season. The 6-1 245 lbs back has shown flashes of excellence and the ability to carry the full workload as a #1 running back in the league. With his counter-part, Darren McFadden often injured, the Oakland Raiders may place a high priority on retaining Bush. As a very "north-south" runner, Bush is another big, punishing back that would fit well into what the Ravens are looking for. With a very strong 2011 season in which he had the chance to show his worth, if the Raiders don’t retain him, expect several teams to be calling him for his services. With tremendous up-side at just 27 years old and the ability to carry a full work-load, it would serve teams well around the league to consider Bush as a good target this off-season as a running back with #1 potential for maybe #2 kind of money.

2011 Stats: 256 carries/977 yards/3.8 yards-per-carry average/7 TDs

37 receptions/418 yards/11.3 yards-per-catch average/1 TD

Le’Ron McClain: The former Baltimore Raven didn’t have the season he had hoped for with the Kansas City Chiefs this year. After openly petitioning to garner more carries while with the Ravens, McClain headed south to the Chiefs in free agency last year in the hopes to become a true #1 running back. While that didn’t happen, he shouldn’t be over-looked this off-season as a possibility to land with the Ravens. At 6-0 260 lbs, McClain has shown in the past his ability to be a big, hard-running back. Before Rice took over for the Ravens, McClain gained 902 yards and 10 TDs for the Ravens in 2008, and he could provide the Ravens of now with a good short-yardage, goal line, hard nosed running back. With Vonta Leach as the full-time starting full back for the Ravens, McClain could focus on becoming the running back that he always wanted to be and could perhaps boost a Ravens’ red-zone offense that struggled at times at "punching it in". McClain could most likely be had for a very low price, and provide major upside. After being away for a year and being a part of a seemingly dysfunctional locker-room, McClain might relish the opportunity to play for a stable, competitive team once again.

2011 Stats: 15 carries/51 yards/3.4 yards-per-carry average/ 1 TD

14 receptions/82 yards/5.9 yards-per-catch average/1 TD

So, there we have it. With lots of options to choose from, look for the Ravens to make a move at a free agent running back at some point this off-season. As long as it’s the "right player for the right price", the Ravens could perhaps pluck away a potential gem this year and find someone that could back up Rice for another few years. Anyone that the Ravens bring in will surely be competing for the back-up role against last year’s 7^th round pick, Anthony Allen, who showed some of his skills as a power running back in last year’s pre-season games. Allen could prove with a strong training camp and another impressive pre-season that he could be a big part of the Ravens’ future at running back.

Which, if any, free agent running back(s) do you think the Ravens make a run at during free agency? Tell me who’s on your wish list in the comments section below!

Poll

How should the Ravens build their running backs group this off-season?

Free Agency

88 votes

Draft

18 votes

Build from Within

33 votes

139 votes | Poll has closed

The First Cuts, Dallas Cowboys 2012

Tom Ryle — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:00:19 -0000

This is kind of a blast from the past thing for me. You see, back when I was seized with an uncontrollable urge to start writing endless posts about the Dallas Cowboys, one of my favorite ones was called The first cut is the deepest. It was not the most widely read or commented FanPost I did in the days I went by Pineywoods, and it only garnered one rec. But I was almost exactly right in my call for Roy Williams to be cut on day one, just missing nailing it completely by his being the third name cut, rather than number one with a bullet.

I just took a run at prioritizing the draft needs of the Cowboys. And with OCC's post about RKGs and KD's way too premature draft post, I got to thinking about what the first step really needs to be for the Cowboys.

The draft starts April 26th. Free agency and the trading window open on March 13th. Before either of those take place, Dallas needs to start thinking about who needs to go from the current roster. So I thought I would put up my list and see what kind of feedback I could stir up.

My nominees for former Dallas Cowboy post-jump.

I'm not going to go through the whole roster name by name like I did in my draft post. If you need to go over the players currently on the roster, here is the full list from the mothership for you to review.

Instead of looking at everyone, I am just going to list those players that I think should be gone before free agency even opens up. I realize that the team may not address the issue that way. As a matter of fact, I don't know all the rules on when they can cut people and when they can't, and how the whole roster/salary cap issue works during the off season. I am just going to name the players that I think are definite cuts, that just don't seem to have anything left to contribute. And then I am going to talk about a few that a lot of people think should be gone, and why I did not put them on the "definitely outta here" list.

My Cuts (alphabetically):

Alan Ball. I think this experiment has run its course. In a sense, this is a bit risky, because he is not the only cornerback that is on the list, so the draft and free agency/trading is going to have to fill several holes. But the eyeball test, both mine and several others' here, just say that he is not able to handle the job.

Keith Brooking. It is just time. He can't move fast enough. He deserves a lot of credit for his effort and spirit, and I would not mind seeing him on the sidelines in a coaching capacity some day, but it's time to have a really nice going away party for him.

David Buehler. It has been a long time since we griped and moaned about him taking up a roster spot just to kick the ball off. If he is kept on the team, many of us will be doing it again.

Abram Elam. This one is a little hard. He came in and really helped early in the season, but seemed to just fade as the year went on. Safety is even more scary than cornerback, because the pool of available talent does not seem as large out there.

Bradie James. Everything nice I just said about Brooking, only doubled. Or maybe tripled.

Jon Kitna. He has basically volunteered to go, and there is no reason to dispute him.

Mat McBriar. This one really sucks in my opinion. But given the nature of his injury, I just think he is not likely to ever be the weapon he was.

Sammy Morris. He was a desperation stop gap move. So long, and thanks for the ~~fish~~ carries.

Terence Newman. He just was used up by the end of the year. A big salary with some salary cap costs - but then the tean cut RW, didn't they?

Kevin Ogletree. It's finally time to free the Tree, although I don't think that was the original way that was meant. Of all the wide receivers on the roster, he just seems to be the one that has no more upside. The rest of the players on the roster can fight it out to make the 2012 roster (and hopefully Laurent Robinson will be one of them), but KO should not be in the mix.

Frank Walker. I told you it would be scary at cornerback. I'll say it again: No more older, slower guys back here.

Chauncey Washington. Same as Sammy Morris, basically.

That is the list of people that I think do not have any future with the team, and that need to be moved on out. I do not think they even are worth keeping around to compete for a slot. Sometimes, you need to clear the way for new talent to come in.

There are some names that others would have on the list, but that I think should kept with the team until they are beaten out of a slot, or in some cases, they move on to another team through free agency.

Martellus Bennett. Next to Alan Ball, perhaps the most disliked player on the team. But he seems to bring something to the table (like blocking) that the coaches really like, and unlike some of the players listed above, he did show improvement in the latter part of the season, particularly in catching passes. I do think there is a maximum value he has for the team, but I figure he will either sign with the Cowboys for an amount they think is affordable, or he will sign for more somewhere else.

Derrick Dockery/Montrae Holland/Kyle Kosier. I think at least one of these guys, and maybe all three, will not be on the squad at the start of the season - but given the state of the offensive line, and the uncertainty about the other OL personnel, they all should be given a chance to heal and see if they are better than the competition. I don't think any of them were great, but none of them totally sucked, either.

Anthony Spencer. Much like Bennett, I think that he brings something to the table that the coaches like. I do not see him being cut until the team clearly has a better option, and then he may stay with the team over Alex Albright or even Victor Butler. This is one case where I think we don't always know what the coaches know, or expect.

That's the way I would approach it. This is not to say that many others will not fall by the wayside as OTAs and minicamps come along, and as new players are brought in. But right now, I think it is time to start moving some deadwood out, to open up room for new growth - and maybe send a message. Again.

Fantasy Football Week 17 Running Back Rankings

MikeGallagher — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:42:51 -0000

It's the last week of the season and we're a little bit late due to some waiting for some of these situations to develop with which guys will get rest and which backups could prove to be valuable in Week 17. I'm doing all of the rankings this week and if you have any questions about why I have a guy a bit higher than you might expect, don't be bashful and put post a question in the comment section or you can send them to me on Twitter @MikeSGallagher.

I'd also encourage you to check out Kenny's Preview that covers every game. I covered several scenarios in Waiver Wire Scoops as well. Plus don't forget that I'll be posting the superfluously informative Active/Inactive Update early Sunday.

Links to the ranks: QB RB WR TE D/ST IDP

Running Back Rankings after the jump:

Follow @MikeSGallagher

Rank	Running Back	Opp
1	Ray Rice	CIN
2	Marshawn Lynch	ARI
3	Maurice Jones-Drew	IND
4	Rashard Mendenhall	CLE
5	LeSean McCoy	WAS
6	C.J. Spiller	NE
7	Michael Bush	SD
8	Frank Gore	STL
9	Kahlil Bell	MIN
10	Chris Johnson	HOU
11	Willis McGahee	KC
12	Ryan Mathews	OAK
13	Arian Foster	TEN
14	Shonn Greene	MIA
15	Ahmad Bradshaw	DAL
16	Toby Gerhart	CHI
17	Felix Jones	NYG
18	Steven Jackson	SF
19	Daniel Thomas	NYJ
20	Ben Tate	TEN
21	Donald Brown	JAC
22	Darren Sproles	CAR
23	Roy Helu	PHI
24	Michael Turner	TB
25	DeAngelo Williams	NO
26	LeGarrette Blount	ATL
27	Beanie Wells	SEA
28	Cedric Benson	BAL
29	Stevan Ridley	BUF
30	Mike Tolbert	OAK
31	Kevin Smith	GB
32	Evan Royster	PHI
33	Jonathan Stewart	NO
34	Brandon Saine	DET
35	Peyton Hillis	PIT
36	Kendall Hunter	STL
37	Jacquizz Rodgers	TB
38	Dexter McCluster	DEN
39	Chris Ivory	CAR
40	Thomas Jones	DEN
41	Brandon Jacobs	DAL
42	Pierre Thomas	CAR
43	BenJarvus Green-Ellis	BUF
44	Derrick Ward	TEN
45	Ryan Grant	DET
46	Jamie Harper	HOU
47	Sammy Morris	NYG
48	Maurice Morris	GB
49	Isaac Redman	CLE
50	John Kuhn	DET

Thanks for reading!