Hartsock's influence

[jamos14]

I hadn't seen this discussed yet and think it is actually more significant than any other injury we have this week.  Hartsock is by far our best blocking TE and we use him very creatively in the run game to open up nice lanes.  A big question that Shula will have to answer is can Brandon Williams fill in (earlier in season he was overwhelmed blocking) and make some nice blocks or will we shift away from 2 TE sets.  That could mean more 3 WR sets?    Thoughts?

 

 

[Jakob]

Next man up.

[Nate Dogg]

Richie should be able to handle the responsibilities

[CatMan72]

Hartsock is one of the best, if not the best run-blocking TE's in the league so his absence is significant... lets hope Brandon Williams can pick up some of the slack. Williams certainly has the build to do it, and he's had plenty of time to focus on his skills. 

 

Brockel will be able to fill in as well... and if you were ever going to be without your best run-blocking TE this is the game, Pats are ranked 30th in rush defense. 

[Chaos]

How is the Pats run defense?

[Captain Morgan]

How is the Pats run defense?

 

 

 

they rank 30th

[Chaos]

they rank 30th

 

Cool, as others have said, next man up.  Tolbert blocks for himself anyway.

[jamos14]

Completely forgot about Brockel.  He should fill in nicely if called on.  

[PhillyB]

brockel is a better receiving threat than hartsock anyway. it'll be interesting to see if we let him leak out during any plays

[jamos14]

brockel is a better receiving threat than hartsock anyway. it'll be interesting to see if we let him leak out during any plays

 

Love to see that.  Olsen is pretty good at that too.  

[SmashNDash]

Would like to see Williams get some action, at both blocker and receiver.  The Pats have a pretty poor front 7, he won't be dealing with anyone that good.

[Hammerin'Cameron34]

30th in rush D for the Patriots is astounding. We should run the ball down their throats all night. Just like we have all season, chew that clock up and run the ball effectively.

[Razeyfingers]

Hartsock is one of the best, if not the best run-blocking TE's in the league so his absence is significant... lets hope Brandon Williams can pick up some of the slack. Williams certainly has the build to do it, and he's had plenty of time to focus on his skills. 

 

Brockel will be able to fill in as well... and if you were ever going to be without your best run-blocking TE this is the game, Pats are ranked 30th in rush defense. 

 

How bad or good was Williams blocking last you saw? I know he was raw but I cant gauge where he was at.

 

Man, some dudes dont improve at all. Gettis hardly got better after 3 years. Coordination thing? Idk.

[SmashNDash]

30th in rush D for the Patriots is astounding. We should run the ball down their throats all night. Just like we have all season, chew that clock up and run the ball effectively.

 

No Vince Wilfork= terrible run defense for them.