The Giants say the running back hasn’t demanded a trade, but everybody has a price. Jacobs’ price ($13.20 million remaining over three seasons on a four-year deal) just might be too high for his current value.
But the Patriots need to do something to spark their running game, which has racked up 170 yards in two games (good for 24th in the NFL). And 118 of those yards came on 23 carries in Week 1 against the Bengals.
For some perspective, the Houston Texans lead the NFL with 315 yards on 66 carries. They also happen to be 2-0.
Is it a coincidence that the team with the best ground attack in football hasn’t lost?
No one is saying the Patriots have to average 33 rushing attempts a game, but they could start by calling more running plays, and we don’t mean a five-yard slant to Wes Welker.
A team doesn’t need a running game to win in the NFL, but it at least needs the threat of a ground game to keep defenses honest and off balance. The Patriots don’t have much of a threat at the moment. They ran the ball six times in the second half against the Jets while calling 17 pass plays.
Tom Brady has attempted 71 passes this season.
The Patriots have become too predictable on offense. Good defenses know what’s coming and can take away the pass from New England.
If the Patriots don’t start getting more creative with their play calling and mixing in a few more runs, an eight-win season might be in the cards.
Can the Patriots make the playoffs without a running game? Share your opinions below.
