Kevin Faulk has a torn ACL

[Splat]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...as-a-torn-acl/

The Boston Globe reports that Faulk has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, which will end his 12th season with the franchise.

This is a big blow to NE, he has such a key role on their O.

[Smooth Criminal]

That's a big shame for NE. Faulk has always been a key guy for them and he's going to be missed. This and trading Maroney has them pretty thin at runningback.

[tjsunstein]

benjarvus green ellis time.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Hah he's so underrated. I can't ever recall him not converting a 3rd down. He freakishly just has a nose for the first down marker. So frustrating when your team plays the Patriots, the guy can get a first down on a 3rd and long screen pass any time. Hope this isn't career threatening given his age.

[FlyingElvis]

Very bad news.

Sammy Morris will take on that 3rd down role, and NE will be much worse b/c of it. Which isn't a knock on Sammy, it's just clear that Faulk is an absolute stud in the 3rd down role.

[Basileus777]

Faulk was looking pretty slow this year, so it's not as big of a blow as it would have been in the past. But the Pats don't really have anyone that can replace what he does in passing situations, well unless Danny Woodhead can actually produce. It's probably the end of Faulk's career though.

[Babylon]

Originally Posted by FlyingElvis

Very bad news.

Sammy Morris will take on that 3rd down role, and NE will be much worse b/c of it. Which isn't a knock on Sammy, it's just clear that Faulk is an absolute stud in the 3rd down role.

I'd probably rather go with Hernandez out of the backfield on 3rd and long. That way they can get both young TEs, Moss and Welker out there. Better hope they dont lose anyone else.

[Basileus777]

Hernandez can't block, so I doubt they'd use him in Faulk's role all that much. It's why Morris usually plays in those situations when it's not Faulk.

[FlyingElvis]

Originally Posted by Basileus777

Faulk was looking pretty slow this year, so it's not as big of a blow as it would have been in the past. But the Pats don't really have anyone that can replace what he does in passing situations, well unless Danny Woodhead can actually produce. It's probably the end of Faulk's career though.

What Faulk brings to the offense has little to do with speed. He hasn't been fast for a few years. It's his ability to recognize and exploit a D, be on the same page w/Brady, run great routes, and catch everything thrown his way that make him such a reliable option.

Originally Posted by Babylon

I'd probably rather go with Hernandez out of the backfield on 3rd and long. That way they can get both young TEs, Moss and Welker out there. Better hope they dont lose anyone else.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a combination of players working into Faulk's role. Morris, Edelman, Hernandez and Woodhead, if he can get up to speed w/the offense.

[Basileus777]

Originally Posted by FlyingElvis

What Faulk brings to the offense has little to do with speed. He hasn't been fast for a few years. It's his ability to recognize and exploit a D, be on the same page w/Brady, run great routes, and catch everything thrown his way that make him such a reliable option.

I know all that, but he was noticeably slower this season, and that does hurt his ability to get first downs in those kinds of situations. He had some bad drops too, but that was probably not going to continue.

[Babylon]

Originally Posted by Basileus777

Hernandez can't block, so I doubt they'd use him in Faulk's role all that much. It's why Morris usually plays in those situations when it's not Faulk.

Aaron Hernandez cant block or hasnt been asked to block? He certainly blocked at Florida.

[A Perfect Score]

Just opening up space for Fred Taylor to resurge and win CBPOY. You will all see.

[FlyingElvis]

Originally Posted by A Perfect Score

Just opening up space for Fred Taylor to resurge and win CBPOY while leading FlyingElvis' fantasy team to a championship. You will all see.

I concur.


:)

[A Perfect Score]

Originally Posted by FlyingElvis

I concur.


:)

I own him in 2 leagues as well! FRED!

[SuperMcGee]

It will be weird not seeing Faulk on 3rd downs. It's just one of those things that usually remains pretty constant.

I feel bad for him, but I don't mind seeing Sammy Morris, who I still like 7 years into his divisional traitor phase.

[Don Vito]

This sucks, an injury like this could really hurt him this late in his career. Faulk has been so important to us for such a long time, and like Elvis said it doesn't have much to do with speed. He is elusive and just knows how to get to the sticks; he can run it, catch, and is an excellent blocker for a guy his size. We need to start grooming a replacement for him, he brought so much to our offense.

[Addict]

running backs are dropping like flies this season.

[yourfavestoner]

Originally Posted by A Perfect Score

Just opening up space for Fred Taylor to resurge and win CBPOY. You will all see.

Originally Posted by FlyingElvis

I concur.


:)

Originally Posted by A Perfect Score

I own him in 2 leagues as well! FRED!

I'm a Fred owner as well.

MOAR FRED TAYLOR!

[niel89]

That is a huge loss for the patriots. Their passing game is gonna suffer big time from this. A reliable pass protector and pass catching running back is not that common.

[BeerBaron]

Probably the most underrated Patriots player during their long run of success.....probably the best 3rd down back in the league too. Like has been said many times here already, he just always seems to get just enough for the first down whether it's on a screen or a draw.

[J255979-11nine]

So the pats have now lost their best RB in addition to having their best Offensive Lineman holding out, and their best CB and DE on IR. Who's next? The ******* kicker?

[Addict]

Originally Posted by J255979-11nine

So the pats have now lost their best RB in addition to having their best Offensive Lineman holding out, and their best CB and DE on IR. Who's next? The ******* kicker?

Tom Brady on IR in 3...2...

[Ness]

New England needs to think about drafting a franchise back next season.

[diabsoule]

I think this hurts New England more than losing the three starters on defense. He was a crucial part of their offense and now they have to rely on what remains of Fred Taylor, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Sammy Morris to run the ball which is wholly unimpressive.

[Jakey]

They should trade for Mewelde Moore, hes another true 3rd down back, and the steelers need moar draft pics!