New England Patriots: Why The Patriots Should Re-Sign BenJarvus Green-Ellis
BenJarvus Green-Ellis is one of many New England Patriots free agents, and he should be considered a top priority.
Once the uncertainty regarding the current CBA is resolved, New England must re-sign Green-Ellis.
Green-Ellis, commonly known as the "Law-Firm", became the first New England 1,000 yard rusher since 2004, and has expired and is up for free agency.
The "Law-Firm" will enter free agency as a restricted free agent, and the Patriots must bring him back—he's the perfect running back for Tom Brady and the New England offense.
NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.
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1,000 Yard Rusher
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Green-Ellis entered the final week of the season only needing a couple more yards to break the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his career.
He become the first Patriots running back to do so since 2004. He rushed for 80 yards, setting his season total to 1,008 yards.
Green-Ellis had a very solid third season in the NFL, taking the bulk of the carries for New England.
Along with his 1,008 rushing yards, Green-Ellis added an impressive 13 touchdowns, while playing in all 16 games.
North and South Runner
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In recent seasons, the Patriots heavily relied on running back Laurence Maroney.
Maroney, who was traded away to Denver this season, never really developed into the first-round talent that he was projected to be. He had his bursts of success, but he never really broke through.
One of Maroney's major weaknesses was his inability to hit the hole hard—he'd hesitate a lot.
After Maroney's departure, Green-Ellis received the bulk of the carries.
Green-Ellis, unlike Maroney, is a hard, north and south runner. He hits the hole hard and gains positive yards nearly every single play.
Finishing the 2010 season, Green-Ellis averaged 4.4 yards per-carry.
Compliments Tom Brady Very Effectively
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Green-Ellis and quarterback Tom Brady are a perfect match. They're the ideal running back and quarterback duo.
Green-Ellis thrives off of Brady's presence, while Brady can succeed off of the play-action thanks to Green-Ellis' success.
It's been reported that the two work extremely hard together during practices, and both have a special connection.
Following the season's finale against Miami, Green-Ellis had these comments for the press:
"Tom is very cool as you can all see but I don’t think you guys really realize what he can do throughout a play. He can be talking throughout a play, the play can be actually running and he could be talking to you. He is on top of it. I remember a play we had and he was talking to me during the play and he had the ball in his hands, he was about to throw and he was talking to me about something that was going on. He has seen a lot and has been through a lot. He is very experienced and he does a good job at what he does."
Green-Ellis continued his comments:
"It could be anything: scan, [to] get out quick or go ahead on and go, whatever. Sometimes a play might be designed for me to stay and block but he might tell me to ‘go ahead on and go,’ so, I go. I will do whatever you say. You’re the quarterback."
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Never Fumbles
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The most impressive thing about Green-Ellis is his ability to hang onto the football. The guy never fumbles. Ever.
In Green-Ellis' career in the NFL, he has yet to fumble. It has been proven that he's never fumbled in college, and rumor has it, he's never fumbled in high school.
Green-Ellis is the ideal Patriots running back, and fits the Patriot "mold" perfectly.
He never fumbles, and he's a hard runner that complitments Brady pefectly.
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