I'm still wondering about the lack of usage of Jonas Gray over the last few weeks.
To be clear, I have no interest in the discipline angle. Or Gray's tweets and how they may have affected things. All that stuff may play a role but is unknowable for us.
In any event, my assumption is that we're past that and BB and Josh just think they are better off with Blount carrying the vast majority of the load.
Now let's acknowledge that this is a high class discussion. Blount has been quite effective.
But three observations follow.
One, in Gray's last extended action, he was incredibly effective. Of course, a lot of that is down to the line and the job they did against Indy. We haven't seen Cameron Fleming as the 6th OL since that game and he was a big factor in what they accomplished that night. But still, given how well Gray performed, I would think that BB would want to see more, regardless of whoever else is in the mix.
Two, as well as Blount did at times on Sunday night, his average per carry was just bit over 3 yards, and several drives started out at 2nd and 12 or 13 after negative carries by Blount. It's not as if the guy ahead of Gray is above criticism. And yes, I know, an answer could be that the holes just weren't there and no one would have done much better.
Three, wouldn't both be more effective if they operated more as a one-two? For example, after three (or more) Blount carries, bring in Gray for some more mashing. And vice-versa. That seems like something that would wear down defenses when the Pats are in run mode and even when they are mixing in passes, as well. And it might keep them both fresh. Now true, some guys say they get better as they get more carries, but I would think that with two big, strong runners like this, that defenses would wear down when facing them both at their freshest.
Last caveat: Like most others here, I have a healthy respect for the head coach, to say the least. I am bringing this up because the answers are not clear to me. I am not bringing this up because I think the questions invite answers that perforce turn Bill and Josh into dolts who can't see what is obvious. So no need to point out that Bill knows a thing or two more than me...this is well appreciated.