Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The Patriots absorbed a big loss in Sunday's game vs. the hated Jets. Third down specialist Kevin Faulk was injured in the game and it was found that he suffered an ACL tear to his knee.
Obviously, not good news for the Patriots.
Around the country, it may not seem like a big loss at all since Faulk isn't a great tailback or even a full-time starter.
But everyone here in Patriots Nation really knows how important Faulk was to the success of this team.
Faulk is that total team player that every coach hopes to have on his team. He didn't complain about not starting, he was great in the locker room, he helped the young guys and he produced every time he was allowed to touch the football.
On the field, Faulk was the secret weapon not many clubs have. On third down, you could bet Faulk was in the backfield or split out wide. Faulk was a great draw running back, but his best trait was catching the ball and picking up much-needed first downs. Didn't it seem like every time the Pats were in a third-and-long situation, Faulk got his paws on the pigskin and picked up a first down to keep a drive alive? Lets not forget about how great he was picking up blitzes and keeping Tom Brady clean from attacking defenders.
Basically, Faulk did it all from that running back slot. And since the Pats decided to trade away Laurence Maroney, they are left with aging Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and the Law Firm to carry the load. Yes, no one from that above list can do what Faulk did. The depth in the backfield isn't good, either, so expect to see Brady throw more passes. It' a big loss, no doubt about it.
