Checking in with the Patriots: The “Fearsome Foursome” of Running Backs

Last season, the New England Patriots relied more heavily on their rushing attack than they have in recent years.  This was for obvious reasons, not the least of which was the season-ending injury to Tom Brady in the first quarter of opening day against the Kansas City Chiefs. Let’s compare the Patriots rushing attack in the past two seasons: New England Patriots running backs Attempt Total yards Yards per attempt Rushing touchdowns 2007 451 1,849 4.1 17 2008 513 2,278 4.4 21   To give a bit more perspective to these numbers, the Patriots ranked 10th in the league in rushing attempts in 2007 versus fourth in 2008.  Their yards-per-attempt average was only .1 less than the vaunted Vikings rushing attack last season. What does this say about the New England Patriots?  Well, it says that their offense is multi-dimensional enough to adapt when needed to (and also that the offensive line is a lot better at run blocking tha...