Impending Free-Agent Running Back Alfred Morris Would Fit Patriots Perfectly
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots' utter lack of a running game played a major role in their demise in the 2015 season. The Patriots offense became too one-dimensional, and the Denver Broncos wisely paid no respect to the offensive backfield in the AFC Championship Game, committing to shutting down the Patriots passing attack.
As good as LeGarrette Blount has been for the Patriots against smaller defensive fronts, he has faltered when going up against stout defenses in the playoffs. He ultimately did not hurt the Patriots when he dropped off in Super Bowl XLIX (2.86 yards per carry), but he sure did when the Broncos stuffed him for 6 yards on 5 carries at Denver in the 2013 AFCCG.
As much as the Patriots need to get better and deeper on the offensive line, they won't significantly improve on the ground until they make an upgrade at the running back position. Dion Lewis doesn't have the durability to get 25-30 touches per game and hold up for a full season. Perhaps the team ends up drafting a running back in April, but a free agent signing would make a more immediate impact.
The Patriots need a power runner who won't fumble (or simply disappear) in the playoffs and could consistently move the ball on the ground, especially in goal line and short-yardage situations. You could argue that the Patriots haven't had that guy since Corey Dillon.
Impending free-agent running back Alfred Morris could be that guy.
No, Morris is not Adrian Peterson. He may not even be Corey Dillon. But his burst and underrated open-field explosiveness would still be an upgrade over Blount, he would fit the offense like a glove, and he would probably gain more than three yards per carry against good run defenses. He is also a consummate pro and the exact kind of person off the field that would make Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick salivate.
Here are three big reasons why Morris would be a perfect fit for New England...
He's the right kind of player for the offense
Ideally, the Patriots' early-down back is a powerful downhill runner between the tackles who attacks running lanes wherever available and otherwise protects the football. Former Patriot BenJarvus Green-Ellis did exactly that, despite lacking high-end talent. Guess who NFL.com compared Morris to in his draft profile?
"[Morris] is a serviceable runner who at best could carry a load like BenJarvus Green-Ellis of New England, but he will have to prove he has the speed and athleticism to deserve a shot," his profile reads. He has since proven capable of not just carrying a load but piling up solid yardage on the ground in his time with the Washington Redskins.
Morris has also overcome early-career fumbling issues. He hasn't put the ball on the ground since October 6, 2014, versus the Seattle Seahawks. Belichick would also see value in Morris' above-average pass-blocking ability, which could allow the Patriots to keep him on the field for pass plays and make Tom Brady's play-action passes more respectable. I'd put money on Morris being nominated for Comeback Player of the Year if he signed here.
Morris isn't just the ideal player for the offense...
He's the right kind of person for the organization
Morris struggled on the field in 2015, but off the field, he continued to be an exemplary model of professionalism. Mark Bullock of the Washington Post described Morris as "an extremely hard worker, takes coaching well, stays out of the spotlight and is in general a great leader by example." Are we sure that Morris isn't just a Belichick mole gathering NFC intel?
Morris proved his modesty and humility as a rookie when it was revealed that he drove a 1991 Mazda. But he somehow outdid himself when he ditched the car for ... a bike.
Can't tell me Kraft and Belichick wouldn't have trouble keeping their jaws off the ground on when they see Morris roll up on a rusty old Schwinn.
Morris' off-field excellence doesn't stop there. He has been active with extensive charity work in the D.C. area and was voted the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2013. The Krafts would love this kid.
As good as Morris would fit the team on and off the field, he's also a great fit for one more key reason...
He would be a great deal
As much as the Patriots would like to have good talent, they may like good value even more, and Morris would provide plenty of it coming off a down year in Washington.
It is concerning that Morris' carries and yards per carry have each declined in the past three seasons since his outstanding rookie year. After grinding out a 100-yard effort against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 of the 2015 season, Mike Jones of the Washington Post said Morris in 2015 had "appeared to lack the same power and explosiveness that have helped make him effective during his first three seasons."
Morris also somewhat lacked the decisiveness at the point of attack that had practically defined his game up to that point. A closer look at his struggles in 2015 showed that he often looked tentative and made poor decisions finding running lanes.
Morris' drop-off in production, however, could be partially attributed to a rash of injuries on the Redskins offensive line and the fact that he wasn't as good a fit for Jay Gruden's offense as he was for Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme. In Foxboro, Belichick and his staff could be trusted to put him in the best possible position to succeed and restore his confidence as a runner.
Nevertheless, Morris' production has slipped and will likely leave him settling for a one-year prove-it deal with a new team, especially considering that there are several more dynamic (and expensive) running backs who are also set to hit free agency. Morris won't find much of a market for himself, which makes him an attractive target for the Patriots to sign him for short money - and, ultimately, a tremendous value.
What do you think about Alfred Morris manning the Patriots backfield next season? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
