Friday, June 8, 2001

RB Antowain Smith signed by Patriots

Buchsbaum: Smith can do for the Patriots what another runner named Smith (Lamar) did for the Dolphins last year. He’s a big, strong, powerful runner who still has good speed and will only be effective if he gets the ball a lot of times. He’s the type of back who, if you give him a few carries, rotate him a lot, don’t let him touch the ball more than 10 times a game, is basically a journeyman back. On the other hand, if you let him touch the ball 20 times a game, he’s a good bet to get you 70-100 yards and to be a very effective runner. He’s the type of runner who wears down a defense, operates better in a one-back offense or the type where he’s the featured back with an I-fullback in front of him.

Ravens re-sign FB Sam Gash

Buchsbaum: Speaking of I-fullbacks, the Ravens added probably the best blocking I-fullback in the game in Sam Gash. Gash is the only player who can go virtually the whole year without touching the ball, literally, and still make the Pro Bowl as the fullback, which he did a couple of years ago in Buffalo. No one seems to appreciate Gash except the running backs who run behind him, but everyone who runs behind him has more success. Last year, the Ravens’ running game didn’t pick up until they picked him up and put him in as the starting fullback. What makes Gash special is that he’s one of the few backs in the league who knows how to block, who to block, when to block them and has the power to block them. Very few backs have that combination, which is why he’s so valuable. He’s better than having an extra tight end on the field for blocking purposes.

Panthers cut RB Adrian Murrell

Buchsbaum: It appears as though one player who got cheated was RB Adrian Murrell. Murrell was picked up to share time with Tim Biakabatuka, but he agreed to a contract that had no signing bonus. Carolina decided that another back, Richard Huntley, who is similar to Murrell in what he can and cannot do, was a better fit for their offense. So they just let Murrell go without letting him step on the field for them once. He does not get any money for this since he did not get a signing bonus up front.

Rams sign OL Rod Jones

Buchsbaum: Jones is a very gifted athlete who always was a tease in Cincinnati. When he signed the big contract, he got fat and lazy. If he can get his weight down, he can be a big help to the Rams. He can be a decent third tackle with a lot of talent, and he’s got the ability, if he really dedicates himself, to be a top-notch NFL guard. There also is a possibility that he could become a very good offensive tackle because he’s mobile, quick and athletic when his weight is down, and he’s also a powerful man. His body is more that of a guard than a tackle, however, and he does tend to get heavy.

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2000 - 2001 Season