Hours Before Kickoff: Week 9

It was a solid return to action for running back Kevin Faulk. Just activated off the physically unable to perform list, Faulk was his same old versatile self after recovering from ACL surgery last year.

Faulk started in place of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who is nursing a toe injury. Faulk led the Patriots in rushing yards and attempts with 6-32 totals.

Yes, that’s right, six attempts. Exactly half of the Patriots’ attempts on the afternoon.

Meanwhile Danny Woodhead and Stevan Ridley did not have a single carry between them.

12 rush attempts with the depth available is inexcusable. Woodhead’s career yards per carry is 5.2. Ridley, in limited action, is averaging 6.4. They are more than capable.

The only explanation for keeping them out of the backfield was the pass-first game plan. The coaching staff trusts Faulk at blitz pickup. Understood, but Woodhead capably handled that responsibility last year while Faulk was injured.

Secondly, if the Patriots ran the ball more, they would need Faulk’s blocking less.

The reliance on Faulk hinted at favoritism. The coaching staff trusts Faulk from his years of dependable service. The respect is deserved, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of progress.

Faulk is in his 13th season with the Patriots. Already 35 years old, the reality is Faulk won’t play for much longer.

Woodhead, in comparison, is 26 years old, and Ridley is 22.

Coaches are loyal to players they’ve trusted for years, often to a fault. The biggest mistake is holding on to a player for too long.

Head coach Bill Belichick typically doesn’t get too attached to players. He cut Lawyer Milloy, traded Richard Seymour and didn’t re-sign Willie McGinest when he felt they weren’t performing to expectations. But Belichick did bring back Troy Brown for one last season in 2007.

Brown returned to New England on a one year contract at 36 years old. With Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, and Jabar Gaffney on the roster, the Patriots didn’t need Brown, but Brown was brought back, as if it was a favor to Brown.

Brown played in just one game that year and had zero contribution offensively.

Faulk’s return has a few parallels to Brown in 2007. Faulk is 35 years old, is returning from an injury and is joining a talented backfield with Ellis, Woodhead, and rookies Ridley and Shane Vereen.

The big difference between situations is Brown was behind proven veterans while Faulk’s experience trumps Ridley and Vereen’s potential in the coaches’ eyes.

Based on his performance against the Steelers, Faulk still can play. The Patriots will be a better team with a healthy Faulk playing a third down role. But it shouldn’t come at the expense of the youth that will be the future of the Pats.

After 12 years in the NFL, Faulk can’t escape the wear, the tear, and time. Faulk isn’t as athletic and explosive as his younger counterparts.

Woodhead can turn the corner on a toss play faster that Faulk and gain more yards. Ridley has better size and will run through tackles. Vereen is an explosive run-pass threat who’s chomping at the bit for his chance.

While Faulk was on PUP, he was a mentor to the young backfield. That won’t change now that Faulk is playing again. Faulk still will share valuable advice with his mates to accelerate the development of the young runners.

But the coaching staff must not fall in love with Faulk. He can still be productive this season, but Faulk’s best years are behind him. Conversely, there’s a bright horizon ahead for Woodhead, Ridley, and Vereen.

Faulk still has a role with the Patriots. But it shouldn’t prevent the young running backs from getting on the field.

A few things I’m looking for:

Suck Ups: New York owns the best pass rush in the league. Try delayed handoffs and screens. If they’re over-aggressive, these plays could net big gains.

Cruz Control: WR Victor Cruz will be excited to be back in Massachusetts because he went to UMass-Amherst. Don’t let Cruz put on a show.

Whoa-line: Remember that part about the best pass rush in the league? New England’s offensive line has to slow down New York’s D-line.

This game could come down to a final drive. The Patriots have it in them to edge the Giants in the closing minutes.