Where Have You Been, BenJarvus?

Why is BenJarvus Green-Ellis not playing?

It’s a trend that started the moment Sammy Morris was able to play again. With the nine-year back’s return to health, the rookie free agent has been sent to the bench. He now only sees carries in a Boston Celtics “Gino” role: BJGE dances only after the game is won.

I won’t argue over who is better. Morris is patient and will break more long gains than the one called “Law Firm” by his teammates. The remaining carries go to Kevin Faulk because the offense plays with four wide outs often. Faulk is very effective running out of a spread formation and is a reliable target out of the backfield.

And that leaves Green-Ellis on the sideline. But I don’t see why he can’t be worked into the rotation at the position.

To start the season, the Patriots had Laurence Maroney as the starter, Morris the primary back-up, Faulk retaining his third down role, and LaMont Jordan in a utility role to rest his ball carrying mates.

But one by one the running backs broke down. Maroney is on injured reserve. Jordan was in and out of the lineup, and has missed the last seven games. And Morris was out of the lineup for three games. BenJarvus was the Patriots’ last resort.

When activated from the practice squad and called into action, Green-Ellis played well. The coaching staff eased him into the role and increased BenJarvus’ carries to a starter’s load. In that start against Buffalo, Green-Ellis didn’t disappoint as he finished his best day with 105 yards on 26 carries and a score. For the season BJGE averages 3.8 yards per carry, just a shade under the NFL standard of four yards.

There isn’t a good reason for why Green-Ellis isn’t getting touches when the game is still competitive. If Maroney got run as a rookie, then why isn’t BenJarvus? A first round pick shouldn’t get more privilege than an undrafted free agent if both players can play well. Green-Ellis was good running between the tackles and would be a change of pace defenses would have to take into consideration.

The only drawback to Green-Ellis is he isn’t a good receiver out of the backfield. But that’s what Faulk is for.

I know the temptation is to not mess with success. The offense is clicking now that Matt Cassel has a full grasp of what he’s doing from the pocket. Stretching defenses thin has worked very well for the Pats as the passing game consumes yards chunks at a time.

But part of the offensive success is a running game that is ranked seventh in the league. Green-Ellis played a role in that ranking and can still do so. BJGE proved himself to the Patriots and he should be a contributing part to the backfield committee.