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Blocking back agrees to two-year contract
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By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
The New England Patriots fell from grace last season, largely in part because their rushing attack almost fell off the face of the earth.
But New England's coaching staff isn't prepared yet to replace tailback Antowain Smith, whose production dropped off sharply in 2002 after he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in the team's 2001 Super Bowl season. Instead, the coaches have opted to replace Smith's previous escort with a new starting fullback.
Although there will not be an official announcement until later this week, the Patriots have reached an agreement in principle with free agent fullback Fred McCrary, who was released by the Chargers late last month.
McCrary, 30, will sign a two-year contract worth between $1.5 million and $1.7 million. He will attend New England's offseason program this week.
A six-year veteran who has logged only 11 carries for 12 yards in the past four seasons, McCrary was the lead blocker for San Diego tailback LaDainian Tomlinson and helped pave Tomlinson's route to 2,919 rushing yards in two years.
No one expects Smith to approach the 1,500-yard rushing mark again -- the Patriots were ranked second-to-last in rushing offense last season -- but he could be more productive with McCrary helping carve out some holes.
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By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
The New England Patriots fell from grace last season, largely in part because their rushing attack almost fell off the face of the earth.
But New England's coaching staff isn't prepared yet to replace tailback Antowain Smith, whose production dropped off sharply in 2002 after he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in the team's 2001 Super Bowl season. Instead, the coaches have opted to replace Smith's previous escort with a new starting fullback.
Although there will not be an official announcement until later this week, the Patriots have reached an agreement in principle with free agent fullback Fred McCrary, who was released by the Chargers late last month.
McCrary, 30, will sign a two-year contract worth between $1.5 million and $1.7 million. He will attend New England's offseason program this week.
A six-year veteran who has logged only 11 carries for 12 yards in the past four seasons, McCrary was the lead blocker for San Diego tailback LaDainian Tomlinson and helped pave Tomlinson's route to 2,919 rushing yards in two years.
No one expects Smith to approach the 1,500-yard rushing mark again -- the Patriots were ranked second-to-last in rushing offense last season -- but he could be more productive with McCrary helping carve out some holes.
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