Patriots' Sammy Morris: Don't Blame My Blocking for Tom Brady's Knee Injury

New England Patriots running back Sammy Morris was blocking Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard when Pollard went crashing into Tom Brady's knee on Sunday, ending Brady's season.

Some have suggested that it's Morris's fault that Brady is hurt, suggesting that if Kevin Faulk, a better blocker, had been in the game at the time, Brady would still be playing. Morris begs to differ:

"You can take any play out there and say that something could have been done but again, it's the heat of the moment and it's hard to kind of go back and second-guess every play out there," Morris said.
"The pass protection is always [important] every week," Morris said. "If the quarterback has guys in his face, that's never good, so like I said there is always an emphasis to protect the quarterback."

I understand why Morris doesn't want to be second-guessed, but then again, second guessing is what the sports media are all about. And the fact is, Brady would be healthy if he had gotten a better block from Morris.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

9-12-2008 @ 11:35AM

Mike said...

What are you talking about? Have you seen the replay? Morris made a block he even to Pollard down tot he ground and Pollard was just playing hard and he dove at Brady attempting to make the tackle. Its a bumber that it happened. But everyone needs to stop making things up. Watch the replay a few more times. He's hurt and hes out for the season. The patriots will move on and they will still have a good season.

Paul said...

Too many people are grasping at straws. This is the hand we are dealt with. Have a little faith in the rest of our roster. Go Sammy, Go Matt, and Go Pats.

9-12-2008 @ 1:17PM

Jen said...

See, that's the funny thing about Pat's fans...they think Tom Brady is hurt so the team won't be able to win games. I'm pretty sure that's not the case. Tom, in my opinion, is so over-rated it's not even funny! Everyone is freaking out now because he's out for the season. Listen, you could put almost anyone is his place and you guys would be fine. It's the rest of your offense that wins you games, not Tom Brady. So no more crying. It sucks for you he is going to miss a whole season, yeah, but maybe now you can see just how over-rated he actually is. And putting the blame on a blocker is ridiculous. Tom could have been more aware and gotten out of the way quicker...Morris doesn't need that hanging on his shoulders. That's just not fair. Missed blocks happen all the time in football, but when someone gets hurt as a result...it's easy to point the finger.

9-12-2008 @ 1:53PM

lk said...

Don't know how it is the blockers fault. He put Pollard on the ground, but Pollard lurched forward into Tom's knees. Pollard is not nick-named "bonecrusher" for nothing. Jen, you are an idiot. While I do agree that the Patriots are good enough to win without a Tom Brady, calling him over-rated is ridiculous. Unless you know something that every other sports analyst or coach doesn't?(22 0f 29 coaches asked, picked Tom Brady as the #1 QB they would pick, that's right, 22 0f 29) but I guess you know more than the people that get paid to play football?

9-12-2008 @ 11:51PM

Eric said...

I hope that you are not implying that Bernie was trying to hit Brady in the knee on purpose. Morris was pushing him to the ground, Bernie was just trying to get a sack. It is unfortunate that his knee got jacked up and he is out for the season. Brady does have eyes correct? The play was right in front of him, slide to the left or right and the injury never happens. It was in no way a cheap shot. Or dirty as dumbass Randy Moss put it!

9-12-2008 @ 11:59PM

Carl said...

And by the way , there was no missed block, Brady is and as long as he is in the leauge he will be the # 1 Quarterback in the N.F.L. .And New England wins the division and the super bowl.

9-15-2008 @ 12:27AM

That's right, Ike. And you must have your masters in Broadcasting! I happen to have minored in broadcasting and I happen to know a hell of a lot about Television Broadcasting. And what do you know? These sports analysts are never right all the time, and you know it. They get paid to share their opinions and some are better than others. And those 23 coaches must not have a lot of faith in their own QBs. I'm not saying Brady isn't a good quarterback...I'm just saying, that I think he is over-rated because I think the rest of his teammates should get more credit, and not him. Take out your offensive line, take away Randy Moss and then you might have a reason to agrue here. Don't call me an idiot for having an opinon. And one more thing...didn't Tom Brady CHOKE at last years super bowl? Over-rated!!!

9-13-2008 @ 1:54AM

Dave said...

Just thought I'd pass this along in case you hadn't seen it yet...

http://5goldenrings.net/2008/09/11/good-news-for-patriots-fans/

9-13-2008 @ 10:14AM

JW said...

I think it's time we all quit playing the blame game, and move forward. It's very unfortunate that Tom Brady was seriously injured last week, but in no way is anyone to blame. It wasn't Sammy Morris' fault for not blocking Bernard Pollard the way that Kevin Faulk would, had he been able to play. Nor, is it Tom Brady's fault for waiting for his intended receiver, Randy Moss, get into position before throwing him the ball. And I don't think it was a deliberate act by Bernard Pollard. I think he was moving on momentum and reached out to brace himself, much like what Vince Wilfork did last year in Buffalo. (The only difference, is that Wilfork gets fined and Pollard doesn't, but that's another issue that should be investigated further.) Long story short, this was a serious accident, not some convoluted conspiracy to put Tom Brady on the IR list.
The Patriots have moved on, so should the rest of us, especially those people who bring the subject up in the first place.

9-28-2008 @ 4:49PM

me said...

I have been a Patriots fan for more than 38 years and I agree with Jen. Brady is over rated. To many people think that without him The Pats will fold up and die. All the wagon jumpers that jumped aboard after 2001 and know nothing about the teams history. there are 10 other guys out there on the field with the QB and they make him or break him.

10-28-2008 @ 8:56PM

Jupe said...

Sorry Jen but you are an idiot. I hate the Patriots but you have to give Brady credit. He makes things happen. How can you say he's only good because of Randy Moss??? You do know that he won a few Super Bowls when Moss wasn't on the team. Bledsoe couldn't move the ball and Brady came along and changed the team.
You obviously know nothing about football and should stick to playing with dolls!