I thought Blount was this year's version of Antwain Smith, but he's doing more for them than even Corey Dillon. I thought the weakness in the Pats offense during the period from Dillon's decline to this year was the lack of a run attack that could effectively kill the clock when the Pats led in the 4th quarter. That really bit them in the behind in the 2 Giants super bowl losses and even in the '06 loss to the Colts. That's why I enjoyed the long 4th quarter drive maybe more than Blount's long run replying to the 3 play, 2 bomb drive by the Colts to make it a 1 touchdown game.
I love the balance now. I think it makes Amendola, Collie, Thompkins, etc... much more effective since the defenses cannot key on them, control Edelman, and watch the run at the same time. I think Amendola's bomb was off play action, right after the first 3 and out at the start of the 2d half. Of course everyone had to bite on the play action at that point.
The part of Blount's long run I enjoyed the most were the 3 blocks by Mankins, Hoomanawanui, and I think Cannon opening up the hole. Despite all the injuries earlier in the year, it looks like the line is about as healthy as its been all year. Cannon is close to Voelmer so it is not a huge step down, and the left side is beastly.