Shane Vereen's Impact against Baltimore - Page 3 - New England Patriots Forums

mosi · 01-18-2013, 06:57 AM

I think all four running backs need to have big games. When the Pats rush for over 100 yards, they win. When they don't, they lose. Pretty simple. Josh needs to stay committed to the run and don't get cute. Run on first down. Run on second down and occasionally run on third down. Spread and run.

Aslo, the Ravens feast off balls that pop up into the air after short throws. Brady will need to keep the ball down and the receivers have to either catch the damn ball or bat it down.

Nunchucks · 01-18-2013, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brady_to_Moss

it's funny how after 1 HUGE game and an 8 catch season..he is all of a sudden another huge reliable weapon. I like the guy...but not sure he can be relied on so fast again...he can be used..but won't be as effective as last week

Vereen has been showing these skills all along. He just hasn't been featured as the third down back. He is fast, big, strong and quick. I think he is a better choice than Woodhead.

MrNathanDrake · 01-18-2013, 08:41 AM

Vereen also had an 80 yard TD against the Jets, for anyone who thinks last week was a fluke.

patsfaninpa · 01-18-2013, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrNathanDrake

Vereen also had an 80 yard TD against the Jets, for anyone who thinks last week was a fluke.

That was a swing pass where he torched Bart Scott. Ray Ray better have his track shoes on Sunday.

JR4 · 01-18-2013, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nunchucks

Vereen has been showing these skills all along. He just hasn't been featured as the third down back. He is fast, big, strong and quick. I think he is a better choice than Woodhead.

205 5'9 Big

Nunchucks · 01-18-2013, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR4

205 5'9 Big

He is big like Maurice Jones Drew. The guy is one big muscle.

hughthehand · 01-18-2013, 09:30 AM

I read that Woodhead has a cast on his thumb. To me that means he CAN play, but Vereen is going to get the snaps that Woody normally would be in there for. The cast has to have an effect on both ball security and receiving. Woodhead is active in case Vereen or Ridley get injured.

I expect both Ridley and Vereen to be involved in the passing game. Taking advantage of Ray Lewis's lack of speed is something the Patriots need to game plan for. Lewis cannot cover Hernandez, so if he is out there on passing downs he is likely covering the RB.

PP2 · 01-18-2013, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_in_sunnyvale

Earlier in the year when the Pats would run the turbo no-huddle with one back behind Brady, it often was a run. Especially after moving the chains. A few teams were wise to this and would sell out to stop the run with success.

I'd love to see Vereen and Ridley in the game at the same time while the Pats are running the turbo. Have both RBs line up behind Brady, quick snap, then let the D figure out which one is getting the ball. Add in some play-action to Ridley while Vereen runs a flare to the spot Welker cleared out and I love the possibilities.

Regards,
Chris

IIRC they ran this play once, and only once. I can't remember which game but both Ridley and Vereen were in a pro set formation and flared out to either side. I loved that play because it bring so much uncertainty. I hope we see it again.

***patchick*** · 01-18-2013, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR4

205 5'9 Big

Vereen is 5'10 1/4", 210, like so:

For a speeding pass-catching RB, he's a load.

chris_in_sunnyvale · 01-18-2013, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PP2

IIRC they ran this play once, and only once. I can't remember which game but both Ridley and Vereen were in a pro set formation and flared out to either side. I loved that play because it bring so much uncertainty. I hope we see it again.

What I also like about it is that lining up in the backfield gives them space from any jam at the LOS and makes man-coverage that much harder. I'm convinced Baltimore will take a man-coverage approach, especially if it's windy, and anything that helps receivers get some separation is welcome.

I love when AH lines up in the backfield and runs patterns. Worked good against SF and Willis/Bowman (when he wasn't bobbling/dropping passes).

Regards,
Chris