DarrylStingley

I was stunned that they didn't use Shane Vereen more.

There were a bunch of coaching decisions that bothered me but the decision to not make Vereen a point of emphasis in the offense really amazed me.

Vereen was great against the Texans, he's more athletic than Woody and Gronk was out. The Pats needed to feature another threat along with Llloyd, Welker-Dropsy and Hernandez, and Shane should have been that guy.

Were other folks screaming at the TV about this? Or at the field if they were there?

DocHoliday

Because he's not as amazing as people thought he was.

I was saying it over and over again last week. People kept thinking this guy was the next LT.

He's just Danny Woodhead with less speed and more strength.

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DarrylStingley

Really? He seems to have more speed than Woody to my eyes. He also showed himself to be a capable downfield receiver on the TD pass last week and several other passes.

I dunno, I see a much bigger weapon than Danny, and I love Danny.

Hell, I think he's more valuable lined up wide than Branch.

BSR

On one of his runs he missed a wide open hole up the middle. On another he dropped a catch able ball. It isn't like he made the most of the opportunities he did have.

chicowalker

Did you mix those 2 up? less speed and more strength than Woodhead?

He should have been used more against this defense. Actually, he should have been used more all season, imo -- a speed threat would have helped in many games and situations.

newenglandsports11

Really? I have almost grown accustomed to players having big games and being dead silent the next. I wasn't surprised at all because it is such typical BB fashion. There have been numerous times over the years (LawFirm vs. Buffalo in 09 w/ 100 yard game, Mike Cloud in 2003 vs Tennessee, Daniel Graham in 2005 after his monster 04' year, to name a few) where BB has literally just abandoned what worked in the past weeks.

Again, I think it goes back to the notion that he is trying to outsmart everyone and thinks that the opposing team will sell out to stop the player. Another reason for Vereen's performance last night would be because of Woodchuck (Shoutout to my main man, Thomas Menino ) and because we were down in the 2nd half so we had to pass.

Bobs My Uncle

I would have loved to have seen Woody and Vereen out there at the same time with the Pats in the no huddle.

DocHoliday

Look up their combine speeds. Woodheads measurements trounce Vereen in every department.

Vereen was out there, he just dropped a ball and wasnt beating coverage.

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DarrylStingley

Agree that BB tries to change things up.

But at the same time, I think last night called for going to Shane as they needed another weapon.

Those pointing out that he had a few bad plays are right but so what? Everyone does. If he had been a part of the game plan he would have had more chances to shine and gotten into more of a rhythm.

coolguy

I said vereen could have been the LT2 for the offense.

Woodhead on paper has 4.3 speed, but vereen has a bigger burst than he does. On top of that he can line up as a receiver and become a deep threat.

The patriots decided not to include him in their scheme because he wasn't trusted enough until riddley got knocked out of the game.