SeanBruschi54

I keep asking myself what is so wrong with BJGE that we HAD to draft two running backs high. Two very good running backs.

Vareen most likely will split carries with BJGE but he does something that BJ can't. He can take the ball outside with speed and break defenders, and he can carry it up the middle for power.

Vareen at his height was ranked the strongest at his position this year with 31 reps of 225 consecutively. He has a great power and speed combo and is considered one of the smartest backs in this draft class. His hands were a huge part of his game and allowed him to become a massive game changer at Cal.

He's been called Ray Rice by some scouts while others see him as a more polished version of Marshawn Lynch without the off field issues.

So what is wrong with BJGE? Ive killed myself in figuring out what is so wrong with his game. And my prayers were finally answered over the weekend. After countless hours of listening to phone interviews and reading transcripts and adding 2 + 2 equals 246. It was said.

BJGE is one dimensional. When he came into the game teams knew the Patriots were going to run and that they were going to run up the middle. Same thing with Woodhead, when he came into the game it was either going to be a screen to Danny or a run to the outside. In essence the Patriots running game had become stale and predictable.

Teams knew defensively when we were running and when we were throwing based on our backfield.

I was not aware of this and i thought i'd share. Hope this helps.

ctpatsfan77

The picks had less to do with BJGE and Woodhead and more to do with Belichick being tired of having to make do with just two active RBs at a time.

__________________
"Momentum was quickly snatched away by New England, who once again proved that any Patriot, at any moment, can make a play." —Inside the NFL, Packers v. Patriots

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

robertweathers

Good topic. I'll make an effort to pretend I'm BB.

1) BJGE's longest run from scrimmage is 33 yards. That stinks.
2) BJGE has maxed out his upside.
3) BJGE is not proficient in the passing game.
4) BJGE is a RFA and who knows what will happen if the CBA gets worked out
5) If someone is dumb enough to offer up a 2nd round pick for BJGE, BB will take it in a heartbeat.

__________________
“I'm not really concerned about the other 31 teams,” - Bill Belichick

"If a player has talent and doesn't succeed, that means that they either don't want to be successful or I have failed as a coach." - Bill Belichick

ivanvamp

At the start of last year the Patriots' backfield looked like this:

Fred Taylor, 35
Sammy Morris, 34
Kevin Faulk, 34
BenJarvis Green-Ellis, 25
Danny Woodhead, 26

After drafting two quality RBs, the Patriots' backfield now looks like this:

BenJarvis Green-Ellis, 25
Danny Woodhead, 26
Stevan Ridley, 22
Shane Vereen, 22
XYZ (not sure who a 5th RB would be, if any)

Drafting these two RBs may not have been so much about replacing Lawfirm and Woodhead. Maybe it was simply that the Pats like using a lot of RBs, and they wanted to not have to rely on guys in their mid-30's.

None of us would have wanted the Pats to be in a position last year of having to bank on Fred Taylor or Sammy Morris. Not at their respective ages. Now, if Lawfirm goes down, I don't think any of us would worry too much if they handed the ball to Vereen or Ridley 10 times a game.

The position just got a *LOT* younger, quicker, and stronger, and with the added benefit of adding pass-catching ability as well. In other words, the Pats' RB corps got an awful lot better, without spending a 1st round pick on a "name" RB.

SeanBruschi54

Very true. But it also shows that he isnt happy with the two he had either. They provided a value to the team but couldnt provide multiple dimensions to the offense.

reflexblue

The writing on the wall says Bene your staring at RB

robertweathers

I agree with most of this.

Unless the guy is a Corey Dillon, BB likes RBs who know the passing game (routes, check-downs, picking up blitzes, protection)schemes, etc. BJGE has been a very, very solid RB for the Pats in those areas.

With that said, it seems to me that BB is looking for more playmaking, game-breaking type of production out of the position.

Getting younger and filling roster spots was a big reason for drafting two kids, but looking for players who can add that playmaking dynamic in the backfield was and equal consideration IMO.

__________________
“I'm not really concerned about the other 31 teams,” - Bill Belichick

"If a player has talent and doesn't succeed, that means that they either don't want to be successful or I have failed as a coach." - Bill Belichick

Shelterdog

If he's not a free agent, which is still a possibility (he's not under contract and nobody knows what happens to all these restricted free agents).

He's the probably starter this year and if he has a good year then he goes and gets overpaid elsewhere in 2012.

signbabybrady

I dont fully agree with this. BJGE more than Woodhead is more of a one trick poney but BJGE has improved alot in the passing game. And Woodhead obviously isnt a between the tackles pounding back but he does have a really good up the middle draw game that I think kept teams honest at times or at least burned teams that didnt stay honest at times.

Also ask Lombardi what he thinks about predictabilty.

I dont think there needs to be any writing on the wall just because we drafted two RBs. First off 3 backs are FA and only one would I consider bringing back and that is Faulk who will likely retire. Second the NFL had been trending to two backs for awhile and the truth is now that it is more like 3 backs. Lastly and this isnt a knock on BJGE but how much better was he going to get and finding the best at every position should always the be the goal while realizing the reality is that wont happen.

__________________

Big-T

Vereen as the starting back, Woodhead 3rd down and Ridley & Lawfirm as short yardage/clock killing RB's, up by 14 to 21 at the start of the 4th? Put Ridley & Lawfirm in and watch the clock tick down to zero.