Ice_Ice_Brady

I don't think the answer is obvious. It's a big problem that teams overplay our passing offense in the playoffs because they know the best our running backs can do is an 8 yard run. Anyone would take that risk-reward. Obviously, a fast WR like Vincent Jackson or Randy Moss will stretch the field, helping take some pressure off of Gronknandez. We've now seen the Jets, Giants, and Ravens all successfully limit our game to small area of the field.

In terms of the playoffs, the most effective offense we had was in 2004. Corey Dillon made that offense so much more dynamic. Since then, we concede a 75-25 pass-run ratio against playoff defenses. That might be why we struggle to crack 20 points when it matters. Even in 2007 with Moss and Stallworth, our deep game didn't do too much damage in the playoffs.

Obviously, elite running backs are even harder to come by than elite wide receivers. There aren't too many of them, particularly three-down backs.

Palm Beach Pats Fan

The elite RB is harder to properly evaluate for most teams, is more injury-prone, and is likely to have a shorter career than the elite WR.

You also get 10+ yards per play for the WR vs. 5 for the RB.

Take the WR almost every time.

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PATRIOTSFANINPA

A 35 Year Old Quarterback needs a stud behind him to lower the amount of burden on him.

Ask John Elway of how happy he was to have a beast like Terrell Davis behind him to make defenses respect the run and less pressure on him to carry the team.

Give me another Corey Dillon type any day of the week over a WR

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ensoul

Have to go with the WR. The NFL is more of a passing based league now that there are stricter rule about pass interference.

Snake Eyes

WR, without a doubt! We already have 2 good backs, we just need to use them. Adding a receiver with Mike Wallace speed would have a lot more impact than a RB with Chris Johnson speed, IMO.

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Elijah T.

Belichick drafted Vereen in the 2nd round, and Ridley in the 3rd.

I've seen plenty of Vereen in Jeff Tedford's offense at Cal, and he's basically a stronger inside runner then Jahvid Best but can cutback across the hashes for 40-50 yard gains regularly. He can accelerate left to right on a dime; a gifted runner. He's aggressive in pass protection and was a reliable receiver.

He obviously had two hamstring issues that kept him from the field. BB isn't big on using rookies unless he has to or they give him an absolute reason too.

Whether BJGE is re-signed or not, a healthy Vereen will win the starting job in camp and through the pre-season.

He's our guy.

Now go sign Marcus Colston.

Perfection08

My kneejerk reaction is to say I want an elite receiver. But I have concerns. Even if TB has a burner, can he still throw the deep ball? I know part of it is who he has to throw to, but I feel like most of the deep balls he threw this year were underthrown. I'm not sure he has the same arm he did in 07.

Also, I really like what we're doing with the tight ends. I feel like if healthy, it's very tough to stop this passing offense as currently constructed. Would a star receiver reduce their roles? Also, what elite receiver would you want? Many of them are no different than Moss or Owens. They want the ball and the attention. Tom is at his best when everyone gets targeted.

That said, assuming Welker gets resigned I would probably go against the majority and wish for an elite back. Imagine what a guy like Ray Rice could do in this offense.

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celticboy04

Greetings,
I have to go with receiver as well. There are already good running backs on this roster who are a lot better than the numbers they put up. Ridley should develop into a very nice running back by next season. I think someone posted on this board that it would be nice see to the running backs used more on screen plays and I agree. Back to receiver, I would like to see a reliable quality receivers opposite Welker with speed and nice size. I would like to see Jabbar back because he was very nice when he was here and has gotten a lot better since he left. I know he is not elite, but would be a very nice upgrade.

Celticboy04

ThatllMoveTheChains!!!

I'm guessing TB can still the long ball, but his precision with it has just gone down since he hasn't been throwing it with regularity. If the Pats picked up a quality deep threat I'm guessing TB would be able to get him the ball.

On the worrying note, I'd be worried about the offense properly using an elite RB. Seems like they sour on the running game exceptionally fast if there's a fumble or negative run.

ATippett56

The New England Patriots don't need an elite receiver with speed, the New England Patriots need an elite receiver who can run the entire route tree and beat man coverage.

The answer to the question is Brandon Lloyd.

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