So what's the writing on the wall for BJGE?

[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]

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

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.

 

[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.

 

[ivanvamp]

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

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]

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.

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]

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.

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.

 

[Shelterdog]

The writing on the wall says Bene your staring at RB

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]

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.

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.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Well, I think the Patriots are losing 2-3 running backs this year and they decided to replace them with (hopefully) some quality backs from the draft. I think it's still too early to call this a referendum on BJGE although I think we can all agree that there are certainly better backs out there in the NFL than he.

I should also note the BB is known for providing competition everywhere even when it's not obvious that competition is needed (although there was clearly a need here).

 

[Dufflebagz]

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.

Uhhhh, ya. Thats what happens when you have a RBBC....these picks really don't change that too much.

 

[RobertWeathers]

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.

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.

Good points but I don't think BB burns two picks on 3rd round to be subs for BJGE long-term. A year at most.

If BJGE has another 1000 yd season, he'll be asking for more than $2m a year and he won't get it here with two kids with the bodies to handle 200+ carries right behind him. Depending on what they show for playmaking and how they pick up the passing game, one of them might start to get some of BJGE 14 carries a game sometime during the season.

 

[Potstickas]

BJGE is a servicable RB. The 2 RB Drafted more because there will be 2 RB slots open. They will serve as insurance and competition for BJGE. This is a RBBC system.

Also, it will say a lot if BB does not bring in a FA RB. Meaning that he has confidence in BJGE to BE the veteran RB.

Although, I do think that primary back role is there for Vereen to take eventually. The guy looks strong, quick and decisive to the hole. A home run threat.

 

[Patspsycho]

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

No, they didn't. We used plenty of play-action.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

No, they didn't. We used plenty of play-action.

Not what defensive teams coaches have said. If other teams have said they knew when we were running then thats a pretty large flaw.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

Uhhhh, ya. Thats what happens when you have a RBBC....these picks really don't change that too much.

Of course these picks change things. How dont they? You go from using two running backs (3 when Faulk was healthy) to possibly using four?

 

[Patspsycho]

Not what defensive teams coaches have said. If other teams have said they knew when we were running then thats a pretty large flaw.

Said how? Where are the links?

 

[DarrylS]

IMO this draft was about reloading this team during a labor dispute, these new guys will not benefit from Rookie Camp, OTA's and probably an abbreviated TC. That is a lot to learn about the NFL, the Patriot Way and the actual playbook. BJGE maybe a free agent at the end of this year, and it is better to have three under contract than to just have Woodhead.

BJGE is one of my fave's, north south runner who rarely hesitates or looses yards.. he also have never fumbled in the NFL, College and from what I understand High School also. There is a lot of upside to him, he is not sexy, just dependable and a pretty good RB.

We carried 4 RB's last year and now we have 4 again, so far all of them are healthy and that is a nice change.

 

[patsinthesnow]

The pats needed depth at the position badly. They always carry 5 RBs and they only had two on the roster, drafting two RBs in rounds 2 and 3 made sense.

Besides, the pats always lose 1 RB due to injury every year so depth is needed. My guess is Vereen is this years casualty.