Factors leading to a possible big game for Stevan Ridley?

[RayClay]

Yes -- and the announcers (I forget which ones) made out that bringing in Ridley was bringing in a heavier back for BJGE.

Just checked and he did play some fullback in college. Seems like just a numbers game then, he sure isn't built like a fullback.

I'm sure happy, he looks a lot better than what I was expecting from the "expert's" analysis.

 

[West Philly Patriot]

While I think the signing of Polite was mainly due in large to Donald Thomas having to assume full time duties at G, It could open up the chance of more power run formations.

Having two elite level TE's gives us alot of versatility and makes us less predictable than most teams when coming out in these sets. I would also like to see Ridley run with a lead blocker that can actually get up field. I miss Crumpler, he was an excellent run blocking TE. Considering that Ridley ran for 48 yards in the 4th quarter to ice the win with a makeshift O-line against an improving D is impressive. He's earned some quality reps and it seems he has gained the trust of the coaches. BJGE's recent struggles have created an opportunity for the kid and I don't think he'll look back :rocker:

I don't think we go for the record honestly. Having the bye, I think we use this last game to try and fine tune and implement some things. Situational football etc. I want the win and I want Brady outta there asap. Considering we just came off of our worst 1st half performance of the year I highly doubt BB won't go full steam ahead for atleast the 1st half.

Letting Ridley tote the rock more against a bad Run D can get his confidence up heading to his 1st postseason and show us what he can do. That to me is more valuable than the record, which will be damn near impossible to reach unless Brees has a terrible day against a bad D.

 

[West Philly Patriot]

Just checked and he did play some fullback in college. Seems like just a numbers game then, he sure isn't built like a fullback.

I'm sure happy, he looks a lot better than what I was expecting from the "expert's" analysis.

From all the write ups I read after the draft he was a bruiser 3 yards in a cloud of dust type. I'm pleasantly surprised as he's def more slash and dash with some power mixed in. He's the most balanced back on our roster currently. Ridley doing well bodes very well for us. He needs to work really hard in the off season on blitz pickup(however one would do that) and he could be putting himself in a nice position with this organization in the future.

 

[Gwedd]

Two comments...

1.) I am convinced that that "turf toe" injury of BJGE's is what is hampering his playmaking. I've had a similar injury, and until you experience it, you really don't grasp how much you use your toe(s) in EVERY motion, and how exquisitely painful that sort of injury is.

2.) I suspect Brady passes Marino's record easy, since he's only 190ish yards off of it. I hope he does, because that keeps pushing the record levels higher. I don't see him beating Brees for the #1 spot, though it might happen, and frankly, I don't care. If it does, it does, but I am more interested in no injuries to any more of our players,. and a win over Buffalo.

 

[Gwedd]

From all the write ups I read after the draft he was a bruiser 3 yards in a cloud of dust type. I'm pleasantly surprised as he's def more slash and dash with some power mixed in. He's the most balanced back on our roster currently. Ridley doing well bodes very well for us. He needs to work really hard in the off season on blitz pickup(however one would do that) and he could be putting himself in a nice position with this organization in the future.

You bet, and as you posited earlier, with two elite-level TE's and a couple good WR's, the whole playbook is available. That one factor makes it more difficult for teams to prepare to defend against, because they have to defend everything, not just concentrate on one or two areas.

 

[West Philly Patriot]

You bet, and as you posited earlier, with two elite-level TE's and a couple good WR's, the whole playbook is available. That one factor makes it more difficult for teams to prepare to defend against, because they have to defend everything, not just concentrate on one or two areas.

I wish we had a bonafide outside guy for these types of formations tho. Welker is better suited in the slot and we don't have that tight route running good run blocking outside WR. Then again..........

Ocho we need youuuuu

 

[BelichickFan]

I guess it sounded like I was calling people liars.

My reference to "lie" was just the old phrase, not that you came across badly. The point is that scales are scales, there's no gray area. You can't train for a weigh in like you can for a 40, you weigh what you weigh and Ridley is a well built guy. I expect UFA (I think he's UFA not RFA) BJGE to leave and we'll have Ridley, Vereen, Woodhead as our RB with room for a low pick, UDFA or low level FA signing.

 

[The_Riddler]

Ridley needs to take command of the runninggame, I was one of BJGE's biggest fans/defenders on the board last year. He may of been slow, but he was explosive the first 5 yards and always broke tackles, this year, it's gone from him. It has to be the toe injury.

Hopefully Ridley can pull a James Starks for us this postseason!

I'm with you on this. The Firm is no longer breaking tackles even for those 3 yard gains and when he's not doing that, it's time to give his carries to the more explosive option. Ridley might be that one key ingrediant for our playoff run. I am really hoping he grabs the starting job this week and keeps it heading into the playoffs.

What I would like BoB to design is some "delayed draws" out of the shotgun for Ridley because of his quickness and ability to hit the hole, I think it would add a big dimension to the offense, add alot of balance and also help the passing game.

 

[Dessalines]

It cold happen but the PATS are who they are offensively, so I would not expect much change. However, I would like Brady to break Marino's record then hand the ball to Hoyer and get some rest. Couple that with a bye week and maybe he'll heal a bit.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

With two rookies at OT and lean on me whimpy blockign from Thomas, I think that a two back two TE offense would be called for. Can Polite pick up the blitz? If not then he is useless.

PLay action out of the two back and two TE set could be huge for us. If the Bills safeties abandon the box and play deep, then the screen game should chew up huge chunks of yardage.

How sad is it that Buffalo has better safeties than us? Clearly Sergio "out of position" Brown and Ivebeenaho need to step it up big time this week.

 

[Patjew]

If the game is in hand I would love to see Brady yanked just before he can break the record. I want to see the message sent that we're not in this to break records, we're in it to win 4 more games this year.

 

[PatsDeb]

I think Brady's non-throwing shoulder will be the biggest factor in a big game for Ridley.

 

[PatsDeb]

If the game is in hand I would love to see Brady yanked just before he can break the record. I want to see the message sent that we're not in this to break records, we're in it to win 4 more games this year.

At this point, if I am Brady, I've given up on the record. I want to stay focused on protecting what's left of my arm(s) at any cost, so I can get where I want to go, the Superbowl. Let Brees have it; I want the bigger prize.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

At this point, if I am Brady, I've given up on the record. I want to stay focused on protecting what's left of my arm(s) at any cost, so I can get where I want to go, the Superbowl. Let Brees have it; I want the bigger prize.

i'm tired of the Marino and Manning type records that the Fantasy boyz get boners over

TFB is focused on the Montana record for which he needs more rings. That's a record that gives me...well chills.

 

[RayClay]

My reference to "lie" was just the old phrase, not that you came across badly. The point is that scales are scales, there's no gray area. You can't train for a weigh in like you can for a 40, you weigh what you weigh and Ridley is a well built guy. I expect UFA (I think he's UFA not RFA) BJGE to leave and we'll have Ridley, Vereen, Woodhead as our RB with room for a low pick, UDFA or low level FA signing.

I know, just saying your point is well taken. Most times those weights are a joke, cause the players 5 years in and they're still listing his college weight (don't think they have official weights after pre draft events do they?) after these guys have bulked up.

In Ridley's case, that's obviously doubtful, why would he go on a diet (and he's a slasher in college films too). Mostly alluding to the hype others have noted, which seems to be writers putting together known facts (weight, he's played FB) and constructing a 3rd round power back without looking at his film.

Don't know why BJ would want to leave and who would offer him enough to make it worthwhile. I think the Pats give him a decent contract and chance to play a few years. Pretty good three headed RB amongst them if Vereen can be that speed/receiver combo. We are still going to use little scamps to catch passes so Woodhead can stay and we still only have 4 backs. I could easily see them throwing out 2 TEs and three smurfs once in a while, who might or might not lineup/shift to/from the backfield.

BJ had one fine year, but i doubt anyone's going to break the bank trying to sign him and if they do, he might be counting his money on the unvoluntarily retired list when that team goes for the next flavor of the month. He's appreciated here.

 

[RayClay]

i'm tired of the Marino and Manning type records that the Fantasy boyz get boners over

TFB is focused on the Montana record for which he needs more rings. That's a record that gives me...well chills.

Chills? That's all?

Just think about John Madden, naked with goosepumps to imagine that thrill.


...eating a Turducken.

 

[RayClay]

If the game is in hand I would love to see Brady yanked just before he can break the record. I want to see the message sent that we're not in this to break records, we're in it to win 4 more games this year.

You are so cruel.

 

[Patjew]

You are so cruel.

My B. Just tryin' to keep it real, yo.

 

[aztecafut]

If the game is in hand I would love to see Brady yanked just before he can break the record. I want to see the message sent that we're not in this to break records, we're in it to win 4 more games this year.

Yeah especially since the Saints have nothing to play against the Panthers this week but Brees will still play the whole game. There is no way the 49ers lose to the Rams this week but you know Brees will still be in there in the 4th quarter with the game well in hand just padding up his stats.

 

[RayClay]

I wish he'd been thrown to more, we could use a pass/run option that could break out at any time. BJ looks to be a better receiver, but he's still not a dangerous threat every play. Woodhead is a good runner/receiver, but not a threat either way.

I'm talking wild, escaped bull. Hernandez flashes that as a receiver and Ridley does at RB, but three receptions isn't telling me there's confidence with his receiving ability yet.