BJGE - if he walks, how confident are we in Ridley and Vereen at RB?

[RobertWeathers]

If BJGE gets a huge offer from another team, he is gone....I think BB told him to test the market and give the Pats the final shot at retaining him,,,If he DOES leave, BB probably signs a veteran to help out.....I don't think having Woody and a couple of second year players is in the team's best interest.

I love Ridley's potential and want to see what Vereen brings to the table...

The Pats backfield should be even better this year with a healthy Vereen and Ridley with a TC under his belt....:rocker:

If BJGE leaves they will absolutely bring in a vet that can pick up the blitz/pass block as Vereen and Ridley are a little green in this area.

 

[TruthSeeker]

I'd like to see them pick up a burner RB type, someone with return ability, like a Lamichael James or a Chris Rainey. In the lead role, I think Ridley can be 120% of BJGE -- he's bigger, faster, and catches the ball better.

I'm a big fan of Lamichael James and Chris Rainey, BUT, we kind of already have those type of players in Woodhead and Vereen. Rainey might not be a bad 3rd round pick, a speacialty type of player that adds explosion as a receiver and return man. I don't know, maybe it would be a waste. I see James as more of a starter, he's short, but thicker than Rainey lower body wise, so he can run between the tackles. I have a weird feeling Lamichael James will become a star in the NFL, so I'd love for the Pats to draft him, just don't see it happening.

 

[JMarr]

.I don't think having Woody and a couple of second year players is in the team's best interest.

No doubt. Like anyone else, I wish he had more playmaking ability, but he's been rock solid and the perfect BB type player. I'd rather have him than to see BB make another Fred Taylor-type acquisition.

He will never be asked to be "the guy" in anyone's offense and I really doubt any other team is going to offer him much money or years. Who knows, maybe someone like Crennel or Dimitroff might be interested in adding depth.

 

[Snake Eyes]

Forget Law Firm, sign Mike Tolbert!

 

[JackBauer]

I don't mind retaining BJGE as a rotational back.

But if he leaves, somehow I think we'll survive just fine.

 

[Mark Morse]

Rarely? He's *never* fumbled in the nfl.

or college ... he started for 4 years, 2 at Indiana in the Big 10, then transferred to Miss St and stated 2 more years in SEC. He had 1,000 yds rushing in each of those 4 seasons. he ran a 4.6 at the combine and was deemed too slow. OK he doesn't have breakaway speed. I think he finds his worth in the open market and presents the Patriots with what he is offered. If the Patriots think its fair they match it, if not they let him walk. Thats just how it is ...

 

[Mix]

or college ... he started for 4 years, 2 at Indiana in the Big 10, then transferred to Miss St and stated 2 more years in SEC. He had 1,000 yds rushing in each of those 4 seasons. he ran a 4.6 at the combine and was deemed too slow. OK he doesn't have breakaway speed. I think he finds his worth in the open market and presents the Patriots with what he is offered. If the Patriots think its fair they match it, if not they let him walk. Thats just how it is ...

He fumbled 10 times in college.

 

[crowell33]

Well we can assume that Ridley will work on ball security. Hopefully Vareen will catch 30 balls out of the backfield and become the 3rd down back. Woodhead more of the change of pace and ST role. I would prefer to see BJGE back due to his reliability.

If he isn't back I would either draft a RB wouldn't spend a lot on a FA RB.

This about covers it. "We can assume that Ridley will work on ball security" ( and we can hope he fixes the fumble problems that he has had both last season and at LSU ) we can HOPE "Vareen will catch 30 balls"

With BJGE it isn't hope. The guy delivers. He is very durable, an above average blocker, never dances, is great around the goal line ( 24 TD's the last two seasons ? ) and he never ever fumbles. He also has been a decent receiver out of the backfield. Sign this guy.

 

[crowell33]

He fumbled 10 times in college.

BGJE has never fumbled once in high school, college or pros. Ever.

 

[patsfan13]

He fumbled 10 times in college.

I've read about him not fumbling in college, do you have a link for your assertion?

 

[MP-Logick]

I'm almost positive he fumbled a few times in college. Someone a while back posted a play-by-play of one of his college games that showed him fumbling, I'll see if I can find it.

Edit: This article says he fumbled 10 times in college, losing five:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204555904577167253671355534.html

 

[JackBauer]

This about covers it. "We can assume that Ridley will work on ball security" ( and we can hope he fixes the fumble problems that he has had both last season and at LSU ) we can HOPE "Vareen will catch 30 balls"

With BJGE it isn't hope. The guy delivers. He is very durable, an above average blocker, never dances, is great around the goal line ( 24 TD's the last two seasons ? ) and he never ever fumbles. He also has been a decent receiver out of the backfield. Sign this guy.

What does PFF say about him?

 

[Mix]

BGJE has never fumbled once in high school, college or pros. Ever.

Maybe if you ignore the 10 fumbles in college but keep spreading that myth.

I've read about him not fumbling in college, do you have a link for your assertion?

Link

 

[Iron Helmet]

Michael Bush is still out there.

 

[PatsChamp88]

BGJE has never fumbled once in NFL. Ever.

..........

 

[eagle eye]

With both Bush and Tolbert still out there I think there is a good chance that lawfirm comes back to New England. I think its an exciting looking backfield if he returns.

 

[grux]

Ridley
Vereen
Woodhead
X


If BJGE moves on, someone else will be brought in to play the role of X.

Agreed. BB will bring in a vet for insurance. I think Vereen is going to get more carries than Ridley. Vereen looked good when he played garbage time towards the end of the season.

 

[PatriotReign]

I say we try to retain the Law-Firm. I know he's not flashy and he doesn't usually have game changing plays but the fact he has been durable,and keeps a vice grip on the football is reason enough for him to stay.

Just think about games where Maroney fumbled in the past like at the one yard line during the Colts game a few years back. Would Benny have lost the ball? I don't think so.

 

[Snake Eyes]

Just think about games where Maroney fumbled in the past like at the one yard line during the Colts game a few years back. Would Benny have lost the ball? I don't think so.

Benny is also not threat to the edge and isn't good at breaking tackles, limiting the offense.

 

[Ring 6]

I say we try to retain the Law-Firm. I know he's not flashy and he doesn't usually have game changing plays but the fact he has been durable,and keeps a vice grip on the football is reason enough for him to stay.

Just think about games where Maroney fumbled in the past like at the one yard line during the Colts game a few years back. Would Benny have lost the ball? I don't think so.

Not fumbling is nice, but you have to do more in the NFL than not screw up. Not that he does nothing else, but he just doesn't have the level of skills that starting RBs have in this league.