So, did Brandon Bolden make an impression on anyone else during Training Camp?

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I knew he'd make the team but anyone on this board outside of Mississippi could not have predicted a performance like the one yesterday. He played out of his mind. I'd like to see it more consistently as his playing time should increase. There is only one person in Patriotland across the world is upset with Bolden's performance and his name is Vereen.

Vereen is a Patriot and when you're here you need to learn the 'Patriot Way' ....if he is upset over being lower on the depth chart than Boldin,he'll need to get over that fast.

It's a team game in NE and he'll need to ride the pine until asked to perform.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

he was good today but lets not forget about Stevan Ridley who is 9th in the NFL in rushing yards and is only about 90 yards away from the leader and is also 2th in the NFL in rushing TD's

Ridley might be top 5 in rushing if the Woodhead plans were not in service against the Ravens.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Vereen is a Patriot and when you're here you need to learn the 'Patriot Way' ....if he is upset over being lower on the depth chart than Boldin,he'll need to get over that fast.

It's a team game in NE and he'll need to ride the pine until asked to perform.

Wow, a little caffeine lately? Relax. My sentiment really didn't evoke such an emotional or even well thought out response. It was something that was borderline facetious and the only reason I said anything about it was because Vereen is a second-round and second-year back who many had pegged as the de facto number two back on the depth chart. Bolden is an UDFA who many didn't even think would make the team. Relax and stop being uptight. Think about it, how would I really know what Vereen feels about today's performance?

 

[Joker]

even more to the point, why would anyone even care, PB12...Vereen is Casper The Ghost...and this ain't a comic book league.

Go back in the threads to somehwere around the 3rd preseason game...Bolden lit it up pretty well to the point that a lot of us fans hoped BB would at least get him on the practice squad...well today was a REAL NFL game with all pro d lineman on the other side...and he ran for 130 plus yards while splitting carries...THAT cannot be dismissed. He's big and strong...Vereeen is...uh...what IS Vereen anyway?...I just don't know

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Wow, a little caffeine lately? Relax. My sentiment really didn't evoke such an emotional or even well thought out response. It was something that was borderline facetious and the only reason I said anything about it was because Vereen is a second-round and second-year back who many had pegged as the de facto number two back on the depth chart. Bolden is an UDFA who many didn't even think would make the team. Relax and stop being uptight. Think about it, how would I really know what Vereen feels about today's performance?

I never for a moment thought anything you said was anything more than an opinion.

I do think that there are many players who will feel slighted if down the line they don't get reps.....in NE you wait your turn,if Vereen ever gets upset about lack of playing time he won't be here long......

not saying he might ever feel that way,but that goes for every player or they don't stay,like Winslow for example who wanted to get more action.....now he's gone.

 

[RayClay]

even more to the point, why would anyone even care, PB12...Vereen is Casper The Ghost...and this ain't a comic book league.

Go back in the threads to somehwere around the 3rd preseason game...Bolden lit it up pretty well to the point that a lot of us fans hoped BB would at least get him on the practice squad...well today was a REAL NFL game with all pro d lineman on the other side...and he ran for 130 plus yards while splitting carries...THAT cannot be dismissed. He's big and strong...Vereeen is...uh...what IS Vereen anyway?...I just don't know

He's a candidate for third down back, which is a pretty big role here considering the way BB and Mc like to game plan.

 

[UK_Pat37]

I wasn't on the bandwagon myself but I didn't get to see him in camp. I had heard the hype, but through three preseason games was sat wonderin what it was all about. Then in the final game he did a lot to show why he warranted the aforementioned hype. Before yesterday I was firmly ont he opposite side of the fence.

I won't rush to judgement right way but have edged over to 'on the fence'. Buffalo cheated towards the pass all game and we exploited that. He looks like BJGE MK. II early on, but we still need to see consistent performances against more stout run defences.

 

[PatsFan2]

I loved what i saw from Bolden but as was already touched on my one legged Grand Mother could have averaged 5 ypc going through those gaping holes. Glad to see Vollmer made it though the entire game. We have two fine book end Tackles in him and Soldier. If our running game half as good as yesterdays it would work wonders come Sunday.

 

[Jose]

Vereen is a Patriot and when you're here you need to learn the 'Patriot Way' ....if he is upset over being lower on the depth chart than Boldin,he'll need to get over that fast.

It's a team game in NE and he'll need to ride the pine until asked to perform.

If Vereen is upset about his position on the depth chart maybe he should stop being a bigger bust than Lawrence Maroney and actually do something.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

he was good today but lets not forget about Stevan Ridley who is 9th in the NFL in rushing yards and is only about 90 yards away from the leader and is also 2th in the NFL in rushing TD's

No need to. This team wants to field a tandem, most teams do for practical purposes, and these two set up to be complimentary workhorses sharing the load as opposed to the thunder and lightening duos that can always seem to be on the field at the wrong time a;a Dillon and Maroney. This will make it tougher for Vereen to break into the mix because we don't need a three back rotation. Vereen may now be competing for Woodhead's natural role as the third down back, but he will have to show he can function as Danny did yesterday and that isn't as easy as being more naturally talented... Until then he's likely depth.

 

[DarrylS]

Was watching him in TC, and he was very impressive..

UDFA's who do big things on this team always create a soft spot from me, they have to work harder from the get go.. some do not, but he was pushing it in camp and was obvious.

This kid is a rookie, it took BJGE a couple of years to develop.. in BJGE's rookie year ('08) he had 74 carries for 275 and in '09 he had 26 carries for 114 yards..

At first glance Bolden is further along that BJGE..

 

[brdmaverick]

Did Bolden make an impression on me in training camp?

Simple Answer: NO

I actually went to a lot of practices this summer (at least 8). Running back is the toughest position to assess in training camp because there hardly is full tackling. Often a running back goes through the motions and looks like a stud because no one tackles him. Needless to say, Bolden did not stand out (nor did any of the others though).

Glad to see he is having success and plowing through defenses. I'll admit I did not have him pegged for my 53.

 

[Kevin]

Did Bolden make an impression on me in training camp?

Simple Answer: NO

I actually went to a lot of practices this summer (at least 8). Running back is the toughest position to assess in training camp because there hardly is full tackling. Often a running back goes through the motions and looks like a stud because no one tackles him. Needless to say, Bolden did not stand out (nor did any of the others though).

Glad to see he is having success and plowing through defenses. I'll admit I did not have him pegged for my 53.

Not sure what kind of practices you were at then. At plenty of the full pad practices you could see how Bolden compared to other backs.

For the record, anyone that went to camp should know why Welker had a decreased role. He simply was not as good as Edelman. Welker dropped a pass almost every practice I went to. And Hernandez dominated like he always does.

 

[Shockt327]

Yup, the improved play of Hernandez stood out as well during TC.

Also, on a down-note, I thought Gronk looked visibly slower when running. Like his stride was just a bit hobbled.

Those were my observations from training camp.

 

[patfanken]

Count me among those who will admit to missing this boat. I went to several practices and couldn't see what the fuss was about. He looked like a competent camp body to me, and nothing he did prior to Sunday had led me to believe otherwise. I'd also advice caution before we cast that bust because the holes the OL gave both RBs were outstanding. More times than not they were through to the 2ndary before being touched. It won't always be that easy.

Personally I think he only made the team because none of the FBs panned out and the Pats needed a slightly bigger RB to go along with Woody, Vareen, and Ridley, and Boldin profile most fit the need. All that he showed on Sunday was that he could find gapping holes and finish his runs. That's a great start, but not someone you are going to build an offense around. He's just another nice UDFA find who can carve out a nice NFL career like BJGE if he's willing to do all the little things.

 

[Kevin]

Yup, the improved play of Hernandez stood out as well during TC.

Also, on a down-note, I thought Gronk looked visibly slower when running. Like his stride was just a bit hobbled.

Those were my observations from training camp.

Gronk looked a tad slower but it was nothing dramatic to me. It's kind of like a lot of the reports that came out of camp early saying his blocking wasn't any good, but he picked it up towards the end. I felt he just needed to get back up to speed, but yeah, I did agree he looked a tad slower.

Speaking about tight ends, when Jimmy Graham came I was just floored at his speed. He runs brilliantly, almost like a galloping horse. Just beautiful to watch him run.

 

[Danger Zone]

Wow this kid is impressive!! I expect him to have a real break out game against the Bills! I predict 8 yards per carry! Maybe use him in tandem with Ridley?

How could I not, but I really, really liked what I saw from him and Ridley last night. Wow.

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

He's a candidate for third down back, which is a pretty big role here considering the way BB and Mc like to game plan.

I paid attention to the couple of times Vereen was in there and it looked to me he has no idea of who or how to block. He won't be a candidate for the third down role if he can't block.

 

[Modest]

If Vereen doesn't show something this year, I dont see him surviving next year's roster cuts. But back on topic, man I'm becoming a Bolden fan.

 

[UK_Pat37]

If Vereen doesn't show something this year, I dont see him surviving next year's roster cuts. But back on topic, man I'm becoming a Bolden fan.

You think they'll cut a 2nd round pick in his third year?

Not going to happen....he'll get traded away, IR'd but he won't just get cut...I think it's unlikely he'll leave us at all in 2013.

Woodhead is an UFA next year, Demps isn't exactly a given in the NFL yet either...they weren't even willing to put him on designated IR. Vereen is still the 3rd down prospect of the future...they'll gradually phase him in to his role.