A look at the Patriots running back situation

A look at the Patriots running back situation
By: Ryan Hannable

A Quick look at the Patriots RB Situation....

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Demps is not going to be cut.

I don't see any of the FB's sticking. I see Bolden as sticking for goal line, FB duties, and relieving the load on Ridley in blow outs.

Good things happen when Woodhead is in the game. He right now is the best blocker they have in the backfield. He is the most reliable on the screen pass. I can see Demps making it as initially a KO return man and part time reciever that splits out wide and flies down the field. Do the opponents try and cover him with a LB (huge mismatch). I have them keeping all 5 backs and Bolden playing short yardage / FB.

Cutting Demps based on what has been seen so far is silly.

Demps came off the street and
Looked pretty good. Also the financial commitment shows they had an interest before. Bolden likely odd man out if they cut at RB. My guess they keep 5

I also think that we keep five. There are possibilities that we keep a fullback or that we pick up a veteran backup and try to get Bolden to the Practice Squad.

I say they keep 5.

If they cut Demps someone in the Pats Fo is getting cut.

I suspect the New England Patriots could try to slip Brandon Bolden onto the practice squad. With that said, there is no way Jeff Demps clears waivers.

bagwell368 said:

Demps is not going to be cut.

I don't see any of the FB's sticking. I see Bolden as sticking for goal line, FB duties, and relieving the load on Ridley in blow outs.

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I see that myself.

I had four RBs until we brought in Demps and I think a FB is still part of McDaniels plans. It's a battle between Kettani and Bolden and I think it's going to be a case of who they can slip through waivers. Bolden got talked up a lot by the likes of Lombardi so whether or not teams have taken note and might put in a claim we don't know. Kettani looks incredibly raw with no real football experience the last couple of years. He should get on the PS.

We'll go with five and Bolden will do as you say.

Ridley looks like a feature back except in short yardage situations. That's my main concern with this group is 3rd and short, can't be having Brady dive everytime. I don't think I've seen Bolden in short yardage. IIRC Ridley and Bolden were both described as downhill runners when we got them but I don't see it at all in their size or when they run.

Mark Morse said:

Good things happen when Woodhead is in the game. He right now is the best blocker they have in the backfield. He is the most reliable on the screen pass. I can see Demps making it as initially a KO return man and part time reciever that splits out wide and flies down the field. Do the opponents try and cover him with a LB (huge mismatch). I have them keeping all 5 backs and Bolden playing short yardage / FB.

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I really like Woodhead, but I do not think he is the best blocker. I think he surprised some linebackers in 2010, but they have seen the film of him. He is just too small to be more than a chip blocker.

I think running back will be a strength this year especially with the return of the screen pass.