Who Should Start @ RB Thread

1 - Bolden should start assuming he has had a good camp.

2 - Ridley fumbles again. Gradually increase his carries if hes FF [fumble free]

3 - Vereen is a valuable receiver and 3rd down RB.

4 - White should back up Vereen and be gradually worked in.

It is Ridley, it is not even a question.

Joker said:

White looked better than average/useful tonight. He's got some wiggle and some drive. Like this draft pick.

Click to expand...

We must have been watching different games, because I saw a player that if not for an 8 yard run on a 3rd and 25 would have had 9 carries for 19 yards. He might have some wiggle, but he did not look good last night or in the first preseason game. As far as the draft pick goes I am undecided, I am not going to conclude that he is not going to be very good because he has looked really good in practice, but he needs to start showing that in games.

deters said:

I hope we don't get rid of Bolden. He isn't a superstar in the waiting but he is a quality backup and proven he can play in the league unlike some of these rookies.

Click to expand...

Ridley benefitted from some nice holes early. I don't like white at all. Granted Boldens sample size is smaller, he breaks tackles like Ridley and runs more violently than any of our RBs. I like Vereen as the starter however, he runs with more power than most credit him for and he is easily the fastest/most explosive and always a big play threat. He is also one of the best pass catching RBs in the NFL. If not the best. He is even a deep threat at times out of the backfield that The defense must account for.

Ridley's work at the LOS is usually very good. He seems to be carrying the ball higher, but still doesn't keep it close enough sometimes when making moves and being tackled. As long as his fumbling doesn't get out of control, and I don't think it will, Ridley should start.

ctpatsfan77 said:

Just to check, are there any players other than Brady on this team that you actually don't have a problem with?

Click to expand...

Well, Brady does have problems with the deep ball...

I want Ridley to start, but would not be surprised in the slightest if Vereen or Bolden do.

I expect Ridley to start and Vereen to lead all RBs in snaps played.

captain stone said:

Well, Brady does have problems with the deep ball...

Click to expand...

I think you are being sarcastic but for what it is worth Brady threw deep 53 times, 8 of those passes were drops, 7 of them the WR running the wrong route, and then there were the plays like Amendola against the Saints when he let up too soon and got overthrown, Aaron Dobson pulling up lame against Buffalo, and Gronkowski losing a ball in the sun.

whoever gymrat thinks is the most buff and can squat.

mgteich said:

First, if teams do not have good kick returners, teams will be tempted to kick up high kicks and hope for a fumble. BTW, I think that there are more returnable kicks outdoors in the winter than in the preseason.

But, I am nitpicking. I agree with you. I would not give Finch or Boyce a roster unless they earn one as the 4th RB or 5th WR. And, unless Dobson pulls up lame, I don't see that happening. To put it another way, Boyce needs to beat out Thompkins or Lafell for a roster spot.

As a longshot, Boyce could make the roster as a developmental player who is almost always inactive.

Click to expand...

I re-iterate Boyce has PS eligibility if PSed on the final cut. Holding off till game four might jeopardize that.

"Starting RB" is probably one of those antiquated ideas that we hold on to long after Belichick has rendered it obsolete. The second safety position is becoming one as well.

Both are about scheme and match ups - what are we doing this week offensively and defensively. It isn't about a permanent position based on merit, like the OL positions are. It is about customization for the opponent.

I would only "activate" three halfbacks and one fullback on game day:

Ridley, Vereen, White, Develin

I question the need for four halfbacks on the 53 man roster when at least one can be stashed on the practice squad: Finch/Gray

mgteich said:

I think that Bolden is OK as a 4th RB. I would chose him in that role over any of the UDFA's.
I don't know whether White or Bolden would be the backup for Ridley. I do think that we should carry all four of our running backs.

Click to expand...

I feel that Bolden is a waste of time and at least one halfback can be stashed on the practice squad. Bolden did not do squat after the Denver Broncos regular season game last year.

Brandon Bolden Career Game Log | Pro Football Reference

mgteich said:

Develin seems entrenched as a FB/hback.

Click to expand...

That is a given.

mgteich said:

BTW, I don't see this logjam at RB. We have 4 solid running backs for 4 positions.

Click to expand...

Dressing more than three halfbacks on game day seems like overkill.

mgteich said:

We also have a couple of Practice Squad prospects in Fray and Finch.

Click to expand...

Which makes Brandon Bolden more expendable not less.

mgteich said:

We do have a decision with regard to whether to have a position for a KR who wouldn't make the team as a position player. For now, Finch and Boyce are possible for that role.

Click to expand...

I could care less who the kick returner will be. I nominate Dan Connolly.

PatFanCraig said:

He is also one of the best pass catching RBs in the NFL. If not the best.

Click to expand...

Don't be a blind homer. He has the potential to be up there, not quite at the top yet.

2013 RB & FB Receiving Stats & Rankings | Picking Pros

At every situation a different running back may come in, so do not understand the whole concept of who is "starting"... as that is situational.

A better way if framing it might which RB will get the "most touches", right now Ridley has a big X on his jersey and there will be serious efforts at ball hawking by the other team..

Unless he gets fumbleitis again, Ridley is clearly head and shoulders amongst this group...

betterthanthealternative said:

"Starting RB" is probably one of those antiquated ideas that we hold on to long after Belichick has rendered is obsolete. The second safety position is becoming one as well.

Both are about scheme and match ups - what are we doing this week offensively and defensively. It isn't about a permanent position based on merit, like the OL positions are. It is about customization for the opponent.

Click to expand...

I hope that's not the case.

Clock killin' Corey Dillon was a thing of beauty to watch at the end of games, at least during the 04 season, as was Antwain Smith. With Defenses going lighter on the line, I can see a team bringing back the power run game.

I'm a big Ridley guy. If he can hold on to the ball, he's almost perfect for this offense. With Brady and Gronk, teams are never gonna game plan for Ridley. He also gets into the EZ a good amount of times. The guy hits the hole with speed and force, and he grinds defenses down ....

But for the love of God, please hold on to the ball Riddler!!!

pmb116 said:

Don't be a blind homer. He has the potential to be up there, not quite at the top yet.

http://pickingpros.com/nfl/running-back-receiving-leaders.php

Click to expand...

Another thing about Vereen. I don't think his body can hold up getting 15-20 carries a game. At least, he's never proven it til this point.

Ridley still...best all around back we have...but his leash is short, if he fumbles more he will stop seeing carries and will be traded away

Vereen is the best all around RB on the roster, Ridley is the best first down RB.