Lewis v White

AzPatsFan said:

I think Bolden is a cut candidate, but subject to a recall when an opening occurs. Blount's problem is that he is a poorer runner than any on the team, while exceling on things where BB has a surplus of talent. I would never have predicted that LB/ST Chris White was a cut candidate but he is gone.

Plus BB has a surplus of ST contributors and even a few who can play both. Lewis and Cadet can be kick returners and PRs, easing the load on Edelmen.

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I respectfully disagree re: Bolden as a potential cut. I think he provides good value as a backup for Blount, and he caught 21 balls out of the backfield recently. His blitz pickup is very solid.

His ST presence is obvious as he completely lays people out, and is an experienced vet who is proven in our system. Just as importantly, he comes very cheaply.

You're ready to cut a guy like Brandon Bolden but you want to consider replacing him with unproven guys like Dion Lewis, or Travaris Cadet, who have never even played in our system before?

Oswlek said:

Vereen was as much of a non-threat to run the ball in his final 60 carries last year as you will ever see.

If Bill is going to put a guy in the backfield with Brady on 3rd and long, he is far more concerned with pass pro.

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Can't possibly agree more on the poor running from Shane Vereen, and was completely shocked to have seen some here predicting his return at a salary of 3-4m dollars per year. To me, that was insane.

Aside from a role player like Ayers, Shane Vereen's departure was the easiest to predict out of any of the FA's this year, due to the fact that they'd command money that was much too expensive to keep.

As far as the need for strong blitz pickup, that's my biggest concern for keeping Dion Lewis, who I followed locally here at PITT University, and actually like the idea of keeping.

In the end, I'd think that Cadet is the easy choice to let go, and don't mind the RB depth of Blount, Bolden, Gray, White, and Lewis one bit. The possibility of keeping Devlin exists, and is strong when you consider the redundancy offered by Hooman, who may be let go due to a couple/few reasons.

AzPatsFan said:

I think Bolden is a cut candidate

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Oh, don't get me wrong. Bolden's not going anywhere, and is in no danger of being cut. He's probably the 2nd best special teamer on the Patriots.

captain stone said:

He's damn close enough to the same player and role as Lewis & White are.
It's not like we're comparing him to Blunt or Gray or Develin or even Bolden.

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Not really.

I think Jonas Gray, Brandon Bolden, Trevaris Cadet, James White, and Dion Lewis will all be included in the opening day roster, simply because of Blount's one-game suspension.

I guess when Blount returns, one of the 3rd down backs will be counted among the 8 "deactivated" players, who won't be allowed to dress and play on game day. Is that how it works?

I think Lewis is the better overall RB at this time, he showed great hands and good burst. However, Lewis has bounced around the league because he cannot stay healthy. That means the Patriots need to have a solid backup plan...Cadet/White

Nunchucks said:

I think Lewis is the better overall RB at this time, he showed great hands and good burst. However, Lewis has bounced around the league because he cannot stay healthy. That means the Patriots need to have a solid backup plan...Cadet/White

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I have never seen a Team carry Three 3rd Down backs on one roster. I think James White is PS material and would clear waivers easily. At this point in time White is not as dynamic as Lewis/Cadet.

PatsFan2 said:

I have never seen a Team carry Three 3rd Down backs on one roster. I think James White is PS material and would clear waivers easily. At this point in time White is not as dynamic as Lewis/Cadet.

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Well, we haven't really seen Cadet, his pass blocking is supposedly very raw. We will get a good look tonight.

Chiuba E. Obele said:

I think Jonas Gray, Brandon Bolden, Trevaris Cadet, James White, and Dion Lewis will all be included in the opening day roster, simply because of Blount's one-game suspension.

I guess when Blount returns, one of the 3rd down backs will be counted among the 8 "deactivated" players, who won't be allowed to dress and play on game day. Is that how it works?

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I think Brandon Bolden because he back-up both RB spots makes a 3rd Down RB mainly *James White * expendable.

Nunchucks said:

Well, we haven't really seen Cadet, his pass blocking is supposedly very raw. We will get a good look tonight.

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Nun I think you will be happy with Mr. Cadet!

Nunchucks said:

I think Lewis is the better overall RB at this time, he showed great hands and good burst. However, Lewis has bounced around the league because he cannot stay healthy. That means the Patriots need to have a solid backup plan...Cadet/White

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To be fair, he bounced around last year because he was hurt.

He spent his first two seasons behind Shady McCoy (no shame there) and Bryce Brown (who's now a starting RB elsewhere), and was only cut because the Eagles spent money on Darren Sproles.

You guys are spot on citing Vereen's total lack of a run threat. That's why he was not the complete back worth the big bucks. I expect the "3rd down back(s)" on the 53 this year to be better runners. However, his absolutely amazing clutch catch in the SB makes this fan forever greatful for "Ben's"contribution here.

PatsWickedPissah said:

You guys are spot on citing Vereen's total lack of a run threat. That's why he was not the complete back worth the big bucks. I expect the "3rd down back(s)" on the 53 this year to be better runners. However, his absolutely amazing clutch catch in the SB makes this fan forever greatful for "Ben's"contribution here.

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It was a nice one-handed catch by Ben.

That said, Edelman (the intended target), would have made the catch behind him had he let it go.

Ugh...more so called 4.2 "facts"



http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/career-rushing.htm

Zuma said:

Ugh...more so called 4.2 "facts"

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So there's no difference in 700 carries against base defenses, and 200 carries against sub-package defenses?

Nunchucks said:

I think Lewis is the better overall RB at this time, he showed great hands and good burst. However, Lewis has bounced around the league because he cannot stay healthy. That means the Patriots need to have a solid backup plan...Cadet/White

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He broke his leg.

TommyD4207 said:

So there's no difference in 700 carries against base defenses, and 200 carries against sub-package defenses?

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Totally....but only in November on cloudy days.

"Dion Lewis" is trending on twitter in the Boston-area... dude made a good impression

The unfortunate injury to Develin certainly didn't hurt his chances, but Lewis should've made the 53 regardless after his performance last night.

PatsWickedPissah said:

A few months ago there were threads bemoaning the lack of a 3rd down RB. Now folks perceive a rich banquet. I think we're gonna be good to go at RB barring an injury plague.

The BIG concern about the 2015 Pats is CB. Too bad I'm only 5'9" 190.

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I would have preferred that we signed seasoned veteran 3rd down back. Having 3 mediocre ones isn't a better situation.