It's time for James White to step up and fill in for Lewis. But what can he bring to the table?

I've been as harsh a critic of White as anyone. He simply didn't meet te challenge at RB [though always a good reciver] When Lewis started ripping it up, I noticed he did have some runs, even broke some tackles.

Maybe, in limited action, he'll have an epiphany and get some yards that
are there.

If not, he's still faulkian as a reciver. he has those light feet/good hands.

Having said that, I grieve for the season of Dion missed. Y'all know he is my favorite find forever!

Wordsmyth said:

If Cadet can be re-signed, I'm all for it.

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I'm excited at the possibility of Cadet replacing White as the weekly healthy DNP too!

Bolden over White over Cadet.

Bolden has the skills to catch the ball. He does have moves, though not as shifty as Lewis.

LJRomanoff said:

I'm excited at the possibility of Cadet replacing White as the weekly healthy DNP too!

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Well White is certainly saying all the right things today. He'll have his shot, its his job to lose I think.

I'd pickup Montee Ball over Cadet....

They're not going to be able to really replicate Dion's success, they shouldn't even try. Have White handle the 3rd down back responsibilities, and increase Blount's workload down the stretch. On those 3rd down plays that Lewis was crushing, find ways to get LaFell and Scott Chandler more involved.

oldrover said:

James White 2013 highlights... they called him "Sweet Feet"... I watched this and have hope.

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I see the "W" on the side of his helmet, and I lose hope.

Montee Ball was a fumble machine. That's why he currently doesn't have a job, and we all know how Belichick feels about backs that can't hold onto the football...

Doubt he is signed over Cadet or Archer, but who knows, Bill's been known to make out of left field personal decisions from time to time (i.e. Hanyesworth, Ochocinco, Lynch, Wayne)

In preseason of White's rookie year (last season), he and Jonas Gray were splitting the carries, and I remember thinking how much more explosive Jonas looked than White, despite Jonas being much bigger. Actually, I remember thinking White didn't look explosive at all, and instead looked tentative, indecisive, and slow, contrary to the raves he was getting in training camp as reported by Mike Reiss.

From what I've seen of him this year, he doesn't look much better. I hope I'm wrong.

Whoever blocks best should be priority one. Line is in flux, major flux. Whichever back picks it up the best gets the job. All roads to SB 50 run through TB12. He needs to be upright !!

Going from what I saw in preseason, Lewis was the better runner and White the better pass catcher. Both could pass block. I expect White to have a similar role as Vereen did last year. Blount will get alot more carries. Unless they pick up another RB, Bolden will spell both Blount and White as needed. We normally carry 4 RB's so I expect the Patriots are looking to add another.

As u say...Bolden is a very good special teamer and that is why he is here....he has been average at best (competent) at RB.....don't see him doing anything....going to have to come from white or Cadet.....or someone from outside

alvinnf said:

Bolden or bust! White will not get it done. Bolden while not perfect has had some flashes of being a legit weapon. He has a more complete game at this point. Just my opinion, of course. However, he is a valuable special teamer. Initially I think they will split the role and let the play sort it out.

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Todd Bradley said:

Still need a backup RB, since if either Bolden, Blount or White go down, it'll get ugly. Cadet, Archer or Moreno should be in for a workout soon.

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I'd posit instead they promote another PS OL vice a RB. They've been carrying three RBs on game day for quite awhile - that shouldn't change with Lewis going down.

reflexblue said:

He Might be a very very poor mans shane vereen. Ive never been impressed with white, right from day one. He looked slow, and went down to easy. i'm a little surprised hes still on the team.

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White is like Dobson.

The next game is going to be the breakout game.

cscirpoli said:

For you guys talking about White not being able to run, you must have forgotten Vereen getting stoned at the line of scrimmage if there wasn't a gaping hole for him to fit through...as long as White can catch and make the first guy miss, he'll be fine.

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When has White ever done this in the NFL.

White was on the Pats roster when Lewis came in and passed him by like Fredo Corleone.

I thought it was interesting that they brought in Bolden over White.

Not sure what that means other than the coaches felt he was a better fit for the game plan.

Triumph said:

When has White ever done this in the NFL.

White was on the Pats roster when Lewis came in and passed him by like Fredo Corleone.

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Next year White is sitting at the front of the fishing boat saying Hail Marys...

Can someone explain to ke what white has done to be met with such disdain?

He looked pretty good in preseason action...iys just lewis was better.

Ok, he did nothing his rookie year...but so did vereen. And i recall posters basically calling vereen a bust until last year because he was redshirted his first year and injured his second.

I think white willbe fine. He can catch the ball and should give us what vereen did imo

robertweathers said:

I thought it was interesting that they brought in Bolden over White.

Not sure what that means other than the coaches felt he was a better fit for the game plan.

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That Bolden was there and White was not, Pats have 3 RBs on gamedays - Have to be active to be used..