Pats Running Backs
 

I wasn't really impressed by our running game with BJGE and now it's like running back by committee to me. I can't imagine D coordinators losin sleep over having to defend our runnin game and sayin Pats have 2 potent areas to concentrate on. As much of a passin attack we always had it's still relevant to have a BONIFIED REAL RUNNING BACK because some where in that crucial spot of a crucial game Pats MUST control'da clock move those chains and take a knee. All these RBs are nice but unless somebody is gonna step up and be that Dillon/Faulk guy it's still one sided O to me........
Thoughts???

Re: Pats Running Backs
 

Right now the Pats runningback group looks like this:
Ridley, Vereen, Woodhead, Faulk, Addai

vs the Pats RBs in 2007:
Maroney, Morris, Faulk

We have a lot more depth in 2012. So I'm not worried too much about our RBs, especially if Ridley emerges as the star I think he can be when given the full time starter's role.

The Pats goto will still be the passing game simply because we are loaded at QB, WR, and TE. It would be crazy not to use those weapons. I think we have enough at RB to keep defenses honest.

It would have been nice to draft say Doug Martin. But then we would have missed out on Hightower. So I am fine with how the Pats went in the draft and they got a solid vet in Addai to back up Ridley in case of injury.

Re: Pats Running Backs
 

I would like to think that either Ridley and/or Vereen can step up and be that player. There was a much greater need to focus on defense in the draft than on another RB. Considering how much cap space the top veteran RBs take up and how short their careers tend to be after so many hits, I don't think it would have made sense to go after a guy like Steven Jackson, that others here coveted.

As for BJGE, he played hurt all year; that's why you saw the drop from 4.4 ypc to 3.7, from 1008 yards rushing to 667. He's never going to be the guy that gives you highlight reel 40-yard runs, but that doesn't mean that he's not a solid and worthwhile player.


Let's see what Ridley and Vereen can actually do first before we write off the unit as a whole.

Re: Pats Running Backs
 

Other than the fumbles, when he played Ridley looked like a stud last year. So I'd like to see what he has before I label him a bust like Shonn Greene. We know nothing about Vereen either. Or Bolden. Unless you are going to trade for a stud or draft one high, both of which would have detracted from greater areas of need on this team, then it makes sense to go with this group and see who emerges.

Re: Pats Running Backs
 

The League trend is away from the one workhorse running back and toward a RB by committee. It's inevitbale that RB's will get hurt and get worn down quickly so if you only have one workhorse, the team is in a bad position when he goes out. There is also an economic piece. Large monetary commitments to an injury prone position isn't smart business.

Let's look at teams with one stud RB. Minnesota (AP), Chicago (Forte), Philly (McCoy), Pitt (Mendehall), Balt (Ray Rice), Oakland (DMC). In all these instances either the team isn't competitive or the RB has suffered a major injury recently, with the exception of Ray Rice. FWIW Forte and Rice are both in contract disputes.

Vereen and Ridley are very talented backs who had a shortened training camp last year and needed time during the season to learn the offense, how to block better etc. Make no mistake, these guys, in addition to Woodhead, are poised for a big season IMO. The Pats have handled the situation exactly right. Instead of worrying about this postion, fans should be excited. BJGE was solid but he had NO breakaway potential. You'll all see the difference next year.

Re: Pats Running Backs
 

Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss 5’11″ 222 lbs.

2012 Patriots Undrafted Free Agent Signings | NEPatriotsDraft.com - 2013 NFL Draft


We are loaded at RB and need to flesh out the rookie/young players.

Re: Pats Running Backs
 

I'm satisfied with Ridley, Vereen, Woodhead, and a veteran addition at RB for depth. Addai is not the guy I wanted but I'm hoping and guessing BB saw something in him that most of us didn't since 2008. Given the fact that in today's market it would've cost us $5M/year to sign a guy like BGJE I'll gladly take this group right now at the current cost (assuming Addai was signed for very cheap).

Re: Pats Running Backs
 

ESPN's Bill Williamson thinks there's a good chance that the Broncos could cut RB Knowshon Moreno in training camp:

Mailbag: Knowshon Moreno's future - AFC West Blog - ESPN

Josh McDaniels drafted Moreno 12th overall in 2009, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to pick up Moreno if he became available. He's 4 years younger than Addai, and a very versatile "flex back" who would be adept in the passing game. It may take another year for him to fully recover from his ACL injury, but he could be a useful piece in a "too many weapons to cover" offense.

Re: Pats Running Backs
 

Last year, with BJGE in the fold, Patriots RBs carried 377 times for 1,573 yards. I'll predict that the 2012 RB corps easily eclipses those numbers.

Re: Pats Running Backs
 

I'm not a fan of Moreno but WOAH, welcome back to the forums mayo! Your insight was missed man, glad you are posting again (unless I'm going blind and just havent noticed you posting)