Official Stevan Ridley thread.

[Betterthanmost]

Just play him. Give this kid about 18 to 20 carries for the next two games. He bounces off defenders, been a while since we had that type of backs. The passing game was working, but it become easier when Ridley got into the action and with that, I start the fan club.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Been a bit inconsistent thus far. BJGE has been too but he's still the more proven back.

 

[moosekill]

Just play him. Give this kid about 18 to 20 carries for the next two games. He bounces off defenders, been a while since we had that type of backs. The passing game was working, but it become easier when Ridley got into the action and with that, I start the fan club.

He looked good Sunday, but he has looked pretty bad the last couple times before that.

 

[Betterthanmost]

Been a bit inconsistent thus far. BJGE has been too but he's still the more proven back.

How do you come by this? Because he gets tackled the moment that ball is handed to him on his 5 or 6 carries he gets?
Let them commit to the running game, it will be outrageous for Brady to take unnecessary hits in the games left in the regular season.
I am going to watch the game vs the Broncos again and see if what I am thinking is right about the play action working effectively with Ridley in.

 

[patsinthesnow]

I see the #1 RB potential, but inconsistent.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

How do you come by this? Because he gets tackled the moment that ball is handed to him on his 5 or 6 carries he gets?
Let them commit to the running game, it will be outrageous for Brady to take unnecessary hits in the games left in the regular season.
I am going to watch the game vs the Broncos again and see if what I am thinking is right about the play action working effectively with Ridley in.

The same arguments was made for Maroney. But there were games where BJGE was pounding holes while ridley was getting stuffed at the line. Sure, it's not always on him but so far BJGE is overall more proven.

I agree with more commitment to the run game but I'm not sure yet that I want Ridley getting carries over BJGE.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I like the kid. He will need a year or two to develop. Lets see what he does with the carries he gets this year and a off season with training camps. Could certainly be the best running back selected in 2011 with more time.

 

[JackBauer]

He looks markedly quicker than BJGE.

I think the whole consistency bit is a tad overblown. By that token, Demarco Murray has been inconsistent as well, with the difference being # of carries.

 

[coolguy]

How come brady never throws screens to ridley?

 

[Patriot Missile]

He looks markedly quicker than BJGE.

Seems to be able to stay on his feet which makes him more of a threat to break off those 20+yard runs. As of right now though I'm fine with BJGE being the #1 until Ridley gets deeper into the playbook and progresses as a blocker. His time will come but I think some are rushing it a little bit.

 

[Betterthanmost]

The same arguments was made for Maroney. But there were games where BJGE was pounding holes while ridley was getting stuffed at the line. Sure, it's not always on him but so far BJGE is overall more proven.

I agree with more commitment to the run game but I'm not sure yet that I want Ridley getting carries over BJGE.

If at the line, then I will not be so open in defending him, but how about at the back field? At times multiple defends descend on him.
During the game yesterday, they said the Broncos told the commentators that Brady under center with a back directly behind him was a sure run and sure enough, that was the case bar two plays the whole game. If you are that predictable on the limited times you run, what success do you expect to have if your OL is not that dominant in run blocking?

 

[Betterthanmost]

Seems to be able to stay on his feet which makes him more of a threat to break off those 20+yard runs. As of right now though I'm fine with BJGE being the #1 until Ridley gets deeper into the playbook and progresses as a blocker. His time will come but I think some are rushing it a little bit.

But there is that credible issue of the toe for BJGE and that has seemingly taken away his burst that he showed at the beginning of the season. Let him rest for the next three weeks.

 

[RodThePat]

I like Ridley, just wish he would hit the hole more decisively and stop turning his back to oncoming defenders.

 

[SyN65]

His ceiling is so much higher than BJGE. I remember he had one run the other day where he broke a tackle and I thought to myself "BJGE could never do that".

He's a better athlete no doubt, but I think BB just trusts BJGE more.

 

[The_Riddler]

He looks markedly quicker than BJGE.

I think the whole consistency bit is a tad overblown. By that token, Demarco Murray has been inconsistent as well, with the difference being # of carries.

I agree, it's all about "the reps". Ridley would improve with more touches. He is obviously much quicker to the hole the BJGE and he hits it up in the seam as soon as it opens up. Been kind of disappointed with Benny on a couple of recent 3rd and 1's where he's gotten blown up in a cloud of dust for no gain and we had to punt. At the very least you expect him to get the yard, that's his bread and butter.

 

[letekro]

Ridley is a better runner, I'm not sure anyone can dispute that. Problem is, until he is trusted in the pass game, his presence on the field will tip off the run.

 

[condon84]

It's unfair to criticize that he's inconsistent when he's only given a handful of carries per game.

 

[moosekill]

It's unfair to criticize that he's inconsistent when he's only given a handful of carries per game.

Sorry but this makes no sense. He has been inconsistent. No one can argue that fact, unless, like the original poster, you haven't watched the games.

Now that being said, that doesn't mean he sucks, it means we don't know yet. Giving him some extra carries isn't a bad thing, but it certainly doesn't insure he will do great things, once again, because he has so far, been inconsistent.

 

[NEPatriot]

Part of the problem is that there just aren't enough touches for all the backs. This was one of my issues with BB drafting two relatively high round RB's. While I understand BB's logic, hedging against injury and one of the draft picks being a bust, it does make it harder to get a player to get the touches needed to play well. It's going to be interesting to see what BB does next year with the Law Firm.

 

[Patspsycho]

How come brady never throws screens to ridley?

He just doesn't like throwing screens unless it's the very last option. He's had problems lately with always looking for the homerun throw. He didn't use to do that but for some reason it's been more glaring lately although he did a little better yesterday. He's ignored basically everyone that's not at least 10 yards downfield.