Patriots cut RB Travaris Cadet to make room for LB Bostic

[TommyD4207]

Bolden doesn't suck as a running back, he's an average running back with some versatility when he's warmed up. Having seen what it looks like to not have an average running back cause of injuries and waste a lot of effort to find guys that
are below average fits. I'm glad to have a guy who knows all the plays , can run up the middle and catch passes, if we have an emergency.

Brandon Bolden YPC by Year:
2012 - 4.9
2013 - 4.9
2014 - 3.2
2015 - 0.3

3.2 and 0.3 ypc isn't "average RB" anything.

He's halfway decent in pass protection (although I'd rather have either Lewis or Blount there), so as long as they don't actually hand him the ball, it's not the worst thing ever.

 

[RayClay]

His career average is 4.4. 4.9 the two years he had more than 50 carries.

 

[TommyD4207]

How many runs from scrimmage are you basing that on? Do you think someone running 3-4 times a game might not get in a rhythm running 20 times a game?

I hope we don't need to find out, but I'd feel a lot more secure with Bolden taking all practice snaps then getting some starting rhythm than I would Ebner starting at safety, but he's listed as one.

I agree with you on that. But that's mostly because I've seen Ebner play safety, and I've seen Matt Slater play WR.

These are core special teamers who shouldn't see the offense/defense side of the field, unless it's a blowout or there are a couple of injuries.

When Bolden gets offensive snaps, it's usually a reward for a good week of practice. I still hate it.

 

[Concussion Protocol]

We had a lot of injuries in 2005, but idf we had a Bolden then, we could have got Dillon back for the playoffs instead of shortening his career.

We did have Bolden in 2005, he went by the name Patrick Pass at the time

 

[RayClay]

Brandon Bolden YPC by Year:
2012 - 4.9
2013 - 4.9
2014 - 3.2
2015 - 0.3

3.2 and 0.3 ypc isn't "average RB" anything.

He's halfway decent in pass protection (although I'd rather have either Lewis or Blount there), so as long as they don't actually hand him the ball, it's not the worst thing ever.

Talk about cherry picking. Nobody can run their best when they're hardly used, including all pros.

Look at your own stats and list years with over 50 carries.

 

[RayClay]

I agree with you on that. But that's mostly because I've seen Ebner play safety, and I've seen Matt Slater play WR.

These are core special teamers who shouldn't see the offense/defense side of the field, unless it's a blowout or there are a couple of injuries.

When Bolden gets offensive snaps, it's usually a reward for a good week of practice. I still hate it.

I don't want him to get snaps, I like Lewis and Blount. No one is suggesting we sit them down and give all the carries to Bolden.

 

[RayClay]

We did have Bolden in 2005, he went by the name Patrick Pass at the time

I was thinking pass too. Bolden is better than Pass IMO.

 

[Concussion Protocol]

I was thinking pass too. Bolden is better than Pass IMO.

Pretty similar statistically, do similar things, have a similar niche. I don't care for either one as a lead back, but they serve a purpose in a pinch.

 

[TommyD4207]

I don't want him to get snaps, I like Lewis and Blount. No one is suggesting we sit them down and give all the carries to Bolden.

I just don't understand what you see in the guy that makes you think he's remotely average. He ran for 100 yards that one time his rookie year? Is that it?

 

[RobertWeathers]

I was thinking pass too. Bolden is better than Pass IMO.

I disagree. Pass was better offensively.

 

[Fencer]

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BoldBr00.htm

Bolden's career rushing stats include 4.4 YPA, 0 fumbles. and 6 TDs. That's competent. However, the good news is concentrated in the 2012-2013 seasons. The 2014 and 2015-to-date stats don't look as good.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

He's your second-best special teams player. He's really a demon out there.

I'd say third after Ebner, too, but that just goes to show how good the STs are.

 

[DaBruinz]

I'd say third after Ebner, too, but that just goes to show how good the STs are.

I don't consider Bolden to be even that good on special teams. But, I am biased since I hold the penalties he takes against him..

 

[TommyD4207]

I'd say third after Ebner, too, but that just goes to show how good the STs are.

Totally agree. I think Belichick has 4 or 5 spots just for core special teams players.

They've been on lockdown all year to this point.

 

[Brady6]

Still can't figure out how Brandon Bolden is still around.. I'd rather cut him and Cadet and bring back someone who could help them on kick returns instead of seeing McCourty back there.

I'm actually surprised to hear you say this. Bolden is a core 4 special teams player and right behind Slater with Ebner as our best special teams player. He is also serviceable at both running back positions.

We have Amendola and now Martin who can return kicks at a high level. McCourty was back there on the final kickoff last week because of the possibility of an onside kick he was playing safety.

 

[TommyD4207]

I'm actually surprised to hear you say this. Bolden is a core 4 special teams player and right behind Slater with Ebner as our best special teams player. He is also serviceable at both running back positions.

We have Amendola and now Martin who can return kicks at a high level. McCourty was back there on the final kickoff last week because of the possibility of an onside kick he was playing safety.

Matthew Slater is far and away the best core special teamer on the team. Bolden and Ebner are neck and neck for 2nd, but Slater's not just the best on the team, he's the best in the league, and has been for a long time now.

 

[Mack Herron]

I'm actually surprised to hear you say this. Bolden is a core 4 special teams player and right behind Slater with Ebner as our best special teams player. He is also serviceable at both running back positions.

We have Amendola and now Martin who can return kicks at a high level. McCourty was back there on the final kickoff last week because of the possibility of an onside kick he was playing safety.

Thanks for reminding me about the "hands" out there for the onside kick. McCourty was indeed out there, as well as Edelman and Gronk.

 

[Brady6]

I'd say third after Ebner, too, but that just goes to show how good the STs are.

I thought it was indicative of the importance of these players on Sunday when the Jaguars ran the fake punt play. Slater made the tackle but Bolden, Ebner, and Freeney were all right there along with him to stop the play as well.

 

[patsfaninpa]

I know we won't be healthy when they return.

Who would you drop when JoJo LaFell comes back? Hoo-Man?

How bout Stork? D. Watson??

Chris Jones? I'm guesssing one of the younger de's will get nicked up by then.....cough cough..
Grissom, Flowers or Rufus.

 

[Brady6]

I know we won't be healthy when they return.

Who would you drop when JoJo LaFell comes back? Hoo-Man?

How bout Stork? D. Watson??

Chris Jones? I'm guesssing one of the younger de's will get nicked up by then.....cough cough..
Grissom, Flowers or Rufus.

I think there will be players who get injured between now and then, but if we are fortunate enough I would look at the inactive list and pick from those players.

I am actually shocked that we have not given Flowers any playing time yet, I thought he was impressive in the preseason.