Wide-Open Running Back Competition About to Heat Up

[RobertWeathers]

I was hoping that we'd see Brown and Foster pushing him, but as of now I don't really see that happening. Not meaning to suggest that neither can make the team, but as you said--it doesn't appear as though there's realistic hope that either one can take over White's role.

Yep.

Brown is a better runner and Foster most likely a better receiver. As you know you can't make the club if you are soaking in the tub

 

[PatsBoy12]

The x factor for the RB's is how long will Dion play before he gets injured again.

Can you use the in-season IR on a guy who's not hurt... yet?

Yeah, Lewis being banged up enough to miss games feels like a guarantee based on his history. I hope not to see him until September. I'd rather have a rusty Lewis to start the season than risk anything in the preseason. Let the first few games be his preseason, like Gronk in 2014.

 

[pdangle]

If I were any of those guys (RBs) except for Lewis and White (this year at least), I wouldn't be feeling too comfortable. I think BB's plan B, if Plan A failed and he couldn't draft the guys he wanted (if any) at value was to grab someone after they didn't make the final roster from the other 31 teams. I still expect that to happen. I'd bet my house that NE has scouts scouring the camps looking for diamonds that will shine in specific roles here in NE. In fact we might even see a rare trade or two this year for a RB as cutdowns loom. We have depth and valuable chips to trade, so I think it actually makes sense it might happen this year moreso than most seasons.

 

[Wordsmyth]

I'm calling it....

Blount
Gaffney
Lewis
Develin
White

I'm not entirely sold on LG. He needs to up his game.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I'm not entirely sold on LG. He needs to up his game.

He needs to move fwd more. Also the line needs to do a better job.

 

[BlueThunder]

I'll say it once more...I look at LG and see a RB that is hot and cold......2 hesitations and a slip and then one burst for decent yards.......He needs to be more dependable. Maybe that comes as the OL gets settled and he gets more rust knocked of in the preseason......He is a battering ram when healthy and moving forward....

 

[Mack Herron]

I am growing concerned that our o-line just isn't very good. Our most consistent guy to date is a rookie third round pick. Question marks abound. Vollmer when healthy is reliable, but will he remain healthy? After 5 years, Solder is still a work in progress. Sure they should improve, but how much can Dante get from this group? Personally, I have doubts that this line is going to be consistent either in protection or rushing. That puts pressure on the QB (fine if its TB) and the RBs. If the line remains inconsistent, we would benefit from a back who can make defenders miss--either from power or quickness-- at the line (or in the backfield). Dion can do that, but he has been fragile and I don't expect to see him taking a lot of carries especially in short yardage situations, which I see as a hole in our offense. LG is not effective with penetration. I look forward to seeing Brown, but I don't see him scaring anyone. Bolden is a nice ST/backup. White is good when he gets the ball in space, but lacks speed and power, not to mention a teeny catch radius. We all hope Gaffney can develop, but he lacked speed to my eyes. I see the OL and RB as the areas of greatest concern.

 

[TheFlyingWedge]

I'd be so happy if the team moves on from Blount. His pitter-patter "get stuffed in the backfield on a 3rd and 2" running style is just too frustrating and predictable at this point. Please step it up Gaffney