Bolden's back

[nabwong]

19-0

 

[BTTA]

Look at his deal and after they sign and draft a few more RBs then tell me he's a lock

Would bet good money that Burkhead will outperform all but one of the RB's taken after the second round in the draft.

 

[BTTA]

Why do people keep comparing him to RB's? That's not the position he plays.

 

[Froob]

Why do people keep comparing him to RB's? That's not the position he plays.

His ability to do a medicre job at all running back positions is just a plus.

 

[pdangle]

The funny thing about Bolden is he had very good testing numbers for his size. I know he isn't but physically he should be a really good RB. Weird that it didn't work out given that 6.91 three cone at 222 pounds at his pro day (6.96 at combine). Anyway, he is what he is.

Interesting. I guess he's one of those players that is just better at using those skills for 'hitting/containing' than 'evading/creating'.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Either way you had the Pats not offering him a contract because he was the Chuck Knoblauch of football (whatever that means) 3 weeks ago. He's a BB guy and I think he stays.

Good memory.

I still think he is the Chuck Knoblauch of football. He has developed a mental block with his ability to play offense.

It's a safety move. BB needs to have 90 players signed. Bolden is as good as any.

 

[Family]

Maybe Blount is going to sign and Bolden/Blount battle for one roster spot that depends on how Burkhead looks as a possible #1 back.

 

[maineman209]

Bolden is a special teamer.

His positional designation as "RB" is nominal only, as is Slater's as "WR". They're given these designations merely because football has no official positional designation for "special teams coverage specialist" (Pro Bowl voting doesn't really count). If either one of them is playing significant snaps on Offense for multiple games, it means that the Pats have a dire injury situation on their hands. If/when that happens, their ST snaps are reduced commensurately.

When injury circumstances forced the Pats to play Bolden at RB in 2015, his ST snaps were significantly reduced. When Burkhead began playing significant snaps on Offense for the Ravens late last season, his special teams snaps were also significantly reduced.

Aside from OL and a TE (occasionally) blocking for FGs and extra point kicks, and aside from RBs or WRs returning kicks/punts, regular significant contributors on Offense play virtually zero special teams snaps - especially not on the units that defend against opponent returns or that block for Pats returners. Bolden gets the bulk of his game snaps on these ST units (19/game on ST, 0.9/game on Offense in 2016).

[NOTE: Develin has been a bit of an exception to this. And, a few times in past seasons, a WR, RB or TE has played significant ST coverage snaps for a few games during his rookie season.]

This holds true for all NFL teams. Virtually all of their "high-use" special teamers are defensive players. You can verify this by reviewing the detailed snap counts on Pro-Football-Reference.

So, Bolden won't be competing against RBs for a roster spot, just as Slater won't be competing against WRs for a roster spot. Neither ever really has. As always, both will be competing only against other special teams candidates for a roster spot.

At $3.15M, Burkhead is being paid to be a significant regular contributor on Offense. He was never going to "replace Bolden" on special teams.

 

[zoostation]

Good memory.

I still think he is the Chuck Knoblauch of football. He has developed a mental block with his ability to play offense.

It's a safety move. BB needs to have 90 players signed. Bolden is as good as any.

I see......he forgot how to play offense. Makes perfect sense.

 

[zoostation]

My guess is BB uses Bolden (career 4.2 yards per carry) and Burkhead as the safety net if LG does not return. Maybe Bolden and Burkheart become the 2 headed power backs in combination with White/Lewis. Gives both backs extra gas in the tanks to continue to excel on special teams.

Bolden slamming the Colts down during the notorious "trick play" always brings a smile to my face.

 

[n1997y]

His ability to do a medicre job at all running back positions is just a plus.

Why do people keep comparing him to RB's? That's not the position he plays.

Like calling Slater a WR...

 

[RobertWeathers]

I see......he forgot how to play offense. Makes perfect sense.

Pretty much

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Yes... much needed depth at the Brand(o/I/e)n position!

 

[PatsBoy12]

Seriously, what have the Bolden Power Back proponents seen to this point that suggests he'd be an adequate replacement for LG or any other true RB on the roster? Haven't we seen that fail multiple times? I still remember a big drop against the Jets on a swing pass where he could have lightly jogged to the end zone. And that's just one play. I got more examples. LOL

 

[dafoe2016]

Ugh. I thought Bill finally weaned himself off his binky as Bolden's PT was greatly reduced. This RB stable is starting look very underwhelming.

 

[DaBruinz]

Didn't see this coming - Figured the Rex Burkhead signing was to replace Bolden.

Does it matter if it's only a one year deal?

 

[Love The Drake]

Peterson Charles or Blount would make me feel better.

 

[chasa]

Ugh. I thought Bill finally weaned himself off his binky as Bolden's PT was greatly reduced. This RB stable is starting look very underwhelming.

jesus it's already starting.

people have already forgotten that this RB stable helped win a superbowl.

 

[maineman209]

jesus it's already starting.

people have already forgotten that this RB stable helped win a superbowl.

In 2016, the Patriots were ...
... 7th in rushing yards
... 5th in rushing TDs

And had the 4th highest 3rd-down conversion rate.

The ground game picked up 109 of 312 first downs (35%).

But, yeah, somehow the Pats ground game is "mediocre" and desperately in need of an upgrade.

 

[PatsBoy12]

jesus it's already starting.

people have already forgotten that this RB stable helped win a superbowl.

I hear you and I'm not necessarily disagreeing so much as I'm pointing out that the stable that "helped win a superbowl" is not entirely the same as of right now. Blount is not under contract and he was the workhorse during the season. I don't know if that is what the poster you responded to was alluding, but that would be the only caveat I'd add at this time. Get Blount involved, and I think the RB position is more-or-less good to go, though I would like to see a set of fresher, younger legs involved later on.