Dion Lewis

[PatsFanInVa]

They also had Mingo - 2nd in ST snaps, 4th in ST tackles. And Chung kicked in 201 ST snaps in addition to playing nearly every defensive snap (a bit overworked, IMHO).

Actually, aside from Jon Jones (and Freeny), all the other guys on your list are UFA at the end of the season.

With Slater turning 31 and Bolden perhaps seeming a bit reluctant to re-up this season, ST could be an issue in 2018.

OTOH, there are a couple-three deep backups who aren't significant ST contributors who could be replaced with better backup who ARE solid special teamers through this draft. Given what BB has already accomplished with 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th round picks this year, re-stocking the ST cupboard with 2-4 upgraded backups would probably make this a successful draft right there.

Barkeeeeeviouss Mingooo!

Best. PA Name. Evah.

 

[TommyD4207]

Dion Lewis will be the starter and feature back come opening night - just like he has been every game as a Patriot when he hasn't been snap-limited.

Dion Lewis is not a 'Third Down Back". Dion Lewis is RB1, and he's never NOT been RB1, unless recovering from an injury.

 

[supafly]

Dion Lewis will be the starter and feature back come opening night - just like he has been every game as a Patriot when he hasn't been snap-limited.

Dion Lewis is not a 'Third Down Back". Dion Lewis is RB1, and he's never NOT been RB1, unless recovering from an injury.

I don't know that anyone should necessarily consider him just a 3rd down back, but it's getting to be an awfully crowded backfield these days. Here are a few things to note from your post:



--He's been playing in the NFL since 2011, and yet he's never topped more than 283 yards rushing in a season. That's certainly interesting, considering that you claim that "he's a #1, and he's never not been a #1."

--In the past 5 years, he's never played more than half a season. Do you find that troubling at all, considering his extensive injury history?

--How would you explain Belichick's decision to take on expensive cap hits for both Gilleslee (4m) and Burkhead (3.15m) while also extending James White a year early, who just so happens to be our SB hero, while Lewis watched from the bench? Are you really going to suggest that none of this is going to change the status of Lewis as our "#1 back," particularly with even more pieces added?

--If your theory is true that he's always been our number one RB, how do you explain his 12 measly snaps in the season's most important game versus ATL in the SB? In comparison, White saw 71 snaps. Actually, both White and Blount saw more reps than Lewis in the AFCCG and SB. Lewis only had 12 in the SB and 17 the week before. Hardly sounds like a clear cut RB1 to me, considering that he saw the third most reps for RBs in the two biggest games of the year. Considering that new additions have been added to create even more competition and flexibility, I'm not as sure as you are that Lewis will be as clear of a RB1 as you're suggesting. Ultimately, I hope that you're right, as I like the kid and he seems to be a good luck charm.

 

[VJCPatriot]

It's a contract year for Lewis so I expect to see his best performance yet. What motivates a player more than big money looming in free agency? Our offense is stacked, expect Lewis to have a monster season and enjoy the Greatest offensive Show since 2007!

 

[primetime]

I don't know that anyone should necessarily consider him just a 3rd down back, but it's getting to be an awfully crowded backfield these days.

Yeah, I think it's fair to say that Belichick's focused on having a backfield with a number of different players who can fill different roles and cause mismatches against different teams. Lewis made less sense against a team that was smaller and faster up front like the Falcons than Blount did and made more sense against a bigger team like the Texans, against whom he did a ton of damage. Lewis is a guy who may get 20+ snaps in a game against a team he's better suited for, and then he'll only get 5 in the next while Gillislee or Burkhead takes a bunch of snaps. That's just the way this offense runs. Last year at the end they had three "#1s" to deploy based on the situation and matchup and this year they might have four.

The Super Bowl isn't really a fair game to judge on, though. They went big with Blount early, which made sense given the Falcons speed and lack of size, but once they fell so far behind it made sense to trot out the best receiver and pass protector they had since there was no way they were going to fool anyone into thinking they were going to run. Lewis is a good receiver and runner and he's much more elusive than White, but White's got golden hands and is a better pass protector. Plus it's pretty clear Lewis wasn't at 100% at any point last season. They did put the ball in his hands for the trick play at the end of regulation, though.

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

The prioritizing of James White's extension doesnt necessarily mean Dion Lewis is outside the roster bubble.

I still believe that Lewis' cheap contract, high ceiling, and unique skillset makes him worth keeping for one more season, and I hope Belichick feels the same way

Need I remind you of the Divisional Round game vs. HOU?

 

[Nehalem]

The prioritizing of James White's extension doesnt necessarily mean Dion Lewis is outside the roster bubble.

I still believe that Lewis' cheap contract, high ceiling, and unique skillset makes him worth keeping for one more season, and I hope Belichick feels the same way

Need I remind you of the Divisional Round game vs. HOU?

Are we suppose to be remembering his 3.2 yards/carry, his 23 receiving yards, or his 2 fumbles(one lost setting up the Texans for an easy 7 points)?

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

Are we suppose to be remembering his 3.2 yards/carry, his 23 receiving yards, or his 2 fumbles(one lost setting up the Texans for an easy 7 points)?

He can clean up for game. The fumbling is a concern.

Cheap contract + unique, versatile skillset + high impact potential = worth a roster spot IMO

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

Are we suppose to be remembering his 3.2 yards/carry, his 23 receiving yards, or his 2 fumbles(one lost setting up the Texans for an easy 7 points)?

The Denver game was also pretty impressive. Not much to nitpick there

 

[mgteich]

We'll know a lot more in camp and the pre-season. There are many scenarios. One scenario (if Bulkhead and Gillislie look good) is for Lewis to be traded during the pre-season.

It makes little sense to trade Lewis now. He will be worth much more if he is healthy for the pre-season. IMHO, Burkhead makes little sense other than as a companion back with Gillislie for 1st and 2nd downs. White is the 3rd down back, and a fine blocker.
=========
So, what roles to we NEED to fill with Gillislie, Burkhead and White healthy and performing?
========
We could use a fullback. At least Bill and Josh seem to think so.
We could use a special teamer (Bolden has filled this role)
We could use an emergency back (Bolden has filled this role)
We could use a backup for White (picking up the blitz is critical for this player)
========
If everyone is healthy, where exactly does Lewis fit in? If Develin is our fullback, we room for one more: Lewis, Bolden or Foster. As we know, Foster move to the roster if someone is injured.

 

[mgteich]

He can clean up for game. The fumbling is a concern.

Cheap contract + unique, versatile skillset + high impact potential = worth a roster spot IMO

You are describing both Lewis and Foster. Neither has carried for more than 300 yards. One is injured every year.

 

[mgteich]

They also had Mingo - 2nd in ST snaps, 4th in ST tackles. And Chung kicked in 201 ST snaps in addition to playing nearly every defensive snap (a bit overworked, IMHO).

Actually, aside from Jon Jones (and Freeny), all the other guys on your list are UFA at the end of the season.

With Slater turning 31 and Bolden perhaps seeming a bit reluctant to re-up this season, ST could be an issue in 2018.

OTOH, there are a couple-three deep backups who aren't significant ST contributors who could be replaced with better backup who ARE solid special teamers through this draft. Given what BB has already accomplished with 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th round picks this year, re-stocking the ST cupboard with 2-4 upgraded backups would probably make this a successful draft right there.

I agree that special teams needs to be a focus. After all, Bill traded a 5th for a really good special teamer, perhaps Mingo's replacement.

 

[Tony2046]

Are we suppose to be remembering his 3.2 yards/carry, his 23 receiving yards, or his 2 fumbles(one lost setting up the Texans for an easy 7 points)?

How about all of it. Three TD's including a 98 yard KR.

 

[50-yard-line]

I saw Lewis getting lots of snaps in teh postseason - that's all I need to know regarding BB's value for him.

More than role-playing, I think BB has built a redundant backfield that can withstand the rigors of the 19-game schedule the Patriots expect to play, and come through with fresh legs.

Burkhead will get plenty of snaps on ST, likely, and may see some time in the slot, depending on injuries (h/t to Deus for that - Burkhead certainly looks like he can fill that role).

Lewis, if he's back to pre-ACL form, which is very possible, will be featured a lot.

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

You are describing both Lewis and Foster. Neither has carried for more than 300 yards. One is injured every year.

You can't measure Lewis' production on his cumulative yards, because he isn't going to be the primary ball-carrier. Lewis is the kind of player whose reps might vary game-to-game. If he is kept on the roster, I foresee him being used selectively according to the specific gameplan and matchups.

Keep in mind also, the Patriots are still undefeated every time Dion Lewis plays. While crazy to think it's all attributable to him, his presence in the lineup has been efficient and impactful.

 

[RobertWeathers]

This thread is driving me nuts.

DLew is not going anywhere.

He'll still see 8-10 touches a game with a mix of run and pass.

He will run back kicks. Maybe even punts in the preseason.

Durability is clearly a problem with him. Workload might have something to do with it.

 

[Love The Drake]

If Bolden makes the roster over Lewis I don't know what I would do?

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

We'll know a lot more in camp and the pre-season. There are many scenarios. One scenario (if Bulkhead and Gillislie look good) is for Lewis to be traded during the pre-season.

It makes little sense to trade Lewis now. He will be worth much more if he is healthy for the pre-season. IMHO, Burkhead makes little sense other than as a companion back with Gillislie for 1st and 2nd downs. White is the 3rd down back, and a fine blocker.
=========
So, what roles to we NEED to fill with Gillislie, Burkhead and White healthy and performing?
========
We could use a fullback. At least Bill and Josh seem to think so.
We could use a special teamer (Bolden has filled this role)
If everyone is healthy, where exactly does Lewis fit in? If Develin is our fullback, we room for one more: Lewis, Bolden or Foster. As we know, Foster move to the roster if someone is injured.

FYI, Lewis is a special-teamer. He returned a kickoff for a TD for 98 yards.

Even with a healthy Gillislie, Burkhead, and White, Dion can still contribute.

If anything, Burkhead makes Bolden more expendable IMO, since he's far more reliable on offense as a RB

 

[mgteich]

FYI, Lewis does special-teamer. He returned a kickoff for a TD for 98 yards.

Even with a healthy Gillislie, Burkhead, and White, Dion can still contribute.

If anything, Burkhead makes Bolden more expendable IMO, since he's far more reliable on offense as a RB

Let me be clearer. If everyone is healthy after 2 pre-season games, I believe that it would be an advantage to the team to trade Lewis or Burkhead.

 

[maineman209]

I saw Lewis getting lots of snaps in teh postseason - that's all I need to know regarding BB's value for him.

v. HOU ...
Develin, 33
Lewis, 33
Blount, 27
White, 12

v. PIT ...
Blount, 30
White, 29.
Develin, 25
Lewis, 17

SUPERBOWL ...
White, 71
Blount, 17
Lewis, 12
Develin, 10