Patterson as running back

[TomPatriot]

What impresses me is that he has not fumbled the ball as a RB and he has taken some good hits.

I noticed this too. On a few plays, the D was trying to strip the ball but couldn’t. On most plays . . . they were just trying to catch him!

 

[BTTA]

...Honestly if I wanted to convert one Pats receiver into a RB my first choice is Julian Edelman. He has the mentality, attitude and physical strength to play a role similar to the one James White currently plays.

He's too valuable as a QB.

The obvious answer to the RB quandary is right in front of us. Name the only player on the Pats that will become a 1,000 yard rusher this year.

 

[Sciz]

In a game where Michel was out and White got a little banged up, Barner still only played 3 offensive snaps. Is there enough trust in Patterson moving forward to make Barner one of today’s two necessary cuts?

 

[Mack Herron]

In a game where Michel was out and White got a little banged up, Barner still only played 3 offensive snaps. Is there enough trust in Patterson moving forward to make Barner one of today’s two necessary cuts?

Possibly, but I see Barner's role mainly as a backup for White and PR depth. Could still provide depth from PS if he would go unclaimed.

 

[PatsFan2]

Wasn't sold on Patterson at RB until now he's like a Madden cheat for the Patriots WR lining up in the backfield. Now I would like to see them try him on a Angle Route from the backfield. Patterson would get a free release courtesy of the formation so he could go right into the route. Patterson is a lot Tougher and more durable than the Burkmeister.

 

[reflexblue]

Wasn't sold on Patterson at RB until now he's like a Madden cheat for the Patriots WR lining up in the backfield. Now I would like to see them try him on a Angle Route from the backfield. Patterson would get a free release courtesy of the formation so he could go right into the route. Patterson is a lot Tougher and more durable than the Burkmeister.

I'd like to see sony m and patterson both in the backfield at the same time. A double headed monster of a threat.

 

[PatsFan2]

I'd like to see sony m and patterson both in the backfield at the same time. A double headed monster of a threat.

Sony and White just as Dangerous...I really want Sony to become more serviceable in the receiving department before the end of the year. Next year with OTA and TC he should have that part of his game down.

 

[BradyFTW!]

In a game where Michel was out and White got a little banged up, Barner still only played 3 offensive snaps. Is there enough trust in Patterson moving forward to make Barner one of today’s two necessary cuts?

Even if there isn't much trust in Patterson, I'd say this still indicates that Barner isn't worth a roster spot. If you're a RB and you can't beat out a WR for RB snaps, then you aren't much of a RB and the organization clearly does not believe in you.

 

[maineman209]

Even if there isn't much trust in Patterson, I'd say this still indicates that Barner isn't worth a roster spot. If you're a RB and you can't beat out a WR for RB snaps, then you aren't much of a RB and the organization clearly does not believe in you.

I wouldn't go that far.

Barner's gotten 42 snaps in 5 games active, and 19 carries for 71 yds. He's also contributed a few snaps on ST every game and is clearly good in pass-pro. If the Pats coaches didn't think he was useful as a reserve, they wouldn't be wasting a roster spot or touches on him (at least one touch in every game). I think he sticks at least until Burkhead comes back.

I really don't think that the Pats (seemingly) wanting to work Patterson into the backfield rotation is any reflection of Barner's status or value.

 

[maineman209]

Possibly, but I see Barner's role mainly as a backup for White and PR depth. Could still provide depth from PS if he would go unclaimed.

He's a 6-year veteran now. I don't think he's eligible for the PS anymore.

 

[Mack Herron]

He's a 6-year veteran now. I don't think he's eligible for the PS anymore.

Good point. Eventually Burkhead could replace Barner, but not yet. So releasing players such as Barner and Hollister would leave them very thin if Michel and Gronk cannot be counted on (which appears to be the case).

 

[captain stone]

Wheel of Fortune..

Phrase

_ A _ _E _U_ _ _ _E _A_ _E_?

OK I give up...what is it?

 

[RobertWeathers]

OK I give up...what is it?

CAN HE RUSH THE PASSER.

I did a crappy job with the spacing...

 

[Coolade2]

Bump... Looks like Patterson will be pounding the crap out of Tennessee secondary if plays are blocked well as I suspect.

I need a stat wizard to post yards per play when Patterson in backfield. Along with the run pass breakdown. My suspicion is the package is a success for all the reasons posted so it should continue and expand... C'mon mcD. , You can do it.

 

[203Pat]

I’m hoping with Sony back (hopefully) this week we see the usual Patterson jet sweep type stuff. I think we don’t want to go to the well one too many times and have him get blown up for a fumble. His upright running style scares the crap out of me. I’m just waiting for a linebacker to hit him in the chest and send the ball flying.
As far as Barner goes I don’t know why he is on the roster if a WR/KR is getting carries over him. I know he was brought in for the return game but if he adds nothing offensively and doesn’t return kicks why do we need him?

 

[Coolade2]

I’m hoping with Sony back (hopefully) this week we see the usual Patterson jet sweep type stuff. I think we don’t want to go to the well one too many times and have him get blown up for a fumble. His upright running style scares the crap out of me. I’m just waiting for a linebacker to hit him in the chest and send the ball flying.
As far as Barner goes I don’t know why he is on the roster if a WR/KR is getting carries over him. I know he was brought in for the return game but if he adds nothing offensively and doesn’t return kicks why do we need him?

The upright running style point is kinda overblown... If you watch his 5 yard TD run he lowers pads at like the 4 yard line and plows over guy at the goal line. . Aside from ball security which so far so good... There really isn't any reason not to develop this guy at the position . It's like Edelman becoming wide receiver .. obvious talent , so keep working on it.

If you're worried about someone getting blown up... Your concern should be Michel since his knee is probly one good shot or bad cut from being blown up. His last injury happened when he managed to get into a bad body position on a very simple play... Knocking on wood for both guys really but Patterson is carrying lots of confidence which usually helps the cause...

 

[maineman209]

I’m hoping with Sony back (hopefully) this week we see the usual Patterson jet sweep type stuff. I think we don’t want to go to the well one too many times and have him get blown up for a fumble. His upright running style scares the crap out of me. I’m just waiting for a linebacker to hit him in the chest and send the ball flying.
As far as Barner goes I don’t know why he is on the roster if a WR/KR is getting carries over him. I know he was brought in for the return game but if he adds nothing offensively and doesn’t return kicks why do we need him?

Now that we have some history with Barner to go by, it seems pretty clear to me that he wasn't acquired primarily as a punt-returner, but as a backup RB (with his punt return experience being a bonus). As an RB, he appears to be very good about following his blocking and not going to the ground at first contact. He also seems pretty solid in backfield pass-pro. His YPA (so far in limited usage) hasn't been much below Bolden's. There's really not much more you can ask for from a guy in the (very necessary) backup RB role.

WRT Patterson being used ahead of Barner, it seems pretty clear that it's a case of McD experimenting with more ways of getting the ball into the hands of a playmaker. For example:

Patterson's first 7 games this season:
... 15 tgts, 7 carries = 22 total opportunities = 150 yds (21 yds/game) and 2 TDs

Patterson's last two games (avg 17.5% of O-snaps):
... 1 tgt, 21 carries = 22 total opportunities = 106 yds (53 yds/game) and 1 TD

More significantly ...
Patterson's first 3 games after Edelman's return (avg 9.6% of O-snaps):
... 3 tgts, 2 carries = 5 total opportunities = 31 yds (10 yds/game) and 1 TD

 

[Soliel]

I'd like to see sony m and patterson both in the backfield at the same time. A double headed monster of a threat.

I’d love to see that. Patterson nocking people over and Sony running for it

 

[Coolade2]

Now that we have some history with Barner to go by, it seems pretty clear to me that he wasn't acquired primarily as a punt-returner, but as a backup RB (with his punt return experience being a bonus). As an RB, he appears to be very good about following his blocking and not going to the ground at first contact. He also seems pretty solid in backfield pass-pro. His YPA (so far in limited usage) hasn't been much below Bolden's. There's really not much more you can ask for from a guy in the (very necessary) backup RB role.

WRT Patterson being used ahead of Barner, it seems pretty clear that it's a case of McD experimenting with more ways of getting the ball into the hands of a playmaker. For example:

Patterson's first 7 games this season:
... 15 tgts, 7 carries = 22 total opportunities = 150 yds (21 yds/game) and 2 TDs

Patterson's last two games (avg 17.5% of O-snaps):
... 1 tgt, 21 carries = 22 total opportunities = 106 yds (53 yds/game) and 1 TD

More significantly ...
Patterson's first 3 games after Edelman's return (avg 9.6% of O-snaps):
... 3 tgts, 2 carries = 5 total opportunities = 31 yds (10 yds/game) and 1 TD

Extrapolating from this data... I'm gathering the CP offense getting 5yards average per play... So they move the chains. Another stat would be the personnel groups , play selection of the 3 and outs or drive stalling 3 plays aka offense fail. It's a mixed bag but the OC job is plotting the ratio and balance of production. Increase the good schemes, back off the the failed ones, while they maintain good mix of run pass. The fact that he got 17% last 2 games shows it is increased steadily, but also held back in favor of the spread finesse schemes. We shall see what the mix v. Titans is.

 

[203Pat]

The upright running style point is kinda overblown... If you watch his 5 yard TD run he lowers pads at like the 4 yard line and plows over guy at the goal line. . Aside from ball security which so far so good... There really isn't any reason not to develop this guy at the position . It's like Edelman becoming wide receiver .. obvious talent , so keep working on it.

If you're worried about someone getting blown up... Your concern should be Michel since his knee is probly one good shot or bad cut from being blown up. His last injury happened when he managed to get into a bad body position on a very simple play... Knocking on wood for both guys really but Patterson is carrying lots of confidence which usually helps the cause...

Yea the goal line run he definitely lowers his head and when he braces for contact he does as well. It’s just when he is hitting the hole he is very upright and if he doesn’t see the hit coming I think he could get his clock cleaned. As far as Sony goes I love what he has added so far but that knee scared me when we drafted him. That was one of the stranger hits I’ve seen where he was corkscrewed into the ground. Now is the time of year where I really wish we had a guy like Hill around. Someone to take the closing time carries and gain the hard yards and keep White and Michel fresh and healthy.