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On the heels of the NFL Network's ranking of the Top 100 NFL players, Erik Frenz of the Boston Globe is currently posting a ranking of his top 25 players in the AFC East.
Just making the cut at number 25 is Patriot RB Stevan Ridley.
AFC East top 25, No. 25: Patriots RB Stevan Ridley - Going Deep - Boston.com
On a side note, congrats to Frenz for landing his new gig at the Globe.
Just making the cut at number 25 is Patriot RB Stevan Ridley.
AFC East top 25, No. 25: Patriots RB Stevan Ridley - Going Deep - Boston.com
Traditional stats don't quite do Ridley justice. He ranked seventh in rushing yards, but only 15th in yards per attempt. Thankfully, Football Outsiders weights their stats based on opponent, and in those marks, Ridley ranked in the top 10 runners in defense-adjusted value on average, yards above replacement, and success rate.
As we all know in New England, though, a running back's duties go far beyond running the football. No one is going to confuse Ridley for Patriots legend Kevin Faulk, but according to Pro Football Focus, Ridley allowed just two pressures on 47 snaps in pass protection. He wasn't used in that role very often in 2012, but that could change now that Danny Woodhead is gone (43 snaps in pass protection, three pressures allowed).
On that note, Ridley could rank higher if he were more involved in the passing game. That's where Shane Vereen comes in. The Patriots have always run a backfield by committee, and Ridley does more than his share.
As we all know in New England, though, a running back's duties go far beyond running the football. No one is going to confuse Ridley for Patriots legend Kevin Faulk, but according to Pro Football Focus, Ridley allowed just two pressures on 47 snaps in pass protection. He wasn't used in that role very often in 2012, but that could change now that Danny Woodhead is gone (43 snaps in pass protection, three pressures allowed).
On that note, Ridley could rank higher if he were more involved in the passing game. That's where Shane Vereen comes in. The Patriots have always run a backfield by committee, and Ridley does more than his share.
On a side note, congrats to Frenz for landing his new gig at the Globe.