How bad are Lewis' fumbles compared to other Patriots running backs, and what might explain them?

[Soul_Survivor88]

http://blog.masslive.com/patriots/2015/09/how_does_dion_lewis_fumble_rat.html

Really great article that compares the degree of fumbling by Lewis to other Patriots running backs. As many have already pointed out, Kevin Faulk had similar problems fumbling early in his career (ironically, Lewis has Kevin's jersey number "33"). And eventually, he solved this problem and became a franchise legend. Hopefully, Lewis will do the same..... A-S-A-P

I thought this was the most interesting part in the article:

Lewis' fumble problems likely won't last long. He's either going to figure it out, or Belichick won't put him on the field. Part of the problem could be that Lewis is readjusting to live contact after missing so much time. If that's the case, it could lead to a reduction in his fumbles as he goes on in his career, similar to what happened with Blount and Faulk.

 

[fnordcircle]

I posted this before but I'll post it again - isn't it possible that at least one of those fumbles was just a great play by a defender? At least on Sunday that fumble looked like a perfect punch to the ball (heh) by the defender.

 

[Froob]

I posted this before but I'll post it again - isn't it possible that at least one of those fumbles was just a great play by a defender? At least on Sunday that fumble looked like a perfect punch to the ball (heh) by the defender.

Noise could have played a factor. His ears popping could have caused him to let go of the ball. I'll wait for a second fumble against a team that plays by the rules.

 

[RobertWeathers]

He had ball security issues at Pitt so it may be an issue that he has a hard time correcting.

One thing I do know...his fumble after the next one won't happen for a long time afterwards.

 

[Concussion Protocol]

Guys who do a lot of juking, cutting, and spinning leave themselves susceptible to hits from behind. Always looked like Hernandez was a fumble waiting to happen because he never saw a cutback he didn't like. Dion is similar. It will probably always be an issue for him, but with additional experience will come improved awareness and anticipation.

 

[lamafist]

As fans, we only get to see a small fraction of a player's work compared the coaches who are observing and evaluating them day in and day out.

My guess is that a player who's consistently sure-handed in practice is going to get a little more leeway than a guy whose in-game fumbles are part of a larger pattern of ball insecurity.

 

[RayClay]

He had ball security issues at Pitt so it may be an issue that he has a hard time correcting.

One thing I do know...his fumble after the next one won't happen for a long time afterwards.

I heard otherwise, but I can't find proof, maybe there isn't any on the web.

He wasn't flipping the ball around like Ridley, but defensive plays is no excuse. you need to be aware of the situation and focus on ball security in crowds. He should have an easier time than Faulk, because he's strong as hell. He benches about twice his weight. maybe he needs to squeeze some rubber balls, or something.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I heard otherwise, but I can't find proof, maybe there isn't any on the web.

He wasn't flipping the ball around like Ridley, but defensive plays is no excuse. you need to be aware of the situation and focus on ball security in crowds. He should have an easier time than Faulk, because he's strong as hell. He benches about twice his weight. maybe he needs to squeeze some rubber balls, or something.

In 2009 he fumbled once but in 2010
he had a few.

Yep. Once it seemed when Ridley fixed his issue he got hurt.

 

[wolverinejoe80]

it's time to deflate the balls again

 

[realtime]

It's amazing how much fans of other teams are still wrapped up in Deflate Gate and the Sharp study. To them, the title of this thread would cause the same reaction as a thread entitled "what might explain Tony Mandarich's decline in production between Michigan State and Green Bay?"

 

[BradyFTW!]

It's amazing how much fans of other teams are still wrapped up in Deflate Gate and the Sharp study. To them, the title of this thread would cause the same reaction as a thread entitled "what might explain Tony Mandarich's decline in production between Michigan State and Green Bay?"

When I see someone who takes the Sharp study seriously, I think "there's someone who did not pass high school statistics".

 

[RayClay]

In 2009 he fumbled once but in 2010
he had a few.

Yep. Once it seemed when Ridley fixed his issue he got hurt.

Oh, okay. Freshman season was the biggie. Good point, though. It's a bout concentration and being aware in situations. Of course the D will make plays and Dion is great at getting those extra few yards, but if you can't hold on to the ball, its' wasted.

Certainly a vote of confidence from BB, but as you say, you simply have to fix it, period.

 

[buile]

The first game, I thought Lewis held the ball too far from his body while making his moves. As Mr. C. Protocol above points out, his running style allows traffic to catch up from behind and chop the ball out *really* easy... I figured a fumble was just a matter of time; didn't think it'd happen in the very first game.

The 2nd fumble, I didn't notice anything outright wrong; maybe Dion needs to concentrate on holding strong as well as high and tight.

I'm glad to see him not get benched, but his running style while holding the ball away from his body leads to fumbles. If I was the opposite team, I'd emphasize this point about Lewis (same as I would've about Hernandez).

 

[oldrover]

Really, we need to understand someone else's thoughts on this...

 

[mosi]

He had ball security issues at Pitt so it may be an issue that he has a hard time correcting.

One thing I do know...his fumble after the next one won't happen for a long time afterwards.

And he did it also when he was with the Eagles.

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

He had ball security issues at Pitt so it may be an issue that he has a hard time correcting.

And he did it also when he was with the Eagles.

You'd have figure the Pats would have scouted him and have known this already

EDIT: Checked the draft report on Lewis, and one of his weaknesses coming out of college was "[He] puts the football on the ground a little too often."

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/dion-lewis?id=2495469

 

[RobertWeathers]

Oh, okay. Freshman season was the biggie. Good point, though. It's a bout concentration and being aware in situations. Of course the D will make plays and Dion is great at getting those extra few yards, but if you can't hold on to the ball, its' wasted.

Certainly a vote of confidence from BB, but as you say, you simply have to fix it, period.

What was weird was that his ball security his Fr year was excellent. His So. year was rough.

 

[Kontradiction]

Lewis' fumbles stem from the same issue Ridley had: he has a tendency to carry the ball low and away when he gets into open space. He needs to carry it high and tight. The good news is that, as others have mentioned, this may merely be a product of lack of playing time over the last couple of years. I'd like to see him get it fixed because I love what he's brought to the table through weeks one and two.

 

[RobertWeathers]

And he did it also when he was with the Eagles.

Yep. It is an issue that needs to be corrected

 

[Bobsyouruncle]

Kid looks real talented, gotta find a way to fix it.