Every Sunday, I’ll breakdown the Patriots positions, giving some stats, analysis and a few of my thoughts, for what its worth.
This week will be running back.
The Patriots running back situation has made a name for themselves, especially when playing in a pass first offense, a la Tom Brady. Patriots were ninth in league for total rushing yards per game in 2013, and 10th in passing yards per game. So let’s breakdown the team that got them to where they are today.
They already have Stevan Ridley, the primary workhorse, leading the team last year with 773 yards and tied with Blount with a team high seven touchdowns. Ridley is the speed go-to back, but midway through the 2013 season he had a case of the fumble-itis, so his carries significantly decreased (Which led to Blount’s increase in carries).
New England also has Shane Vereen, who has become a threat in both the passing and run game. Vereen almost made it to the mark of both 50 carries and receptions in a single season (had 44 rushes and 47 receptions in 2013). Vereen has shown glimpses of brilliance at times (check week 1 at Buffalo and week 14 against Cleveland), but only played in eight games in the 2013 season, being plagued with injuries. With 635 yards and four touchdowns in only eight games, Vereen has the potential to have a career year if he is able to stay healthy in 2014.
The last true running back on the team is Brandon Bolden, who had and extremely quiet year (271 yards) largely due to being the fourth running back on the depth chart. Bolden is more of a replacement back who sometimes makes an appearance at the goal line (3 red zone touchdowns.)
LeGarrette Blount was the fourth member of this run by committee, but signed a 2-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers this off-season, leaving a gap in the Patriots roster. The Patriots recently had Michael Bush visit the facility, but left without a deal.
Follow me on twitter, @gavroydavis, so you can see my article later on the week on my view of Michael Bush and the Patriots.
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