Truth & Rumors > NFL

New England's running back battle

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08:04 AM ET 07.23 | BenJarvus Green-Ellis' offseason departure to Cincinnati has opened the door of opportunity for a pair of young running backs in New England. Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, who were early draft picks last year, will have their opportunity to seize a greater role in their second season with the team. They have different running styles, which only adds to the dynamic of this position battle heading into training camp. ... Ridley was the team's leading rusher from Weeks 15-17 last season and looks like he could be the workhorse in terms of carries going forward, but he might be taken off the field in passing and hurry-up situations. ... Vereen got most of the reps during offseason workouts.

Boston Herald

BenJarvus Green-Ellis (with the Patriots), Icon Sports BenJarvus Green-Ellis (with the Patriots), Icon Sports
July 23, 2012  08:06 AM ET

Nobody vs Nobody !!!

July 23, 2012  08:14 AM ET

Will Vereen 'tap dance' into the rotation?

July 23, 2012  08:27 AM ET

Not a position that matters much on this team, really.

July 23, 2012  08:29 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

Not a position that matters much on this team, really.

It could be though. I think if either one has good hands, then implementing a bit of WC Offense out of the backfield would probably provide some good options for these guys.

July 23, 2012  08:31 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

Not a position that matters much on this team, really.

What matters is when they do touch the ball they don't put it on the ground, which is where BGE was so invaluable.

July 23, 2012  08:33 AM ET
QUOTE(#5):

What matters is when they do touch the ball they don't put it on the ground, which is where BGE was so invaluable.

Yup. The only Law Firm in Massachusetts I had any respect for.

July 23, 2012  08:38 AM ET
QUOTE(#5):

What matters is when they do touch the ball they don't put it on the ground, which is where BGE was so invaluable.

No question that BJGE had value as a guy who never fumbled in his Patriots career, but he is a plow horse who wasn't much of a factor in the NE offense.

Some will say that his production will rise in Cincy because he will be featured more and I say he will be exposed as slow and one dimensional once he is expected to carry the load.

July 23, 2012  08:39 AM ET
QUOTE(#6):

Yup. The only Law Firm in Massachusetts I had any respect for.

What? No love for James Sokolove?

July 23, 2012  08:45 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

Not a position that matters much on this team, really.

At some point, you have to take the weight off your QB, though.

July 23, 2012  08:45 AM ET
QUOTE(#8):

What? No love for James Sokolove?

May he suffer from asbestosis, scoliosis, halitosis, arteriosclerosis....

July 23, 2012  09:02 AM ET
QUOTE(#10):

May he suffer from asbestosis, scoliosis, halitosis, arteriosclerosis....

You forgot mesothelioma and lead paint poisoning.

July 23, 2012  09:15 AM ET

The Patriots have employed running backs in unique fashion for several years. The team does not need a stud there. They need someone to move the chains and not turn the ball over. That is all.

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July 23, 2012  10:02 AM ET

Why do they need these guys, if they have Woodhead ?

July 23, 2012  10:02 AM ET
QUOTE(#2):

Will Vereen 'tap dance' into the rotation?

Nice! Not everyone's gonna get that but I appreciate the reference

July 23, 2012  10:18 AM ET
QUOTE(#15):

Why do they need these guys, if they have Woodhead ?

He's a little guy. He's not someone who can do a lot of pass protection, and he's not going to block or crash through the line on a third-and-goal from the two. He'll be used like Kevin Faulk - 3rd down check-down receiver, or maybe releasing through the middle if Welker is covered.

July 23, 2012  10:18 AM ET

They have running backs there?

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