RBs, and Allegedly Addai
In unconfirmed news, the twitosphere has produced the rumor that Joseph Addai is headed to New England to contribute to a young backfield of Ridley, Vereen, and Woodhead. The move would be reminiscent of a Fred Taylor signing, and the risk of injury is there with veteran RB.
However, Addai can pass protect, run routes, and hit holes. He lacks explosion, but he may end up as a stalwart presence if Ridley continues to fumble. The most unproven back, Shane Vereen has the potential to breakout for long gains. The competition between Addai and Vereen will be interesting to watch.
I think that most people expect Stevan Ridley to get the bulk of the carries now that BJGE is in Cincinnati. The question comes on third down. Will the Patriots find an upgrade to Danny Woodhead in Shane Vereen or Joseph Addai? Woodhead dropped off in production last year compared to his 2010 season, but he proves to be useful on draws, screens, and special teams.
I think that Woodhead is a hard guy to replace even with his diminutive size, he proves that he can work in certain roles. Vereen's body type is similar to Woodhead, and Vereen was likely drafted with the intention to replace the role of Faulk/Woodhead/3rd down back.
I have the feeling that Vereen is not ready to be trusted full time, so this season will represent the changing of the guard. Vereen will have to outshine Woodhead this season, or he will be looked at as a bust.
Addai is an X-factor, and he does challenge Ridley for snaps. However, I think that this may also be a Bull Durham style mentor role for Addai and Ridley. Belichick likes to put veterans next to rookies/sophmores because it is a good compliment for the team regardless of who plays on the field.
I am not sure if all 4 RBs can stick on the roster after cuts. It seems like there are so many players on the team right now. Every position has depth, but ultimately players are not only competing against players within their own positional groups, but against everyone on the team. Special teams contributions will go a long way towards securing a spot.
However, Addai can pass protect, run routes, and hit holes. He lacks explosion, but he may end up as a stalwart presence if Ridley continues to fumble. The most unproven back, Shane Vereen has the potential to breakout for long gains. The competition between Addai and Vereen will be interesting to watch.
I think that most people expect Stevan Ridley to get the bulk of the carries now that BJGE is in Cincinnati. The question comes on third down. Will the Patriots find an upgrade to Danny Woodhead in Shane Vereen or Joseph Addai? Woodhead dropped off in production last year compared to his 2010 season, but he proves to be useful on draws, screens, and special teams.
I think that Woodhead is a hard guy to replace even with his diminutive size, he proves that he can work in certain roles. Vereen's body type is similar to Woodhead, and Vereen was likely drafted with the intention to replace the role of Faulk/Woodhead/3rd down back.
I have the feeling that Vereen is not ready to be trusted full time, so this season will represent the changing of the guard. Vereen will have to outshine Woodhead this season, or he will be looked at as a bust.
Addai is an X-factor, and he does challenge Ridley for snaps. However, I think that this may also be a Bull Durham style mentor role for Addai and Ridley. Belichick likes to put veterans next to rookies/sophmores because it is a good compliment for the team regardless of who plays on the field.
I am not sure if all 4 RBs can stick on the roster after cuts. It seems like there are so many players on the team right now. Every position has depth, but ultimately players are not only competing against players within their own positional groups, but against everyone on the team. Special teams contributions will go a long way towards securing a spot.
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